Kanyakumari is located in the Southern tip of the Indian peninsula. It is also the confluence of three mighty oceans, namely, the Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. It is among the most visited tourist spots in the country and also holds spiritual importance. Located in Tamil Nadu, it should on your must-visit list with your family and friends. Its architectural beauty and rich history, combined with numerous monuments and ancient temples is what makes this city favoured by tourists from all over the world. Leisure travellers, travel photographers, families, groups and newlywed couples do prefer to visit this place at least once in their lifetime. The scintillating sunrise and the different beaches here are the major attractions here. Vivekananda Rock Memorial built on a single rock in the Indian Ocean close to the shore is something that you cannot miss. Also is present the great Tamil Poet Thiruvalluvar’s towering idol that is worth the watch.
History
Kanyakumari’s history dates back to Sangam Period. The mighty kings of the Chola & Pandya dynasty had made it part of their vast kingdom. This small beach town has managed to preserve its beauty and rich cultural heritage. Resorts in Kanyakumari near beach are the main attractions for a staycation.
Places to visit in Kanyakumari
- Thiruvalluvar Statue: Thiruvalluvar is considered to be Tamil Literature maestro whose imposing stone statue overlooks the beach. It has a pedestal of about 38 ft. representing virtue in 38 chapters. ‘Thirukkural’ is his popular literary work. The statue is approximately 133 ft. tall and tends to represent his 133 chapters. It does hold great architectural and historical importance. It is open from 8am to 4pm. You need to buy tickets.
- Vivekananda Rock Memorial: This memorial offers you with sublime, serene experience. Swami Vivekananda is said to have swum the waters of the Indian Ocean to reach this rock. He mediated here and is said to have attained enlightenment. The rock memorial was established in 1970 for commemorating this saint. It is also a popular tourist spot. There is a separately constructed meditation hall called the ‘Dhyan Mandapam’ while Vivekananda’s statue is kept within its inner chambers. According to legend, Goddess Kumari, the incarnation of Goddess Parvathi had performed austerity on this very rock. It is for this reason, a separate temple has been constructed here with the footprint of the deity. It is also open between 8am and 4pm. You need to take a boat to reach the memorial.
- Lady of Ransom Church: It is a magnificent, Gothic-styled church constructed in the 15th century. This white structured marvel stands tall amidst lashing waves and blue sky, built to dedicate Virgin Mary. She is also referred in Tamil language as ‘Alangara Upkara Matha’. You can find Mother Mary idol to be clad in saree. During night time, colourful lights brighten up the church, thus making it an interesting sight. You may visit this church free of cost to pray from early morning to night.
- Bhagwathy Amman Koil: You can get to view the beautiful architecture and enjoy immense tranquillity of the place. This place has derived its name from Bhagwathy Amman, the main deity here, also referred to as the Virgin Goddess or Devi Kanyakumari. The idol is built quite artistically having prominent nose pin, seated at the temple’s sanctum sanctorum. Kanyakumari bus stand and railway station is just a kilometre distance away from this temple and the beach. This sacred temple is known to be of great historical and religious importance as it is among the 108 Shaktipeeths scattered across the country. The time to enter the temple premises to get darshan of the ‘Mata’ is between 4.30am & 12noon and 4pm & 8pm. Entry is free, but during rush hours, you may pay a small amount to avail quick darshan.
- Mayapuri Wonder Wax Museum: Here, you can come across wax statues of several famous international and national personalities of great historic relevance. This museum is near to the bus stand and railway\ station. It can be termed to be an imitation of London’s wax museum and an interesting place for children and adults to be. It is open to visitors from 8am to 6.30pm daily and you need to get tickets for checking out the exhibits.
- Tsunami Monument: It can be termed to be the harsh reminder of the great natural calamity that took place on December 26, 2004 when a mammoth tsunami had hit the Indian Ocean. A good number of lives were lost to this natural calamity. This 16 feet monument has been constructed close to the Kanyakumari shoes and is paid homage by thousands of people who visit here.
- Kanyakumari Beach: It is considered to be a picture-perfect beach providing amazing views of the clear blue waters that splash aggressively against the rocks. Golden sands here are drenched in multi-hues of the rising and setting sun. You can simply relax on the shores and watch the three major oceans, namely, the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal trying to mix. The beauty of the place is that you can clearly witness the distinct colours of the waters of all the three oceans.
- Bharatmata Temple: It is a palatial temple that houses the idol of Bharat Mata. It is also referred to as the Ramayan Darshan Temple and is an aesthetical and architectural wonder. Its ground floor is dedicated to the Epic Ramayana and is filled with beautiful paintings, described chronologically with detailed description. A tall 12’ brass statue is present in its first floor of Bharat Mata along with other statues and paintings of Lord Vivekananda and Devi Kanyakumari. This building is known for its sheer magnificence. Visiting time is between 9am & 1pm and 5pm & 8pm. You need to pay an entry free to check out the collections.
If you want to enjoy your trip to the maximum, then you should ensure checking in one of the well maintained resorts in kanyakumari near beach.
