Kanyakumari tourism and travel guide
Overview
"Kanyakumari--- The Sacred Confluence"
Stand on a rock, the restless waves of Bay of Bengal will caress your feet. Turn west and you will be soothed by the gentle sound of the Arabian Sea. Turn south and the vast waters of Indian Ocean surge towards you. If this isn’t enough, then weather Gods permitting you will have the privilege of witnessing the most spectacular sunrise and sunset of your life. Welcome to Kanyakumari the “Alexandria of the east," where ancient temples, pristine beaches, cascading waterfalls, vast Wildlife reserves not to mention the Historical landmarks rub shoulders with each other for attention.
Kanyakmari, on the southern most tip of India, where the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean converge is the meeting point of ancient heritage and modern scientific traditions. The vast expanse of water lets you feel the microcosm within your limited self getting merged with the macrocosmic universe. The multicoloured sands of the beach contain Thorium that generates atomic energy. It’s a symbolical representation of the manifestation of the divine powers of the Sakthi. From time immemorial Kanyakumari has fascinated great people. It is believed that Adi Sankara composed his immortal “Soundaryalahari” inspired by the Devi Kumari Temple here. It was here that Swami Vivekananda found the mission of his life – the great ideal for the “Regeneration of India”. It was here that Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi got exalted after a visit in 1937.
This expansive Kanyakumari Travel Guide is an effort to make your visit to this holy land truly unforgettable. Use the vast reservoir of this City Guide to discover Kanyakumari in all its richness, splendour and diversity. By the time you end this fascinating tour you’ll find that Kanyakumari is much more than a meeting point of two seas and one ocean.
Kanyakumari is well connected by road, rail, and air to all the important destinations. The nearest airport is at Trivandrum( Kerala) about 87 kilometers away. There are two railway stations here, one is located at Kanyakumari itself and the other is at Nagarcoil 19 kilometers away. There are three bus terminuses at Kanyakumari namely, Central and Express Bus Stand, Anna Bus Stand and Christopher Bus Stand.
Distance from Kanyakumari to other locations
Thiruvananthapuram 88 km
Tirunelveli 85 km
Madurai 235 km
Chennai 690 km
Bangalore 681 km
Coimbatore 452 km
Madurai 235 km
Nagercoil 19 km
Tuticorin 151 km
Salem 464 km
Thenkasi 146 km
Courtallam 137 km
How to Reach by Airways: The nearest airport to Kanyakumari is at Trivandrum the capital of Kerala at 87 km. Trivandrum is well connected with all the major national as well as international cities.
How to Reach Railways: If you want to reach Kanyakumari by train then Kanyakumari junction and Nagarcoil junction are the stations available to you. The Nagarcoil Junction is on the Chennai–Thiruvananthapuram rail route and is just 19 km from Kanyakumari. More…
How to Reach Road: Kanyakumari is easily accessible from all the major towns of South India. You have a lot of choices in terms of commuting. Buses, Taxis or if you are trifle adventurous then drive down on your car- the choice is all yours.
Local Transportation: As Kanyakumari is not a very big town most of the places you can cover by walking itself other than walking the following options are available.
Public buses – Government-run buses at Kanyakumari are far and few. Do not count on the schedule they hardly follow it. Tickets are payable to the driver.
Taxi /Cabs – Taxis are pretty comfortable if spending money is not a spot of bother for you. Go in for aggressive bargaining. They charge around Rs 10 per km.
Auto Rickshaws – Very popular mode of transport. Bargain and prefix the fair beforehand.
Driving Directions:
Kanyakumari is situated in Tamil Nadu, South India. The Vivekananda rock situated in the midst of the beach allures the huge number of travelers from every nook and corner of the world. The travelers can also make a visit to temples, and other old edifices ensconced in the region. The Kanyakumari region can easily be reached by road, rail as well as the airways route. The Trivandrum airport is the nearest airport situated at the distance of 87 Km from Kanyakumari. The Kanyakumari junction is located just 1 Km away from the railway station and can be reached by taking a walking route. Lots of bus services are available from Kanyakumari. Kerala and Tamil Nadu’s state transport buses provides an excellent connectivity with other parts of the region. The SH 46 and the NH 47 highways links Kanyakumari with rest of the adjoining in Tamil Nadu, South India. Madurai, Trivandrum, Rameshwaram, Bangalore, and Chennai are the well-known destinations from where the travelers can easily reach Kanyakumari.
As with typical Indian pilgrimage centers, many legends abound as to how Kanyakumari got its name. There are two theories that are popular one is centered around Kanyakumari – the virgin form of Parvati and the other is weave around Kumari, King Bharat’s daughter, and Shakuntala’s granddaughter. Both these legends are discussed here.
Kanyakumari as a form of Parashakti:
According to legends, bathing at Kanyakumari is said to absolve all from sins and that is why for thousand of years Kanyakumari stands out as one of the main pilgrimage centers in India. There is an interesting tale behind the name as well as the sanctified waters of Kanyakumari. This story primarily involves 3 characters from Indian Mythology, Lord Shiva, Parvathy and a demon called Banasura Let’s see why.
Banasura wreaks havoc:
Once upon a time a Demon king protected by a boon that he can be killed only by a virgin girl was wreaking havoc in both heaven and earth. Gods and sages were both tortured alike with gods driven out of heaven. Unrighteousness prevailed all around. Mother Earth was so exasperated by the agony of her children that she couldn’t take it any longer.
Lord Vishnu suggests ways:
She approached Lord Vishnu for help. Lord suggested that Devtas should pray to Parashakti as she alone has the power to humble Banasura. Accordingly, Gods performed a Yagna to please Parashakti.
Parashakti’s advent from Yagna Fire:
Pleased, Parashakti came out of the fire in the form of a small girl and promised to bring to an end the demonic havoc created by Banasura. She asked them to be patient and wait for the opportune moment for killing Banasura.
Parashakti as Kanyakumari:
Saying this she traveled to the southernmost part of India and started meditating upon Lord Shiva. Eventually, the small girl turned into a teenager. This is how this place came to be known as Kanyakumari. It literally means a virgin teenaged girl.
Lord Shiva gets attracted towards Kanyakumari:
Lord Shiva was attracted to this beautiful form of Parashakti and wanted to marry her. According to the tale, Lord Shiva’s abode was considered at Suchindram, just 15 km from here. Parashakti also gave her nod to marriage and arrangements for this great marriage commenced.
Narada the trickster:
Narada, the shrewd thinker that he is immediately understood what a potential danger in the making it was. If the virgin goddess Kanyakumari gets married then the chances of Banasura getting killed become impossible as he can be killed only by a virgin girl. He started devising ways to stall this marriage at any cost.
Narada first tried to confuse Parashakti. She asked Devi how sure she is that it was only Lord Shiva and not Banasura in disguise she would get married to. He suggested that Devi should ask Lord Shiva to come with 3 items that were impossible to find in the world. If he can produce them then only she should become sure that the bridegroom indeed was Siva. The 3 things were betel leaf without veins, coconut without eyes and a stalk of sugarcane without the mandatory stump-joints. Lord Siva easily brought these items and the marriage proceedings continued as per schedule.
Lord Siva fooled:
Narada though temporarily stunned had another ace up his sleeve to save Devas and saints. The marriage ceremony was fixed at midnight on an auspicious day. On an appointed day Lord Shiva with the marriage party in toe started his journey from Suchindram to Kanya Kumari`s place. As he was just 5 km from Suchindarm, Narada started playing his tricks. He assumed the form of a cock and crowed, to falsely announce that it is already dawn. Lord Siva fell into the guile of Narada and returned to Suchindram thinking that he was late for the appointed hour of marriage.
Devi Gets Angry:
It is believed that when Shiva did not turn up at the marriage venue Kanya Kumari got really angry. She threw all the food items prepared for the guests. These food items eventually turned into small pebbles and the multi-colored sands. That is why they are found in abundance on the shore of Kanyakumari.
Banasura killed as promised:
Banasura on hearing Kanya Kumari`s beauty decided to marry her. Devi refused him. The demon king insulted by the refusal tried to teach her a lesson. In the ensuing fierce battle, Devi Kanya Kumari slew Banasura with chakra at a place called Mahadana Puram just 4 km north of Kanya Kumari. At the time of his death, Banasura understood his follies and begged for her mercy. Devi is the epitome of compassion she forgave and absolved him of his sins.
Kanyakumari continues Tapas:
The goddess was crest-fallen but did not let her disappointment come in the way of her dedication to Lord Shiva. Till this day she continues to perform austerities with the hope that one day she will unite with Siva. A beautiful temple stands dedicated to Devi Kumari on the shore of Kanyakumari.
Alternate Legend:
Another theory is that king Bharat, the son of king Dushyant had sent his daughter ‘Kumari’ to the southernmost part of his empire to act as his representative and manage the affairs there. As this place was ruled by Kumari it came to be known as Kumari Nadu and the city where she lived was called Kumarinpadi that eventually became Kanyakumari.
Kanyakumari is a place where you can get reasonably good food across the countless food joints dotting the coastal city. Most of the hotels do have an in-house restaurant but otherwise, as you venture out in the streets you would be greeted with restaurants that proudly display “Meals Ready” boards. There are enough restaurants near the ferry point. These restaurants serve unlimited good quality food known as “ Thali or “Chapatti meals”.
One good thing about Kanyakumari is that you can get easily regional dishes here. Gujarati, Marwari, Bengali cuisines here and the rate is pretty affordable too. “Having said that it is also true that the taste of so-called “North Indian Food ” leaves much to be desired.
If you do not have any problem with South Indian foods then there are enough eating options open to you. Besides the normal fare of Dosa, Vada, Idli, Sambar you can savor rasam, kuttu, avail, payasam, and other delicacies. As Kanyakumari touches Kerala, there are enough food joints available to serve authentic Kerala cuisines. We give here some of the eating options at Kanyakumari.
Hotel Saravana: Located near the temple it is one of the more popular eateries of the town. Try their Paper Dosas. It offers good south Indian, Gujarati, Chinese and Rajasthani vegetarian items.
Family Restaurant: Family Restaurant located north of the Kumari Amman temple, serves good South Indian snacks and meals.
Palace Hotel: The Palace Hotel located in the center of town offers good cheap meals.
North Indian food: Hotel Anand or Ramdev restaurant offers good north Indian Thali. Try their poori-bhaji it is excellent.
Nonveg: If you are looking for Non-veg food then Manickhan Tourist Home is a very good option. Perhaps it is the best non-veg restaurant in the whole of Kanyakumari. Chicken Corner is another decent joint along with Archana Restaurant at Hotel Maadhini.
Veg: Sanga Restaurant at Hotel Samudra offers simple vegetarian fare.
Special Menus of Kanyakumari:
Meen Kolambu (Main Course)
Avial (Vegetable Course)
Coconut Rice
Valakkai Porial (Vegetable Course)
Semiya Payaasam (Dessert)
Kanyakumari is a place that is sure to fascinate every kind of tourist. No matter if you are devout pilgrim, a nature freak or a history aficionado or just want to have some fun under the sun- Kanyakumari’s ethereal charm is sure to leave you spellbound.
Padmanabhapuram: The magnificent Padmanabhapuram Palace is located about 15 km from Nagercoil and 37 km from Kanyakumari. This is one place which you can’t just miss
Kovalam: Tourists visiting Kanyakumari generally take a break for a day to visit Kovalam, 75 km away, one of the best beaches in India.
Suchindram: Suchindram just 14 km from Kanyakumari enjoys a special status for itself with its innumerable deities of the Hindu pantheon. More...
Tiruchendur: Tiruchendur just 89 km from Kanya Kumari is a much-venerated place for devotees of Lord Kartikeya(Murugan) as here is located one of the six Aarupadai shrines of Murugan.
Marunthuvazh Malai: Just 9 km away on the way to Nagercoil is Marunthuvazh Malai also known as Maruthuva Malai. At a height of 800 feet, there is a Shiva temple here.
Udaygiri Fort: Udaygiri Fort is located at Puliyoorkurichi, near the Padmanabhapuram Fort on the Thiruvananthapuram-Nagercoil National highway.
Bhagavathy Amman Temple: Bhagavathi Amman Temple dating back to 7th century BC is located at Mandaikadu is just 45 km from Kanyakumari.
Courtallam: Just 137 km from Cape Comorin is Courtallam or Kutralam better known as the "Spa of the south".More..
Colachel: Colachel is around 30 km away on the coastal road and is the site for a famous battle. More...
Vattaparai waterfalls: This is strictly for those who want to add a dash of adventure to their visit. This place is 15 km from Nagercoil and 35 km from Kanyakumari.
Thiruvattar: Thiruvattar, is located near about 49 km from Kanyakumari on National Highway 49 between Kanyakumari and Thiruvananthapuram. The Sri Adikesavaperumal Temple located here is one of the 108 divyadesams of Lord Vishnu.
Thirparappu waterfall: Thirparappu waterfall is at a distance of 50 km from Kanyakumari and takes about 1.5 hours to reach.
Pechiparai Dam: Pechiparai Dam is situated in Pechiparai, about 75 km from Kanyakumari.
Tirunelveli: Just 85 Km from Kanyakumari is Tiruvenveli, beckoning the tourists with the number of attractions.
Thiruvithamcode: The St. Mary’s Church at Thiruvithamcode is around 37 km from Kanyakumari. It is said that St. Thomas one of the apostles of Jesus established this Church.
Nagaraja Temple: Sometimes visitors overlook this magnificent temple dedicated to the five-headed serpent God Nagaraja which is situated at Nagercoil just 19 km away.
Kumaracoil: Kumaracoil is famous for an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Muruaganand is just 34 km from Kanyakumari and near to old Padmanabhapuram palace.
St. Xaviers Church: St. Xavier’s Church is located in Kottar a suburb of Nagarcoil. Many miracles are attributed to this 15th century Church.
KMTR: Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve is a welcome break from Kanyakumari for people with an adventurous streak.
Kiomoi Must Dos
Watch sunrise and sunset: Watching the sunrise and sunset is one of the most cherished activities at Kanyakumari. In fact, it would not be an exaggeration if we say that this activity has assumed almost a ritualistic proportion. If you are in a hotel your sleep would automatically break at around 5.30 am with the sounds of alarm clock all around. Bleary-eyed, you head for the sunrise point or take up a vantage position on the terrace of your hotel building. By 6 am the majestic sight of daybreak unfolds gradually. It is a lifetime experience to observe the image of the night sky metamorphosing bit by bit into various hues of colors. The effect is all the more appealing against the silhouette of fishing boats in the foreground. You can never forget the sun rising above the horizon from the Bay of Bengal. Sunsets are also equally spectacular. In the beach lining the Arabian Sea, it’s a pleasure to wait for the grand finale of the day to bid farewell to the huge red orb in the sky that goes down in a blaze of glory.
Sun and Moon Face to Face: If you happen to be on any Full moon day in the month of April. Then don’t miss out on the spectacular sight of the sun and moon face to face at the same horizon.
Watch the waves and Multicoloured Sand: The Sea at Cape Comorin is fairly rough. Select a proper position away from the crowds and watch the waves beating repeatedly against the rocks, subsiding for a moment, and then gathering its momentum for another attack. Another attraction is the long stretches of multicolored sands you will not find sands of many hues at any other place in India.
Visit the Tsunami affected places: This will not be mentioned in any tourist itinerary, but visiting the Tsunami affected places in Kanyakumari district and seeing the rehabilitation work can make you remember the trail of destruction left by Tsunami on a fateful day of December 2004.
Recharge your spiritual batteries: If you are in Kanyakumari then do not miss the opportunity of recharging your inner spirit. Doing meditation at the Hall at Vivekananda rock or participating at a yoga retreat camp organized by Vivekananda Kendra is bound to have a therapeutic effect on you. Or just gazing at the incessant waves is also bound to leave a soothing effect on you. Bapu had to say this about Capecomorin – “ I am writing this at the Cape in front of the sea where there waters meet and furnish a sight unequaled in the world. For this is no port of call for a vessel like the Goddess, the waters around are virgin. This place is eminently suited for contemplation. I wish I were to stay here forever”.
Visit Wildlife Sanctuaries: Generally, tourists are not aware that in close proximity to Kanyakumari lies KMTR( Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve).Lying in the evergreen Western Ghats, the site is recognized by UNESCO as one of the 25 important biospheres of the world.
Undertake Knowledge Tours: At Kanyakumari, you will be surprised that it is dotted with many places that do not fall into the regular itinerary of tourists, yet they are of immense value to knowledge seekers. Some of these are Murugan Kuntram a small hillock, the ruins of Kanyakumari-Kadukkarai fort, centuries-old ponds along with NH 47
Watching the Sea by night: If you do not stay overnight at Kanyakumari you will miss something that you will regret for over. It’s a great experience to watch the sea at night. To see the waves reacting to the pull of the moon is an experience of a lifetime.
Catch a glimpse of the Windmills on the way: This is one of the most charming sites that you would ever encounter. Could you imagine there are some 2000 windmills in and around the road that leads Tiruvenveli to Kanyakumari?
Ferry trips: It is a nice little excursion to take a ferry ride and cruise along the sea to the little island housing the Vivekananda memorial at a distance of about 400 m from the mainland.
Shop: Shopping can be fun at Kanniyakumari. Government emporiums like Co-optex (9 am to 8 am) near Gandhi Mantap, the Poompuhar Handicrafts Emporium at Sannathi Road give good shopping options. Besides innumerable beachside stalls selling items like sea-shells, cotton saris, palm leaf items, wooden handicrafts, trinkets, etc are found all over Kanniyakumari. Do not forget to buy a pack of colored sea sand this is a specialty here.
Trekking: Kanyakumari is not all water. There are some hills and forests too. A trek to reach the top of Maruthnuval Malai 9 km north of Kanyakumari or a visit to Kalakkad or Pechipparai forests is an adventurous experience that cannot be missed.
Horse riding: If you are with children and happen to be in the Beach around sunset then this is one attraction you just can’t fend off. Like most of the Beaches, Kanyakyumari also offers a ride down the Beaches on Horseback.
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