FACTS AND FIGURES Beach Area : About 3 km Best Time to Visit : September to April INTRODUCTION Kanyakumari, also known as Cape Comorin is mainly a pilgrim center due to the presence of the temple dedicated to Goddess Kanyakumari. Apart from its importance as a pilgrim spot the scenic beaches are the major attraction of the tourists. Every day at the twilights the beaches are crowded, as the area is famous for watching Sunrise and sunset. Kanyakumari is the only place in India where one can watch the sunset and moon rise simultaneously on a full moon evening. The unique feature of Kanyakumari is that one can easily discern the three different colors of the three oceans. The temple dedicated to Goddess Kanyakumari is worth full to visit. The Vivekananda Rock situated on the exact middle of the Sea houses a memorial of the famous Indian Philosopher, Vivekananda of 18th Century.

LOCATION
Kanyakumari is situated at the southernmost tip of Indian sub-continent. It is at the confluence of the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. Kanyakumari is in the southern district of Tamil Nadu state in South India.

SEASON
The tourist season is between October and March. As it is a pilgrim center there is no time limit for pilgrims. The average temperature is between 32 and 36 degree Celsius in summer.

HISTORY OF POPULARITY From the time immemorial Kanyakumari is counted as one of the famous South Indian Pilgrim Centers. However, the importance as a tourist destination has attained by Kanyakumari is only within 20-30 years. Most of the visitors are staying here at least for one night with an aim of watching the sunset and sunrise. ACTIVITIES The main activities of Kanyakumari are the sunset and sunrise watching. The beach is also ideal for swimming. Apart from this one can visit the temple in the early hours of the day. Yet another attraction of Kanyakumari is the memorial of an Indian philosopher Viveknanda, which is situated on a rock in the middle of the sea. The boat trip into the rock itself is an attraction. The Kanyakumari Temple is dedicated to Devi Kanya Kumari. The temple is open daily, early morning at 4.30 to 11.45 am and 5.30 to 8.30 pm. Non- Hindus are also allowed to enter in the temple. But men should not wear shirts and everyone their shoes.

The Gandhi Memorial situated nearby the beach resembles an Orissian temple. It was here where Gandhi's ashes kept until they immersed in the sea. This magnificent building was built in such a way that on Gandhi's birthday (02nd October) the sunrays fall on the place where the pot of ashes kept, through the hole on the roof.

The Vivekananda Rock, situated at a distance of 400 meters off the seashore, is another point of attraction. This is the memorial of Vivekananda, the Hindu philosopher of India. The building reflects architectural styles from all over India. The ferry to the island is there in every half an hour till 5 pm.

VICINITY
The city of Trivandrum is situated at a distance of 90 km from Kanyakumari, in the neighboring state, Kerala. The Padmanabhaswamy temple in Trivandrum is famous for its marvelous architectural excellence and its age-old history. The Puthanmalika or the Horse Palace is an 18th century wooden palace situated nearby the temple is known for its structure and the possessions of royal kings. The Chalai market is also an attraction. The Napier Museum, of Indo-Sarasenic style is worth full to visit.

The Kovalam beach, situated about 70 km away on the way to Trivandrum is known for its beautiful beaches. Eve's beach and Light House beach are world-renowned.

The Padmanabhapurm palace situated on the way to Trivandrum is the second largest wooden Palace in Asia. The palace holds an aura of excellent constructional skill. The belongings of Royal family tell the stories of prosperity, valor and the genius of the founder king of Travancore dynasty, Maharaja Marthanda Verma. Situated at the abode of hills, the area itself is enough to capture the minds of visitors. Though the Palace is in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, it is the property of Kerala Government. Monday is holiday here.

The Suchindram Temple, located at 6 km away from Kanyakumari is dedicated to Lord Siva. The exquisite architecture of the temple is amazing. The Wooden chariot is yet another attraction. Here the idols of Navagraha are carved on the inner roof of a Mandapa instead in all the other temples the same is on the separate shrine. In Suchindram Temple non-Hindus are also allowed to enter inside the temple.

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
The car festival is conducted in May / June in connection with the Kumari Amman temple. The idol of Devi is carried on this chariot during festival procession.

The Navaratri Festival is celebrated in September / October which lasts for nine nights. This festival is to commemorate the victory of Devi (Goddess) over the demons.

TRADITION AND DRESS CODE
As Kanyakumari is a pilgrim center the dressing should be in such a way by giving more priority to public esteem. Nudity is strictly prohibited in the beaches. Even two-piece dressing is also to be avoided. Tropical clothing is recommended here.

SHOPPING
On the shores of Kanyakumari beach and in the premises of the temple there are abundant handicraft shops with many seashell products. Traditional saris and other dress materials are available in some shops. Here one can get the different colored sea sand.

ACCOMMODATION
Kanyakumari offers good accommodation facilities. Near to the beach there is good accommodation available. Apart from the private hotels the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation has also a hotel here. A Youth hostel is there in Kanyakumari.

HOW TO REACH
The nearest airport is the Trivandrum International Airport, which is 90 km west to Kanyakumari. Kanyakumari is the terminal point of Southern Railway. The trains are operating from here till Jammu & Kashmir, the northern most parts of India (Himasagar Express). Kanyakumari Express offers journey till Mumbai. There is a daily train departs to Chennai named Nellai Kumari Express.

The National Highway-47 is ending at Kanyakumari that stretches through Trivandrum. Tamil Nadu Transport Corporation is operating buses from Trivandrum and from other parts of Tamil Nadu.

OTHER FACILITIES
In the nationalized banks like State Bank of India foreign exchange is possible. STD, ISD, FAX, Internet facilities are also available.

SECURITY PRECAUTIONS
During the boat transfer to Vivekananda Rock it should be very careful, as the waves are heavy. It may cause the tossing of the boat.

DO'S AND DON'TS
Nobody is allowed to enter in the temples by consuming intoxicating materials like liquor, smoking and the like.