Introduction: Kanyakumari is located
in the most southern point of the Indian peninsula. It is also the
meeting point of three big water bodies i.e. the Arabian Sea, Bay
of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. The sunrise and the sunset of this
place are worth watching because the rising and falling of the sun
in the ocean looks awesome. The colorful sand of Kanyakumari is
another wonders to observe. The beaches of Kanyakumari are also
the main tourist attraction of Kanyakumari. Despite all its beauties,
it is also the most visited pilgrimage of the Hindus. The temple
of Goddess Kanyakumari is the main shrine in this place.
History: Kanyakumari was known as the Alexandria of the East.
Art, culture, civilization, and pilgrimages are the historical importance
of this place and it was the center of trade and commerce too. Along
with the traders ad the missionaries the Islam protrude into the
land of Kanyakumari through the sea route. Later Christian and Jainism
also arrived in the city. They all contributed to the heritage of
architecture and literature in the city. Kanyakumari was not aloof
from the ancient rulers of south India. Cholas, Pandyas, Nayaks,
and Cheras ruled over this land in course of time. It came to be
known as Cape Comorin as the British's inability to pronounce the
local name.
Places of interest: The Kanyakumari Temple also known as
Kumari Amman. Locating on the shore, it is based on the manifestation
of the virgin goddess, Parvati. Parvati penance herself to get the
hand of Lord Shiva for marriage. Gandhi Memorial is a place in the
city where the ashes of Mahatma Gandhiji is kept for public viewing
before emersion. It looks like a Hindu temple in shape. Vattakottai
is a fort of 18th century overlooking the sea. The Udayagiri Fort
was built by king Marthanda Varma has foundry for casting guns.
A grave of a European general De Lennoy is located inside this fort.
Travel information: The location being at the seashore, Kanyakumari
enjoys the most pleasant climate. Summers are not so hot and winters
are mild. The temperature varies from a minimum of 20 degree to
a maximum of 34 degree. Kanyakumari can be visited throughout the
year but the best season to visit is suggested as from October to
March. The Trivandrum International Airport is the nearest airport
at 90 km from this city connecting all major cities of India and
abroad. Kanyakumari is the junction terminal of the southern railways.
Hence, rail transportation is very convenient. Roadway services
also operate regularly connecting the local destinations and the
neighboring cities.