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Arokiyanathar Alayam, Vavathurai
Vavathurai is a village in Kanyakumari in the state of Tamilnadu in India. The closest major city
is Nagercoil, the administrative headquarters of Kanyakumari District, (18 km).
Located at the sea shore of Vivekananda Rock memorial. The place adds beauty to Kanyakumari
and is the one of the important place to see in Kanyakumari. One can see sun rise at all the
seasons. The Church is built in the sea shore
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Ayya Vaikunda Avataram Festival
The Ayya Vaikunda Avataram is a festival celebrated by the followers of Ayyavazhi on the 20th
day of the Tamil Month of Masi, the date on which the Ayyavazhi followers believe that Lord
Vaikundar arose from the sea at Thiruchendur as the son of Mummorthies to destroy the evil
spirit of Kali and transform the Kaliyukam into Dharma Yukam. This is the only Ayyavazhi
festival which is celebrated 'at a time' in all worship centres of Ayyavazhi on 19th Masi (3rd
March), the day before the date of incarnation of Vaikundar.
On the next day on 20th of Masi, (4 March) 'The Great Masi Procession' begins early in the
morning from Nagercoil. The Payyan (usually Pattathu Ayya) will lead the procession. A
decorated vahana is carried in front of the procession in which the Akilattirattu Ammanai (palm-
leaf version) is sacredly placed.
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Baywatch(Water Theme Amusement Park)
If you ever go to India, then besides Bombay, perhaps the most interesting place you need to go
is the city of Baywatch situated in the region of Kanyakumari. It has a very famous water
amusement park that is especially suitable for families. There are many different types of rides
available like the Bumping Car, Crazy Chairs, Giant Wheel, Milky Way, and Multiple Splash.
Baywatch Water Amusement park is open every day of the year and it has many different
attractions for adults and children including its world famous wax museum that is the counterpart
of Wax Museum at London.
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Colachel Port
Colachel Port is a small natural harbour in the western side of the district near the town of
Colachel. The Indian government has plans to turn it into a major port and container trans-
shipment terminal and is now in the process of making a feasibility study. Colachel Port would
have certain advantages over other neighbouring ports in India when developed, in that, it would
be closer to international shipping lanes - shipping traffic between Europe, West Asia and the Far
East passes not far from the port.
Also, the port is naturally deep. Being situated close to the tip of the Indian Peninsula and with
major ports like Colombo and Singapore in the vicinity, the port is becoming a big port and the
Singapore government has sent its team to study the port.
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Courtallam Falls
Courtallam Falls is a beautiful waterscape that is found in the city of Kanyakumari or the Cape
Comorin; which is a city that is in the southern most part of India. Courtallam Falls is one of the
beautiful areas there for which many people come to visit in great numbers every year. Contrary
to popular belief Courtallam Falls consists of not just one but many different falls that are
together in one place. Soaking your head under these falls is an experience that no one forgets. In
addition, it is thought that these falls have curing powers especially to those who have mental
ailments.
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Devi Kanya Kumari Temple(Kanyakumari Temple)
Devi Kanya Kumari, known as Kumari Amman (the virgin goddess) is one of the forms of Devi.
She is popularly known as "Bhagavathy Amman". Bhagavathy Amman Temple is located in
Kanya Kumari (formerly Cape Comorin) on the confluence of the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian
Sea, and the Indian Ocean. She is also known by several other names, including Kanya Devi and
Devi Kumari.
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Entrance Hall
The entrance to the main edifice is controlled by another ornamental gateway with retainers for
watch and ward. The gabled entrance has wooden ceiling profusely ornamented with lotus
medallions. The most striking feature of the entrance is the clock-tower which is one of the
oldest in India erected in 1832 A.D. and still continues to be in working order.
The first floor the Poomuham has a council chamber or Mantrasala which is meant for holding
discussions with ministers and prominent citizens. The floor off this hall, which is polished with
the admixture of coconut shell ashes, eggs fermented in molasses and lime reflects the figure like
a mirror. Next to the Mantrasala is the Dancing Hall which was used exclusively for the
members of the royal family.
Adjacent to the Council Chamber and to the south of dancing hall is the dinning hall called
?Uttupura?, with two floors (the ground and the first) each measuring roughly 78 by 6 metres
and it would accommodate about 2000 people at a time. Feeding of about 2000 poor persons, it
is said, was done here every day and so the king was called ?Dharmaraja?.
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Gandhi Mandapam(Mahatma Gandhi Memorial)
This is the place where the urn containing the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi was kept before a
portion of which was immersed in the three seas. The exemplary temple is located near to the
Kumari Amman Temple and is one of the most picturesque spots in Kanyakumari. The temple is
build in such a way that on October 2nd, the birth date of Mahatma Gandhi, the rays of sun fall
exactly on the spot where the urn containing the ashes is kept. So if possible choose this day to
visit this splendid monument and witness the magical moment right in front of your eyes.
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Government Museum
The Government Museum, situated on the Beach Road offers a good collection of sculptured
artifacts and crafts of South Indian Temples and is one of the ?Must See? places in
Kanyakumari.
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Guganathaswamy Temple
This is a 1000 year old temple and is said to have been built by the King Raja Raja Chola. The
architectural style of the Cholas is quiet apparent in this temple. It is located near Railway
Station. There are 16 inscriptions found in this temple that date back to the years 1038 A.D.,
1044 A.D., 1045 .A.D.
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Kalikesam
Kalikesam, is a scenic picnic spot in the Kanyakumari district in Tamil Nadu, India which is
famous for its thick forest and rubber plantations. The Kali temple situated here attracts many
pilgrims. There is a rocky river with crystal clear water. It is a nice place for people who love
peace and nature.
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Kamarajar Manimandapam
Another monument Kamarajar Manimandapam is also very famous. This is dedicated to Late.
Sri. Kamarajar. He was a freedom fighter and Former Chief minister of Tamil Nadu. He was also
the President of Indian National Congress. He was popularly known as Black Gandhi among the
masses and king maker during congress regime. This monument was constructed where his ashes
were kept here for public to pay homage before immersion into the sea.
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Kanyakumari Beach
The Kanyakumari beach with multi-colored sand and rocky shoreline is definitely one of the
most beautiful beaches in south India and offers a great change from all other beaches. The
waves that hit the shore are quite strong and frequent, that means that one does not get to enjoy a
step into the shallow water or a sea bath. The shore being rocky makes it more dangerous to
venture out to the sea, so people are asked to stay within the prescribed zone. You can shop for
shells that are on sale on the Kanyakumari beach. There is a lighthouse on the beach from where
one can get a ravishing view of the sea.
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Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary
Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary is a 402.4 km2 (155.4 sq mi) protected area in Kanyakumari
district, Tamil Nadu South India declared in February 2008. The area is a tiger habitat. The area
is a wildlife corridor with high biodiversity, and in addition to tigers, is home to the threatened
species :Indian Bison, elephant, Indian Rock Python, Lion-tailed Macaque, Mouse deer, Nilgiri
Tahr and Sambar deer. There are a few tribal villages in the sanctuary and adjoining reserve
forests.
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Keeriparai
Keeriparai is one of the most beautiful natural attractions that you can come and see when you
visit India. Keeriparai is actually a natural habitat that has been transformed into a natural trek
for those international visitors who wish to see the lush jungles of India. Keeriparai has a wide
variety of Fauna and Flora that is unparallel by many natural treks and habitats in the world. It is
very easy to see big roaring wide elephants in the plains of Keeriparai. In addition, there are
many herbal and medicinal plants that can be found there for many purposes.Keeriparai is one of
the most beautiful natural attractions that you can come and see when you visit India. Keeriparai
is actually a natural habitat that has been transformed into a natural trek for those international
visitors who wish to see the lush jungles of India. Keeriparai has a wide variety of Fauna and
Flora that is unparallel by many natural treks and habitats in the world. It is very easy to see big
roaring wide elephants in the plains of Keeriparai. In addition, there are many herbal and
medicinal plants that can be found there for many purposes.
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Kodhayar
Kodhayar is one of the places of interest that is situated on the southern tip of India in the region
of Kanyakumari. Kodhayar is a natural habitat in which you can see a variety of fauna and flora.
Kodhayar is also called Kodhayar Lower Camp and it is possible to see bison and bears along
with different wild animals. Kodhayar is about 60 km long, and it does require a very interesting
wild path to get there. However, Kodhayar is definitely a very nice wild park and a habitat that
needs to be seen when in India.
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Kumara Coil
The Kumara coil is the important and renowned among the Murugan temples in the district of
Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu. It is located at the foot of velimalai 15 km from Nagercoil. The deity
here, is standing posture is 6 feet tall. The temple has also a long history dates back to 17th
century.
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Kumari - Hall of History
It is located south side of Kanyakumari Railway Station exhibits the pictures of historical
wonders and also comprised rare photographs Kamarajar, Gandhiji and other freedom fighters.
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Lord Subramanya Temple
Lord Subramanya Temple is one of the most interesting temples to visit when you go to India. It
has pillars and towers that give it a magnificent look. Lord Subramanya Temple is one of the
many places in India, where you could get a taste of the wonderful things that await fro you
there. Lord Subramanya Temple has also attracted thousands of pilgrimage visitors from all over
India. Many festivals are hosted at Lord Subramanya Temple and especially during certain
religious holidays.
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Marunthuvazh Malai
The Marunthuvazh Malai also known as the Maruthuva Malai forms the part and the
southernmost tip of the Western Ghats. According to tradition, the Maruthuva Malai is a
fragment of the Sanjeevi Mountain, a piece of which fell down here, and it was carried by
Hanuman from Mahendragiri to Lanka for healing the fatal wounds of Lakshmana, the brother of
Rama, the epic hero. It stretches for more than a km, reaching a height of 800 feet at the highest
point. It is about 2 km from Swamithoppe and 11 km from Nagercoil.
This hill is also believed to be noted in Ayyavazhi mythology as Parvatha Ucchi Malai. Apart
from the Mythology, this hill is historically related to the life of Vaikundar. So few theologians
consider this hill as sacred and consider it one among the Ayyavazhi holy sites. Backing some
quotes from Arul Nool and Akilam some even argue that Marunthuvazh Malai is one among the
Pathis.
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Mathur Aqueduct(Mathur Hanging Trough)
Mathur Aqueduct or Mathur Hanging Trough, is an Aqueduct in Southern India, in Kanyakumari
District of Tamilnadu state. Built over the Pahrali River (also called Parazhiyar), it takes its name
from Mathur, a hamlet near the Aqueduct. It is one of the longest and highest aqueducts in South
Asia and is also a popular tourist spot in Kanyakumari District.
From the centre of the Aqueduct, one can see a vast expanse of greenery, with rolling hills of the
Western Ghats in the background, and the meandering Pahrali river flowing below. Mathur
Aqueduct is about 60 km from the popular tourist town of Kanyakumari and about 60 km from
the city of Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala state.
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Mondaicaud Bhagavathi Temple
Mondaicaud Bhagavathi Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Parvati
(known as Bhagavathi). It is located near Colachel in the western coast of Kanyakumari district,
Tamil Nadu. This is one among the most renowned and important Hindu temples in the district.
This temple on the sea shore is a sought after pilgrim centre for both people of Tamilnadu and
Kerala. Due to some unknown reasons people from Kollam district in Kerala frequent this
temple. The Kodai festival at Mondaicaudu is a major celebration in the region and as in
Sabarimala people flock here, especially women.
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Mukkadal Dam and Reservoir
Mukkadal Dam is built across the Vambaru River in the state of Tamil Nadu in southern India,
10 km from town of Nagercoil. It is a scenic place, favored as a picnic location among local
residents. It was built by Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma in 1645, the King of
Travancore. The dam is constructed of clay and granite stones. The depth of water behind the
dam is approximately 50 feet.
The forest consist of soaring and lofty trees of Mesua ferrea, Bischofia javanica, Vitex Altissima
to smaller trees of Dillini a species of festooning climber, shrubs, valuable herbs, variety of
orchids, two types of canes and many indigenous palms and cycads. The important timbers are
teak, Rosewood, Vengai and this place worth mentioning here for the easy availability and
quality of above timbers. various types of forest products like bamboos, reeds, canes, soft wood
tamarind, lemon grass, rubber, coconut, Areca nut, Kadukai, cinnamon bark, Nelli, Cardamom,
mango, lemon varieties, Supari, jack fruit, and many medicinal plants of high value which are
harvested here.
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Muttom
Muttom is a village in Kanyakumari District of the Tamil Nadu State, India. Muttom has a
lighthouse due to which its presence is recorded in the international shipping chart. This is a
beautiful village with a sandy beach on one side and a rocky beach on the other side. Due to this
it attracts a lot of tourists throughout the year. The terrain of this village and its surroundings is
hilly and from a height one can see an idyllic view of the place. One can watch both the sunrise
and sunset from here. A Portuguese architecture based catholic church known as All Saints
Church, stands in the middle of the village.well then, Muttom is more over a sentimental place
for the cine directors.
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Nagaraja Temple
Nagaraja Temple(Tamil: Naga (serpent) + Raja (king), is a Hindu temple temple dedicated to the
God Nagaraja which is situated at the heart of Nagercoil. The name for the town 'Nagercoil'
originated from this temple. The temple is full of images of Snakes. In addition, the gate keepers
of the sanctums are two snakes. Head priest who was recently interviewed in 2009 truly believe
that it was originally a Dravidian Tamil Jain temple taken over by Hindus and rechristened as
new mythological god by name Naga Raja.
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Navarathri Mandapa
To the west of the Zuppirika Mandapa is the Navarathri Mandapa which is a spacious hall of
exquisitely beautiful granite pillars with drooping pendants reminiscent of the Nayakar style of
architecture. In the Navarathri Mandapa, performances of Bharatha Natya and musical recitals
took place in the royal presence.
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Padmanabhapuram Palace
Padmanabhapuram a city and a municipality near Thuckalay in Kanniyakumari district in the
Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The popular Padmanabhapuram Palace, the old palace of the
Travancore kings, is also located here. It is spread over an area of 6 acres (24,000 m2). The
palace is known for it antiques, including the armoury of the royal family. The woodwork in this
palace is intricate. The Palace though surrounded entirely by the State of Tamil Nadu is still part
of Kerala. The palace was constructed around 1601 AD by Iravipillai Iravivarma Kulasekhara
Perumal.
This palace has various parts like Mantrasala (Council chamber), Thai Kottaram (Mother's
palace), Nataksala (Hall of performance), Four-storeyed central building (Uppirikka Maliga),
Thekee kottaram (Southern palace).
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Pahrali River
Pahrali River flows through the Kanyakumari District in southern India. It originates in the
Mahendragiri hills. The Mathur Hanging Trough, the highest and longest aqueduct in Asia, was
built over it near Mathur.
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Pechiparai Reservoir
Pechiparai Reservoir is a reservoir located 43 kilometers from the town of Nagercoil, near the
village of Pechiparai in Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, India. The reservoir was formed by
the construction of the Pechiparai Dam, which was built across the River Kodayar about a mile
below the confluence of the tributaries Kallar, Chittar and Kuttiyar. It was built during the period
1897 - 1906 by the European Engineer, Mr Minchin.
The original cost of construction of the dam was Indian Rupees 26.1 Lakhs (in the late 19th
century). The catchment area of the reservoir is 207.19 km?, and the depth is 14.63 meters. The
Dam is a straight gravity type masonry dam of 425.5 M. long and 120.70 M. high above the
deepest foundation. There is no inspection gallery.
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Peer Mohammed Appa Dargah
Peer Mohammed Appa Dargah is one of the most renowned Muslim pilgrim centers in
Kanyakumari, the southern most district of Tamil Nadu. It is located in Thuckalay and was
dedicated to a Muslim saint Peer Mohammed Sahib who was also a Tamil poet. The vow of
sleeping in the Dargah premises is considered sacred. The annual festival is celebrated during the
Muslim month of Rajab and during this festival devotees all over from Tamil Nadu and Kerala
take part in this.
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Perunchani Dam
Perunchani Dam is an irrigation dam at Perunchani, Kanyakumari District, in the state of
Tamilnadu, India. The Dam area is about 42 km (26 mi) from Nagercoil, the administrative
headquarters-town of Kanyakumari District. The dam is built between two hillocks (part of the
Western Ghats) across the river Paralayar. It is a straight gravity masonry dam of 373.1 m (1,224
ft) long consisting of 275.28 m (903.1 ft) of bulkhead section. A drainage gallery of 1.52 - 2.29
m (5 ft 0 - 7 ft 6 in) has been provided in the middle river section for a length of 45.7 m (150 ft)
which serves a longitudinal inspection chamber as well as an outlet for the seepages from the
foundation.
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Sanguthurai Beach
Sanguthurai Beach is one of the nicest beaches that you should go to, during your visit to India.
Sanguthurai Beach is located in the southernmost part of India, and you can feel the fierce power
of the Indian Ocean there. However, Sanguthurai Beach is a pretty tranquil place with white sand
beaches that sets a perfect background to the coastline. It is also possible to see Vivekananda
Rock from here in the coastline of Sanguthurai Beach. You can also see a white pillar protruding
from the sea at Sanguthurai Beach. In addition its lukewarm temperature is perfect for swimming
especially in the summer time.
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Shripada Mandapam
This square hall consists of (1) Garbha Graham i.e., (Sanctum Sanctorum) (2) the Inner
Prakaram (3) the Outer Prakaram and (4) the Outer Platform all around. Both the Mandapams are
so designed that the vision of Swamiji in the statue would be seen direct towards the Shripadam.
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Sitharal(Chitharal) Jain Monuments
When you visit the southernmost region, Kanyakumari is one of the prominent tourism places
which have to be visited. These monuments and temples are the representation of the diversity of
the culture and the religions that are founded in India. Sitharal Jain Monuments are one of these
culturally rich monuments. Almost every day, you can see people who are traveling to Sitharal
Jain Monuments to honor their gods and values. This monument grabs the attention of quite
number of visitors with its excellent mesmerizing divine and spiritual values. Plenty number of
visitors make their visit to the place and enjoy the beauty of its rich look.
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Sothavilai(Chothavilai) Beach
The Sotha Vilai beach is one among the most important beaches in the district of Kanyakumari,
Tamil Nadu. The beach here stretches over 4 km which make it one among the longest beaches
in Tamil Nadu. Sothavilai Beach has sandy white beaches and very clear waters so that you can
see the bottom of the sea. It is one of the better beaches of the Indian Ocean which allows you to
rest in the calm waters of the ocean.
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St Xavier Church
Although India has been mainly associated with the religion of Hinduism or Buddhism and even
Islam; the fact is that India is also one of the pillars of Christianity in the world. Due to the fact
that India was a former British Colony, it has many different churches ad temples that are of
interest to the Christian Community. St Xavier church is definitely one of them. St Xavier church
was built around 1600 AD. St Xavier church (also called Cottar in the Town) was built by St.
Francis Xavier and this church still remains a historic site to be seen even after these centuries.
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Suchindram Temple
Suchindram is a panchayat town in Kanniyakumari district. It is an important pilgrim centre and
the site of the famous Thanumalayan Temple. Suchindrum is a temple town situated in the
southern most district of Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu State, India. It is 11 km from
Kanyakumari city and 7 km from Nagarcoil town. This holy place is located on the bank of the
river Pazhayar, adjoining fertile fields and coconut groves and the temple is dedicated to Sri
Sthanumalayan. Suchindrum means the place where Indra attained ?Suchi' i.e., purification.
Suchindram has the Sthanumalayan temple with a repository of art treasures belonging to several
kingdoms. The temple is famous for its ninth-century inscriptions, musical columns, and 6-
meter-tall statue of the monkey god Hanuman. The main deity in the form of a shivlinga
represents Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma, the trinity of the Hindu pantheon.
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Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise can be seen in Kanniyakumari through out the year at Bay of Bengal. Sunset can be seen
from View Tower through out the year except the months of June, July and August. This is the
most captivating point at the confluence of the three sea. One can see try colour water at this
time.
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Swamithope(Ayya Vaikundar Pathi)
Swamithope (alternate spelling Swamithoppe) is the name of a town that lies southeast of the
City of Nagercoil. Swamithoppu is a synonym for this village, as used in the holy book (Akilam)
of the Ayyavazhi religion. Swamithoppu is the name earned by the village Tamarikulam being
the origin of the Ayyavazhi religion in the mid-nineteenth century.
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Thengapattinam Beach
Although it is the smallest of the world's oceans, the Indian Ocean is definitely the most calm
and most peaceful oceans that you can swim at. Thus many people and tourists who come to
India, definitely go and visit the many beaches that are stationed especially in the southern most
part of India. Thengapattinam Beach is definitely one of these beautiful beaches that you can go
to with its white sand and calm waters. Thengapattinam Beach is near Nagercoil and besides
being a beach it is the perfect picnic spot with its background trees that provide shade and
comfort to the visitor.
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Thirparappu Temple
Thirparappu Temple is situated near the Thirparappu Waterfall in kanyakumari district in
Tamilnadu, India. This temple is lushes with greenery. One can go there while travelling to the
Thirparappu Waterfall to feel the peace and the calmness.
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Thirucharanathumalai
Thirucharanathumalai is a hillock located in Chitharal village 55 km from Kanyakumari. On the
top of the hill under a path that seems naturally hanging there in a temple with mandapam,
corridor and balipeetam with a madappalli (kitchen). There are 3 sanctums housing Mahavira,
Parswanatha and Padmavathi Devi. The idol of Bagavathi was installed instead of Padmavathi
Devi by Sri Moolam Thirunal, king of Travancore in 1913.
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Thirunandikkara(Thirunandhikarai) Cave Temple
Thirunandikkara(Thirunandhikarai) Cave Temple is a rock-cut cave temple of Pallava art dated
seventh and eighth century AD. It is part of Thirunandikkara temple, which is located near
Thiruvattar in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu state. Made by Jains in 7th century CE, later
turned into Hindu shrine. Temple contains faded outlines of former frescoes from 9th - 10th
century CE - some of the earliest murals in Kerala style. Frescoes show scenes from Ramayana
and Mahabharatha.
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Thiruparappu Falls
Thiruparappu is a panchayat town in Kanniyakumari district. It is known for its waterfalls, and
for an ancient Shiva temple, which is one of the twelve temples visited in the annual Shivalaya
ottam pilgrimage. Thiruparrapu is the beautiful water falls in the southern part of India, that
makes up for one of the most beautiful landscapes that you can go and visit. Thiruparrapu Falls is
definitely one of these beautiful landscapes that are destined to capture your attention.
People visiting the falls can dearly enjoy having a good bath under the water stream. They can
spend an excellent time in standing underneath the light thudding water stream. Thiruparrapu
falls will be a classy place to plan your trip during the vacation times.
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Thiruppathisaram
Thiruppathisaram is a village in the Kanyakumari District. The place derives its name from a
5000 years old temple dedicated to Thiruvazhimarban (Thirukuralappan) (Lord in whose heart
Thiru - Goddess Padmavati abodes) Lord Vishnu. Thiruppathisaram is part of the 108 Divya
Desams and Malai Nattu Thiruppatigal. Sri Nammalvars'(Vaishnavite saint poet ) mother was
born in this village, and it is presumed that she had given birth to the great saint poet in this
village.
The idol of the chief deity is 9 feet tall and made of a special element called Katusarkara Yogam
(Mustard and Jaggery paste) and no Abhishekam (ritual bathing) is performed to it. Dasavathara
(Ten incarnations of Vishnu) paintings adorn the Indra Kalyana Mandapam of this temple. The
deity had a crown made of Gold and adorned with diamonds and other precious stones. This was
stolen and the thief cut it into multiple pieces. The authorities caught the thief and the booty was
recovered, but to this day, it is lying in the same state.
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Thiruvalluvar Statue
The Thiruvalluvar Statue is a 133 feet (40.5 m) tall stone sculpture of the Tamil poet and saint
Tiruvalluvar, author of the Thirukkural. It was opened on January 1, 2000 (Millenium) and is
located atop a small island near the town of Kanyakumari, where two seas and an ocean meet;
the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean.
The statue has a height of 95 feet (29 m) and stands upon a 38 foot (11.5 m) pedestal that
represents the 38 chapters of "virtue" in the Thirukkural. The statue standing on the pedestal
represents "wealth" and "pleasure", signifying that wealth and love be earned and enjoyed on the
foundation of solid virtue. The combined height of the statue and pedestal is 133 feet (40.5 m),
denoting the 133 chapters in the Thirukkural. It has a total weight of 7000 tons.
The statue, with its slight bend around the waist is reminiscent of a dancing pose of the ancient
Indian deities like Nataraja. It was sculpted by the Indian sculptor Dr. V. Ganapati Sthapati, who
also created the Iraivan Temple. This monument was hit by the Indian Ocean Tsunami of
December 26, 2004.
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Thiruvattaru
Thiruvattaru is a panchayat town in Kanniyakumari district. This town is situated 6 km north-
east of Marthandam and 30 km north-west of Nagercoil. The two main rivers Pahrali River and
Kothai surround the village and join in Moovattumugam, giving the name Thiru (sacred)+ vatta
(surround)+ aru (river). This village, where the Sri Adikesavaperumal Temple is located, is one
of the 108 Divya Desams. The Mathur hanging trough is located 5 km from Thiruvattar. The
St.Sebastian church is located 1.5 km from Thiruvattar. Thirparappu waterfalls is located about
10 km from Thiruvattar.
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Tsunami Memorial
Tsunami Memorial is a special monument in the kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu region in
South India, and it has been erected to honor those dead people who have died in the southern
coast of India due to the devastating Tsunami that took place a few years ago. Tsunami
Monument represents the people who died due to the devastating Tsunami. Many people from all
over the world come to visit the Tsunami Monument to see what the nature is capable of doing.
Many Tsunami victims from all over the world come and visit the Tsunami Monument to honor
their own dead.
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Udayagiri Fort
There are two forts named Udayagiri Fort in South India. One is in Kanyakumari and another is
in nellore district andra pradesh. The fort in Tamil Nadu is located at a distance of 14 km from
Nagercoil town in Kanyakumari District. It had been originally built in the 17th century, and
then rebuilt later by Maharaja Marthanda Varma of Travancore in the 18th century. Enclosing an
area of about 90 acres (36 ha), with an isolated hill 260 feet (79 m) high, the fort contains an old
foundry which was used for casting guns. The tombs of the Dutch Admiral Eustachius De
Lannoy, (in whose honour the fort was once called Dillanai Kottai? De Lennoy's Fort), and of his
wife and son can still be found inside a partly ruined chapel in the fort. Presently, the fort has
been turned into a bio-diversity park by the Tamilnadu forest department, with sites of historical
importance, such as De Lannoy's tomb, remaining as protected archaeological sites under the
Archaeological Department of India.
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Ullakarvi(Olakaruvi) Fall
Ullakarvi is a waterfalls on the Western Ghats hills near Nagercoil in Kanyakumari District. In
Tamil, 'ullakarvi' literally means 'universal falls'. Ullakarvi falls is about 35 km from
Kanyakumari town and about 17 km from Nagercoil town, near Azhakiyapandiapuram village.
The falls is up in the middle of forested hills (the hills of the Western Ghats), which is accessible
only by foot from the base of the hills. The hour's trek from the base of the hills is through rocky,
forested area, which is thrilling in itself. (On a clear day, one can view the waterfalls from the
base of the hills through naked eye, or even better through binoculars / zoom lens). There are two
falls - the lower falls, which is a good picnic spot, and the higher falls, which is further uphill.
The water is basically spring water, coming in as a stream up from the hills nearby.
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Uppirika Malika
The most attractive building in the whole palace is the ?Uppirika Malika' which consists of three
storied. ?Uppirika' is the abbreviated term of ?Muppirika' which means the residence of the
eldest member of the family. A wooden cot is erected on the top most floor in the belief that
?Lord Vishnu? the chief deity.
The first floor contains a wooden cot made of 64 medicinal plants, on which Maharaja used to
sleep. The medicinal cot was presented to Maharaja ?Marthanda Varma? by the Dutch East India
Company in 1750, as a mark of friendship.
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Vattakottai Fort(Circular Fort)
Vattakottai Fort (or 'Circular Fort') is a seaside fort near Kanyakumari, the southern tip of India.
It was built in the 18th century as a coastal defence-fortification and barracks in the erstwhile
Travancore kingdom. It was constructed under the supervision of Captain Eustachius De Lannoy,
an ex-Dutch naval officer
The fort is made of granite blocks and, today, a part of the fort extends into the sea. It is a
protected site under the Indian archaeological department. A major renovation of the fort was
undertaken recently by the department, and the site is now a popular tourist spot. Vattakottai Fort
commands a picturesque view of both the sea on the one side, and the hills (Western Ghats) on
the other . Another interesting feature near the site is a beach of black sands. It is about 7 km
from Kanyakumari town.
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Vattaparai Falls
Vattaparai Falls is the fall in Kanyakumari district. This 20 km? area is proposed to be a Wildlife
Sanctuary. There are a few small waterfalls in this area - the nicer ones being Vattaparai Falls
and Kalikesam falls. There is a small Kali temple, next to the falls. This is a very serene and
undeveloped place with only one small tea stall. One can enjoy water rushing through small
mountain streams, ferns and pebbles in the rainforests.
The falls are surrounded by forest on all sides and forms part of an active animal corridor. The
long stream is pollution-free. People are allowed to take a natural bath here and it is believed that
the water from the stream has some medicinal effects. This is a serene and peaceful place. It is
unlike the most popular falls in this district, the Tirparappu Water Falls on the Kodayar River,
which has become a typical crowded tourist spot.
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View Tower and Telescope House
Kanyakumari View TowerPanoramic view of landscape, seashore, Vivekananda Rock Memorial,
Thiruvalluvar Statue etc., can be seen at View Tower and through Telescope.
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Vivekananda Rock Memorial
Vivekananda Rock Memorial is a sacred monument and popular tourist attraction in
Kanyakumari, India. The memorial stands on one of two rocks located about 500 meters off
mainland India's southernmost tip. It was built in 1970 by the Vivekananda Rock Memorial
Committee in honour of the visit of the great spiritual teacher Swami Vivekananda to Shripada
Parai during the month of December 1892 for deep meditation and enlightenment. He swam to
this rock and meditated about the past, present and future of India. It is said that he attained
enlightenment on the rock, and henceforth became a reformer and philosopher.
A meditation hall (Dhyana Mandapam) is also attached to the memorial for visitors to meditate.
The design of the mandapa incorporates different styles of temple architecture from all over
India. It houses a statue of Vivekananda. The merger of three seas - Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea
and Indian Ocean can be seen from these rocks. The memorial consists of two main structures,
the Vivekananda Mandapam and the Shripada Mandapam.
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Wadge Bank
Wadge Bank is a fertile fishing found where rich marine biological diversity occurs. Wadge bank
may also be defined as a place of marine environment, where there is a rich availability of fish
food organisms. The water depth of this region is low. The physical features of the water like
under-water current, tides and waves will have less impact on the fishes and animals of this
region.
Fishes select this region for feeding and breeding purposes. Throughout the maritime countries
of the world there are about twenty such wadge banks. Of these one is situated near
Kanyakumari on the coastline of Kanyakumari District on the eastward as well as on the
westward region for about 30 km. Here representatives of fish species of the three seas occur.
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Wax Museum
Although in general India is all about different kinds of temples and religious monuments, there
are some different type of interesting places to go in India that will definitely be of value to you.
Wax Museum is definitely one of those places. Wax Museum is situated in Kanyakumari region
in the city of Baywatch. The museum houses all the important figures of the Indian History as
well as the world history in wax form. The wax figures are realistic and the Wax Museum is
reminiscent of its famous counterpart in London. There are also many current international
figures like the wax counterpart of Arnold Schwarzenegger.
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Other Places
Krishnancoil : situated on the way to Trivandrum at NH-47 is named after the temple where
the presiding deity is Lord Kishna in his childhood avatar. This temple is just 1.5 km from the
heart of Nagercoil town.
Parvathipuram Town etc.
