Kaniyakumari

Kanyakumari

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Kanyakumari was also known as the Alexandria of the east. This place was a great center for art, culture, civilization, commerce, trade and pilgrimage for the years. During the early part of the eighth century AD Islam entered the southern part of India through the sea route with traders and missionaries. Christianity arrived at this place in 52 AD through St. Thomas, one of the twelve Apostles of Christ. Islam, Christianity and Jainism have greatly contributed to the architectural wealth and literary heritage of this place. The Cholas, Cheras, Pandyas and Nayaks who were the great rulers of south India also controlled Kanyakumari. All the famous temples were built during their rule which are known for their architectural beauty. During the British Raj, the Britishers gave the name Cape Comorin. It may be due to their inability to pronounce the local name. According to the legends the Kanya Devi, an avatar of goddess Parvati undertook penance to gain the hand of Lord Shiva in marriage. But the Lord Shiva did not turn up at the auspicious time and the wedding never took place. The rice and cereals meant for the marriage remained uncooked. The disappointed goddess decided to spend her life in Kanyakumari as a virgin, and all the food prepared for the wedding was wasted and that it turned into the colored sand which can be seen on the southern shores of the subcontinent

the Vivekananda Rocke Memorial

Built in 1970, the Vivekananda Rock Memorial is one of the finest pieces of human endeavor at architecture in Southern India. Situated on a rock island, Vivekananda Rock Memorial is a major tourist attraction in Kanyakumari and houses the statue of the great preacher Swami Vivekananda.

People believe that Swami Vivekananda swam to this small rocky island and meditated here in his quest for enlightenment. The Shripada Mandapam, having a study hall and a museum, and the Vivekananda Mandapam add to the spiritual significance and purity of the memorial

Kamarajar Manimandapam

Kamarajar Manimandapam is a monument dedicated to Sri Kamarajar, in the district of Kanyakumari. Popularly known as the 'Black Gandhi', he was the erstwhile Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, who served the state for a long period.

He played a major role in the Indian freedom movement and was the President of the Indian National Congress before independence. He was also awarded India's highest civilian honour - Bharat Ratna, for his work in the field of education (free education to rural kids). After his death, his ashes were kept at the site of the present-day memorial before being immersed in the sea, for people to pay their homage

Thiruvalluvar

Thiruvalluvar was a noted poet and philosopher, known for his contribution to Tamil literature. He is globally renowned for his work Thirukkural, which is a collection of 1330 Tamil couplets. The Thiruvalluvar Statue was built in the memory of this great man and stands atop a small island rock, about 400 metres away from the coastline of Kanyakumari. The creator of this marvellous statue was Dr. V. Ganapati Sthapati, who also made the Iraivan Temple. This spot was opened to public on 1st January 2000, and since then, it has been attracting people from near and far.

The overall height of this structure is 133 feet (symbolic of 133 chapters in his book), including 38 feet high pedestal and 95 feet tall sculpture. Interestingly, the statue of Thiruvalluvar represents wealth and pleasure while the pedestal on which it stands depicts 38 chapters from the Thirukkural based on 'Virtue'.

Another interesting fact about this statue is that its 19 feet high face (including nose, ear, forehead, eyes and mouth) is made using single stone, carved by hand. Surrounding the three-tier pedestal (also called Atharapeedam) is an artistically constructed mandapa, known as Alankara Mandapam. Inside the mandapa, 140 steps lead visitors to the feet of Thiruvalluvar.

Kumari Amman Temple

It's Also known as the Kumari Amman Temple, the Kanyakumari Temple is dedicated to the goddess Devi Kumari Amman. The temple is of great religious importance and thousands throng the temple complex to pay their respects and seek the blessings of the goddess.

The significance of this temple lies in the fact that it is a Shakti Peetha and legend has it that pieces of Goddess Durga’s body fell here during the great Shiva Tandav dance. The temple houses an opulent black statue of the deity.

Chitharal Jain Monuments

These monuments and temples are an effigy to the diversity of the culture and the religions existing in harmony in India. Sitharal Jain Monuments are one of these culturally rich monuments.

Almost every day, you can see people who are traveling to Sitharal Jain Monuments to honor their gods and values. This monument draws the attention of a large number of visitors with its spectacular mesmerizing divine and spiritual values.

Mahatma Gandhi Memorial

Mahatma Gandhi Memorial in Kanyakumari is a popular tourist hotspot constructed in the year 1956. It was built in the memory of preeminent Indian leader, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who is popularly known as the Father of the Nation. After his assassination in 1948, his ashes were immersed in Triveni Sangam (confluence of the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal) in Kanyakumari. However, before the process of immersion, the urn containing his ashes was kept here for the public to pay their homage.

The architecture of this memorial resembles Hindu shrines of central India, which is why many refer to it as Gandhi Mandapam. The building's central part is 79 feet high, which is symbolic of Mahatma Gandhi's age. A unique fact about this memorial is that it is constructed in such a manner that on the day of Gandhi's birthday (2nd October), the sunrays pass through a hole and fall exactly on the point, where his

Mathur Aqueduct

Measuring a kilometre in length and 115 feet in height, Mathur Aqueduct or Mathoor Hanging Trough is among the longest and tallest trough bridges in Asia. This imposing structure was constructed in 1966 over the Parazhiyar River (also called Pahrali) in Mathoor - a small hamlet in Aruvikkarai.

It was due to the efforts of the former Chief Minister Thiru K. Kamaraj that this bridge was constructed for agricultural development and as a drought relief measure. This concrete structure is supported by 28 huge pillars and carries water for irrigation from Pattanamkal Canal (from one side of the hill to another).

Mathur Aqueduct is divided into two parts, a trough canal and a road. Partly covered with concrete slabs on top, the trough structure is 7.5 feet in width and 7 feet in height. Owing to its popularity among tourist and locals alike, a flight of stairs was built here to make it convenient for visitors to reach the bridge. A children's park and several bathing platforms have also been developed in this region

Padmanabhapuram Palace

Believed to have been established in the 16th century, the Padmanabhapuram Palace is a unique wooden edifice. It is enclosed within a granite fortress called the Padmanabhapuram Fort and is situated at the base of Veli Hill, about 35 km from Kanyakumari. Flaunting exquisite Kerala style of architecture, this palace served as the former residence of the Travancore rulers.

Iravi Varma Kulasekhara Perumal - a mighty ruler of Venad or Old Travancore, built it around 1601. The complex comprises about 10 double-storey traditional buildings that are thoughtfully interconnected. Several buildings have been constructed over the years, starting from Thaikottaram in 1600 to the latest Lakshmi Vilasom in 1940. At present, the palace is noted for its antique interiors that display intricately carved rosewood sculptures. Durbar Hall, where royals used to hold meetings, is an integral part of this palace. Here, one can see a musical bow in mahogany, chairs featuring Chinese carvings and windows with coloured mica.

Another highlight of this edifice is the emperor's bedroom, which has a four-poster medicinal bed, mural paintings, hanging brass lanterns and pictures of Lord Krishna. Within the palace, there are exquisite 17th and 18th century murals that are painted on the ceilings in 90 different floral designs. In addition to these, it has secret underground passages, open-air swimming area, dance hall, a shrine dedicated to Goddess Saraswati and worship rooms.

Do not miss to step in the Palace Museum, which stands on the right side of the courtyard. Through exhibits like furniture, wooden and granite statues, coins, weapons and utensils, it educates visitors about the royal lifestyle of Travancore rulers.

St. Xavier's Cathedral Church

St. Xavier's Cathedral, built during the 16th century, is a revered place in Kottar. This Roman Catholic Church is dedicated to St. Francis Xavier, a professor from Paris, who was endearingly known as Valiya Pandaram. It is believed that during his stay in Kottar, he stopped the Padagas invasion on the Venad kingdom with just his Holy Cross. Quite pleased with this act, the king Unni Kerala Varma allotted him a huge area to build a church.

In 1930, the church was declared a cathedral and named as St. Xavier's Cathedral. Architecturally, this church is quite beautiful and its main highlight is the altar that has been made using gold. Inside this cathedral, the relics of St. Ignatius Loyola and Blessed Devasahayam Pillai along with St. Francis Xavier have been preserved.

The chapel of the cathedral, once used by St. Francis Xavier for praying, is now the place where Eucharistic Adoration is performed daily. Eucharistic Adoration is a religious practice wherein the blessed sacrament is shown to public. If you happen to visit the church during the months of November and December, you can witness the famous annual festival that is celebrated over ten days.

Thirparappu Falls

Kanyakumari is a place where travellers have ample things to do and explore. One such popular spot in the city is the Thirparappu Falls, which is around 35 kilometres away from Nagercoil. This waterfall originates from the Kodayar River or Kothai River and descends at Thirparappu from a height of around 50 feet.

Also known as Kumari Kuttalam, this cascade stretches up to a length of 300 feet and forms a pool at the base. It is an ideal place for kids and adults alike, where they can enjoy swimming. Recently, the District Administration constructed a swimming pool especially for kids here.

Tsunami Monument

The Tsunami Monument is a unique structure, located near the southern shore in Kanyakumari. As the name suggests, this monument was built in the memory of those who died in the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. The earthquake affected many countries, including India, Sri Lanka, Somalia, Thailand, Maldives and Indonesia.

Recorded as one of the devastating natural disasters in the history, this underwater megathrust earthquake claimed around 280000 lives. People from places near and far visit this monument to pay homage to all those who lost their lives because of this catastrophic tsunami

The Wax Museum

The Wax Museum is definitely is one of its kind Museum that stands above the rest in terms of creativity. It is situated in Kanyakumari region in the city of Baywatch.

The museum houses all the important figures of the Indian History as well as the world history in wax form. The wax figures are realistic and the Wax Museum is reminiscent of its famous counterpart in London. There are also many current international figures like the wax counterpart of Arnold Schwarzenegger..