Visitor Attractions in Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari is reputed worldwide for its mesmerizing natural beauty. The attractions of Kanyakumari are of historical and religious importance. The seashore of Kanyakumari is highly special since it is the meeting place of Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. On account of its strategic location, one can see both sunrise and sunset from the beach of this town. This is one of the principal reasons why many people throng to visit this place. There are some exquisite locations from which gatherings of visitors view these natural happenings in the mornings and evenings. On full moon days, tourists can enjoy a picturesque moonrise and sunset at the same time.
Kumari Ghat is a very popular place among Hindus for a holy dip believed to annihilate sins. Most remarkably, the extreme southern point of India is marked by two huge rocks submerged in the ocean known as Pitru-tirta and Matru-tirta. Regular ferry services are available to visit the two rocks that house the Vivekananda Memorial and a recently built memorial for Tiruvalluvar, the famous saint poet of ancient Tamil Nadu who composed Tirukkural. The central attraction of this memorial is the majestic view of the huge 133 feet tall stone statue of the saint poet projecting into the sky against the blue background of the sea waters. Once the visitors are here, they can enjoy a rare and enchanting sight of the vast stretch of the Indian subcontinent. The Vivekananda memorial is also deeply connected with a historical moment in the life of saint Vivekananda. Yet another unique feature of Kanyakumari is a variety of beach sands seen in seven different colors. One of the most exquisite views of the sea can be enjoyed from the light house of this town between 3 and 7 pm.
Kumari Amman temple or the Shrine of Kanyakumari is an important landmark in this place. A legend says that Kanyakumari descended on this earth to put an end to the atrocities played by the demon Banasura. After killing the demon in a stiff battle, the goddess sat in eternal meditation to win the heart of Lord Shiva.
Some of the other places of importance to visit in Kanyakumari are Gandhi Memorial and Kamaraj memorial. The architecture of Gandhi Mandapam is akin to that of most Hindu temples. The memorial houses an urn that contained the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi’s body for sometime till they were mixed in the ocean waters. The architecture is designed letting the first rays of the sun fall on the spot where Gandhiji’s ashes were kept.
While the visitors tour in Kanyakumari, there are other interesting places that they can visit as well. There is a circular fort called Vattakottai overlooking the sea that belongs to the 18th-century. Udayagiri Fort is equally interesting which was built by King Marthanda Verma. Guganathaswamy Temple is also a famous religious spot of tourist significance. Today, the facility houses a factory that manufactures guns. Padmanabhapuram Palace is a huge mansion built by Travancore kings and is renowned for its splendid architecture and impressive artistic touch. Susindram Temple is very near to Kanyakumari. The presiding deity of this temple is called Tanumalayan meaning the combination of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, the triad of Hinduism. This temple houses some of the most exquisite sculptures large in size that bear testimony to the grandeur and skill of ancient Indian iconography and sculpture.
