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Sunday, January 9, 2011

Tourism in India - Kanyakumari


Kanyakumari Temple

Kanyakumari, lying on the southernmost point of peninsular India, is the meeting point of three oceans-the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Apart from being a famous tourist destination, it is also considered as an important Hindu pilgrim destination for the presence of some of the most sacred temples in south India like Kanyakumari temple. Famous for its beautiful views of sunrise and sunset over the horizons, Kanyakumari has been enticing tourists for ages because of its breathtaking location. The multicolored sand is a unique feature of the beaches here. The city is also blessed with almost all kinds of ecosystems that a tourist sets out to experience, one can see graceful beaches, gorgeous mountain valleys, evergreen forests and rubber and clove plantations in the deep interiors - all creates a perfect ambience to take-up a trip to Kanyakumari. 
Thiruvalluvar Statue, Kanyakumari

Situated by the shore, Kanyakumari enjoys a pleasant climate and can be visited throughout the year. During summers, the temperature can rise to mid thirties, while it can dip to a low twenty during winters. A tourist can indulge in a lot of adventure activities here like trekking, biking, swimming and surfing. So when you decide to spend your vacation in Kanyakumari, don't forget to pack your full traveling gear right from the swimming suit to trekking equipment all of which are sure to come in handy.

Kanyakumari is a successful tourist destination not just because of its location, but also due to the options that Kanyakumari offers its guest a tour of mesmerizing sights and relaxations. The town is full of natural splendors and man made attractions that have always beckoned travelers from around the world to experience the feeling that one possibly cannot get at any other destination.

Kanyakumari Beach
Kanyakumari Beach
KanyaKumari Beach
The Kanyakumari beach with multi-colored sand and rocky shoreline is definitely one of the most beautiful beaches in south India and offers a great change from all other beaches. The waves that hit the shore are quite strong and frequent, that means that one does not get to enjoy a step into the shallow water or a sea bath. The shore being rocky makes it more dangerous to venture out to the sea, so people are asked to stay within the prescribed zone. You can shop for shells that are on sale on the Kanyakumari beach. There is a lighthouse on the beach from where one can get a ravishing view of the sea.

Kanyakumari Temple
The Kumari Amman Temple also known as Kanyakumari Temple is located on the shores and is dedicated to a Goddess the incarnation of Goddess Parvati, the virgin goddess who did penance to obtain Lord Shiva as her husband. The main attraction for tourists from around the world is the scintillating view of the temple and the adjoining ghats, which are sitting pretty on the shoreline. The diamond nose-ring on the statue of the deity adds an enchanting glow to the already shining statue. Famous for its sparkling gleam, it is said to be visible even from the mid of sea.

Gandhi Mandapam
This is the place where the urn containing the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi was kept before a portion of which was immersed in the three seas. The exemplary temple is located near to the Kumari Amman Temple and is one of the most picturesque spots in Kanyakumari. The temple is build in such a way that on October 2nd, the birth date of Mahatma Gandhi, the rays of sun fall exactly on the spot where the urn containing the ashes is kept. So if possible choose this day to visit this splendid monument and witness the magical moment right in front of your eyes.

Vivekananda Memorial Rock
Situated some 500m away from the mainland, Vivekananda Memorial Rock attracts a large number of tourists and was built in the year 1970 in memory the great Swami Vivekananda. It is built on the 
same spot where Swami Vivekananda spent some of his time meditating. Keeping this in mind, the temple also has a meditation hall. So if you want to get rid of all the worldly tensions, take some time out and sit in the hall meditating all your problems away. From ancient times, even before the temple was built, the rock was considered a sacred place and was known as 'Sripada Parai' meaning that the rock is blessed by the touch of feet of 'Devi Kumari'. Feel the spirituality of the place by sighting the divine footprints of the Goddess, which is visible on the rock.

Accommodation
KanyaKumari View Tower
Choosing an accommodation in Kanyakumari could be the easiest thing that you do in Kanyakumari. The number of hotel and lodges in the city is really astonishing. There are hotels that fit everybody choices and everybody's pocket. Pick any budget, luxury, beach resort, or a star category hotel and rest assured you would leave Kanyakumari satiated to your deepest. Hotels like Fishermen's cove, Temple Bay Ashok Beach resort and MGM Beach Resort are few that stand out in all areas of hospitality.

Getting There
By Air
The nearest airport is Trivandrum, which is some 80-km away from here. The airport is frequented by flights from all the major cities of India.
By Rail
Tirunelvelli is the nearest rail head around 80 km away. Trains from stations of Delhi, Mumbai and Trivandrum come to Kanyakumari through a broad gauge railway network.
By Road
Kanyakumari is very well connected to all the major cities in the Southern India. Tourist buses, both luxury coaches and state transport buses ply in and out of Kanyakumari with good frequency.