India is a vast country where every region is known for its tourism. Today in this episode we are going to talk about Kanyakumari which is situated at the southernmost tip of India. It is the confluence of the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal, and the Arabian Sea, whose captivating beauty draws tourists here. With a wonderful mix of history, culture, natural beauty, and modernization, this wonderful coastal city has something for everyone. It is the best place to indulge in beach activities, and water sports and enjoy spectacular sunset views. If you are also planning to visit, then today in this episode we are going to tell you about the major tourist places of Kanyakumari...
Udayagiri Fort
Udayagiri Fort is located at Puliyurkuruchi, 14 km from Nagercole town on the Thiruvananthapuram-Nagerkol National Highway. The Udayagiri Fort was built by King Marthanda Varma and during his reign, the name of this fort was De Lenoy Fort. The tomb of de Lenoy and his wife and son can be seen in this fort. Apart from this, the casting of guns can also be seen inside the fort. There is also a biodiversity park in the fort where more than 100 varieties of trees including deer, ducks, and birds are the center of attraction for the people.
Vivekananda Rock Memorial
Vivekananda Rock Memorial situated on a small island is a top tourist place in Kanyakumari. Swami Vivekananda attained enlightenment here in 1892 after three days of meditation. It is also believed that Goddess Kanyakumari did severe penance on this rock. The major attractions of the Rock Memorial are the Vivekananda Mandapam and the Shripada Mandapam. A huge Swamiji idol with the Indian Ocean in the background is a sight to behold. The best time to visit this place is from October to March.
Lady of Ransom Church
Our Lady of Ransom Church, located in Kanyakumari, is a famous Catholic church dedicated to Mother Mary. The church was built in the 15th century and is a fine example of Gothic architecture. The blue color of the church contrasts with the lapping surf of the sea behind it, making for a breathtaking sight. The golden cross on the central minaret of this grand structure adds to its beauty and appeal, and its calmness and serenity are what attract people the most.
Thirparappu Falls
Thirparappu Falls Located at a distance of about 55 km from Kanyakumari, the cascade of Thirparappu Falls makes for a breathtaking sight. This waterfall is man-made and falls from a height of 50 feet. It is essentially a confluence of multiple streams of water flowing from above which form a majestic water pool below. The waterfalls are surrounded by thick green foliage and indigenous fauna, making it a nature lover's paradise. You can capture the mesmerizing views of the icy waterfalls cascading down from the height. It is an ideal place to spend a holiday or enjoy a picnic with family and friends. These falls are a unique combination of streams that flow together to form a spectacular waterfall. There is a small temple at the entrance of this destination which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is highly revered by the local people. The best time to visit the falls is during winter as the water level in the Kodai River is high, allowing you to view the falls in full.
Kanyakumari Beach
On the Kanyakumari beach, you will find a view tower, climbing on top of which you can see the view of the sunset at sunset. After seeing the view of the sunset from the southernmost point of India, you will get a different experience. Friends, let us tell you that due to a slight increase in the crowd on the view tower at the time of sunset, there is no place on the view tower, so looking at the situation there, you should climb on top of the view tower half or an hour before the sunset. And enjoy the sunset well.
Kanyakumari Temple
This is the main attraction of this city. It is also known as Kanyakumari Bhagavathyamman Temple. The Kumari Amman temple was originally built by the kings of the Pandya dynasty in the 8th century. It was later renovated by the Chola, Vijayanagara, and Nayaka rulers. According to legends, the marriage between Goddess Kanyakumari and Lord Shiva did not take place, as a result of which the Goddess determined to remain a virgin. It is believed that the rice and grains meant for the wedding were left uncooked and turned into stones.
Thiruvalluvar idol
This colossal statue adjacent to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial is a popular attraction among history buffs and architecture buffs. It is dedicated to Thiruvalluvar, a prominent Tamil poet, and philosopher. The 133 ft tall statue stands proudly on a 38 ft high pedestal and can be seen from a distance. The place holds cultural significance and is a popular tourist destination in Kanyakumari. The best time to visit here is between October to March.
Vattakottai Fort
Situated on the beach at a distance of about 7.5 km from the center of Kanyakumari city, this fort made of stones is surrounded by a wall about 25 feet high. From the ground built above this fort, the view of the Arabian Sea on one side and the Bay of Bengal on the other side seems to be very good. The Vattakottai Fort still attracts tourists visiting Kanyakumari.
Padmanabhapuram Palace
The Padmanabhapuram Palace of Kanyakumari is one of the major attractions of Tamil Nadu. Padmanabhapuram Palace is located in Padmanabhapuram village of Kanyakumari district, near Thackle, about 15 km from Nagercoil and 55 km from Thiruvananthapuram. Padmanabhapuram Palace is one of the top ten palaces in the world. The Padmanabhapuram Palace is spread over 6 acres and is situated at the foothills of the Veli Hills of the Western Ghats. This palace was built by Iravipillai Iravivarma Kulasekhara Perumal in the 17th century. The Padmanabhapuram Palace is mostly made of wood which displays the traditional architectural style of Kerala. Do visit it whenever you come to visit Kanyakumari.
Gandhi Mandapam
Dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, this large memorial in Kanyakumari is where one of the 12 urns containing Gandhiji's ashes was kept for the public to pay their respects. Later the ashes were immersed in Triveni Sangam. Many photographs of Mahatma Gandhi along with notable people are displayed in the Mandapam. It also has a library that has a large collection of pre-independence books, periodicals, and other literature. The Gandhi Mandapam is built in Orissa style. The roof has been designed in such a way that on October 2, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, the sun's rays fall directly on the place where his ashes are kept.
