Friday 28 December 2012
Mandaikadu Bhagavathiamman Temple
Monday 24 December 2012
Kanyakumari Beach
About Kanyakumari Beach
Kanyakumari Beach is a beach destination as well as religious spot located towards the southern-most tip of peninsular India. The sun set and sun rise at Kanyakumari Beach, especially during Chaitrapurnima (full moon days in April), are highly popular among visitors. During Chaitrapurnima, visitors can watch both sunset and moon rise simultaneously at Kanyakumari Beach.Kanyakumari Beach has rocky shores and the sea is rough due to the confluence of the three waters – Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean. The sand of Kanyakumari Beach is famous for its softness and various hues.
There is a light house at Kanyakumari Beach from where panoramic views of the sea are available.
Sunday 16 December 2012
Kanyakumari Beach
About Kanyakumari Beach
Kanyakumari Beach is a beach destination as well as religious spot located towards the southern-most tip of peninsular India. The sun set and sun rise at Kanyakumari Beach, especially during Chaitrapurnima (full moon days in April), are highly popular among visitors. During Chaitrapurnima, visitors can watch both sunset and moon rise simultaneously at Kanyakumari Beach.Kanyakumari Beach has rocky shores and the sea is rough due to the confluence of the three waters – Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean. The sand of Kanyakumari Beach is famous for its softness and various hues.
There is a light house at Kanyakumari Beach from where panoramic views of the sea are available.
Saturday 8 December 2012
Mathoor Hanging Bridge
About Mathoor Hanging Bridge
Mathoor Hanging Bridge is considered as the longest and tallest aqueduct in Asia. It was constructed in the year 1966 across the River Parazhiyar (Pahrali). This bridge has a height of about 35.2 meters and a length of about 1 km.
The trough called as Pattanamkal canal, carries water from one part of the hill to the other side of the hill. The canal has a height of about 2.1 meters and a width of about 2.9 meters and is supported by 28 pillars. Mathoor Hanging Bridge was constructed for drought relief and agricultural support for the adjacent taluks of Vilavancode and Kalkulam.
There is a staircase from the top to the bottom of the Mathoor Bridge leading to entertainment facilities like children’s park and view tower. From the top of Mathoor Hanging Bridge a panoramic view of the place can be seen.
Wednesday 5 December 2012
Vivekananda Rock Memorial
Two
rocks reach out of the ocean, southeast of the Kumari Amman temple. Both
these rocks are fine places from where one gets a view of the land's end
of India. One of these is Sri Padaparai, where the footprints of the virgin
goddess are seen. Swami Vivekananda sat in meditation on this rock before
his journey to the West to spread Hinduism in 1892. There is a meditation
hall and its polished floors reflect the huge metal statue of Vivekananda.
The sacred 'OM' glows
in green on the wall. Sri Padaparai (Padam-feet; Parai - rock) Mandapam
is a shrine erected at the spot where the footprint of the Goddess is
seen. Poompuhar Shipping Corporation operates frequent ferry services
from the shore to the rock memorial at regular intervals. The merger of
three seas- Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean can be seen from
these rocks. While looking at the horizon, one gets a feeling of nature
spraying various colors on water. A museum quite close to the temple,
by name Wondering Monk gives more details on the teachings of Swami Vivekananda.
Poompuhar Shipping Corporation is operating frequent ferry service to
this rock.
Padmanabapuram Palace
The rulers of Travancore, a princely state for over 400
years, which included a good part of present-day Kerala and part of western
Tamil Nadu, ruled from this palace, replete with outstanding wood carvings, stone
sculptures and fantastic murals. The paintings in the prayer room are
some of the best found anywhere in India. However this room is mostly
kept locked and one has to have permission to enter it. Each room in the
palace has its own characteristic style and is unique in its outlay. One
is transported to a bygone era as soon as one steps into the entrance
hall (a verandah). A huge brass oil lamp hangs from an ornate teak, rosewood
and mahogany ceiling carved with ninety different lotus flowers. On the
wall is a painting of onamvillu, ceremonial bows being offered to a reclining
Lord Vishnu on the occasion of Onam (a harvest festival). Another interesting
artifact is the sword placed in front of Lord Vishnu’s idol in the
prayer room.
The palace is open from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. on all days
except Mondays. Frequent buses run from Thiruvananthapuram’s Thampanoor
bus stand to Padmanabhapuram. Another way is to board any bus for Nagercoil
or Kanyakumari and alight at Thakkalay. Kanyakumari Bhagavathiamman Temple
Sage Parasurama is said to have installed the deity of Devi
Bhagavathi on the shores here. A small gopuram on the northern entrance
of the temple leads one to the sanctum. The beautiful image of the Goddess
in resplendent glory, with a rosary in her right hand doing eternal penance,
bestows on the deotee immense wealth of spiritual energy and peace of
mind.
Lord Ganesha, Surya, Bala Soundari, the processional deity
of the Goddess, and Lord Ayyappa have separate shrines oon the prakarams.
A well inside the second prakaram, known as Moola Ganga Theertham, Provides
water for the Devi's abhishekam. The eastern entrance, facing the sea,
remains closed throughout the year except for the Aaraattu rituals.
According to a lengend, Banasura, the king of Demons, had
obtained a boon from Lord Siva that he could be vanquished only by a virgin.
Unable to bear the harassmentof the Asura king, the Devas invoked Goddess
Parashakti too redeem them. Shakti came here as a virgin girl and did
penance on the shores.
Lord Siva of Suchindrum wished to marry the Goddess, and
the wedding was fixed for an auspicious hour before dawn. Devarishi Narada,
realising that the marruage will spoil the end of Banasura, falsely heralded
the break of dawn by assuming the form of a cock even as the wedding party
was on its way to kanniyakumari. The Divine wedding did not take place
as siva returned to Suchindrum disappointed. The Devi also resumed Her
penance on the rock, now known as Sripadaparai, a few hundred metres offshore.
Meanwhile, Banasura heard about the beauty of the girl and
came to request Her hand in marriage. When Devi rejected the idea, the
demon king decided to win her by force. This led to a fierce battle, in
which the Goddess killed the demon. The relieved Devas returned blessed.
The Sripadaparai is now known as Swami Vivekananda Rock,
where the holy feet of the Goddess is enshrined.
The tradition here is to take a holy dip at the bathing
ghat at the confluence of the three seas. There are about 25 Theerthams
on the shores.
Places To Visit In Kanyakumari
Kumari Amman Temple
Kanyakumari Temple also known as Kumari Amman Temple is located on the shore and is devoted to a manifestation of Parvati, the virgin goddess who did penance to obtain Lord Shiva's hand in marriage. Kumari Amman Temple was built by the Pandya kings in 8th century and extensively renovated by the Chola, Vijayanagar and Nayaka rulers.
The temple is located picturesquely and commands breathtaking views of the surrounding natural beauty. You will be amazed to find that the diamond nose ring of the deity can even be witnessed from the sea. Inside the temple there is an 18th century shrine with the foot prints of the goddess Kumari who performed her penance at this spot. There are also shrines to Vijayasundari and Balasundari, friends and playmates of the Goddess in her youthful form.
There are a total of 11 theerthams associated with the temple in the ocean surrounding the area. The confluence of the seas, at the southern tip of the subcontinent has been held sacred for centuries. Non-Hindus are not allowed in the temple premise.
Gandhi Memorial
Gandhi Memorial is the place where the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of Nation were kept before immersion. The building is designed in such a way that on 2 October, Mahatma Gandhi's birthday the first rays of the sun fall on the exact place where his ashes were kept. This beautiful monument was completed in 1956. This temple resembles a temple in Orissa. Its central shape is 79 feet high representing the age of the Mahatma. The memorial was transferred to the administrative control of the Public (Information and Public Relations) Department from Public Works Department of Government of Tamil Nadu in the year 1978.
Vivekananda Rock Memorial
Vivekananda Rock Memorial is one of the most interesting places to see in the southern part of India. Vivekananda Rock Memorial stands on top of a two rocks that are situated approximately 500 meters off the island.
Swami Vivekananda who had come to Kanyakumari on pilgrimage swam to the rock and spent the whole night there in deep meditation. He then resolved to decide himself to the service of the Motherland and to spread the message of Vedanta. Next year i.e. in 1893 he attended the World Religious Conference in Chicago, an event of seminal importance in the modern history of Hinduism. The Memorial commemorates the visit of Swami Vivekananda to “Shripada Parai” during 24th, 25th and 26th December 1892 for deep meditation and enlightenment.
On this rock stands the "Vivekananda Rock Memorial" built in 1970 with a blend of all the architectural styles of India. A statue of Swamy Vivekananda has been installed inside the memorial building.
Two rocks reach out of the ocean, southeast of the Kumari Amman temple. Both these rocks are fine places from where one gets a view of the land's end of India. One of these is Sri Padaparai, where the footprints of the virgin goddess are seen.
A meditation hall (Dhyana Mandapam) is also attached to the memorial for visitors to meditate. The design of the mandapa incorporates different styles of temple architecture from all over India. The meditation hall and its polished floors reflect the huge metal statue of Vivekananda. The memorial consists of two main structures, the Vivekananda Mandapam and the Shripada Mandapam. The sacred 'OM' glows in green on the wall.
Although the Vivekananda Rock Memorial itself is fairly recent and built around the 1970's, the two rocks themselves have been there since the millennia. Vivekananda Rock Memorial is open everyday and attracts many visitors constantly.
Courtallam Falls
Courtallam Falls is a beautiful waterscape that is found in the city which is a very famous attraction for which many people come to visit in great numbers every year.
Kamarajar Mani Mandapa Monument
Kamarajar Manimandapam is a monument that is filled with rich cultural heritage. Kamarajar Manimandapam is dedicated to Late Sri Kamarajar, a freedom fighter and former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, also President of Indian National Congress before independence. Sri Kamarajar was one of the most liked leader of the Indian people. Sri Kamarajar was also known by the name of Black Gandhi among the masses and king maker during congress regime. This building, where his ashes were kept for general mass to pay homage before immersion into the sea is today widely visited by people of the state to show their gratitude.
Thiruvalluvar Statue
Near the Vivekananda Memorial, there is an imposing 40 meter high statue of Tiruvalluvar, the 1st century BC Tamil poet, who wrote the epic Thirukkural, often considered as one of the greatest classics of Tamil literature.
Thirukkural is a precious gem among the classics, unique in the deliverance of code of conduct to the mankind to follow for all time to come. It enshrines in it 1330 couplets under 133 chapters, each chapter comprising 10 verses. The chapters again fall under three major divisions. Virtue, Wealth and Love. This treatise encompasses the whole gamut of human life and by Thiruvalluvar, its illustrious author illuminates every bit of it! This classical work written in Tamil, has been translated in over 60 languages of the world.
The Government of Tamil nadu had a vision beyond the Horizon. It was opened in January 1, 2000 (Millennium) and is located atop a small island near the town of Kanyakumari, where two seas and an ocean meet; the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean.
The structure is a standing mammoth commanding a total height of 133 ft - statue with 95ft and the pedestal supporting it with 38ft. An artistic peripheral wall around the statue, thereby forms a captivating mandap. The pedestal represents the 38 chapters on 'Virtue' and the 95ft statue standing on the pedestal represents 'Wealth' and 'Pleasure' signifying that Wealth and Love be earned and enjoyed on the foundation of Virtue solid. The statue, with its slight bend around the waist is reminiscent of a dancing pose of the ancient Indian deities like Nataraja. It was sculpted by the Indian sculptor Dr. V. Ganapati Sthapathi, who also created the Iraivan Temple.
The rocks for the sculpture came from Sirudhamoor, Pattumalaikuppam Hills and Ambhasamudram Hills. The stone work was divided amongst three workshops, in Kanyakumari, Ambasamudram and Shankarapuram. Ambasamudram contributed 5,000 tons of stones, while Shankarapuram was quarried for 2,000 tons of high quality granite stones for the outer portion of the statue. While the largest of the 3,681 stones weighed over 15 tons, the majority weighed three to eight tons. Stumps of Palmyra tree and poles of casuarinas (ironwood) were used for scaffolding. It took 18,000 casuarinas poles tied together with two truckloads of ropes to reach the top of the statue.
Statistical details of the statue:
- Height of the statue 95 feet
- Height of the pedestal 38 feet
- Statue along with the pedestal 133 feet
- Height of the face 10 feet
- Height of the body part 30 feet
- Height of the thigh part 30 feet
- Height of the leg part 20 feet
- Fore arm 10 feet
- Length of the manuscript 10 feet
- Width of the shoulder 30 feet
- Length of the hairdo 5 feet
- Peripheral wall including the statue & mandap 60 * 50 feet
- 10 Elephants, each as tall as 5' 6 inches
- Weight of the pedestal, statue and the wall 7000 tones
- Sculptures and other workmen 500
- Chief Sculptor : Thiru V.Ganapathi Sthapathi
Keeriparai
Keeriparai is one of the most beautiful natural attractions that you can come and see when you visit Kanyakumari. Keeriparai was a natural habitat that has been transformed into a natural trek for those tourists who wish to see the lush jungles of India. Keeriparai has a wide variety of Fauna and Flora that is unparallel by many natural treks and habitats in the world. Keeriparai haven’t been publicized much by the Forest Department for various reasons. There are also a few small waterfalls in this area - the popular one being Vattaparai Falls. Maramalai, which is further up in the hills of Keeriparai is famous for Wild elephants.
Kodhayar
Kodhayar is about 60 km long, and it does require a very interesting wild path with some thrilling 'hair-pin bends' and U-turns to get there. Kodhayar is a natural habitat in which you can see a variety of fauna and flora. At Kodhayar one can see bison and bears along with different wild animals. However, Kodhayar is definitely a very nice wild park and a habitat that needs to be seen when in India.
Lord Subramanya Temple
Kumarakovil is at the foot of the Velimalai hills in Kalkulam, about 34-km from Kannyakumari. It has pillars and towers that give it a magnificent look. The Lord Muruga Temple is built on the hillock about 200 feet height in a lush green field of Paddy, Plantain and Coconut trees. The side of the Lord also enshrines goddess Valli, the spouse of Lord Subramanya in the temple. In the right side of the temple there is one big lake, suitable for boating. Lord Subramanya Temple has also attracted thousands of pilgrimage visitors from all over India.
Maruthuvazh Malai
Marunthuvazh Malai is located near Kottaram about 7 km from Kanyakumari town on the Kanyakumari-Nagercoil highway. According to a Hindu legend, Lord Hanuman dropped a piece of earth as he was carrying a mountain with his life-saving herb, Mrita Sanjivani from the Himalayas to Sri Lanka during the Rama-Ravana for healing the fatal wounds of Lakshman. This piece of earth now stands 800 feel tall. This chunk of earth is called Marunthuvazh Malai, which is literally translated to "hills where medicine lives". This is said to be the reason for the abundance of unique native medicinal plants in the area.
Mathur Hanging Trough
The Mathur Hanging Bridge near Thiruvattar in the District is the tallest as well as the longest trough bridge in Asia, with a height of 115 feet and a length of one kilometer. Completed in 1966, this bridge has become a place of attraction for hundreds of tourists visiting every day.
Mathur Hanging Trough is an aqueduct that carries irrigation water through a canal between two hills. The canal itself goes above a small river. Built on very high pillars, is one of the biggest aqueducts, both in height and length, in Asia. The view from the middle of the aqueduct of the surrounding hills and vegetation, and the small river flowing down below, is breathtaking.
The Kanyakumari District Administration has recently put up a staircase from top to the bottom of the bridge and has also built a children's park and bathing platforms over here to attract more tourists.
Nagaraja Temple
Nagaraja Temple is a temple that symbolizes the rich cultural heritage of India. Nagaraja Temple is a dedication monument that has been erected for the honoring the name of Nagaraja which is the Serpent God in the Hindu religion. In the month of Avani, this temple becomes the pilgrimage point of many Hindu especially on Sundays.
Olakaruvi Falls
Olakaruvi Falls is one of the many waterfalls that is situated in Kanyakumari. According to the old legends Olakaruvi Falls has the rejuvenating power for the old people. Olakaruvi waterfalls, about 20 km from Nagercoil is on the middle of a hill and requires an hour's trek by foot from the base of the hill due to its popularity many people go there.
However, it is better to go in a group, as it is a forested area.
Padmanabhapuram Palace
When you think of palaces then perhaps besides England with its famous palaces, the second place that comes into the mind is definitely India. Padmanabhapuram Palace is one of these many palaces that symbolize the rich and diverse cultural heritage of India that has been around for many centuries.
Padmanabhapuram is an ancient town and also one of the four municipalities in the district situated just 35 km from Kanyakumari. This town has a magnificent fort spread over an area of 187 acres. The palace is present at the very centre of this Fort, amidst hills, dales and rivers.
What is interesting about this palace is the fact that Padmanabhapuram Palace is made entirely from wood and not any other substance. This town has a magnificent fort spread over an area of 187 acres. The palace is present at the very centre of this Fort, amidst hills, dales and rivers. Kerala Government is responsible for maintaining this magnificent palace and Padmanabhapuram Palace draws hundreds of visitors every day continuously. It is one of the best 10 palaces in the world.
Pechiparai Reservoir
Reservoir is situated about 43 km away from Nagercoil, close to the Pechiparai village of Kanyakumari district. The pechiparai reservoir was originated by the groundwork of the pechiparai dam. The reservoir plays a major role is supplying the drinking water and it is also used in irrigation of crops. The pechiparai reservoir holds the least storage capacity of just 22.49% however, it assists the farmers to use the water to take care of their crops.
Pechiparai Reservoir is a must see for the nature lovers as the clouds touch the top of the hills around the dams on a misty day.
Sanguthurai Beach
Sanguthurai Beach is one of the nicest beaches that you should go to, during your visit to Kanyakumari. Sanguthurai Beach, about 8 km from Nagercoil. Here you can experience the fierce power of the Indian Ocean. However, Sanguthurai Beach is a pretty peaceful place with plenty palm trees and white sand that sets a perfect background to the coastline. In addition its lukewarm temperature is perfect for swimming especially in the summer time. Sanguthurai Beach was hit by the Indian Ocean Tsunami, but authorities have taken steps to improve facilities again.
Chitharal Jain Monuments
Chitharal Jain Monuments are one of the culturally rich monuments. Almost every day, you can see people who are traveling to Chitharal Jain Monuments to honor their Gods and values. Chitharal Jain Monuments houses impressive rock shelters and idols dated 9 -11th Century. This monument grabs the attention of quite number of visitors with its excellent mesmerizing divine and spiritual values. Plenty number of visitors make their visit to the place and enjoy the beauty of its rich look.
Sothavilai Beach
Sothavilai Beach has white sand and very clear water such that you can see the bottom of the sea. It is one of the better beaches of the Indian Ocean which allows you to rest in the calm waters of the ocean. Sothavilai Beach is about 7 km from the main town. Sothavilai Beach was damaged in the big tsunami that took place couple of years ago. However, authorities have taken steps to improve facilities again.
St Xavier Church
Nagercoil has the St. Francis Xavier's church at Kottar, where the missionary, St. Francis Xavier resided when he did his missionary work in the nearby areas. The “Church of Our Lady of Joy” built by St. Francis Xavier is located at the southern edge of the town. The church is believed to have been founded in the year 1540. The sandy beaches and the multi colored granite rocks are among other attractions here. The Church of St. Xavier enjoys a great fame and is visited by large numbers of devotes during the annual festival celebrated in between November and December which lasts for 10 days.
Suchindram
13-km from Kanyakumari, Suchindram is a small village that you must definitely go to understand the rich cultural heritage of India. The major spotlight of the place is the famous Sthanumalayan Temple, which is notably marked for its artistic treasures. The main deity in the form of a shivlinga is in three parts; the top represents Lord Shiva, the middle Lord Vishnu, and the base Lord Brahma. "Sthanu" is a name of Shiva, "Mal" of Vishnu, and "Ayan" of Brahma; thus the name "Sthanumalaya”.
This temple is greatly known for its unique musical columns and it has a 6 meter tall statue of Lord Hanuman. It is one of the best places to go in order to understand the rich religious and cultural heritage of India. Suchindram is also a place where a major naval engagement took place between the Dutch and the locals here.
Swamithoppe
Swamithoppe is a town that is situated in Kanyakumari. It is a small village that attracts many visitors every year. Its main strength and popularity arises from the fact that this small village was the place where the Ayyavazhi religion was founded in the 19th century. In fact many followers of this religion today still pilgrimage over there in order to fulfill their religious requirements.
You can see the temple where Ayya Valkundar lived and you can visit the historical well of Muttirikkinaru in which all castes were allowed to use water in the 19th century. It also includes the Swamithope Pathi (headquarters of Ayyavazhi), a famous temple in Tamilnadu, situated 10 km to the northwest. It is not structurally massive temple, but is known for its non-idolatry system of worship.
Thengapattinam Beach
Thengapattinam Beach is located on the west coast near Painkulam village in Vilancode Taluka which is just is 35 km from Nagercoil and 54 km from Kanyakumari. It is a fine beach adorned with coconut groves and white sand. It is also a magnificent estuary where the river meets the sea. Riding in a catamaran in the river can be a pleasant experience which can be arranged through local fishermen. It is one of the perfect picnic spot with its background trees that provide shade and comfort to the visitor.
Thirunandhikarai Cave Temple
Thirunandhikarai Cave Temple is a very ancient temple that is a symbolic pillar of Indian religion and culture. Thirunandikkara temple is about 20 km and this rock-cut cave temple of Pallava art can be traced back to seventh and eighth century AD. There are many sculptures inside the temple which are extinct now. The Thirunandhikarai Cave Temple is one of the founding stones of the Jainism region. Currently the Thirunandhikarai Cave Temple is under the purview and care of Archeological Survey of India.
Thiruparrapu Falls
About 60km from Kanyakumari are Thirparappu Waterfalls, a picturesque spot with an ancient Mahadevar Temple, which is popular among the locals and Keralites.
The water fall at Tirparappu is about 13 km. from Pechiparai dam. The river bed is rocky and about 300 feet in length. The water falls from a height of nearly 50 feet and the water flows for about seven months in a year. On the left bank of the river in between the water falls and the wall, there is a temple dedicated to Lord Siva enclosed by strong fortification. The District Administration has recently constructed a swimming pool here which is very popular among the children.
Tiruchendur Temple
Tiruchendur Temple is situated near the sea and it has borders to the sea on the North and on the East side of the temple. Tiruchendur Temple is Aarupadai veedu shrines of Lord Murugan that is known throughout India. Tiruchendur Temple is definitely one of the most visited temples in the southern most part of India. Tiruchendur Temple has been around for more than 5 centuries.
Tsunami Monument
Tsunami Monument is a special monument erected to honor those people who died in the southern coast of India due to Tsunami that took place in 2004.
Udayagiri Fort
Udayagiri Fort is a worth visiting site in Kanyakumari owing to its magnificent structure and quite surrounding atmosphere. The fort was rebuilt in the reign of Marthanda Varma, the Venad King, during 1741-44. In the early days, the fort was of strategic importance. Prisoners captured in the campaign against Tippu Sultan were confined in this fort for sometime. It is also the tomb-site of the king's trusted European general Captain De Lannoy.
Recently, the district administration has established Biodiversity Park here in collaboration with the forest department of Kanyakumari. Tourists can see deer, ducks, fountains, birds and over 100 varieties of trees inside the fort.
Vattakottai Fort
Vattakottai Fort is a specially erected fort on the sea coastline on the southern tip of India. Vattakottai Fort is a circular fort and is set up as the southern most sea coast defense point by the Dutch. This fort was constructed under the command of Captain De Lannoy. Vattakottai Fort is made out of stone and it is a major tourist attraction today. Vattakottai Fort is also famous for the black sand beach that is situated across its coast.
Wax Museum
Wax Museum is situated in Kanyakumar. The museum houses all the important figures of the Indian History as well as the world history in wax form. The wax figures are realistic and the Wax Museum is reminiscent of its famous counterpart in London. There are also many current international figures like the wax counterpart of Arnold Schwarzenegger.
In a nutshell, Kanyakumari is a place dotted with various tourist places which are worth visiting once in a lifetime. So plan your trip to Kanyakumari with TravelHot in order to enjoy attractive holiday packages for kanyakumari. Kanyakumari Holiday packages at TravelHot ensure that you cover the maximum tourist places of the city. I am sure that using holiday packages for Kanyakumari that are available at TravelHot you'll have a relaxing and fun filled vacation in Kanyakumari.
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