Kanyakumari is the southern most tip of peninsular India sprawling over an area of 1672 sq. km, occupying 1.29% of the total extent of Tamilnadu. With multi-colored sand on its beach, this exquisite land has a ringlet of majestic hills along with swaying coconut trees and paddy fields.  Vast and clear coasts with Azure Ocean lapping the shore, Kanyakumari is dotted with patches of red cliffs and valleys along with temples and churches that add to the resounding beauty of the place. 

Among the major tourist attractions in Kanyakumari is Kanyakumari temple dedicated to Parvati or Devi Kanya, who is also revered as the protector of India's shores. Kanyakumari is also home to Gandhi Mandapam that has oriyan architecture and built in memory of Mahatma Gandhi. There is also Vivekananda Memorial, about half a kilometer away from the mainland seated on a rock. The memorial has dhyan mandapam where you could sit and meditate.

Perched at the southern most extreme of India at a stunning locale of the confluence of the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal, Kanyakumari (also spelt as Kanniyakumari), is an important pilgrim center. The vast expanse of the mesmerizing Kanyakumari has some of the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets, especially on full moon days.

A Visual Feast

Kanyakumari beach has a breathtaking sight with multi-colored sand lapped by the outreaching ocean waves. You may not find the golden sand to laze around while you sunbathe, but the beauty of colorful sands all over has their own aesthetic appeal. The seashore is rough and rocky with manmade embankment that adds to the beauty of the beach. A lighthouse stands high on the shore from where one can have a splurge of panoramic view of the area. The merging three oceans make the seawater rough enough with the hurtling waves breaking on the shore make the sight worth cherishing. You can buy a host of colorful shells on the Kanyakumari beach for a wonderful keepsake.

            Kanyakumari is home to the world famous Vivekananda's rock, a huge stone jutting out of the sea, which is said to be the place where Swami Vivekananda meditated. The rock has the statue of Vivekananda and is a memorial to him. A popular visit for the followers of Vivekanand and people of Bengal, there are quite a Bengali hotels and restaurants.

            Kanyakumari is famous all across the world for Vivekanand rock that houses a memorial dedicated to Swami Vivekanand. The memorial has two structures in its precincts - Vivekananda Mandapam and Sripada Mandapam on two rocks facing each other. The smaller rock called 'Sripada Parai' is revered as a sacred spot where Goddess Kanya Kumari did meditation. The rock has an impression of a human footprint, which is revered to be that of Goddess Kanya Kumari.

  Vivekananda Mandapam is thronged by tourists from across the world and all those who seek mystical enlightenment come to meditate here. It has a Meditation Hall called Dhyan Mandapam where one can meditate in peace. In the Assembly Hall or Sabha Mandapam there is a statue of Swami Vivekanand. The design of mandapam has different styles of temple architectures of India, instilling a complete Indian essence within itself.

            This memorial in Kanyakumari is of immense cultural significance. Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi visited this town in 1925. This memorial was constructed in 1952 on the eve of Gandhiji’s birthday on October 2. Also known as the Gandhi Mandapam, there is a library here with a collection of history and philosophy texts. The central dome is 76 feet in height. 

            Kanyakumari forms the southern most end of mainland India. Kanyakumari is named after the virgin goddess Kanyakumari whose temple is situated here. Legends have it that Kanya Devi, an incarnation (avatar) of Goddess Parvati, was to wed Lord Shiva but he did not turn up for the wedding and the marriage never took place. According to legends, the rice and cereals meant for the marriage remained uncooked. Even today, stones that look exactly like rice and cereals are available in the market. It is a common belief that these stones are the leftovers of the legendary marriage, which could not be solemnized. As the marriage could not take place, Kanya Devi became a virgin goddess 

            The Kanyakumari temple is dedicated to Kanya Devi. The main entrance to the Kanyakumari temple is through the northern gate. Though the deity in the temple is seated facing east, the eastern gate is kept closed except for some special occasions. There are three corridors that surround the sanctum. After a walk around the outer corridor, the devotees cross the 'Navarathiri mandapam' and head to the second corridor, which encircles the shrine. From here you can get a clear view of the Goddess. The main festivals at the Kanyakumari temple are held in the month of Vaikasi (May/June) and the Navarathri (September/October). Male worshippers are required to remove their shirts before entering the temple. 

            Thiruvalluvar is the immortal poet of Tamil Nadu and has given to the world Thirukkural. The memorial statue of Thiruvalluvar is in Kanyakumari. The pedestal of the statue is of 38 feet height and the statue over it is 95 feet tall with a grand total of 133 feet for the entire sculpture. The 3 tier pedestal known as Atharapeedam (base) is surrounded by an artistic Mandapa known as Alankara Mandapam with 38 feet height. Surrounding the Alankara Mandapa stand 10 elephant statues signifying 8 directions with earth and space down To help the tourists to worship the holy feet of Thiruvalluvar 140 steps are constructed inside the Mandapa. The pedestal with a height of 38 feet represents the 38 chapters in the Book of Aram in Thirukural and the statue of 95 feet on the pedestal represents the total chapters in Porul (70 chapters) and Inbam (25 Chapters). Thus the statue symbolically, and artistically signifies that the theme of Porul and Inbam are based on Aram. 

 6)   The sun rise and sun set in Kanyakumari

            The sun rise and sun set of Kanyakumari are also very beautiful and thus famous among the people. It is believed that they gives lot of mental satisfaction to the people and thus a lot of people come to see the sun rise and sun set of Kanyakumari. It gives a clear view of the sun rise and sun set.

            The rich history and the cultural heritage of Kanyakumari is one of mixed culture and profound heritage. The city of Kanyakumari have been around for thousands of years as it has been the city of culture, history, arts, economy and the hub of civilization for centuries. In Kanyakumari, you can find instances of many religions like Islam, Christianity, or Hinduism easily. Its mixed heritage of the city has called out for many people for pilgrimage that has been going on for centuries.