Kanyakumari | Where the Land Ends and the Sea Begins

Kanyakumari | South Indian Beach | Sunset Point

Mahatma Gandhi, Swami Vivekananda, Thiruvalluvar

Kanyakumari, also known as Cape Comorin, is a picturesque coastal town located at the southernmost tip of the Indian peninsular mainland in Tamil Nadu. The town is famous for the confluence of three oceans namely the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.

In Indian language a girl is called ‘Kanya‘ and ‘kumari‘ means one who is not married. Thus Kanyakumari literally means ‘unmarried girl’. The temple of Goddess Kanyakumari located in Kanyakumari is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus as it is one of the 52 Shakti Peethas. This temple is a sacred pilgrimage site in the Shakta tradition of Hinduism.

Kanyakumari is the only place in India from where you can see the sunset and moonrise simultaneously on a full moon day. This sight is even more spectacular on the day of ‘Chitra Purnima’ when the sun and the moon appear facing each other on the same horizon.

This picturesque town holds its unique identity due to the stunning sunrise and sunset views, beautiful beaches and the iconic Vivekananda Rock Memorial. Kanyakumari is famous for its historical significance, cultural heritage and spiritual aura along with natural beauty. It is a must-visit destination for travelers looking for a unique blend of all these features. Along with the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, the Statue of Thiruvalluvar is another most popular attraction of Kanyakumari.

History of Kanyakumari

The place is named after Krishna’s sister ‘Goddess Kanya Kumari’. Girls pray in this temple for marriage. It is believed that the goddess removes harshness from the mind and . In 1656, the Dutch East India Company conquered Portuguese Ceylon from the Portuguese East Indies and renamed it “Comorin”. Then during British rule in India it came to be called “Cape Comorin”. In 2016, the city and its district were again renamed “Kanyakumari” by the Government of India and the Government of Madras.

Landmarks and Notable Attractions

Kanyakumari is a popular tourist destination in India as well as an important pilgrimage site. The main attraction of Kanyakumari is Vivekananda Rock and Thiruvalluvar statue. If you are looking for a quiet place away from the crowd, you can visit Vivekanandapuram (the only peaceful area of Kanyakumari), which is maintained by Ramakrishna Mission. It has its own accommodation and food arrangements. If you want to watch the sunset or sunrise, it is recommended that you watch it from the beach of Vivekanandapuram. It is not recommended to visit Kanyakumari during the months of December-January as it is crowded here in large numbers.

The temple of Goddess Kanyakumari is comparatively small by South Indian standards, but it has the usual paraphernalia of Puja, Kumkum and Prasad (sweet offerings made to the deities). All men must enter the temple with a bare torso as it is considered a sign of respect towards the goddess. You should also be wary of touts in the temple.

Swami Vivekananda Rock Memorial

One of the most visited tourist attractions in India, the ‘Vivekananda Rock Memorial’ is located on a rock in the sea at a distance of about 500 meters from the mainland. This memorial was built in 1970 in honor of Vivekananda ji. The rock on which the memorial is built is said to be the place where Swami Vivekananda attained enlightenment. This memorial is a beautiful blend of different architectural styles. This memorial consists of two structures, namely Sripada Mandapam and Vivekananda Mandapam. The complex also houses a life-size bronze statue of Swami Vivekananda. This thrilling place is extremely picturesque. One can see a wonderful view of the sea here amidst the pleasant sea breeze and dancing waves.

Born in 1863, Swami Vivekananda, the great philosopher, writer and proponent of Advaita Vedanta of the 19th century, presented the spiritual wisdom of India to the world at the World Parliament of Religions held in Chicago, USA in 1893. It was highly appreciated and praised by the whole world.

Thiruvalluvar Statue (Statue of Wisdom)

The ‘Statue of Wisdom‘ or ‘Valluvar Statue‘ is a 41-metre-high (133 ft) stone statue of Tamil poet, philosopher and writer ‘Valluvar’. Valluvar or Thiru-Valluvar is best known as the author of ‘Thirukkural‘, one of the greatest works of Tamil literature. The text is a collection of couplets on matters such as ethics, politics, economics and love.

The statue is located atop a small island near the city of Kanyakumari, where two seas (the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea) and one ocean (the Indian Ocean) meet. The statue was created by Indian sculptor V. Ganapati Sthapati, who also created the Iraivan Temple, and was unveiled on 1 January 2000 on Millennium Day by then Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. During its silver jubilee celebrations, the Tamil Nadu government declared the statue as the “Statue of Wisdom”.

The combined height of the statue and the pedestal is 133 feet (41 m), representing the 133 chapters of the Tirukkural. It consists of a 95 feet (29 m) statue of Valluvar standing on a 38 feet (12 m) pedestal, representing the 38 chapters of Virtue, the first of the three books of the Kural scripture. The overall design of the statue based on the second and third books of the Kural scripture, namely Wealth and Love, signifies that wealth and love must be earned and enjoyed on the foundation of solid virtue. The three fingers of the statue’s right hand point towards the sky, signifying the three kandas of the Kural scripture, namely Aaram, Porul and Inbam (virtue, wealth and love, respectively). The head of the statue is at a height of 61 metres (200 ft) above sea level.

The statue with a slight bend around the waist is reminiscent of the dancing pose of Hindu deities like Nataraja. The statue weighs 7,000 tonnes. It is made of concrete and reinforced with steel. It is located on a small island off the coast of Kanyakumari, about 1 km from the mainland. This statue is visible from the mainland and is a popular spot for tourists. The statue is visited every day. The statue is open to the public from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. There is a small ferry that takes visitors to the island where the statue is located.

Since it is located next to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, this monument is considered a cultural amalgamation. Built according to traditional Indian architecture, the statue has a provision to provide a hollow portion inside from the feet to the head. Although visitors will not be allowed to climb, they will be allowed to climb to the foot of the statue at a height of 12 m (38 ft).

It is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Tamil culture and heritage. Along with the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, this statue attracts millions of tourists annually and is one of the must-see places during a trip to Tamil Nadu.

Vattakottai Fort

Vattakottai Fort (‘Circular Fort’ or ‘Round Fort’) is a seaside fort near Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, the southern tip of India. Located on the coast of the Bay of Bengal, the fort was built in the 18th century by Punachal/Elakkara Valiyaveetil Marthandan Chempakaraman Pillai for the kings of Travancore. It was built as a coastal defence-fortification and barracks in the former Travancore kingdom. The fort is made of granite blocks and is a protected site under the Archaeological Department of India. Recently a major renovation of the fort was done by the department, and the site is now a popular tourist destination in Kanyakumari.

The fort offers a wonderful view of the sea line and the coast. There is also a small garden on the premises. There is no fee for entry to this fort and you can comfortably spend about 30 minutes here. Vattakottai Fort offers a panoramic view of the sea on one side and the hills (Western Ghats) on the other. Another interesting feature near this site is the black sand beach. It is about 7 km (4.3 mi) away from Kanyakumari town.

Sunset View Point (Kanyakumari Pier)

Kanyakumari Pier or Sunset View Point is one of the most popular tourist places in Kanyakumari. Geographically, it is located at the place where three oceans meet, which are the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea respectively.

Kanyakumari Bhagavathi Amman Temple

Bhagavathi Amman Temple is a 3,000-year-old temple dedicated to Goddess Kumari Amman and is located on the coast of the Lakshadweep Sea in Kanyakumari. Kumari Amman is one of the forms of Goddess Durga, known as “Kumari Bhagavathi Amman”. This temple is the first Durga temple built by Lord Parashurama and is one of the 108 Shakti Peethas. It is mentioned in Ramayana, Mahabharata and Purananuru. This ancient temple dedicated to the virgin goddess Kanyakumari is an important pilgrimage site.

Legend has it that the goddess, an incarnation of Parvati, was waiting for the arrival of Shiva for her marriage, but he never came. Kanyakumari Devi Temple is the main reason for naming this place as Kanyakumari or “the land of the unmarried girl”. This temple is close to the beach. According to legend, the demon king Banasura had become powerful, and he could only be killed by an unmarried woman. Goddess Kanyakumari, a devotee of Shiva, wanted to marry the Lord. Lord Shiva promises to solemnize the marriage in the auspicious Brahma Muhurta. On the request of the other gods, Sage Narada takes the form of a rooster and crows before dawn on a particular day, indicating the dawn. Lord Shiva, who was going to marry the Goddess, returns informing them that the auspicious moment is over. Goddess Kanyakumari fumes in anger and goes to the garden to calm herself down. The devil Banasura is attracted to the Goddess and tries to capture her. Goddess Kanyakumari, already dejected by the cancellation of the marriage, kills the demon and brings back peace to the world. The special feature of the temple is the diamond nose ring worn on the idol of the Goddess, which is said to be very shiny and confuses sailors in the sea. Therefore, the wall has been raised to block the view of the nose ring from the sea. Like any other Kerala style temple, women have to wear a sari or churidar.

Our Lady of Ransom Church

The 100-year-old Our Lady of Ransom Church on the coast of the Bay of Bengal is dedicated to Mother Mary. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful churches in India. Architecturally, the church was built in the Gothic style with Portuguese influences. The color of the church is slightly off-white, with three huge towers and colorful stained glass windows that contribute to its overall grandeur. This magnificent church has a central tower of 153 feet, which is decorated with a cross of pure gold. The church has a beautiful statue of Mother Mary wearing a sari.

Compared to the exterior, the interiors are quite simple. There are no benches in the church and only a small cross on the altar. Prayers are offered inside the church on normal days and outside on clean sand on occasions like carnivals, etc. The prayers here are offered in Tamil as the congregation here mainly consists of local fishermen. However, nowadays prayers are also offered in English. Every year a 10-day carnival festival is celebrated starting from the second week of December. During this event, fishermen from nearby areas join in a spectacular, colourful and grand celebration.

Memorials at Kanyakumari

Located on the southernmost mainland of India, Kanyakumari has many important monuments built to commemorate important personalities and events. These monuments offer a glimpse of India’s rich history, culture and spiritual heritage, making Kanyakumari an important pilgrimage site for many. Here are some of the most prominent monuments:

Gandhi Mandapam Memorial – This memorial is dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, where a part of his ashes were immersed in the sea. The incomparable beauty of Kanyakumari attracted Mahatma Gandhi too, so this place dedicated to him was built here. When Gandhi arrived here, he was overwhelmed by the beauty of this place, as described in his beautiful words inscribed below his photo in the Mandapam. After his death, his ashes were brought to this place. Gandhi Mandapam is built in such a way that at the place where the ashes were kept, there stands a small stone, which is said to get sunlight only on Gandhi’s birthday on October 2 every year through a small hole in the roof.

Tsunami Memorial Park – The Tsunami Memorial is a memorial commemorating the tragic events of the 2004 earthquake and devastating tsunami that claimed the lives of many residents of Kanyakumari. This memorial is located near the southern coast. This memorial is made up of unique colorful objects like waves, flame and human hands.

Kamarajar Mani Mantapa Monument – The Kamarajar Mani Mandapam memorial was dedicated to Shri Kamarajar, a freedom fighter and former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, President of the Indian National Congress. He is also popular among the general public as Black Gandhi. Like the Gandhi Mandapam, this is the place where the ashes of Kamarajar were kept so that the public could pay their homage to him before immersion in the sea.

Experiences in Kanyakumari

Sunrise and Sunset: Witnessing the sunrise and sunset at Kanyakumari is an unforgettable experience. The interplay of light and shadow on the horizon creates a magical atmosphere.
Boat Ride to Vivekananda Rock Memorial: Take a ferry ride to the memorial and explore its serene surroundings, including the meditation hall and the lighthouse.
Visit the Kanyakumari Temple: Immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance of the temple and offer prayers to the goddess.
Explore the Beaches: Relax on the pristine beaches, enjoy water sports, or simply soak in the tranquility of the coastal environment.
Shop for Souvenirs: Kanyakumari offers a variety of local handicrafts, seashells, and souvenirs to take home as mementos.

The Healing Touch of Natural Beauty

Kanyakumari is famed for being the confluence point of three vast water bodies: the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean. This unique geographical feature creates a mesmerizing spectacle, especially during sunrise and sunset when the horizon is ablaze with vibrant hues. The town’s pristine beaches, adorned with soft sands and lapped by gentle waves, offer a serene escape for visitors seeking tranquility.

Transportation

Kanyakumari is well-connected by air, rail, and road. Regular bus services are available from major cities in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, while the nearest railway station is Nagercoil Junction.

Ferry Service – The Tamil Nadu state government-owned Poompuhar Shipping Corporation operates a ferry service between Kanyakumari town and the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue. Both of these most famous tourist sites are located on rocky islands in the sea outside the city. The ferry service began operating in 1984. Until June 2013, only two boats were in use, then a third boat was added to the service on the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.
Best Time to Visit Kanyakumari – The best time to visit Kanyakumari is from November to March as the weather is cool, calm and pleasant during this time. Due to the tropical climate, summers can be very hot here.

Conclusion

Kanyakumari, with its captivating natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and spiritual significance, offers a unique and enriching travel experience. Whether you are seeking adventure, tranquility, or spiritual enlightenment, this southernmost tip of India has something to offer everyone.

Some interesting facts related to Kanyakumari are as follows –