Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari

Introduction

A city in the state of Tamil Nadu, Kanyakumari is said to be one of the most beautiful city in the Indian Peninsular. Along with a rich tapestry pf history, the city is a treat for all tourists owing to the various amazing tourist attractions the city has to offer. It is a guarantee that one you would never get bored for even a minute on your visit to this place of scenic beauty.

Accommodation

Kanyakumari, being a place of a lot of religious activities along with having some of the best tourist spots in India, attracts a lot of tourists from all over the world. Due to this, Kanyakumari offers to all its visitors a wide variety of accommodations ranging from luxurious expensive hotels to hotels that are comfortable yet not expensive.

Kanyakumari hotels offer fine accommodation facilities to tourist visiting the city. Hotels in Kanyakumari are from high end luxury hotels to economy and budget hotels. For budget travelers, Kanyakumari has a variety of budget hotels and mid-priced hotels. Tourists in search of luxury hotels in Kanyakumari can book a luxury room in any of the five star or four star hotels in Kanyakumari.

All the prominent Hotels Accommodation have well selected rooms and suites with in room amenities such as attached bathroom, running water that could be warm and cols water, mini bar, tea and coffee maker, television with cable connection, telephone with direct dial, internet access, balcony and room service. 

Most accommodations with the dining facility have a bar attached to it. More than often international cuisines along with hot and cold beverages are served here.

Apart from hotels, the city offers accommodations in lodges and Dharamshalas. Though the city is filled with these accommodations, it is advised to book it well in advance to avoid the rush.

As Kanyakumari is not a very big town most of the hotels can be found to the north of the main market. Both private and Tamil Nadu Tourist Development Corporation (TTDC) run hotels can be found here. For tourists that are students, TTDC run youth hostels would be preferable where dormitories are available.

Most of the hotels have a grandeur ambience and the welcome is warming. As mentioned earlier, Kanyakumari always attracts a lot of tourists. Due to this reason, the hotels are always expecting a lot of guests. This results in the continuous practice of top notch service time and again. So all tourists can be assured that the service and facilities offered by the hotels and resorts are the best.

History

Kanyakumari takes its name from Kumari Amman or Kanyakumari Temple, situated in the town, on the sea-shore, the very confluence of the three water-bodies - Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. Kanyakumari has a wealthy and ancient history. The city bears a lot of Christian, Jain and Muslim influence. It is said that one of the 12 apostles of Christ, St. Thomas had come to the Indian subcontinent and in 52 AD and established a church here.  

Kanyakumari district, once known as "The Granary of Travancore" is situated at the southwestern part of Indian peninsula. It was in Travancore for a long time and then combined with Tamil Nadu in 1956 under the State Linguistic Reorganization Act.

In the year 1949, Kanyakumari was declared a part of the reconstituted Travancore-Cochin Union. The Tamil mass of Kanyakumari was not happy with this. Ultimately in 1956 bowing to a mass agitation under the leadership of Thiru M.A. Nesamani Government of India amalgamated Kanyakumari District with Tamil Nadu.

Geography

Kanyakumari is the southernmost city of the Indian mainland. The land mass in and around the town are hilly and not level, with many commercial buildings and hotels at the upper crest of the land mass with the sea visible below.  Kanyakumari lies at the meeting position of three bodies of water that are the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. It is situated in 8º 4' 20 N., 77º 35' 35 E., and is the ending point of the Western Ghats. The town has a agro-climatic conditions, which favors growing of crops.

Language, Culture and People

The city of Kanyakumari has a rich diversity of language and there are numerous languages spoken in this district of India. Though most of the people in Kanyakumari speak in Tamil and Malayalam, English is spoken in the urban areas of the city.

The culture, aptitude, religion, beliefs, habits and talents of Kanyakumari show how the district presents itself to others. Hindus and Christians form a majority of the population but there are also a number of Muslim dominated regions in the city. In spite of this the people live in peace and harmony here. There is no caste system here.

Rice is the staple diet of Kanyakumari. Poorer sections of the town also use tapioca. Tea and coffee are widely consumed by the people of this city even in rural areas.

Places to visit

The beautiful Gandhi Memorial was completed in 1956 and is built as a memorial to the Father of the Nation.  A vase of Mahatma Gandhi was kept here for the public to pay homage before its submerging. Mahatma Gandhi visited Kanyakumari twice, once in 1925 and then 1937. In tribute of these events a beautiful monument has been constructed here. 

One more monument Kamarajar Manimandapam was raised and dedicated to Late.  Sri. Kamarajar who was The freedom fighter, Former Chief minister of Tamil Nadu, President of Indian National Congress.  He was popularly known as Black Gandhi among the people and king maker during congress regime.

Vivekananda Rock Memorial is another place in Kanyakumari which attracts a huge number of tourists.  As its name implies, it is basically a sacred monument, built by the Vivekananda Rock Memorial Committee to commemorate the visit of Swamy Vivekananda to “Shripada Parai” during 24th, 25th and 26th December 1892 for deep meditation and enlightenment. 

A breathtaking view of the Sunrise can be seen in Kanyakumari through out the year at The Bay of Bengal. Sunset can be seen from View Tower through out the year apart from the months of June, July and August.

The Government Museum, located on the Beach Road offers a good collection of sculptured artifacts and crafts of South Indian Temples and is one of the places in Kanyakumari that should be visitied.

The Guganathaswamy Temple is a 1000 year old temple and is said to have been built by the King Raja Raja Chola.  The architectural style of the Cholas is quiet obvious in this temple.  It is situated near Railway Station. 

Kumari - Hall of history is situated south side of Kanyakumari Railway Station and exhibits the pictures of historical wonders and also comprised rare photographs Kamarajar, Gandhiji and other freedom fighters.

         

Udayagiri Fort was rebuilt in the sovereignty of Marthandavarma, the Venad King, during 1741-44.  Under the supervision of De Lannoy, the Belgian General, who served as the Chief of the Travancore army; East India Company’s troops were stationed there till the middle of the 19th century.    Foundry for the produce of guns, mortars and cannon balls were also established within the fort under the supervision of the General. 

The Mathoor Hanging Trough is the tallest as well as the longest trough bridge in Asia, having a height of 115 feet and a length of one kilometer. Built in 1966, this bridge has become a place of tourist importance and hundreds of tourists visit this place

St. Xavier’s church records show that the church was built in the year 1600 A.D.  In the year 1865, the Church was enlarged and the shrine of our lady was also renovated and vaulted over.  In 1930, the church was raised to the status of a Cathedral.    

About 43 km. from Nagercoil the Pechiparai Dam has been constructed.  This dam in Kalkulam Taluk, was constructed during the days of the Maharaja Sri Moolam Thirunal across the river Kodayar.  The construction of the dam was designed on the model of the Periyar dam in the Madurai district. The weather is very pleasing and hence attracts a large number of tourists.

The well-known beach at Muttom is located about 16 kms from Nagercoil and 32 kms from Kanyakumari. Muttom is famous for its stunning landscaping and high rocks dipping into the sea at the beach-side. The sun set view point at Muttom is one of the most beautiful view points in the district. Another appeal of Muttom is the century old light-house built by the British. However so far this attractive beach has always been unsafe for the tourists since the rocks on which tourists go to see the sea view are slippery and a number of fatal accidents have occurred over the past few years

The Chothavilai Beach is about 10 Kms from Kanyakumari, is one of the best natural beaches of the district. The beach has low water and High sand dunes on the back ground. The tourists can reach the beach through the newly laid coastal road which is a very striking drive along the sea-coast.

Baywatch, The water theme amusement park at sunset point presents a unique way to experience the exotic grandeur of Kanyakumari in its integrals.  Baywatch comes up with a healthy family entertainment saga of rapturous experience, which leaves you at a point of nonstop excitement in a thrilling and bewitching water world.  Great fun styles equivalent to international standards keep you on the ecstatic brink of frenzy.  Fun filled rides like Bumping Car, Sky Cab, Crazy Chairs, Hot Tea Cups, Giant Wheel, Columbus, Wave pool, Milky Way, Multiple Splash.

Transport and Communication

The town is well connected through roads all through its different corners. The roads are broad and facilitate advancement in the economy of the country and also help in good communication as well.

There are also a large number of railways, which connect other parts of the county to Kanyakumari through its large network system. These two means of transport are not parallel but inter-dependent.

There are many fast trains that ply from this southern city to other parts of India. The well-developed broad gauge railway lines are well maintained and assist in distant communications. There are many facilities presented by the railway department to its passengers.  

Conclusion

So if you want a vacation filled with fun yet explore the rich cultural heritage of the country India, be sure to visit the beautiful city of Kanyakumari.