Kanyakumari is sometimes referred to as Cape Comorin. Located at the southernmost tip of the Indian Peninsula, it is the geographical end of the Indian mainland.
Kanyakumari is especially popular in India for its spectacular and unique sunrise and sunset. The confluence of three ocean bodies – the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea – makes the sunrise and sunset even more special. On balmy, full-moon evenings, one can also see the moon-rise and sunset at the same time – on either side of the horizon.
Kumariamman Temple
The legend of this temple is as romantic as the place itself. Dedicated to the virgin goddess Kanniyakumari, Parvati who stands guard over the country, the temple is built at the spot where the goddess is believed to have waited for her consort Lord Shiva to come and claim her hand in marriage. Equally fascinating is the story about the diamond nose stud worn by the goddess believed to have led many a ship to be shipwrecked on the treacherous rocks near the shore. So bright was the threat of the reflected light from the nose-stud to the unsuspecting ships that the door on the side facing the sea had to be closed for ensuring the safety of the ocean liners.
On two rocky islets just off the shore, southeast of the Kumari Amman temple, are the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, built in 1970, and the gigantic 133 feet (40.5 m) tall statue of Tamil saint-poet Thiruvalluvar is one of the biggest statues in Asia.
Gandhi Memorial
The Gandhi Mandapam has been constructed at the spot where theashes of Mahatma Gandhi were kept in an urn for public view before a portion of it was immersed into the confluence of the three seas, in 1948. Every year on Gandhiji’s birthday 2nd October, the sun’s rays fall at the exact spot where the urn was displayed before immersion.
Suchindram
The Sthanumalayan temple here is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma. This is a repository of art treasures. Musical pillars and a huge 18-ft high Hanuman statue are proof of the artistic skill of the 9th Century A.D. artisans. It has a unique bas-relief carving of Vinayaki or the Female Vinayaka.
Padamanabhapuram Palace
Padmanapuram or the City of Lord Vishnu is an ancient historical town is situated 45 kms from Kanniyakumari. It was an ancient Capital of the Travancore rulers until 1798 A.D. There is a palace inside the fort that spreads over an area of 6 acres. The palace is known for it antiques, including the armoury of the royal family. The Ramaswamy temple adjoining the palace has scenes from the Ramayana carved in 45 panels. It provides a visual extravanganza to the visitors. The woodwork in this palace is intricate.
