The Stunning Kanyakumari Beach and Secret Places to Visit around it
Kanyakumari Beach
Kanyakumari Beach, located in the town of Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, is a popular tourist destination and one of the most visited beaches in India. The beach is located at the southernmost tip of the Indian peninsula and is where the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and the Bay of Bengal meet.
The beach is famous for its stunning views of the sunrise and sunset, which are considered to be some of the best in India. Visitors can also see the Thiruvalluvar Statue and Vivekananda Rock Memorial from the beach, which are popular tourist attractions in Kanyakumari.
The Kanyakumari beach is clean and well-maintained, making it a great spot for swimming and sunbathing. There are also a variety of water sports activities available for tourists to enjoy, including jet skiing and boating. Visitors can also explore the nearby fishing village and taste the fresh seafood delicacies.
Geography and Geology
Kanyakumari is the southern peninsular tip is bordered on three sides by the Laccadive Sea. It is located at the confluence of the Western Coastal Plains and Eastern Coastal Plains and has an average elevation of 30 metres. Kanyakumari consist Charnockite, Gneiss, Granite Alluvium, Sandy clay and Marine deposits in the district. The major river in the district is Thambaraparani, has two major distributaries namely Kodayar and Paralayar. The River is originate from Western Ghats and confluences with Arabian Sea near Thengaipattanam.
Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari or The Virgin Princess, referring to Devi Kanya Kumari, also known as Cape Comorin,is the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent. It is the southernmost city in mainland India, and thus referred to as “The Land’s End”. The city is situated 90 kilometres south of Thiruvananthapuram city, and about 20 kilometres from Nagercoil, the headquarters of Kanniyakumari district.
Kanyakumari weather
Kanyakumari has a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. The weather in Kanyakumari is influenced by the monsoon winds and the surrounding seas. The best time to visit Kanyakumari Beach is from October to March when the weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. During this time, the humidity is low, and the skies are clear, making it perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
The summer season in Kanyakumari starts from April and lasts until June, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius. The humidity during this period is very high, and the heat can be unbearable, making it difficult to explore the outdoors.
The monsoon season in Kanyakumari starts from July and lasts until September, with heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. While the weather may not be suitable for outdoor activities, this is the best time to enjoy the scenic beauty of Kanyakumari when the lush green landscapes are at their best.
Kanyakumari tourist places
Vivekananda Rock Memorial
Vivekananda Rock Memorial is dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, the famous Indian philosopher and spiritual leader who is believed to have meditated on this rock during his visit to Kanyakumari in 1892. The Vivekananda Rock Memorial was built in 1970 and features a meditation hall and a statue of Swami Vivekananda. The memorial is designed in a unique blend of architectural styles, including traditional Indian and modern styles.
Visitors can reach the memorial by taking a ferry from the Kanyakumari Beach. The ferry ride offers stunning views of the sea and the surrounding hills. Once at the memorial, visitors can explore the meditation hall, which features several paintings and murals depicting the life of Swami Vivekananda. The hall is a serene and peaceful place, ideal for meditation and contemplation. The memorial also offers beautiful views of the sea and the surrounding landscape.
Thiruvalluvar Statue
The Thiruvalluvar Statue is a 40 meter tall statue of the famous Tamil poet and philosopher, Thiruvalluvar, located on a small island near the Vivekananda Rock Memorial. The statue was inaugurated in the year 2000 and has since become a popular tourist attraction.
Thiruvalluvar is known for his contribution to Tamil literature, especially his famous work, Thirukkural, which is a collection of 1,330 couplets on ethical and moral values. The Thiruvalluvar Statue is a tribute to his contribution to Tamil literature and culture.
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Padmanabhapuram Palace
Padmanabhapuram Palace is a beautiful palace located in the town of Padmanabhapuram near Kanyakumari Beach. The palace was the seat of the rulers of the erstwhile Kingdom of Travancore and is now a popular tourist attraction. The Padmanabhapuram Palace is known for its stunning architecture, which is a blend of Kerala and Tamil Nadu styles. The palace complex is spread over an area of around 6 acres and features several courtyards, rooms, and buildings, including a durbar hall, royal bedrooms, a council chamber, and a shrine.
One of the highlights of the palace is the 17th-century mahogany throne, which is believed to have been used by the rulers of Travancore. The palace also features several beautiful murals, intricate carvings, and wooden ceilings that showcase the exquisite craftsmanship of the artisans of that era.
Kanyakumari temple
Kanyakumari is home to the famous Kumari Amman Temple, also known as the Kanyakumari Temple. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kumari Amman, who is believed to be the incarnation of Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. The Kumari Amman Temple is located near the Kanyakumari Beach and is one of the most visited temples in South India. The temple’s architecture is a blend of Tamil and Kerala styles, with a tall, gold-plated gopuram and a beautiful mandapam that houses the idol of the goddess.
The temple attracts a large number of devotees, especially during the Navratri festival, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion. The temple is also an important pilgrimage site for Hindus, who believe that a visit to Kanyakumari and the Kumari Amman Temple is considered highly auspicious.
Suchindram Temple
Suchindram Temple, also known as the Thanumalayan Temple, is a popular Hindu temple located in Suchindram town near Kanyakumari beach. The temple is known for its unique architectural style, intricate carvings, and rich religious significance.
The temple is dedicated to three main deities- Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma and is one of the few temples in India where these three deities are worshipped together. The temple also has several other shrines dedicated to various Hindu gods and goddesses.
The temple complex is spread over an area of 15 acres and includes several mandapams, halls, and gopurams. The main tower, which is over 40 meter tall, is a marvel of ancient South Indian architecture and is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures.
One of the main attractions of the Suchindram Temple is the 5 meter-tall Anjaneya (Hanuman) statue located at the entrance of the temple. The statue is made of a single block of granite and is believed to be one of the tallest Hanuman statues in India. Another unique feature of the Suchindram Temple is the musical pillars in the mandapams. The pillars are carved with intricate designs and produce musical notes when struck.
Gandhi Memorial Mandapam
The Gandhi Memorial Mandapam is a famous monument and memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. The memorial was built to honour the memory of Mahatma Gandhi, who visited Kanyakumari in 1925, and the spot where his ashes were kept for public viewing before they were immersed in the sea after his assassination in 1948.
The Gandhi Memorial Mandapam is a beautiful structure that stands on the edge of the sea. It was designed by the famous architect Charles Correa and was built in the year 1956. The memorial features a stunning central dome, which is surrounded by several smaller domes, and is supported by 16 pillars, which represent the 16 states of India at the time of the construction of the memorial.
One of the main attractions of the Gandhi Memorial Mandapam is the spot where Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were kept for public viewing. The spot is marked by a simple yet powerful structure, which is surrounded by a beautiful garden. Visitors can pay their respects to Gandhi and offer their prayers at this spot.
Udayagiri Fort
Udayagiri Fort is a historical fort located near Kanyakumari beach. The fort was built in the 17th century by the Venad kings of Travancore, and it served as an important military outpost and center of administration for many years. The fort is located on a hilltop, and it offers panoramic views of the surrounding areas. The fort’s strategic location made it an important center for trade and commerce during the medieval period.
The fort has several structures and monuments that showcase the architectural style and craftsmanship of the period. The fort’s main entrance is a massive gateway that leads to a courtyard, which is surrounded by several buildings and structures. One of the main attractions of the Udayagiri Fort is the temple dedicated to Lord Vinayaka (Ganesha), which is located within the fort’s premises. The temple is an ancient structure, and it features several intricate carvings and sculptures.
Another interesting feature of the Udayagiri Fort is the underground tunnel system, which is believed to have been used for transporting goods and as an escape route during times of war. The tunnels are accessible to visitors and provide a glimpse into the fort’s history.
Vattakottai Fort
Vattakottai Fort is a historic fort located near Kanyakumari beach. The fort was built in the 18th century by the Travancore kingdom as a coastal defense outpost. The fort is located near the Kanyakumari Beach and offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea.
The fort is built in a circular shape, and it is made of granite stones. The walls of the fort are over 7 meter, and they offer a glimpse into the architectural style and construction techniques of the period. The fort also features a small pond, which was used to store water during times of war.
One of the main attractions of the Vattakottai Fort is the scenic view it offers of the surrounding areas. Visitors can take a leisurely walk along the fort’s walls and enjoy the beauty of the Arabian Sea and the nearby hills. The fort is also a popular spot for birdwatching and nature photography. The area around the fort is home to several species of birds, including migratory birds that visit the area during the winter months.
Mathur Hanging Bridge
Mathur Hanging Bridge is a suspension bridge located near Mathur village near Kanyakumari Beach. The bridge is built over the Pahrali River and is one of the longest and highest suspension bridges in Asia. The bridge was built in 1966 by the British, and it is made of steel cables and iron girders. The bridge is over 350 meter long and is suspended at a height of over 30 meter from the riverbed.
One of the main attractions of the Mathur Hanging Bridge is the stunning view it offers of the surrounding areas. Visitors can take a leisurely walk along the bridge and enjoy the beauty of the river and the nearby hills. The bridge is also a popular spot for adventure enthusiasts, who can indulge in activities like trekking and bungee jumping. The nearby hills offer several opportunities for trekking, and the bridge is an ideal spot for bungee jumping.
Kanyakumari airport
Kanyakumari does not have an airport of its own. The nearest airport to Kanyakumari is the Trivandrum International Airport, which is located around 90 km away from the town. Trivandrum International Airport is well-connected to major cities in India and around the world, with regular flights operated by domestic and international airlines. From the airport, visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kanyakumari.
Another option for reaching Kanyakumari is by taking a train. Kanyakumari has its own railway station, which is well-connected to major cities in India. There are also regular bus services available from major cities in Tamil Nadu and Kerala to Kanyakumari.
Chennai to Kanyakumari train
Chennai and Kanyakumari Beach are well-connected by rail, and there are several trains that operate between the two cities. Some of the popular trains that run between Chennai and Kanyakumari are- Kanyakumari Express, Ananthapuri Express, Nagarcoil Express and Pearl City Express. There are also several other trains that run between Chennai and Kanyakumari beach, including the Rock Fort Express, Cape Mumbai Express, and Vivek Express.
