Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari is located at the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent. The small temple dedicated to Kanyakumari, or the youthful form of the primeval energy Shakti (Mother Goddess) is located on the seashore, in the town known by the same name. Kanyakumari was referred to by the British as Cape Commorin.

Kanyakumari Temple: pilgrims from all over India come here to worship and to bathe at the Kumari Ghat. Legend has it that Parvati in one of her incarnations as Devi Kanya did penance here to secure Shiva's hand in marriage but was unsuccessful and so vowed to remain a virgin (Kanya). The temple is open daily from 4.30 to 11.30 am and from 5.30 to 8.30 pm. Non-Hindus are not allowed into the inner sanctum.

Vivekananda Memorial Located on two rocky islands which project from the sea about 200 metres from the shore line. The Indian philosopher, Swami Vivekananda came here in 1892 and sat on the rock meditating before setting out as one of India's most important religious crusaders. The mandapam which stands here in his memory was built in 1970 and employs architectural styles from all over India.

A boat service is available to reach the islands which are open to visitors between 7 and 11 am and 2 to 5 pm. If you're looking for a quiet beach, one of the finest in Tamil Nadu, before heading north into Kerala, try the one at Kolachal about half way between Kanyakumari and Trivandrum.

Padmanabhapuram: Near Nagarcoil this was once the capital of the state of Travancore. There's an old fort and a pagoda-shaped palace with fine 17th and 18th century murals. It's actually close to the Kerala border and conveniently visited between Kanyakumari and Trivandrum.

Fairs and Festivals: The Chaitra Purnima Festival (the April full-moon day, celebrated in the first week of May), Navratri (last week of October), and the Holy Annual Festival of the Roman Catholic Church (fourth week of December) are the notable festivals celebrated in Kanyakumari.