Kanniyakumari is a metropolis of many tales. Initially named after the goddess Devi Kanniyakumari, Lord Krishna’s sister, it developed by India’s many passages of historical past.  

When the Dutch East India Firm conquered Portuguese Ceylon, it was renamed Comorin, and in the course of the British period, this Portuguese identify developed to Cape Comorin. After Independence, the Indian authorities went again to the unique, Kanniyakumari.  

Kanniyakumari is an excellent vacation spot for each sort of traveller. From forts that unravel tales of its historic previous and temples the place divinity echoes to gorgeous seashores, town in India’s southernmost tip has all of them. 

Witness Grand Wonders  

In Kanniyakumari, you may witness architectural wonders just like the Mathoor Hanging Bridge, thought-about Asia’s tallest and longest trough bridge. Below the 7 ft tall and seven ft 6 inches broad engineering marvel, the Mathoor river runs by. Constructed to move water for irrigation, the bridge has transcended its practical roots to grow to be a sight to behold.  

One other marvel well worth the go to is the 41 metres tall Thiruvalluvar Statue overlooking the ocean. It was created by the well-known Indian architect, V. Ganapathi Sthapathi as a tribute to Tamil Nadu’s famed poet, Thiruvalluvar, and was inaugurated on 1st January, 2000 by Tamil Nadu’s then Chief Minister Dr M. Karunanidhi. 

Thiruvalluvar was most identified for his celebrated work, Tirukkural–a set of couplets on various topics like love, politics, ethics, and economics unfold throughout three books. The 95 toes tall and 7000 tonne statue is thought to characterize the second and third books–primarily based on wealth and love, whereas the 38 toes pedestal represents the primary–advantage.   

A Historic Tour  

Kanniyakumari’s historical past is made up of fascinating tales that come to life at many centuries-old websites. Considered one of them is Vattakottai Fort–a powerful construction constructed within the 18th century when the dominion of Travancore dominated over the area. Unfold throughout 3.5 acres of land and perched at a major peak, the stone construction presents a wide ranging view of the azure sea. 

Tamil Nadu’s shared historical past with Kerala, below the erstwhile kingdom of Travancore, finds an exquisite retelling in Padmanabhapuram Palace. Though the complicated is situated in Tamil Nadu, it’s owned and operated by the Authorities of Kerala. Unfold over 6.5 acres of land, it’s thought-about one in every of Asia’s largest picket palaces. The inside and exterior function intricate designs, full with woodwork and sculptures paying homage to Kerala’s distinctive architectural fashion. 

Equally spectacular and steeped in historical past is the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, inbuilt honour of India’s best religious chief and thinker, Swami Vivekananda. It’s believed that the rock on which the memorial stands is the place Vivekananda attained enlightenment and the place Devi Kanniyakumari prayed to lord Shiva. Right here, you may witness the confluence of distinct architectural types and the magical convergence of the three oceans–the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea.  

The Gandhi Memorial Mandapam is one more web site wealthy in historical past and wonder. Set in opposition to the deep-blue ocean, the memorial exudes a tranquil aura. Gandhi’s bond with Kanniyakumari was particular–he visited town twice in 1925 and 1937 when he launched into a nationwide journey spreading messages of freedom.  

In 1948, when Gandhi handed away, 12 urns along with his ashes had been transported to totally different components of the nation to be immersed. Of them, one was dropped at Kanniyakumari. The spot the place the urn was stored earlier than immersion is the place the memorial has been constructed. 

Take In Nature’s Magic 

The coast of Kanniyakumari is residence to a few of India’s serene seashores, the place you may get pleasure from blissful moments or expertise adventurous water sports activities. At Sanguthurai seashore, you may witness an awe-inspiring view of the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue. The sculpture of ‘Sangu’ or conch, believed to belong to the time of the Chola dynasty, provides to the attractive views right here. The seashore is right for making an attempt out totally different water sporting actions–parasailing is the most well-liked selection amongst guests. There’s additionally a play space for youths and lots of cottages round the place you may unwind.  

Kanniyakumari seashore is one other common spot that provides unforgettable sundown and dawn views over the convergence of three oceans–the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. This seashore can be one other incredible vantage level to view the Thiruvalluvar statue. One of the best time to go to this seashore for a novel expertise is in the course of the months of April to Could when “Chithra Paurnami” happens–on today you may see the solar and moon face one another on the identical horizon.   

If you wish to go to an off-beat and fewer crowded seashore, head to Sothavilai seashore. It stays comparatively unexplored, and due to this fact, is the right place to calm down. The shore is 4 km lengthy and is taken into account to be one of many longest seashores within the state. For the reason that water right here is shallow, it’s simply the proper place to go swimming. If you wish to merely lay again and revel in a simple day, there are lots of cottages round the place you are able to do so.  

When you discover magnificence in gushing waterfalls, then the Thiruparappu Waterfalls, located 55 km from Kanniyakumari, would absolutely enchant you. Descending from 50 ft above, the River Kodayar lends a surprising visible. It’s situated 13 km from the big Pechiparai Dam amidst lush greenery and close to a preferred temple flanked by a number of vacationers and devotees. 

The right way to attain: The closest airport and railway station is situated in Trivandrum and Nagercoil respectively. From there, many buses and taxis ply to Kanniyakumari. If you’re travelling by highway, many buses run from main cities like Pondicherry, Coimbatore, Madurai and Chennai. 

Finest time to go to: One of the best time to go to is from November to March. 

Close by points of interest: Do guarantee to go to Suchindram Shree Thanumalayan Swamy Temple, Chitharal Jain Rock Lower Temple, Chittar Dam, and Vattakottai Seaside.  

Discover extra data on: https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in