Kanyakumari
The district Kanyakumari derived its name from the temple Kanyakumari which is dedicated to goddess Parbati (consort of lord Mahadeva). This district is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India due to its awesome beauties, particularly in the city at Kanyakumari. The city is located about 21 km away from Nagercoil (district headquarters) on the south most corner of Indian main land where three neighboring oceans of India namely Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean, meet.
Kanyakumari is second smallest district in Tamil Nadu with an area of 1684 sq. km. Among this region about 43 sq. km. is considered as urban area. Nagercoil and Kanyakumari is the major town of the district. This place is also famous for herbal treatment. It is believed that Agasthya Rishi or Muni (a Hindu sage) lived here during Indian ancient age. Agasthya Muni was an expert in medicinal herbs and you will find still today his herbal treatment around the district in several Ayurvedic chambers.
The climate of Kanyakumari remains pleasant throughout the year. There have no winter due to proximity of world Torrid Zone. The district is surrounded by three neighboring oceans which make a nice breezy wind across the district at evening and produce a heavy rainfall during the month from early June to late September. Average temperature of Kanyakumari varies from 20 °C to 36 °C and it receive an annually rainfall of 120 cm (approx).
According to the census report 2011 India, approximately 1909960 people reside in Kanyakumari. Tamil and Malayalam is the main spoken dialect of the district and English is another language has a written importance. The people of Kanyakumari mainly follow Hinduism and Christianity. Near about 51.3% of population in the district is Hindus, Christian’s communities make about 44.5% of population. Few Muslims follower also live here with a lower percent.
Places to visit in Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. If you planned to go to the district then do not miss the unique sunrise and sunset view at the meet point of Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. Some other major tourist spots in and around the district are Kanyakumari Temple, Padmanabhapuram Palace, Our Lady of Ransom Church, Chitharal Village, Gandhi Memorial, several beaches and many more.
Kanyakumari Temple is one of the major attractions in the town dedicated to the goddess Parvati or Sati. It is believed that the temple is one of the 51 Hindu Sakti Pitha.
Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari was constructed during 1970 on the top of a rock island near the meet place of three oceans. The small island is about 491 km away from sea beach.
Suchindram Temple is Located about 12 km away from Kanyakumari which dedicated to Hindu Lord Siva, Vishnu and Brahma.
Our Lady of Ransom Church was constructed during 1914 by Francis Xavier. The church has a length of 153 ft and height 153 ft.
Padmanabhapuram Palace is one of the most popular attractions in the state Tamil Nadu. It is Located about 14 km away from Nagercoil Town.
Vattakottai Fort is a historical site located about 7 km away from Kanyakumari City. You will find a lovely view from the top on the fort of surrounding sea and location.
Thiruvalluvar Statue is one of the popular tourist spots in Kanyakumari. It is located near Vivekananda Memorial in a small island.
St. Francis Xavier's church is located at Kottar in Nagercoil town. You will also find here some Temples which are dedicated to Hindu Gods.
Udayagiri was a fort constructed by the King Marthanda Varma, but, now it turned into a bio-diversity park by Kanyakumari District authority.
Baywatch amusement park (water theme park) and Wax museum is two important attractions of Kanyakumari which located just two km away from Kanyakumari City center.
Chitharal is a small village of the district famous for ancient Jain Monuments and culture. It is located about 8 km away from Marthandam and 54 km from Kanyakumari Town.
Thirunandikkara temple is the architecture of Pallava Dynasty located about 21 km away from Kanyakumari Town. It is rock-cut cave temple created after seventh century.
Thengapattinam Beach is located at Painkulam village about 36 km away from Nagercoil Town, and 54 km away from Kanyakumari. You can enter here with a ferry on hire.
Olakaruvi waterfalls are a lovely spot for adventure which is about 21 km away from Nagercoil. It is a rocky-forested area; best option is to go with a group.
Keeriparai is a small forestry hill including some beautiful waterfalls. It is famous for wild elephants located about 31 km away from Nagercoil Town.
Kodhayar is a hilly forest located about 61 km away from Kanyakumari. You need to obtain a Forest Department permission to access the entire forest. This forest is famous for wild bison.
Muttom village is a popular tourists spots of Kanyakumari District. It is surrounded by hilly regions including a lovely church located in the center of the village.
Sanguthurai Beach is about 9 km away from Nagercoil town. It is a beautiful palm-fringed and sandy beach which was smashed by.
How to reach Kanyakumari?
Travel by Airways
Thiruvananthapuram (state capital of neighboring state Kerala) International Airport is located about 84 km away from Kanyakumari and 71 km from Nagercoil. Kanyakumari is about 740 km away from its state capital Chennai. Tuticorin Domestic Airport is another closer airport Kanyakumari District located 111 km away from Nagercoil town.
Travel by Railways
Nagercoil is the main railway Station of Kanyakumari District which is connected to the eastern railway zone. It runs to North-East and connected to the rest part (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, etc) of India via Chennai. And the western Railway line runs through the neighboring state Kerala. You can reach here through the western zone from Trivandrum Central to Nagercoil and Kanyakumari.
Travel by Roadways
The district is well connected to the rest parts of Tamil Nadu by several state and national highways. There are two major National Highways in the district namely NH 7 which runs through Madurai and another NH 47 which is connected to the Kerala. Kanyakumari Town is directly connected to Trivandrum (85 km), Nagarkoil (21 km), Tirunelvelli (90 km), Tiruchendur (88 km), Tuticorin (130 km), etc. You will get regular bus services from the city to above mentioned place by Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation and several private bus operators.
Hotels, Restaurants and beach resorts in Kanyakumari
Indien Hermitage Resort Marungoor, Marungur city, Kanyakumari Telephone: 04652-254405 / 04652-254406 |
Hotel Manickam East car street, Kanyakumari Telephone: 04652-246387 / 246687 |
Hotel Sangam Main Road, Kanyakumari Telephone: 04652-246351 / 246352 |
Hotel Shivas Residencey 2/77A, South Car Street, Kanyakumari Telephone: 04652-246929 / 246150 |
Hotel Pioneer Paradise Tower Junction, Nagercoil Telephone: 04652-238451 / 238544 |
Hotel Sankar’s Guest House 4/75-A, Main Road, Kanyakumari Telephone: 04652-246260 / 246360 |
Akshaya Hotel K.P. Road, Nagarcoil Town Telephone: 04652-235553 / 309353 |
Harris Residency K.P.Road, Ramavarmapuram Nagercoil Telephone: 04652-278681 / 279918 |
Hotel Vijayetha W.C.C.Road, Nagarcoil Telephone: 04652-232206 / 227808 |
General Information about the district Kanyakumari
Country | India |
State | Tamil Nadu |
District Headquarters | Nagercoil |
Area | 1684 sq km |
Population census 2011 | 1909960 (aprox) |
STD Code | 04652 |
ISD Code | 00914652 |
Best time to visit in Kanyakumari | mid-November to February |
Languages Kanyakumari | Tamil, Malayalam and English |
Important helplines in Kanyakumari | Tourist info center Telephone: 04652-246276 Railway Enquiry Telephone: 04652-246247 Bus Enquiry Telephone: 04652-246255 Government hospital Telephone: 04652-248505 |