Kanyakumari

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Kanyakumari (also spelled Kanniyakumari or Kanniakumari) District is the southernmost point of the Indian Peninsula. The administrative capital of the district is Nagercoil, which is 20 km from Kanyakumari town. The district has the best literacy rate in the state and is considered the best educated district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu by the HRD Ministry.

One of the most exotic places to go in India is the city of Kanyakumari, also known as Cape Comorin, which is filled with many and interesting tourist attractions. Perhaps what makes it so interesting is the fact that it is located at the southernmost part of India, hence it is somewhat of a well of culture ready to be explored by tourists. 

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. 

The city of Kanyakumari with its southern coast to the vast and the powerful Indian Ocean impressed the British so much, that they decided to rename it to Cape Comorin to accentuate its beauty. Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin) represents all the beautiful things that India has to offer the world. You can find many temples, churches, religious pillars and statues that will keep the head spinning. It is a place of mixed culture that is reflected in the arts, buildings and even in the food. You can have an excursion to the Kumari Amman Temple or to the Vattakottai Fort that stands erect even today

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The temple town of Kanyakumari got its name from Kanyakumari Temple which is scenically located at the confluence of three oceans. Ptolemy, the famous Roman scholar had described the city to have been a center for fishery in the ancient times. Also recorded data claims Kanyakumari to have been an importance centre for art and religion. 

Various mythological myths have been associated with the birth of Kanyakumari. This great centre of trade and commerce has been under the rule of the Cholas, the Cheras, the Pandayas and the Nayaks. It was during the reign of the Venad kings that Padmanbhapuram was declared as the capital of their kingdom and the present Kanyakumari came to be known as Southern Travancore.

During the Travancore period, the city saw huge expansion, both, socially and economically. Christianity came to Kanyakumari during 52 AD, with St. Thomas, who was one of the twelve Apostles of Christ. 

The battle of Colachel between the Dutch East India Company and Maharaja Marthanda Varma, saw the defeat of the Dutch. However, after the fall of the Pandya kings, Kanyakumari came under the rule of the British and remained so till India’s independence in 1947. 

History of Kanyakumari boasts of the influence of almost all the religions and the various types of architectural heritage of the city today stands to its testimony.

Kanyakumari is a very famous tourist destination and travelling around Kanyakumari is relatively easy. There are many modes of travel available, and buses, auto rickshaws and hired vehicles are the most preferred ones. 

Bus

Buses in Kanyakumari are the preferred local mode of transport, and these tend to be quite crowded normally. Buses are also the cheaper mode of travel, as bus fares will range around Rs 4 to 10, depending on the distance involved. You can opt for buses provided you know the routes beforehand, and you are well aware of your destination. 

Auto Rickshaw

Auto rickshaws in Kanyakumari do not run on the meter, and drivers will normally quote rates that are exorbitant. You can anyhow obtain information about the fares from the locals and bargain for a good margin. Auto rickshaws can help you travel around Kanyakumari in a faster way, and fares will range around Rs 20 to 60, depending on the distance covered. There are no separate night charges, and travelling through an auto rickshaw is relatively safe, so make sure that you catch an auto ride during night time. 

Rented Motorbikes

Bikes or motorcycles can also be rented out in Kanyakumari, and this is an effective way to get around the region. Rental charges may vary from Rs 300 to 400.

by:- Ankit parmar