DISCOVER INDIA

There is a lighthouse from where one can get a panoramic view. The Government museum offers a good collection of sculptural art crafts of Tamil Nadu.
 
AREA : 25.89 Sq.Kms.    ALTITUDE: Sea level
 
TEMPERATURE: Summer Max 34.8 C  Min 22.4 C, Winter Max 33.8 C  Min 21.6 C
 
BEST SEASON: Throughout the year 
  
STD CODE: 04652

REACHING KANNIYAKUMARI:

The nearest Airport is at Thiruvananthapuram (87 Km/ 54 mile). Kanniyakumari is connected by road to all major cities in South India. There are bus services from Chennai, Madurai, Trichy, Coimbatore, Udhagamandalam, Thiruvananthapuram etc.  It is the terminus of the broad gauge   link of the Southern Railway and has connections from Chennai, New Delhi, Thiruvananthapuram and Tirunelveli. 

What to See:
 
Kumariamman Temple: The legend behind this temple is as romantic as the place itself. Dedicated to the virgin goddess Kanniyakumari (Parvati) who stand guard over the country, the temple is built at the spot where the goddess is believed to have waited for her consort Lord Shiva to come and claim her hand in marriage. Darshan Timings: 4.00 a.m. to 12.00 Noon, 4.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.
 
Vivekananda Rock Memorial: Built in 1970, this memorial is dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, the greatest social reformer and saint modern India has produced. Swamy Vivekananda was supposed to have meditated on the rock where the memorial stands today at the end of 1892 before his departure for Chicago to participate in the World Religius' Conference in 1893. a meditation hall is also attached with the memorial. Ferry service is available to reach the memorial. Timings: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
 
Gandhi Memorial:  The Gandh Mandapam has been constructed at the spot where the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were kept for public view in an urn before a portion was immersed into the three seas. Every year on gandhiji's birthday on 2nd October, the sun's ray fall at the exact spot where the urn was displayed before immersion. Timings: 7.00 a.m. to 12.00 Noon, 3.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. 
 
Guganathaswamy Temple: This 1000 year old temple is said to have been built by Raja Chola.

The Nagaraja is installed on the ground where it was originally found and the sands scooped out and given as Prasadam to the devotees. The entrance to the temple is reminiscent of Chinese architecture of a Buddhist Vihar.
    
Thiruparappu Water Falls( 60 Km/37 km): Picturesque spot with an ancient Mahadevar (Siva) Temple.
 
Thiruvattar ( 60 Km/37 km): The temple here is one of the finest specimens of temple architecture. The paintings on the walls of the temple are worth seeing.
 
Muttam (32 Km/20 mile): A fine beach and lighthouse. Excellent picnic spot.
 
Chidaral (Thirucharanmalai) (55 Km/34 mile): The jain sculptures are worth seeing.
 
Padmanabhapuram (45 Km/ 28 mile): Capital of Travancore until 1798 AD. There is a palace inside the fort which covers an area of 6 acres. On display in the palace are many antiquities, including the armoury of the royal family. In the Ramaswamy temple adjoining the palace, scenes from the Ramayana have been carved in 45 panels. The palace is open to the public from 9.00 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday is a holiday.
 
Local Transport: Town bus service, Tourist taxi and auto rickshaws are available. 
 
Shopping: Souvenirs and handicraft articles made from sea shells and palm leaf are the main things to buy at Kanniyakumari. You can also buy trinkets and packets of colored sea sand for children at Poompuhar Handicrafts Emporium.
 
Communication and Currency Exchange: Post, Telegraph, STD, ISD, Telex, Fax, etc available. Banks: State Bank of India. Tel: 71231, Canara Bank, Tel: 71249, State Bank of Travancore, Tel: 71253.
 
For further information Contact: Govt of Tamilnadu Tourist Office, Beach Road, Kanniyakumari. Tel: 71276. Information Centre (Vivekananda Rock Memorial) Beach Road,. Tel: 71250.