General Information about Kanya Kumari

Kumari Amman Temple
Kumari Amman Temple is dedicated to Parvati as Devi Kanya, the Virgin Goddess who did penance to obtain the hand of Lord Shiva.

The Temple At Suchindram
Tradition connects the Kannyakumari temple with that in Suchindram (13-km from Kanyakumari). This is a fine, large fane, with a beautiful tank. It is one of the few temples in the country where the Trinity, Brahma, Vishnu and Isvara, are worshipped. The Linga, named "Sthanumalaya", is in three parts; the top represents Lord Shiva, the middle Lord Vishnu, and the base Lord Brahma. "Sthanu" is a name of Shiva, "Mal" of Vishnu, and "Ayan" of Brahma.

Gandhi Mandapam
Not far from the Kumari Amman Temple is the Gandhi Mandapam, constructed at the spot where the urn containing the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi was kept for public view before a portion of its contents was immersed in the three seas. It resembles an Oriyan temple and was designed so that on Gandhiji's birthday (2nd October), the sun's rays fall on the place where his ashes were kept.

Other Attractions of Kanyakumari

Thengapattinam Beach

Thengapattinam, situated on the west coast, is a place of historical importance. It is 35-km from Nagercoil and 54-km from Kannyakumari. As coconut trees are abundant in this place, the place might have derived this name.
This village had, in ancient times, trade relations with foreign countries like Arabia. There was direct Cargo boat service between Thengapattinam and other foreign maritime towns.
The mosque at Thengapattinam is about 1,200 years old. This place is well connected with Nagercoil and Thiruvananthapuram by regular bus service. Thengapattinam Beach is an excellent picnic spot with backwater facilities.

Pechipparai Dam
Like all other dam sites Pechipparai Dam too is a popular picnic spot where facilities for boating have also been provided. It is 56-km from Kanyakumari.

Chidaral: 55-km from Kanyakumari is Chidaral. The Jain sculptures here are worth a visit.

Vattakottai: About 6-km from Kannyakumari is Vattakottai with an 18th century fort overlooking the sea. The sea here is calm and suitable for bathing.

Muttam: About 32-km from Kannyakumari is Muttam with a fine beach and a lighthouse.

Padamanabhapuram: The capital of Travancore until 1333, Padmanabhapuram is known for its fort which encloses, among other buildings, a palace and a temple. The palace has some important art relics while the Ramaswami temple has exquisitely carved panels depicting scenes from the Ramayana. Padmanabhapuram is 45km from Kanyakumari.

Thiruvattar

Thiruvattar is located at a distance of 70-km from Kanyakumari. The temple here is one of the finest specimens of temple art and architecture. The paintings on the walls of the temple are worth seeing.

 Thirparappu Water Falls: About 60km from Kanyakumari are Thirparappu Waterfalls, a picturesque spot with an ancient Mahadevar Temple.

Mathoor Thottippalam: It is one of the largest and the highest bridge located near Thiruvattar about 70-km from Kanyakumari. The bridge and the lush green surroundings are noted for scenic beauty.

Olakkay Aruvi Water falls
Olakkay Aruvi waterfalls in the Western Ghats are 14-km from Nagercoil and 33-km from Kanyakumari. The beautiful waterfalls and the natural scenery all around the place attract many holiday seekers and this place has become an important picnic centre.

Kalakkadu and Mundanthurai
Kalakadu wildlife sanctuary is situated in an area of 223-sq-km in the Tirunelveli district, including the foothills of the Western Ghats and the adjoining area. 47km from Tirunelveli, the Kalakadu wildlife sanctuary is very popular with botanists and ornithologists as it has a great variety of fauna and bird life.

Situated 42-km from Tirunelveli, the Mundanthurai wildlife sanctuary boasts of dry deciduous to tropical wet evergreen forest patches of pure reeds. The sanctuary covers an area of 567-sq-kms. There is nothing to differentiate this sanctuary from that of Kalakadu, except the absence of Elephant and the Gaur.