The southernmost point of peninsular India is Kanyakumari and the meeting point of three oceans-the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Besides its importance as a Hindu pilgrim center, it is famous for its beautiful views of sunrise and sunset over the waters. The multicolored sand is a unique feature of the beach hereKanyakumari is a tiny coastal town in Tamil Nadu that boasts rugged scenery, palm-fringed beaches, coconut-li...
The southernmost point of peninsular India is Kanyakumari and the meeting point of three oceans-the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Besides its importance as a Hindu pilgrim center, it is famous for its beautiful views of sunrise and sunset over the waters. The multicolored sand is a unique feature of the beach hereKanyakumari is a tiny coastal town in Tamil Nadu that boasts rugged scenery, palm-fringed beaches, coconut-lined paddy fields, and iconic structures. It used to be called 'Cape Comorin' or 'The Land's End.' Kanyakumari is well-known because it is one of the few sites on the planet where you can watch the sun rise and set from the sea. On full moon days, it is the only site in India where one can witness the unusual spectacle of Sunset and Moonrise at the same time. It's even more special and spectacular on Chitra Paurnami [full moon in April-May], when the sun and the moon appear to be facing each other on the same horizon, a rare sight of unparalleled grandeur that appears to happen by chance.It's the ideal combination of natural wonders and architectural marvels. Kanyakumari is a haven for environment lovers, history aficionados, and tranquilly seekers, with some of the most spectacular waterfalls and old temples in the world. The location has pleasant weather from October and March, which is Kanyakumari's prime season. It is conveniently accessible by all kinds of transportation from the country's major cities and communities.
Past of Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari's history may be traced back hundreds of years. Kanyakumari is described in Ptolemy's works as a pearl fishing port with trading ties to Alexandria. Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, another ancient Greek tome, provides sailing directions to Cape Kamori (Kanyakumari). Several rulers ruled over the city over the years. The Cheras, Pandiyas, and Venad Chieftains of Travancore all played a part in defining Kanyakumari's history. Marthanda Varma was the Venad Chieftains' final formidable king. Due to the danger of Sanda Sahib of Arcot, he withdrew from Kanyakumari. The region was quickly conquered by the British, who dubbed it Cape Comorin. They ruled the district until 1947, when India gained independence. It was under the personal control of the Maharaja of Travancore till 1956. Later, the city joined the Indian Union and became a component of the Tamil Nadu state.
Culture of Kanyakumari
Traditions from the erstwhile state of Travancore have had a significant influence on Kanyakumari's culture. Kathakali, with its vivid costumes and dramatic storylines, is a complex story-dance production that is performed around the city, generally at temples during festivals. Bow Song, also known as Villu Pattu, is an old type of musical narrative that is performed in the city during festivals. The bow or villu is the primary instrument utilized in these performances. Also employed are the Udukku (little drum), Kudam, and Thala-Kattai. Another traditional dance form is Thiruvathira kali, which is mainly performed during the Onam Festival. Keralites in Kanyakumari typically celebrate this. Both men and women participate in the Karagam Dance during weddings. Kanyakumari celebrates Christmas, Diwali, and Muharram with equal zeal. Some of the city's most popular foods are coconut rice,'meen kulambu,' and 'avial.'
Food Culture of Kanyakumari
Rice is the most prevalent staple diet among Kanyakumari residents, while a large number of people living in mountainous areas eat tapioca (starch produced from Manihot utilissima) as their main source of nutrition. The district's population includes a sizable number of people who eat a non-vegetarian diet. Seafood is particularly popular in this section of the country because Kanyakumari is a major fisheries base in South India. Fish caught in the oceans around the territory are traded in the district's marketplaces the next morning. Apart from various traditional non vegetarian meals, Kanyakumari delights vegetarians with delicacies like avial, kinnathappam, thengai saadham (coconut rice), theeyal, and rotti rotti to awaken your taste buds!
Place to visit in Kanyakumari
- Kanyakumari Beach - Kanyakumari Beach, in India's southernmost state, is the meeting point of three bodies of water: the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea. Fortunately, the water of the three seas does not mix; you can tell the difference between the turquoise, pale blue, and pale green water of the three countries, even though the colors vary with the season and the weather.
- Vivekananda Rock Memorial - On a little island off the coast of Kanyakumari, the majestic Vivekananda Rock Memorial may be found. It is set against the beautiful Indian Ocean. The 'Shripada Mandapam' and the 'Vivekananda Mandapam' are located on one of the two nearby rocks extending out of the Lakshadweep Sea. Regular ferries may take you to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, which is about 500 meters east of the mainland of Vanathurai in Kanyakumari.
- Thirparappu Falls - The Thirparappu Falls are approximately 50 - 60 kilometers from Kanyakumari, are a beautiful site to see. This 50-foot-high waterfall is man-made. The water accumulates in a charming pool below, which is great for youngsters to play in. The falls are surrounded by lush greenery and native species, making it a naturalist's dream come true. Thirparappu Falls is best visited on a day excursion from Kanyakumari or as a stoppage on the way to Trivandrum.
- Thiruvalluvar Statue - This lovely statue, dedicated to the great philosopher and poet Thiruvalluvar, may be seen on a small island near Kanyakumari. Thiruvalluvar was the author of Tirukkural, the ancient Tamil scripture, which is considered a legendary work in the world of literature. In honor of his commitment, work on the monument began in 1990 and lasted until 1999, the year in which the sculpture was eventually completed.
- Thanumalayan Temple - The holy temple devoted to Trimuthis, Thanumalayan temple, also known as Sthanumalayan Kovil, is located in Suchindram (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva). The lovely temple was refurbished in the 17th century, and the inscriptions date from the 9th century. This magnificent temple is a work of art. The four melodic pillars cut out of a single stone in the alankara mandapam area are one of the temple's most impressive features.
- Padmanabhapuram Palace - Padmanabhapuram Palace in Tamil Nadu is one of India's most beautiful palaces, perfectly symbolizing the country's rich and diverse cultural legacy that spans millennia. This was the former capital of the Travancore Empire, and it has served as a true emblem of the region's history. The Padmanabhapuram Palace, which is thought to have been erected in the 16th century, is home to numerous interesting antiques and relics.
How to reach?
- By Air - Kanyakumari does not have its own airport. The nearest airport is in the city of Trivandrum in the state of Kerala. Visitors can take a rail or bus to Kanyakumari from here.
- By Road - Kanyakumari is easily accessible from a number of places in South India. Regular buses run between Bangalore, Trivandrum, Cochin, Chennai, Coimbatore, Kozhikode, and Pondicherry, among other cities.
- By Rail - The Indian Railways' Southern Railway Zone includes Kanyakumari Railway Station. This station is served by numerous trains that connect it to other parts of the country.
