From Ptolemy to Marco Polo, Cape Comorin's enchanting tales have populated the annals of history and the writings of many greats. Yet the city on the southernmost tip continues to thrive with unique and diverse experiences. On one end, it calls out to the devoted with its many temples, and on the other, it swiftly takes over the imagination of those in search of nature's true beauty; and in between, it also immaculately fits in a wealth of legends and myths. If you are visiting the tranquil haven for the first time, here's our complete guide on the top historical places you must visit when in the city.
The best way to acquaint yourself with Kanniyakumari is to dive deep into its history, which has been shaped by the Dutch, Portuguese, British and various Indian dynasties, from the Cholas to the Travancore.
The foremost proof of its illustrious past is the grand Padmanabapuram Palace, a symbol for the time when Tamil Nadu and Kerala were one. The palace is regarded as Asia's largest wooden palace and features interiors donning intricate woodwork and sculptures characterising Kerala's architectural style. Spread over 6.5 acres, the complex comprises 14 structures, housing unique treasures like a pillar carved out of a jackfruit tree, an intricately carved Chinese chair, Belgian mirrors and a bed believed to have been made of 64 varieties of medicinal woods, and vibrant murals that pictorially narrate Vaishnavite and Saivaite mythologies. Since the Palace welcomes hordes of visitors throughout the day and takes approximately two hours to tour, it is best covered in the morning hours.
As magnificent and fittingly reflective of Kanniyakumar's Travancore heritage is the Vattakottai Fort, from where, as legends suggest, one could see a great view of the Padmanabapuram Palace. Built in the 18th century for coastal defence, the fortification stands firmly to endure the test of time. Constructed of stone, the 3.5-acre Vattakottai Fort has observation towers and armories. Its aesthetically pleasing architecture, complete with a centrally located pond, is worth going the extra mile.
Next on your list should be the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, which is located just an hour away from the Palace and off the mainland, requiring you to board a ferry. Built in honour of the great philosopher Swami Vivekananda, the memorial is not just a sacred space among his followers but also for the legends associated with the rock it stands on. It is believed that the rock where the memorial stands is the spot where Vivekananda attained enlightenment. In addition, it is the ideal place to witness the breathtaking confluence of the three oceans—the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea—as well as stunning sunset and sunrise.
A ferry ride away from the Vivekananda Rock Memorial lies a grand wonder, the 41-metre-tall Thiruvalluvar Statue, against the beautiful backdrop of the stark blue ocean. Created by renowned Indian architect V. Ganapathi Sthapathi, the marvel is a breathtaking tribute to the famed poet Thiruvallavur, revered for his collection of couplets, Tirukkural. Standing at 95 feet tall and weighing 7000 tonnes, the statue represents the second and third books of wealth and love. The statue's 38-foot pedestal represents the first book of virtue.
Another gem located nearby that you must visit is the Gandhi Memorial Mandapam. Mahatma Gandhi had a special connection with Kanniyakumari, having visited the city twice in 1925 and 1937 to spread his message of freedom during his nationwide tour. When Gandhi passed away in 1948, his ashes were divided into 12 urns and taken to various parts of the country for immersion. One of these urns was brought to Kanniyakumari, and the spot where it was kept before immersion is now the memorial's location. Conclude your visit to the memorial by staying a little longer and heading to Sunset Point to witness a magical sunset colouring the ocean in pink and orange hues.
Another must-visit site on your itinerary that welcomes devotees from far and wide all year long is the revered and over 3000-year-old Bhagavathi Amman Temple. Dedicated to goddess Devi Kanyakumari and considered to be one of the 108 Shakthi Peethas, the temple enshrines various Hindu Gods, such as Lord Surya Deva, Lord Ganesha, Lord Ayyappa, Goddess Bala Sundari and Goddess Vijaya Sundari. Another interesting aspect of the temple is the myth associated with its origin. As per legends, after Goddess Parasakthi transformed into a Kumari and defeated Banasura, Saint Narada and Lord Parasurama requested her to stay on Earth until the end of Kaliyuga. Then, Lord Parasurama built this temple by the ocean and placed the Goddess’ idol in it. Besides its intriguing history, the temple is also known for its stunning Dravidian-style architecture, complete with intricately carved gopuramas and mandapas, and a roof made of Madras terracing. The temple's most remarkable feature is the idol adorned with a dazzling diamond nose ring that sparkles brilliantly. The best time to visit the temple is during the Brahma Muruta, from 4.30 am to 5.40 am, but you can make your way here afterwards as well. Do note that the temple doors are closed in the afternoon from 1 pm and reopen later at 5 pm.
While there is a lot to see in Kanniyakumari, the nearby towns are just as breathtaking. Often overlooked by tourists, they offer unparalleled views of the spotless coast. One such hidden gem is Colachel Beach, located approximately an hour away from the city centre by road, in an eponymous town. Although the deep blue ocean and the golden shores, with no crowd in sight, will floor you in one glance, the Beach also houses a heritage structure called the “Victory Pillar,” which was built by the valourous King Marthanda Varma upon successfully defending Travancore against Dutch invasion. The best time to visit this scenic spot is from November to May when the weather is pleasant and less humid.
Another great beach nearby is Muttom Beach, located in a quaint fishing village 34 km away from Kanniyakumari. The most distinctive characteristic that makes this beach a loved spot among tourists is the rocky outcrops that contrast the sandy shores, and the many caves surrounding it. In addition, the sunset here is considered to be beautiful, especially when it descends against the backdrop of a 135-year-old lighthouse, located approximately 200 meters from the beach.
For an off-the-grid experience, you can visit the Pechiparai Reservoir, recognised as the largest dam in the Kanniyakumari district. Located on the foothills of the Western Ghats and built across the placid Kotai River, the reservoir offers a serene setup for enjoying a relaxing picnic by the banks. When visiting the reservoir, also make sure to visit the Thiruparappu Falls 13 km away. Last but not least, the Mathur Aqueduct, located 60 km away from Kanniyakumari, is equally fascinating for its historical significance and architectural beauty. Built in 1966, the aqueduct runs over the Pahrali River for about 1 km, overlooking a gorgeous view of lush greenery stretched to the horizon. The best way to take in the serene beauty is to enjoy a leisurely stroll across the trough.
For a comfortable stay, consider Hotel Tamil Nadu Kanniyakumari located on Main Road and very close to the seashore. The property features comfortable and modern furnished rooms, including all the necessary amenities.
To reach Kanniyakumari, you can either fly to Chennai (705 km away) or Madurai (244 km) and board a train to complete the remaining journey. From Madurai, you can also opt to embark on a road journey to the city, which takes approximately three and a half hours to complete. From Chennai, it takes 11 hours by road.
For more details, go to TN Tourism Board's official page
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