At the southernmost tip of India, where the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal meet, lies Kanyakumari, an important pilgrimage site.The Kumari Amman temple, here, is dedicated to Parvati as Devi - Kanya - the virgin goddess who did penance to obtain the hand of Lord Shiva.Two rocks reach out of the ocean, south-east of the Kumari Amman temple. One of these is Sri Padaparai, where the footprints of the virgin goddess are to be seen. On this rock, Swami Vivekananda is said to have sat in deep meditation; and here stands the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, built in 1970.

What to See

Vattakottai: (Circular Fort) The 18th century fort overlooking the sea, located 6 km from Kanyakumari. Here, the sea is calm and suitable for bathing.

Suchindram: (13km) The Thanumalayan temple, here, is a repository of art treasures, belonging to many kingdoms. The presiding deity in the form of a Linga, denotes Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. Inscriptions, said to be of the 9th century AD, can be found in this temple. The temple is also famous for a huge statue of Hanuman and its musical pillars.

Udayagiri Fort: (34 km) Built by King Marthanda Varma (1729-1758AD), this fort also has a foundry for casting guns. The king's trusted European general De Lennoy's tomb is located within this fort.

Nagaraja Temple, Nagarkoil: (20 km) is a fascinating temple with Nagaraja as the main deity. There are also shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu.

Padmanabhapuram Palace: (45 km) is the magnificent wooden palace of the Travancore maharajas.

Tiruchendur: , site of a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Subramanya.

Courtallam Falls: (137 km) are perched at a height of of 167 m. The water is believed to contain medicinal properties.

Festivals

Chitra Pournima Festival - in the first week of May, Navaratri - in the last week of October, and the Holy Annual festival of RC Church in the fourth week of December.

How to get there

Connected by road to Madras (703 km), Madurai (242 km), and other major towns in South India. Kanyakumari is on the Thiruvananthapuram - Kanyakumari section of the southern railway. Nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram (93 km).