Kanyakumari

State: Tamil Nadu

District: Kanyakumari

Main languages: Tamil and Telugu

 

History and mythological significance:

 

The city of Kanyakumari is located on the southernmost tip of the Indian Peninsula and is also called Cape Comorin. The city gets its name from Kumari Amman or Kanyakumari Temple which is situated in the town. It is believed that Kanya Devi, an avatar of Parvati, was to marry Shiva, but the god failed to show up on the wedding day. The uncooked grains of food are believed to have turned into stones as time went by. Since the wedding never solemnized Kanya Devi is now considered a virgin goddess. There is another myth which states that Lord Hanuman dropped a piece of earth while carrying, Mrita Sanjivani from the Himalayas to Lanka. The abundance of natural resources and medicines are because of this legend. The area has been ruled by the Cholas, the Cheras, the Pandyas and the Nayaks. St. Thomas, one of the twelve Apostles of Christ brought about Christian influence in the area but failed to create a massive impact on the population of the town. The British took over the region and ruled it till India gained independence. 

 

Geography:

 

The city has vital geographical importance due to its strategic location at the tip of the country. Kanyakumari is located at 8.08° N 77.57° E and has an average elevation of 0 meters. The town is located at the confluence of three water-bodies the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. It is terminating point of the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats and is bounded by Tirunelveli District. Historical records prove that a continent called Kumari Kandam to the south of Kanyakumari existed once. 

 

Demographics:

 

As of 2001 India census, Kanyakumari had a population of 19,678.

 

Climate:

 

Due to its proximity to the sea the town experiences a similar tropical climate through out the year. The rainy season is during the winters though sudden showers area a common occurrence. 

 

Economy:

 

The city has some of the best textile industries here and trade and commerce are the main sources of income. Fishing is a common form of livelihood. Shell craft and other tourism related businesses also flourish here. 

 

Tourism:

 

There are various tourist attractions here like the Gandhi Mandapam, the spectacular and unique sunrise and sunset points, the confluence of three ocean bodies. On the full moon nights you can see the moon-rise and sunset on either side of the horizon at the same time. The other attractions here are architectural beauty of the temples and the churches. The Vattakottai Fort, Kumari Amman and other places are common tourist points. Nearby attractions include Suchindram, Panchappathi, Nagercoil and the Padmanabhapuram Palace.

 

Transportation:

 

The nearest airport from Kanyakumari is Thiruvanathapuram which is 80 km away and has both domestic and international terminals. The city is also well connected through some of the super fast trains of the country and has a well connected road network also.