The Kumari Amman

It is also known as the Kanyakumari Temple and located on the shore, is dedicated to a manifestation of Parvati, the virgin goddess who did penance to obtain Lord Shiva's hand in marriage. The temple and the adjoining ghat, picturesquely situated overlooking the shore, attract tourist from all over the world. The diamond nose-ring of the deity is famous for its sparkling splendor said to be visible even from the sea.

It is situated southeast of the Kumari Amman temple. One of these is Sri Padaparai, where the footprints of the virgin goddess are said to be imprinted on this rock, Swami Vivekananda is said to have sat in deep meditation and here also stands the famous Vivekananda Rock Memorial built in 1970. There is a dhyana mandapam where one can sit in a serene atmosphere and meditate. Ferry services are available to reach the memorial.

 

It was built on the spot where the pitcher containing the Mahatma's ashes was kept for public viewing before immersion. Resembling central Indian Hindu temples in form, the memorial was so designed that on Mahatma Gandhi's birthday (October 2), the first rays of the sun fall on the exact place where the ashes of the father of the nation were kept.

 

Literally it means circular fort and was built on 18th-century from where the sea can be overlooked. It is located 6 km away from Kanyakumari. Here, the sea is calm and suitable for bathing.

It was built by King Marthanda Varma on the AD 1729-1758. It has a foundry for casting guns. The king's trusted European general De Lennoy's tomb is located within this fort. It situated 13 km from Kanyakumari, Suchindram bears the imprint of various kingdoms. The Thanumalayan temple here is a repository of art treasures belonging to those kingdoms. The temple is famous for its musical columns and its impressive sixty m tall statue of the monkey god, Hanuman. The main deity in the form of a shivling represents Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma, the trinity of the Hindu pantheon.

Nagaraja Temple, Nagarkoil (20 km) is a fascinating temple with Nagaraja as the main deity. There are also shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu.
Padmanabhapuram Palace (45 km) is the magnificent wooden palace of the Travancore maharajas.
Tiruchendur, site of a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Subramanya.
Courtallam Falls (137 km) are perched at a height of of 167 m. The water is believed to contain medicinal properties.

It is located at Nagarkoil and is a magnificent temple with Nagaraja as the main deity. There are also shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu. The entrance to this temple is reminiscent of the Chinese architecture of a Buddhist Vihar. Nagercoil is 19 kms from Kanyakumari on the way to Padmanabhapuram.

It is situated 45 km away from Kanyakumari and is a large mansion of the Travancore Kings. It is famous for its fascinating natural splendor.

It is situated at a distance of 85 km from Kanyakumari and is the site of a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Subramanya. The temple located here on the shore of the Bay of Bengal is one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya. The location of the temple draws a perennial stream of devotees. The temple overlooking the singing sea is an inspiring sight.

It is situated at 137 km from Kanyakumari and is perched at a height of 167 m. Its water is believed to contain medicinal properties.

It is situated at 13 km away from Kanyakumari. The Thanumalayan temple, here, is a repository of art treasures, belonging to many kingdoms. The presiding deity in the form of a Linga, denotes Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. Inscriptions, said to be of the 9th century AD, can be found in this temple. The temple is also famous for a huge statue of Hanuman and its musical pillars.

• Chitra Pournima Festival  Celebrated in the first week of May
• Navaratri  Celebrated in the last week of October
• Holy Annual festival of RC Church Celebrated in the fourth week of December