Travel and Experience: KANYAKUMARI IN TAMILNADU-

KANYAKUMARI IN TAMILNADU-

During our visit to Thiruvanthapuram,we got an opportunity to visit Kanyakumari. Kanyakumari is about 90 kmrs from Thiruvanthapuram and may conveniently be visited by hiring a taxi.Buses are also frequently available from Thiruvanthpuram. This small town in the state of Tamilnadu is located at the southernmost tip of India at the confluence of three seas.During the British period this town was also known as 'Cape Comrin'.Kanyakumari is well connected by rail with Delhi. Chennai, Bangalore and several other important cities.

The place takes its name from the Kumari Amman Temple,which is a Shaktipeeth and regarded as a very important religious shrine.The temple is very old and is mentioned in various ancient religious books.The Goddess Kumari is the earthly incarnation of Shakti.The eastern entrance of the temple is kept closed as the Goddess' jewels shown so bright that the passing ships often mistook the temple for a light house and some times hit the rocks.While visiting the temple men are required to remain bare chested.

Kanyakumari is also known for its astounding and serene beaches. Vivekanand Rock Memorial located about a hundred meters from the shore,is an other important place which attracts large number of tourists.The memorial consists of two Mandaps. Vivekanad Mandapam is the place where Swami Vivekanand mediated during his visit to the Kanyakumari. Sripada Mandapam, having the footprint of Goddess Kumari, is a holy place. Sripad is believed to be the same place where Goddess Kumari stood on one foot praying to Lord Shiva.Ferry services are available from main land to reach this memorial. People assemble here to see sunset which is a breath taking event.

The memorial statue of Thiruvaluvar is dedicated to the great legendary poet and tamil philosopher Thiruvaluvar. The height of Adhar Peetham is about 38 feet over which stands the 95 feet high statue of saint Thiruvaluvar with a grand total of 133 feet.

Being a beach town,kanyakumari provides the choice of buy various beautiful sea shell of various sizes,seashell-bangles and Conches. Tourists may also buy handicraft items,wooden toys and other decorative articles. Multi coloured sand packets are very popular and may be purchased as souvenir.

The St. Xavier Church located in Kanyakumari is known for its architectural grandeur. Tourists interested in picturesque and scenic spot may visit Thiruparrapu Falls. Muttom Beach, located about 32 kms from Kanyakumari, is known for its sunset view point and a century old light- house. It is worth staying over night to catch both a sunset and sunrise at Kanyakumari. Mahatma Ghandhi Memorial is also a worth seeing place in Kanyakumari. The Padmanathpuram palace on the Thiruvanthapuram-Kanyakumari road is another architectural grandeur which has been the palatial residence of the former rulers of Travancore. The palace, which is made entirely of wood is under the control of the Archaeological Department of Kerala.

Some of the photographs of Kanyakumari are as follows-