India is a huge country where every region is known for its tourism. Today in this episode we are going to talk about Kanyakumari which is located at the southernmost tip of India. It is the confluence of the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal, and the Arabian Sea, whose picturesque beauty attracts tourists here. With a wonderful blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and modernization, this wonderful coastal city has something for everyone. This is a great place to do 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 Nagercoil city on the Thiruvananthapuram-Nagaracol National Highway. Udayagiri Fort was built by King Marthanda Varma and during his reign, the fort was named De Lannoy Fort. The mausoleum 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 deer, ducks, birds, and more than 100 varieties of trees are the center of attraction for the people.
Vivekananda Rock Memorial
Vivekananda Rock Memorial situated on a small island is a top tourist destination in Kanyakumari. Swami Vivekananda attained enlightenment here in 1892 after three days of meditation. It is also believed that Goddess Kanyakumari performed severe penance on this rock. The major attractions of the rock memorial are the Vivekananda Mandapam and the Sripada Mandapam. A huge Swamiji statue with the Indian Ocean in the background is worth seeing. 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 magnificent example of Gothic architecture. The blue color of the church contrasts with the lapping surf of the ocean behind it, creating a breathtaking sight. The golden cross on the central minaret of this grand structure adds to its beauty and appeal, and its peace and tranquility are what attract people the most.
Thirparappu Falls
Thirparappu Falls Located at a distance of about 55 km from Kanyakumari, the waterfall 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 mixture of multiple streams of water flowing from above to form a majestic water pool below. The waterfalls are surrounded by dense green foliage and indigenous fauna, making it a nature lover's paradise. You can capture the breathtaking views of the icy waterfalls falling from the height. It is an ideal place to spend a holiday or enjoy a picnic with family and friends. These waterfalls 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 waterfall is during winter as the water level in the Kodai River is high, allowing you to view the waterfall completely.
Kanyakumari Beach
On Kanyakumari beach, you will get to see a view tower, climbing on top of which you can see the view of the sunset at sunset. You will get a different experience after seeing the sunset from the southernmost point of India. Friends, let us tell you that due to the increase in crowd at the view tower at the time of sunset, you are not able to get a place on the view tower, hence considering the situation there, you should climb to the top of the view tower half or an hour before sunset. And enjoy the sunset well.
Kanyakumari Temple
This is the main attraction of this city. It is also known as Kanyakumari Bhagavathiamman Temple. 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 Nayak rulers. According to legends, the marriage between Goddess Kanyakumari and Lord Shiva did not take place as a result of the goddess' determination to remain a virgin. It is believed that the rice and grains meant for the wedding were left uncooked and turned into stones. Thiruvalluvar statue
This huge statue adjacent to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial is a popular attraction among history buffs and architecture lovers. It is dedicated to Thiruvalluvar, a prominent Tamil poet and philosopher. This 133-foot-tall statue stands proudly on a 38-foot-high pedestal and can be seen from a distance. This place holds cultural importance and is a popular tourist destination in Kanyakumari. The best time to visit here is between October to March.
Vattakottai Fort
Located on the sea coast 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 on top of this fort, the view of the Arabian Sea on one side and the Bay of Bengal on the other side is quite wonderful. Vattakottai Fort still attracts tourists visiting Kanyakumari.
Padmanabhapuram Palace
Padmanabhapuram Palace of Kanyakumari is one of the major attractions of Tamil Nadu. Padmanabhapuram Palace is located in the village of Padmanabhapuram in Kanyakumari district, near Thakle, about 15 km from Nagercoil and 55 km from Thiruvananthapuram. Padmanabhapuram Palace is one of the top ten palaces in the world. Padmanabhapuram Palace is spread over 6 acres and is located at the foothills of the Veli Hills of the Western Ghats. This palace was built by Iravipillai Iravivarma Kulasekhara Perumal in the 17th century. Padmanabhapuram Palace is mostly made of wood which displays the traditional architectural style of Kerala. Whenever you come to visit Kanyakumari, definitely see it.
Gandhi Mandapam
Dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, this is the big memorial in Kanyakumari, where one of the 12 urns of 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, magazines, and other literature. Gandhi Mandapam is built in Orissa style. The roof is designed in such a way that on October 2, Mahatma Gandhi's birthday, the sun's rays fall directly on the spot where his ashes are kept.
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