Kanyakumari

Bordered by Grand Hills and the plains surrounded by colorful sea-shores, fringed with coconut trees and paddy fields, here and there are few high patches of red cliffs with rising and falling valleys and plains between the mountainous topography and the sea coast, so closely interlace with Temples and Churches and other edifices lies the district, 'Kanyakumari'.

The charming natural beauty of this place invites mass of tourists from far corners of India and the world at large. The place is blessed with a pleasing climate and you will come across quite a few places of tourist interest that are located here. The tourist attractions in Kanyakumari are mainly of religious and historic significance. The sea shore of Kanyakumari is well-known for beautiful sunset and sunrise. From the time when the early 1970s, tourism has been a central activity in the town. Because of this it is one of the few small towns in South India where one can see many of the multi-languages of India spoken in the street. Of late, the back-up of tourism has increased, with attractions that do not consist of the Kanyakumari town, such as the nearby landscapes, as well as the historical and religious sites found all-around the district, being highlighted to a greater degree. Eventually a total of 1.9 million tourists from domestic and foreign destinations visited Kanyakumari in the year 2007.

The Kanyakumari tourist places are 'must watch' for the visitors because they are instances of the age-old culture, heritage and civilization of this place.

Untill the downfall of Pandiyas, Kanyakumari was under the rule of Parava kings, and later by the kings of Travancore in the full sovereignty of the British until 1947. In the year 1947, Travancore joined the independent Indian Union.

In accordance with Article Travancore, modern town and district bears the name Kanyakumari district, progressed both socially and economically. However, a considerable portion of the population were learning and speaking Malayalam as their mother tongue. Culturally, then Kanyakumari was mixed and has a greater impact on Travancore.

In the year 1949, Kanyakumari became the part of Travancore-Cochin state. At that time it was an eruption of popular agitation, led by Marshal Nesamony on the issue of Kanyakumari district. The people of Agasteeswarem, Thovalai, Kalkulam and Vilavancode Taluks, which formed the southern divisions of the former Trivandrum District, were mostly Tamil speaking. Tamil speaking people claimed the region of Kanyakumari belonged to them. The States Re-organization Commission also suggested this. Therefore, the States Reorganization Act, 1956 was sanctioned and the Kanyakumari District was established on 1st November 1956, with the four Taluks, Viz., Agasteeswarem, Thovalai, Kalkulam and Vilavancode and amalgamated with Tamil Nadu.

Kumari Thanthai Marshal Nesamony has been instrumental in Kanyakumari district's connection with Tamil Nadu in 1956 during the reorganization of linguistic states in India. Kanyakumari was integrated with Tamil Nadu (Madras State) as the language is based on the reorganizations of the state.

Around AD 52, Christianity arrived in South India through St. Thomas, one of the twelve Apostles of Christ. In the 16th century, European missionaries reached this area to propagated Christianity. The pioneer of preaching Christianity in the present day Kanyakumari district was St. Francis Xavier.

Islam is supposed to have entered this part of India through Kanyakumari during the early part of the eighth century AD through traders and missionaries who came through sea-routes. Islam, Christianity and Jainism have also played a part to the architectural wealth and literary heritage of the Kanyakumari region.

This temple is devoted to a demonstration of Parvati, the virgin goddess who performed penance to obtain Lord Shiva as her husband in marriage. Black stone idol of Kanyakumari Temple, itself is a charming wreath. The temple is a main tourist attraction with neighboring ghat, beautifully placed overlooking the sea shore. It is a prominent belief that the diamond nose-ring of the deity is so shiny that it is visible even from the sea. Legend has it that the light from the nose ring is guiding ships like a light house.

There are also shrines for Balasundari and Vijayasundari, friends and acquaintances of the Goddess in the form of juvenile. In total, 11 Theerthams (holy bathing places) associated with the temple in the ocean that surrounds the area. Confluence of the sea, on the southern tip of the subcontinent is considered sacred place for centuries.

By Air
Trivandram (kerala) is the nearest airport, which is about 80-km away from here. The airport is frequented by flights from all the major cities of India. For More details contact: Indian Airlines

By Rail
A newly built Railway station at Kanyakumari connects you from any whare in Inaid. For timings and ticket reservation contact: Southern Railway.

By Road
Kanyakumari is well linked to all the main cities in the South India. State Transport buses, both luxury coaches and state tourist buses ply in and out of Kanyakumari frequency. For more details contact: SETC