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At the southernmost tip of India, where the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal meet, lies Kanniyakumari, an important pilgrim centre.
The Kumari Amman temple here is dedicated to Parvathi as Devi-kanya: the virgin goddess who did penance to obtain the hand of Lord Siva.
Two rocks reach out of the ocean, south-east of the Kumari Amman temple. One of these is Sri Padaparai, where the footprints of the virgin goddess are to be seen. On this rock, Swami Vivekananda sat in long and deep meditation; and here stands the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, built in 1970.
Travel Information
Climate
Summer (Mar. to Jun.): Warm
Winter ( Nov. To Feb.): Mildly warm and pleasant
Clothing
Throughout the year-Cottons
Getting There
Connected by road to Madras (703 km), Madurai (242 km) and other major towns in South India.
Kanniyakumari is on the Thiruvananthapuram - Kanniyakumari section of the southern railway.
The nearest airport is Thiravananthapuram (93 km).
Where to Stay
Devasthanam Rest House
Hotel Tamil Nadu
Kalaimagal Illam
Malaimagal Illam
Youth Hostel (TTDC)
What to see
Vattakottai (Circular Fort)
The 18th century fort overlooking the sea, located 6 km from Kanniyakumari. Here the sea is calm and suitable for bathing.
Suchindram
The Thanumalayan temple here is a repository of art treasures belonging to many kingdoms. The presiding deity in the form of a Linga denotes Siva, Vishnu and Brahma. Inscriptions said to be of the 9th century AD are found in this temple.
Udayagiri Fort
Built by King Marthanda Verma (1729-1758 AD), this fort also has a foundry for casting guns. De Lennoy's tomb is in this fort.
Shopping
Handicrafts of Tamil Nadu and South India are available at all Government retail outlets in the main town.
Festivals
• Chithra Pournami Festival is celebrated in the first week of May.
• Navarathri is celebrated in the last week of October.
• Holy Annual festival of R C Church is celebrated in the fourth week of December.
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