Prime Sites

• Kumariamman Temple :
  The legend of this temple is as romantic as the place itself. Dedicated to the virgin goddess Kanniyakumari (Parvati) who stands guard over the country, the temple is built at the spot where the goddess is believed to have waited for her consort Lord Siva to come and claim her hand in marriage. At one time the shifting sands at the shores of Kanniyakumari were believed to be multi-hued as a result of the coloured rice that was sprinkled by approving gods over the couple at their wedding. Equally fascinating is the story about the diamond nose stud worn by the goddess believed to have (mis) guided many a ship to a sorry end at the treacherous rocks near the shore. So great was the threat of the reflected light from the nose-stud to the unsuspecting ships that the door on the side facing the sea had to be closed for ensuring the safety of the ships.

• Gandhi Memorial :
  The Gandhi Mandapam has been constructed at the spot where the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were kept for public view in an urn before a portion was immersed into the three seas. Every year on Gandhiji's birthday 2nd October, the sun's rays fall at the exact spot where the urn was displayed before immersion.

• Vivekananda Memorial :
  The memorial has been built on the Vivekananda Rock where the great philosopher - guide Swami Vivekananda went into meditation that transformed him into one of the most charismatic spiritual leaders of this century. The unique, structure was built in 1970 and is a blend of various architectural styles of India. 

• Close to the Vivekananda Rock is another rock called Sripada Parai meaning 'the rock that has been blessed by the touch of the feet of the goddess'. Both these rocks are fine places from where one can have a view of the land's end of India. Poompuhar Shipping Corporation operates frequent ferry services from the shore to the rock memorial at regular intervals.

• Thiruvalluvar Statue :
  THIRUVALLUVAR, author of THIRUKKURAL - A Sagacious saint born before the Christ ( i.e. about 30 years before the Jesus Christ) Tamils take cognizance of the birth of Thiruvalluvar as a basis of the calendar. Now we are in the 2032 of Thiruvalluvar Aandu.

  Thirukkural is regarded as a renowned work, that is eulogised as a directory of code of conduct and ethics to the Humanity, through his 1330 couplets, the revered poet not only deals with the general administration, but also codified the clear cut directions to the mankind on how they should behave and act in a social, political, religious and family circles.

  The work of Thiruvalluvar was translated into more than 60 languages world wide. The magnificient 133 foot height statue denoting the chapters in Thirukkural has been opened for Tourist's visit in the midst of sea on 1.1.2000 in Kanniyakumari.
  
  

• Kamaraj Memorial :
  The Hon'ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu declared on 19-4-1998 that the Government would construct a Memorial to honour the services of Thiru K.Kamarajar, the former Chief Minister of  Tamil Nadu. The memorial was constructed on the seashore, where the ashes of the Late Leader was immersed. A building at cost of Rs.50 lakhs was completed in an aesthetic way with the permission of Government of india.
  The Memorial spreads on extent of 6,300 sq.mt. now contains the photographs narrating the life and services of the great leader.  The Memorial was dedicated to the nation by the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on 2-10.2000. A library is also functioning here. The Memorial is open freely for the tourists and visitiors.

• Government Museum :
  Government Museum is situated near the Tourist Office, Beach Road, Kanniyakumari. The Museum contains Bronzes, Coins, tribal objects, wood carvings and Zoological & Botanical specimens. The Museum collection also contain "Temple Car" from Samythoppu and Wales Bones from Manavalakurichy in Kanniyakumari District.

  Timings : 9.30 a.m to 5 p.m.
  Holiday : Friday and Second Saturday.
  Entrance fee per head : Rs. 1/- and School Children 0.25 Paise.
  Half Ticket : 0.50 Paise.
  

Near By Places

• Suchindram :
  Just 13 kms. from Kanniyakumari, Suchindram has a temple dedicated to a deity who is the representation of the combined forces of Siva, Vishnu and Brahma. The temple has a beautiful gopuram, musical pillars and an excellent statue of the monkey god Hanuman, apart from a valuable collection of art from different periods.

• Nagercoil :
  Named after the temple dedicated to Nagaraja - the King of Snakes - Nagercoil, the headquarters of Kanniyakumari district is 19 kms from Kanniyakumari.
  There are frequent buses from Nagercoil to any other part of the state and to Thiruvananthapuram in neighbouring Kerala.

• Olakcruvi waterfalls not far from Nagercoil is a fine picnic spot. The church of Manapadu is worth seeing.

• Olakkay Aruvi Water falls :
  Olakkay Aruvi Water in the Western Ghats is about 8 kms., North of Azhgiapandiapuram, 14 kms., from Nagercoil and 33 kms., from Kanniyakumari. The beautiful water falls and the natural scenery all around the place attract many holiday seekers and this place has become an important picnic center. A small temple connected with the sage Agasthiar near the falls attracts a large number of religious people on full moon day of the month of Chithirai (April - May) and they worship the altar, after a bath in the falls. It is one of the places for Trekking also.

• Kumarakovil (34 Kms.) :
  Kumarakovil is at the foot of the Velimalai hills in Kalkulam Taluk, about 15 kms., North - West of Nagercoil and 3 kms., east of Thuckalay, and 34 kms., from Kanniyakumari.
  The Lord Muruga Temple is built on the the hillock about 200 feet height in a lush green field of Paddy, Plantain and Coconut trees. The temple is noted for architectural beauty. Goddess Valli, the spouse of Lord Subramaniya, the Presiding deity, is also enshrined in the temple by the side of Lord Subramaniya. The right side of the temple there is one big lake, suitable for boating.

• Mondaikadu Bagavathy Amman Temple (41 Kms.) :
  Mondaikadu is situated in the sea coast, north - east of Colachel Port. It is connected with Nagercoil and Trivandrum by a motorable road. It is 22 kms., from Nagercoil and 41 kms., form Kanniyakumari. This place is famous for its temple dedicated to Bagavathy Amman, dates back to the 7 th century B.C. The Amman is in the form of anthill which is about 12 feet in height and with five heads and believed to be growing gradually. The annual festival called Mondaikadu Kodai is celebrated in March for 10 days and is the main attraction at this place. Department of Tourism, Government of Tamilnadu, organises Photographic Exhibition during the festival.
  The temple, though small attracts a large number of people from all over the district, besides a regular flow of pilgrim from Kollam in Kerala State, about 160 kms., from Mondaikadu during the annual festival celebrated for 10 days.

• Thengapattinam Beach (54 Kms.) :
  Thengapattinam situated on the west coast is a place of historical importance. It is 35 kms., from Nagercoil and 54 kms., from Kanniyakumari. As coconut trees are abundant in this place, this might have derived this name.
  This village had, in ancient times, trade relations with foreign countries like Arabia. There was direct Cargo boat service between Thengapattinam and other foreign maritime towns.
  Some Arab Merchants who came here found suitable for their trade. The Mosque at Thengapattinam is said to be is built about 1200 years ago. This place is well connected with Nagercoil and Thiruvananthapuram by regular bus service. Thengapattinam Beach is an excellent picnic spot with back water facilities.

• St.Xavier Church, Kottar (Nagercoil) (16 Kms) :
  It dates back to 15th century A.D. dedicated to St.Francis Xavierr, A 10 day festival from November 24th to December 3rd is held every year.

• Pechipparai Dam (56 kms) :
  Like all other dam sites this one too is a popular picnic spot where facilities for boating have also been provided.

• Udayagiri Fort (34 kms) :
  The fort was built in the 18th century by King Marthanda Varma. The grave of the Dutch General De Lennoy, one of the most trusted generals of the king, lies within the fort.

• Padamanabhapuram (45 kms):
  The capital of Travancore until 1333, Padmanabhapuram is known for its fort which encloses, among other buildings, a palace and a temple. The palace has some important art relics while the Ramaswamy temple has exquisitely carved panels depicting scenes from the Ramayana.

• Thirparappu Water Falls : (60 kms.)
  A picturesque spot with an ancient Mahadevar Temple.

• Thiruvattar : (60 kms.)
  The temple here is one of the finest specimens of temple art and architecture. The paintings on the walls of the temple are worth seeing.

• Chithra pournami Festival : April/May, Navarathri - September/October
• Annual Holy Festival of R.C. Church : Second week of December.

• By Air : The nearest Airport is Thiruvananthapuram (87kms.)
• By Rail: Kanniyakumari is connected with Tirunelveli, Chennai, Thiruvanathapuram and Coimbatore by broad gauge. Tirunelveli (83 kms.) is connected to Chennai, Madurai, etc.
• By Road : Kanniyakumari is well connected by road.

• Govt. of Tamil Nadu Tourist Office, Beach Road : Tel : 46276
• Information Centre, Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Beach Road : Tel : 46250.
• Tour Operators : Two tour operators approved by TTDC are  available.
  
  1. Triveni Tours & Travels Tel : 46184
  2. Sabaree Travels Tel : 46157