History of Kanyakumari District
Kanyakumari or the Cape Comorin was once known as the Alexandria of the east. A hub of art, culture, civilization, and pilgrimage for years, it is famous for commerce and trade.
The architecture of this beautiful beach land is greatly inspired by religions like Islam, Christianity and Jainism. Kanyakumari was ruled by the Cholas, the Cheras, the Pandyas and the Nayaks, all great rulers of south India. The credit for the architectural beauty of the temples found in Kanyakumari goes to these rulers. Kanyakumari was given the name Cape Comorin by the British as it was easier for them to pronounce.
According to a legend Kanya Devi, an avatar of Goddess Parvati, was supposed to wed Lord Shiva. But he did not turn up at the auspicious time and the wedding never took place. Therefore the rice and cereals, which were to be used for the marriage remained uncooked. The stones found here resemble rice and cereals and today one can buy these stones. Native population believes that they are the leftovers of the legendary marriage that could not be solemnized. and the princess Kanya Devi, became a virgin goddess blessing pilgrims and tourists alike.
According to a legend Kanya Devi, an avatar of Goddess Parvati, was supposed to wed Lord Shiva. But he did not turn up at the auspicious time and the wedding never took place. Therefore the rice and cereals, which were to be used for the marriage remained uncooked. The stones found here resemble rice and cereals and today one can buy these stones. Native population believes that they are the leftovers of the legendary marriage that could not be solemnized. and the princess Kanya Devi, became a virgin goddess blessing pilgrims and tourists alike.
Kanyakumari was once referred to as the Alexandria of the east. This place has been a great center for art, culture, civilization, and pilgrimage for years. It was also a famous center for commerce and trade. During the early part of the eighth century AD Islam entered the southern part of India through the sea route with traders and missionaries. Through St. Thomas, one of the twelve Apostles of Christ, Christianity arrived in this area in AD 52. Islam, Christianity and Jainism have greatly contributed to the architectural wealth and literary heritage of this place. Kanyakumari was also under the control of the Cholas, the Cheras, the Pandyas and the Nayaks who were great rulers of south India.
During the British Raj, Kanyakumari was bestowed the dry title of Cape Comorin, necessitated perhaps by the Englishmen's inability to pronounce local names.
The legend of Kanyakumari revolves around the story of Parasurama who commanded the region between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea to arise from the ocean bed. Has been under the rule of the Southern Dynasties, the Pandyas, the Cheras, and the Pallacas. For the British the southern plains were considered as a distant country, the people of this land termed as Madrasis.
Kanyakumari district, once known as "The Granary of Travancore" lies at the southwestern part of Indian peninsula. It was in Travancore for a long time and then merged with Tamil Nadu in 1956 under the State Linguistic Reorganisation Act.
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.
The presiding deity of the temple of Kanyakumari is Parasakthi as a virgin Goddess in meditative mood. The life-like image of Devi with a smiling face is a combination of innocence, purity and beauty. Smeared with sandal paste, decked with different varieties of valuable ornaments and decorated with beautiful garlands of flowers. She creates a sense of devotion and "peace that passeth understanding" in the mind of every worshipper. There is one version that Adi Sankara composed Soundaryalahari after seeing the sunrise, sunset and moon rise on the full moon day of the Tamil month of Chithrai at Kanya kumari praising the virgin Goddess. The beauty of Devi Kanyakumari reflects in the opening lines of his divine work.
Kanyakumari is located in the state of Tamil Nadu and it is the southernmost point of the Indian peninsula. The enchanting natural beauty of this place attracts hordes of tourists from far corners of India and the world at large. The place is blessed with a pleasant climate and you will come across several places of tourist interest that are located here.
Kanyakumari or the Cape Comorin, the southern most tip of peninsular India is sprawled over an area of 1672 sq. km, occupying 1.29% of the total extent of Tamil Nadu.
Kanyakumari is also known as Kanniyakumari in Tamil Language. It is the confluence point of three oceans - the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Apart from this, it is also a vital Hindu pilgrim center, renowned for its exotic sunrises and sunsets over the horizon. One of the unique features of Kanyakumari is the multicolored sand found on its beach.
This exquisite land is encircled by majestic hills along with swaying coconut trees and paddy fields. There are also a few elevated patches of red cliffs and some free flowing valleys presenting an eye-pleasing scene.
This exquisite land is encircled by majestic hills along with swaying coconut trees and paddy fields. There are also a few elevated patches of red cliffs and some free flowing valleys presenting an eye-pleasing scene.
One can also see plains between the mountainous terrain and the sea - coast, with Temples and Churches standing proudly. Truly, a beautiful way to mark the end of the land of marvelous India.
The tourist attractions in Kanyakumari are chiefly of religious and historic importance. The sea shore of Kanyakumari is well-known for exquisite sunset and sunrise.While on your tour to Kanyakumari, you can also make sightseeing excursions of several places that are located nearby. Vattakottai which means circular fort in the local dialect belongs to the 18th-century and overlooks the sea. Udaigiri Fort is another place of tourist interest which was built by King Marthanda Verma and has a factory where the guns are manufactured. The splendid Padmanabhapuram Palace is a huge mansion of the Travancore Kings recognized for its captivating artistic appeal. There are many tourist attractions in Kanyakumari to marvel at, and your tour to Kanyakumari will definitely turn out to be a gratifying one.
Soil
Soil in the district is mostly of the red loam variety. However on the sea coasts, the sandy typeof soil prevails and, near the mountain ranges, gravelly soil is generally seen. In low lands there is neither white sand nor sandy leam, while in the midlands and high lands there prevails fairly fortile soil of the fine type. The valley in the midland has loamy clay soil with high sand content. In the midlands, in general, the soil is clay-leam of lateriteorigin with an admixture of gravel and sand. In Kalkulam and Vilavancode taluks, the gravel content is low.
Climate and Rainfall
The climate is very pleasant. The major factors that influence the climate of the district are two monsoon winds, the proximity of the sea and the dwindling height of the western ghats. During the months of January and February, the atmosphere is mostly dry with slight humidity. The level of the mercury acquires an upward trend which is rather gradual but persistence. In the coastal area, sea breeze provides a smoothing effect. Till june, hot sum prevails.
Hills
The district is situated at the foot of the western ghats and only a few hill ranges. Except Agastheeswaram taluk the other taluks have a few range of mountains. The only mountainous tract worthy to mention is in Kalkulam taluk. It is at the elevation of 4,400 feet above the mean sea levels with isolated peaks.
The most important of them being Mahendragiri (5,4,27 feet), the southern most peak in the western ghats. In the east, the mountain range leaves open several passes. Of which, the Aralvaimozhi pass forms the best entrance to the district. This pass has played a good role in the military and strategical history of erstwhile Travancore state.
Rivers
Rivers of this district are mostly non perennial and short. Paraliyar rises on the mountain, Mahendragiri hills in Thovalai taluk. Passing through a wild tract. It enters the plains at Thiruvattar and flows towards south west direction. After a course of 37 kms. from the source, it is joined by another river Kothayar near Thiruvattar. The two rivers unite to form the Kuzhithuraiyar which is also known as Tambraparani. The combined river then flows for a length of 59 kms.through Kalkulam and Vilavancode taluks and reaches the sea at Thengapattinam.
Shopping/Markets
Souvenirs and handicraft articles made from seashells and palm leaf articles are the main items to buy at Kannyakumari. Trinkets and packets of coloured sea sand for children can also be bought here. There are several shops selling these articles.
Accomodation
Varied accommodation options varying from luxurious to economic hotels, lodges, Devasthanam cottages are available for tourists in Kanyakumari.
Accommodation is not a problem in Kanyakumari and Nagercoil. There are many standard hotels, which provide good services to their guests.
Excursions
Excursions are always exciting and the excursion destinations from Kanyakumari are all the more fun. Some of the major tourism destinations nearby are Vattakottai (literally, circular fort), an 18th-century fort dominating the sea is located about six kms from Kanyakumari. The Udayagiri Fort situated around 34 kms, is built by King Marthanda Varma in 1729-1758 AD.
Another destination, situated around 13 kms from Kanyakumari is Suchindram. The Thanumalayan temple here is a depository of art that treasures belonging of those kingdoms, who once ruled this place. The Nagaraja Temple at Nagarkoil situated about 20 kms is a splendid temple with Nagaraja as the worshiped deity. The Padmanabhapuram Palace is located around 45 kms from Kanyakumari. It is a large mansion of the Travancore Kings and is famous for its engrossing natural magnificence.Tiruchendur located around 85 kms away from Kanyakumari is the venue of a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Subramanya. This shore temple on the Bay of Bengal is one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya. The Courtallam Fall situated almost 137 kms and located at a height of 167 m, is believed to contain therapeutic water.
Festivals
Some of the important festivals celebrated here are the Chaitra Purnima Festival celebrated in the first week of May, Navratri celebrated in the last week of October and the Holy Annual Festival of the Roman Catholic Church celebrated in the fourth week of December. These are the notable festivals celebrated in Kanyakumari.
Excursions are always exciting and the excursion destinations from Kanyakumari are all the more fun. Some of the major tourism destinations nearby are Vattakottai (literally, circular fort), an 18th-century fort dominating the sea is located about six kms from Kanyakumari. The Udayagiri Fort situated around 34 kms, is built by King Marthanda Varma in 1729-1758 AD.
Another destination, situated around 13 kms from Kanyakumari is Suchindram. The Thanumalayan temple here is a depository of art that treasures belonging of those kingdoms, who once ruled this place. The Nagaraja Temple at Nagarkoil situated about 20 kms is a splendid temple with Nagaraja as the worshiped deity. The Padmanabhapuram Palace is located around 45 kms from Kanyakumari. It is a large mansion of the Travancore Kings and is famous for its engrossing natural magnificence.Tiruchendur located around 85 kms away from Kanyakumari is the venue of a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Subramanya. This shore temple on the Bay of Bengal is one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya. The Courtallam Fall situated almost 137 kms and located at a height of 167 m, is believed to contain therapeutic water.
Festivals
Some of the important festivals celebrated here are the Chaitra Purnima Festival celebrated in the first week of May, Navratri celebrated in the last week of October and the Holy Annual Festival of the Roman Catholic Church celebrated in the fourth week of December. These are the notable festivals celebrated in Kanyakumari.