The place is famous for its peaceful and stunning natural environment and the multicolored sand is a unique feature of the beaches here.

Kanyakumari has been a great center for art, culture, civilisation, and pilgrimage for years. It has also been a famous center for commerce and trade.

Little wonder that, in the past, Kanyakumari was referred to as the Alexandria of the east.

The beaches are clean and the waters a clear, frothing blue. Kanyakumari is often set up as a geographical antonym to Kashmir, to suggest the span and variety of the sub continent. For the visitor, the experience would be opposite and the pleasure equal.

ATTRACTIONS
Kanyakumari Temple: The temple overlooks the shoreline. It is dedicated to Parvati as Devi Kanya, the Virgin Goddess who did penance to obtain the hand of Lord Shiva. The deity, Devi Kanyakumari, is the “protector of India's shores” and has an exceptionally brilliant diamond in her nose ring, which is supposed to shine out to sea. The temple opens from 0430 to 1130 and from 1730 to 2030. Non-Hindus are not allowed into the sanctuary.
Gandhi Mandapam: Not far from the Kumari Amman Temple is the Gandhi Mandapam, constructed at the spot where the urn containing the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi was kept for public view before a portion of its contents was immersed in the three seas. It resembles an Oriyan temple and was designed so that on Gandhiji's birthday (October 2), the sun's rays fall on the place where his ashes were kept.

Vivekananda Memorial: About 500m from the mainland, it is dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, the great social reformer. Vivekananda meditated on the rock where the memorial stands today. A meditation hall is attached to the memorial. The design of the mandapa incorporates different styles of temple architecture from across India and houses a statue of Vivekananda. A divine footprint — Pada Parai — of Kanya Devi is also seen here. A ferry service is available to reach the memorial.

Suchindram Temple: Just 13 km from Kanyakumari, the town of Suchindram has a temple dedicated to a deity who is the representation of the combined forces of Siva, Vishnu and Brahma. It is one of the few temples in the country where the Trinity is worshipped together. The temple has a beautiful gopuram, musical pillars and an excellent statue of the Lord Hanuman, apart from a valuable collection of art from different periods.

Padmanabhapuram Palace: Located about 15 km from Nagercoil, the palace has the rare distinction of being one of the most ancient monuments in South India. Known for its strategic planning and military architecture, the palace was the seat of power for the Travancore emperors till 1790, when Karthika Thirunal Maharaja, popularly known as Dharma Raja, shifted the capital to Thiruvananthapuram. Its sheer aesthetic beauty, innovative designs and time-tested wooden carvings are treat to behold.

TOURIST INFORMATION

How to reach
By Air: Nearest airport is at Thiruvananthapuram (80 km).
By Rail: Kanyakumari is connected by rail to Thiruvananthapuram, New Delhi, and Mumbai.
By Road: Kanyakumari is connected by road to Thiruvananthapuram, Rameshwaram, Kodaikanal and other important south Indian cities.

Climate: Due to its proximity to the sea, Kanyakumari enjoys a pleasant climate and can be visited throughout the year.

Best time to visit: Between October and March.

Where to stay
TTDC Youth Hostel
Ashok Hotel
Cape Residency Hotel
Hotel Tamilnadu (T.T.D.C)

For more on India tourism, visit:
www.tamilnadutourism.org
www.hcilondon.net
www.tourindia.com
www.tourismofindia.com

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