Kanyakumari
 Kanyakumari is the southernmost point of peninsular India and the meeting point of three oceans-the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Besides its importance as a Hindu pilgrim center, it is famous for its beautiful views of sunrise and sunset over the waters. The multicolored sand is a unique feature of the beach here.
Legend has it that Kanya Devi, an avatar of Goddess Parvati, was to wed Lord Shiva, the destroyer in the Hindu trinity. But he did not turn up at the auspicious time and the wedding never took place. The rice and cereals meant for the marriage remained uncooked. Even today, one can buy stones there that look exactly like rice and cereals. Local folks believe that they are the leftovers of the legendary marriage that could not be solemnized. As for the princess Kanya Devi, she became a virgin goddess blessing pilgrims and tourists alike.
Accommodation at Kanyakumari:
Hotel Singaar International,
Hotel Sea View
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Kanyakumari enjoys a pleasant climate and can be visited throughout
the year. However, the most enjoyable season to visit this place is
between October and March.
Prime
Attractions at Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari Temple
The Kumari Amman or the Kanyakumari Temple, located on the shore, is a Shakti Peetha 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, situated overlooking the shore, attract tourists from all over the world.
Vivekananda Rock Memorial: On one of the rocks near the shore, Swami Vivekananda is said to have sat in deep meditation. It is also the site of Vivekananda Rock Memorial built in 1970. There is a dhyana mandapam, an area for meditation. Ferry services are available to reach the memorial. The Gandhi Memorial has been built on the spot where the urn containing the Mahatma's ashes was kept for public viewing before immersion. Resembling central Indian Hindu temples in form, the memorial was designed so that on Mahatma Gandhi's birthday, October 2, the first rays of the sun fall on the exact place where his ashes were kept.
Access to Kanyakumari
Air: Nearest airport Trivandrum (80 kms) is directly connected with Bangalore, Bombay, Cochin, Delhi, Goa and Chennai.
Rail: Kanyakumari is connected to Trivandrum, Delhi and Bombay by broad guage. Tirunelveli (80 kms) is the other nearest railway junction which can be reached by road via Nagaarcoil (19 kms).
Road: Kanyakumari is connected by road to Trivandrum- 86 kms, Nagercoil- 19 kms, Tirunelveli- 91 kms, Tiruchendur via Ovari- 89 kms, Tuticorin (via Ovari- Tiruchendur)- 129 kms, Rameshwaram via Tuticorin- 300 kms, Courtallam (via Tiruncleveli-Tenkasi)- 130 kms, Madurai via Tirunelveli- 242 kms, Thekkady 358 kms, Kodaikanal via Madurai- 362 kms, Palani via Madurai- 370 kms, Ootacamund (via Madurai-Palanai-Coimbatore)- 576 kms, Cochin (via Quilon-Trivandrum)- 309 kms, Coimbatore (via Madurai-Dindugal)- 478 kms.
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