Kanyakumari, the end of India, is a beautiful city located in Tamil Nadu. There are many such things in this small city of South India that compel tourists not only from the country but also from abroad to pay a visit. The beauty of Kanyakumari settled in the sea waves is phenomenal. Kanyakumari has been the center of art, culture, and civilization since ancient times. Kanyakumari is proven to be the best place for people interested in crafts and architectural art. Kanyakumari is primarily the confluence of the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. If you are planning a trip to Kanyakumari for the first time, then do read about the beautiful places here before starting your journey.
Vivekanand Roy Memorial
It is a rich memorial which was established in 1970 in honor of Swami Vivekananda who is said to have attained enlightenment on the rock. This is a unique piece of architecture in South India. The memorial consist of two main structures, the Vivekananda Mandapam and the Shripada Mandapam. If you are planning a trip to Kanyakumari should definitely come to see this memorial. Vivekananda Mandapam has sections named Dhyana Mandapam which are meditation halls, Sabha Mandapam which is the assembly hall, Mukha Mandapam and Namashtubhyam. Shripada Mandapam consists of Garbha Graham, Inner Prakaram, Outer Prakaram, Outer Platform.
Padnabhapuram Palace
It is one of the most beautiful palaces in Kanyakumari. The spacious and modest palace, spread over an area of 4 kilometers, is situated in the foothills of Velli hills, which forms a part of Western Ghats. This palace was built by the king of Travancore and is made of granite around 1601 CE. The Padnabhapram Palace consists of several structures which are Mantrasala which is the King’s Council Chamber, Thai Kottaram, Nataksala which is the Performance Hall, A four-storeyed mansion at the center of the complex, Thekee Kottaram which is the Southern Palace. Therefore, it is highly advisable to pay this magnificent place a visit in case you are in Kanyakumari.
Kanyakumari Temple
Although many temples are prevalent here, the Kanyakumari temple is the most famous one. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kumari Amman who is one of the forms of Devi, hence this temple is also known as Kumari Amman temple. The temple is the first Durga Temple created by Lord Parasurama and one of the 108 Shakti Peethas. The temple has been mentioned in mythologies Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Purananooru. Thousands of devotees come here every year to seek blessings from the goddess and pay her obeisance. Do visit this temple and it will be a delight to hear the ocean waves. You will also feel a lot of positive energy in the temple.
Olakruvi Falls
On the west ghat of Kanyakumari is the Olakruvi falls, also known as Ullakarvi falls. The falls are up in the middle of forested hills, which is accessible only on foot from the base of the hills. The hour’s trek from the base of the hills is through the rocky, forested area which is thrilling in itself. This place is a famous spot as there are two waterfalls, the lower waterfall is a good picnic spot, and the higher fall which is further uphills. To reach the higher fall you need to climb about 200m uphill.
Mahatma Gandhi Memorial
There also lies one Mahatma Gandhi memorial in Kanyakumari. The monument was built in honor of Mahatma Gandhi. The place is also known as Gandhi Mandapam, which must be an important part of every Kanyakumari visit. After the demise of Bapu in 1948, his ashes were kept in 12 different urns so as to transfer them to different parts of the country. One of the urns was brought to Kanyakumari. Before immersion, it was kept at the spot where the memorial is built now for the public so that they can pay their last homage to one of the greatest sons of the country. Later Mahatma Gandhi Memorial was built in the same place.
