Thengapattanam Beach, Kanyakumari
Thengapattanam
Beach is located in Thengapattanam, a coastal village in Kanyakumari District
of Tamilnadu. “Thengapattinam”,
Thennaipattinam” and “Thenpattinam” are the other relevant names of this
Village. It is called so because of the dense coconut groves found everywhere
here, being located on the coast of Arabian sea, and sitting on the southern
tip of India. The Valyar, a tributary of Kuzhithurai River known as
Tamiraparani flows and merges with Arabian Sea here.
Thengapattanam
has a long seashore with ferry services available. Thengapattanam is a major
tourist attraction in the Kanyakumari district known for its sea, river, canal, paddy
fields, Rocky Mountains and lush green groves. The merger of the Tamiraparani
River here with the Arabian Sea is considered to be especially beautiful. This
has also been used to describe the merger of the river with sea (estuary /
firth) known as 'Pozhi" in local vernacular. As one of the few picnic
spots in the district, the town contains tiny hill-tops where cool wind blows
throughout the year.
It is
one of the most fertile lands of the district with climatic conditions like the
bordering state Kerala. With boat riding and backwater facilities, the beach
serves as an important location for excursions and picnics. Situated on the
west coast, Thengapattinam Beach has some historical relevance too. During
ancient times, the coast was an important place for trade with foreign
countries. Cargo services were available especially between Thengapattinam and
Arabia. Dried coconut, dry fish, coir and shark fin were the main products that
were exported.
The
waters of the Thamiraparani River form an estuary in the sea here, adding to
the scenic beauty of the place. At Thengapattinam Beach, you can take a
catamaran or a boat ride in the waters of the estuary. This can be arranged
through local fishermen. The shallow water of this beach is also ideal for
swimming. There is a 1500 year old mosque in the vicinity of this beach, which
is worth a visit. The beach with its white sand and calm waters is a perfect
picnic spot with a backdrop of coconut trees that provides shade and comfort to
visitors.
Thengapattanam
Beach is located at about 14 Kms from Colachel, 21 Kms from Thuckalay, 12 Kms
from Pariakal Beach, 14 Kms from Marthandam, 13 Kms from Kuzhithurai, 34 Kms
from Nagercoil, 55 Kms from Kanyakumari and 52 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. This
place is easily accessible by road. Buses travel from Thiruvananthapuram and
Nagercoil to the beach frequently. Nearest Railway Station is located at Kuzhithurai
(12 Kms) and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram (50 Kms).
