Beautiful India: Kanyakumari

KANYAKUMARI

Surrounded by Majestic Hills and the plains bordered by colourful sea-shores, fringed with coconut trees and paddy fields, here and there are few elevated patches of red cliffs with undulating valleys and plains between the mountainous terrain and the sea - coast, so closely interwoven with Temples and Churches and other edifices lies the district, 'Kanyakumari'. (The district name is spelled as 'Kanniyakumari' in official records which is in tune with the spoken name of the district in Tamil language). With an area of 1672 sq.km. it occupies 1.29% of the total extent of Tamil Nadu. It ranks first in literacy among other districts in Tamil Nadu.

History

The temple town of Kanyakumari got its name from Kanyakumari Temple which is scenically located at the confluence of three oceans. Ptolemy, the famous Roman scholar had described the city to have been a center for fishery in the ancient times. Also recorded data claims Kanyakumari to have been an importance centre for art and religion.

Various mythological myths have been associated with the birth of Kanyakumari. This great centre of trade and commerce has been under the rule of the Cholas, the Cheras, the Pandayas and the Nayaks. It was during the reign of the Venad kings that Padmanbhapuram was declared as the capital of their kingdom and the present Kanyakumari came to be known as Southern Travancore.

During the Travancore period, the city saw huge expansion, both, socially and economically. Christianity came to Kanyakumari during 52 AD, with St. Thomas, who was one of the twelve Apostles of Christ.

The battle of Colachel between the Dutch East India Company and Maharaja Marthanda Varma, saw the defeat of the Dutch. However, after the fall of the Pandya kings, Kanyakumari came under the rule of the British and remained so till India’s independence in 1947.

History of Kanyakumari boasts of the influence of almost all the religions and the various types of architectural heritage of the city today stands to its testimony.

Reaching By Train

Railways are the most common means of long distance travel in India and the country also is known to have the 4th largest railway network in the world. Managed by the Ministry of Railways of the Government of India, the trains cover the length and breadth of India. Transporting over 6 billion passengers and over 350 million tonnes of freight annually, the railway system in India is also one of the largest commercial services employing more than 1.6 million people.

Indian Railways offers diverse options of train like the 5 star luxury trains, special trains for hilly routes, superfast Rajdhani trains, Duronto express and the regular passenger trains. Special Indrail passes are also available for the foreign tourists, wherein they can enjoy unlimited travel in India for a specific period of time. Discounts are also available for senior citizens (above 60 years of age).

Kanyakumari By Air

Nearest Airport is Trivandrum International Airport which is at a distance of 87 km from Kanyakumari. Trivandrum airport is well connected with many major cities in India and abroad. Direct flights from many gulf countries are available from Trivandrum. Tourist taxi charges about Rs 1,500 from Trivandrum to Kanyakumari.

Best Season / Best time to visit Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari has a moderate climate all through the year. But the best season to visit is from October to March.

Winters (December to February) are very pleasant with a mercury level of 17°C to 32°C. The climate is pleasant which is perfect for enjoying sightseeing, beach activities and all other tourist activities.
Summers (March to May) are pleasant here with sea breeze blowing and have an atmospheric temperature range of 20°C to 35°C. The weather is mild warm which makes it beach activities enjoyable.
Monsoons (June to September) months accompanies medium to heavy rainfalls and thunderstorms. Rain lovers can still enjoy their visit in Kanyakumari during monsoon. Besides, the place becomes very scenic in rains.

March to May are a bit warm but suitable for sunbath and beach activities. During this period the place gets less crowded and is ideal time for leisure checkers. October to February months offer pleasant weather and are high tourist season. This period is perfectly ideal for sightseeing, outings and all types of tourist activities. Monsoon months are rainy but rain lovers can explore beach activities and scenic beauty of Kanyakumari.

Sunrise & Sunset Point kanyakumari

Different colour of different Ocean

Kanniykumari Temple

Events & Festivals in Kanyakumari

Cape festival, during October, is celebrated for three days with many cultural programs and is very attractive. Tourists can ferry to Vivekananda rock when the sea is calm and the atmosphere is sunny.