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| General Information about KANYAKUMARI |
kanyalumari :
Area : 25.89 sq. km.
Altitude : 1250 m (4100 ft).
Languages : Tamil, English, Telugu, Malayalam
Best Time to Visit : October to March
State : Tamil Nadu.
STD Code : 04652.
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About Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari or the Cape Comorin was once known as the Alexandria of the east. A hub of art, culture, civilization, and pilgrimage for years, it is famous for commerce and trade. The architecture of this beautiful beach land is greatly inspired by religions like Islam, Christianity and Jainism. Kanyakumari was ruled by the Cholas, the Cheras, the Pandyas and the Nayaks, all great rulers of south India. The credit for the architectural beauty of the temples found in Kanyakumari goes to these rulers. Kanyakumari was given the name Cape Comorin by the British as it was easier for them to pronounce.
According to a legend Kanya Devi, an avatar of Goddess Parvati, was supposed to wed Lord Shiva. But he did not turn up at the auspicious time and the wedding never took place. Therefore the rice and cereals, which were to be used for the marriage remained uncooked. The stones found here resemble rice and cereals and today one can buy these stones. Native population believes that they are the leftovers of the legendary marriage that could not be solemnized. and the princess Kanya Devi, became a virgin goddess blessing pilgrims and tourists alike.
HOW TO REACH
By Air : The nearest airport from Kanyakumari is situated at Trivandrum about 80 kms away. It is directly connected with Bangalore, Mumbai, Cochin, Delhi, Goa, and Chennai by regular flights.
By Rail : Kanyakumari is well connected by rail to major parts of the country. Kanyakumari is connected to Thiruvananthapuram, Delhi, and Mumbai by broad-gauge railway network. Superfast trains connect the southern most railhead of India with northern cities like Jammu and Delhi. Tirunelvelli, situated around 80 kms away from Kanyakumari is the other nearest railway junction and can be reached by road via Nagarkoil (19 km).
By Road : Kanyakumari is connected by road to Trivandrum (86 km), Nagarkoil (19 km), Tirunelvelli (91 km), Tiruchendur (89 km), Tuticorin (129 km), Rameshwaram (300 km), Courtallam (130 km), Madurai (242 km), Thekkady (358 km), Kodaikanal (362 km), Palani (370 km), Ootacamund (576 km), Cochin (309 km), and Coimbatore (478 km).
PLACES TO VISIT IN KANYAKUMARI
• Temple Of Goddess Bhagavathi : Few temples in India are more picturesquely located than that of Goddess Bhagavathi in Kannyakumari. It stands near where three oceans meet: the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.
In its early form the temple seems to have been built by the first Pandyas. The Nayaks expanded it later. There are three Prakaras. The image of the Goddess in the sanctum is marvellous in its serenity and beneficence. She carries a necklace in Her right hand. The eastern gate, facing the Bay of Bengal is opened only five times a year.
• Swami Vivekananda Rock Memorial : On the evening of December 25, 1892, Swami Vivekananda who had come to Kannyakumari 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 he attended the Parliament of Religions in Chicago, an event of seminal importance in the modern history of Hinduism. To commemorate his visit to the rock a superb memorial has been erected. It attracts thousands of visitors.
• Kanyakumari Beach : The Kanyakumari beach is a beautiful sight with multi-coloured sand. The beach here does not really offer one the opportunity to sunbathe on soft golden sands, or to frolic in the waves either. The seashore is rocky and dangerous, and there is a manmade wall running along it. People are warned to stay off the rocks, and when if someone ventures out of bounds, he or she is quickly and severely reprimanded by a watchful policeman. There is a lighthouse from where one can get a panoramic view.
The sea is fairly rough, so it is entertaining to watch it beat itself against the rocks and then subside, before it gathers itself up for another attack. With long stretches of sands of many hues, the beach offers a welcome change. A variety of shells are on sale on the Kanyakumari beach.
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| North East |
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| Rajasthan |
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| Ayourveda |
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