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At the southern most land tip of India, where the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal meet, lies Kanniyakumari, an important pilgrim centre. Kanniyakumari is famous for its spectacular sunrises and sunsets, especially on full moon days. The beach itself is a beautiful sight with multi- fcoloured sand. There is a lighthouse from where one can get a panoramic view. The Goverflment Museum offers a good collection of sculptural art crafts of Tamil Nadu.

Kanyakumari at a Glance: Find the facts, profile, climate conditions and other important statistics on Kanyakumari.

Area: 25.89 sq. kms.
Population: 17,206 (1991 census)
Altitude: Sea level
Temperature: Summer :Max. 34.8°C Min. 22.4°C
Winter: Max. 33.8°C Min. 21.6°C
Rainfall: Average 102 cms.
Clothing: Tropical
Season: Throughout the year
Languages spoken: Tamil, Malayalam and English
STD Code No. 04652

Find your way through Kanyakumari by air, train, bus and other modes of transportation. Travel conveniently with the latest information on train timings, flight timings in Kanyakumari.

By Air

Nearest Airport is Trivandrum International Airport which is at a distance of 87 km from Kanyakumari. Trivandrum airport is well connected with many major cities in India and abroad. Direct flights from many gulf countries are available from Trivandrum. Tourist taxi charges about Rs 1500 from Trivandrum to Kanyakumari.

By Train

The Kanyakumari Junction is just one km away from the central bus stand. The major railway station near Kanyakumari is Trivandrum Central, which is connected to all parts of India by rail. There are many staring trains from Kanyakumari, including trains to Delhi, and Bangalore.

By Bus

Lots of public and private bus services are available from Kanyakumari. Kerala and Tamil Nadu Road Transport Corporation buses connect Kanyakumari with many cities in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Deluxe and super deluxe bus services are available from Kanyakumari to Bangalore, Chennai and Trivandrum.

Find great Kanyakumari accomodation, Kanyakumari hotels, Kanyakumari lodges, Kanyakumari paying guest accomodation, Kanyakumari bacherlor rentals, Kanyakumari backpackers lodging, cottages, resorts. Low prices, best deals on Kanyakumari hotels and accomodation.

Singaar International
5/22 Main Road
Kanyakumari
Tamil Nadu - 629702
Telephone No: 04652 - 247992
Website: www.hotelsingaarinternational.in
Tariff: Rs. 950 - 2000

Indien Hermitage
Kumariyur, Marungoor
Kanyakumari
Tamil Nadu - 629402
Telephone No: 04652 - 293501
Website: www.indienhermitage.com
Tariff: Rs. 2000

Cape Residency Hotel
Main Road
Kanyakumari
Tamil Nadu - 629702
Telephone No: 04652 - 246331
Website: www.caperesidency.com
Tariff: Rs. 800 - 1600

Parvathi Residency
400, P.W.D Road,
Nagarcoil
Tamil Nadu - 629001
Telephone No: 04652 - 224709
Website: www.parvathihotels.com
Tariff: Rs. 500 - 1950

Green Palace
Main Road Kanyakumar
Kanyakumari
Tamil Nadu - 629704
Telephone No: 04652 - 246886
Tariff: Rs. 300

Lekshmi Tourist Home
East Car Street
Kanyakumari
Tamil Nadu - 629704
Telephone No: 04652 - 246333
Tariff: Rs. 500 - 800

Sivas Residency Hotel
2/77A, South Car Street
Kanyakumari
Tamil Nadu
Telephone No: 04652 - 246929
Tariff: Rs. 500 - 800

Manickam Tourist Home
North Car Street
Near Seashore
Kanyakumari
Tamil Nadu - 629702
Telephone No: 04652 - 246387
Website: www.hotelmanickam.com
Tariff: Rs. 500 - 900

Narmada Hotel
Bus Stand Road
Kanyakumari
Tamil Nadu - 629704
Telephone No: 04652 - 246365
Tariff: Rs. 250

Meenachi Bhavan
Sannathi Street
Kanyakumari
Tamil Nadu - 629704
Telephone No: 04652 - 246230
Tariff: Rs. 200

Sea Land Hotel
East Car Street
Kanyakumari
Tamil Nadu - 629702
Telephone No: 04652 - 246079
Tariff: Rs. 400

Sea View Hotel
2/17E,East Car Street
Kanyakumari
Tamil Nadu - 629702
Telephone No: 04652 - 247841
Website: www.hotelseaview.in
Tariff: Rs. 1750 - 3250

Sankar’s Guest House
4/75-A, Main Road
Kanyakumari
Tamil Nadu - 629703
Telephone No: 04652 - 246260
Tariff: Rs. 400

SivaMurugan Lodging
2/93 North Car Street
Kanyakumari
Tamil Nadu - 629702
Telephone No: 04652 - 246862
Website: www.sivamuruganlodges.com
Tariff: Rs. 700 - 1500

New Cape Hotel
Opp Railway Station
Kanyakumari
Tamil Nadu - 629704
Telephone No: 04652 - 247560
Tariff: Rs. 400 - 1000

Kanya Residency Hotel
Main Road Kanyakumari
Near Vivekanandpuram
Tamil Nadu - 629704
Telephone No: 04652 - 246331
Tariff: Rs. 200

Gopi Nivas Hotel
East Car Street
Kanyakumari
Tamil Nadu - 629703
Telephone No: 04652 - 246355
Tariff: Rs. 400

Maadhini Hotel
East Car Street
Tamil Nadu - 629702
Telephone No: 04652 - 246787
Website: www.hotelmaadhini.net
Tariff: Rs. 650 - 1200

Maris International
Near Kanyakumari Bustand
Kottakari Road
Kanyakumari
Tamil Nadu - 629702
Telephone No: 0465 - 2694881
Website: www.exploremaris.com
Tariff: Rs. 1800 - 4500

Parvathi International
Court Road,
Nagarcoil
Tamil Nadu - 629001
Telephone No: 04652 - 233020
Website: www.parvathihotels.com
Tariff: Rs. 500 - 800

Jars Hotel
South Car Street
Kanyakumari
Tamil Nadu - 629704
Telephone No: 04652 - 246446
Tariff: Rs. 300

Lakshmi Tourist Home
East Car Street
Kanyakumari Dist.
Tamil Nadu
Telephone No: 04652 - 246333
Tariff: Rs. 400 - 1600

Kerala Guest House
Kerala House
Kanyakumari
Tamil Nadu - 629704
Telephone No: 04652 - 246229
Tariff: Rs. 550 - 850

Nageshwari Tourist Home
Main Road
Kanyakumari
Tamil Nadu
Telephone No: 04652 - 246358
Tariff: Rs. 300

Kanyakumari Sightseeings: Museums, Local tours, Forts, Monuments, Historical places, Temples, Amusement Parks, Beaches. A complete Kanyakumari sightseeing guide.

Historical

Kamarajar Mani Mantapa Monument

Kamarajar Mani Mantapa Monument is a monument that is filled with rich cultural heritage and it is located in the city of Kanniyakumari or Cape Comorin in India. It is similar to the Gandhi monument that is also found in Kanniyakumari. Kamarajar Mani Mantapa Monument is dedicated to the memory of President Kamarajar who was the President and the leader of Tamil Nadu. He was also the president of the Indian National Congress and a leader that was very much liked by the India people. Kamarajar Mani Mantapa Monument was the resting place of his ashes.

Sitharal 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.

Tsunami Monument

Tsunami Monument is a special monument in the 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.

Udayagiri Fort

Udayagiri Fort is in the state of Tamil Nadu in India and thus located in the region of Kanaykumari, which is the southernmost part of India. Udayagiri Fort is a very ancient for that is just simply packed with history. The fort is thought to be made around 1600 when it was built as a defense fort. Udayagiri Fort was also called De Lannoy’s Fort due to the Dutch who had occupied the fort in the 18th century. Udayagiri Fort is now a major attraction that has the portion of the fort and it also has a bio diversity park inside for the visitors.

Vattakottai Fort

Vattakottai Fort is one of the many forts and monuments that are erected across India. It is a symbol of the military history of India, which was formerly a Dutch and then a British colony. Vattakottai Fort is a specially erected fort on the sea coastline on the southern tip of India. Vattakottai Fort is set up as the southern most sea coast defense point by the Dutch. This fort was constructed under the command of Captain De Lannoy. Vattakottai Fort is made out of stone and it is a major tourist attraction today. Vattakottai Fort is also famous for the black sand beaches that is situated across its coast.

Padmanabhapuram Palace

When you think of palaces then perhaps besides England with its famous palaces, the second place that comes into the mind is definitely India. Padmanabhapuram Palace is one of these many palaces that symbolize the rich and diverse cultural heritage of India that has been around for many centuries. However, what is interesting about this palace is the fact that Padmanabhapuram Palace is made entirely from wood and not any other substance. Kerala Government is responsible for maintaining this magnificent palace and Padmanabhapuram Palace draws hundreds of visitors every day continuously. It is one of the best 10 palaces in the world.

Architectural

Mathur Hanging Trough

Mathur Hanging Trough is one of those monuments or places that is world famous for its many qualities. It is located in southernmost district of India. Mathur Hanging Trough is a bridge trough that is situated over the river of Pahrali. However, what makes Mathur Hanging Trough so interesting is the fact that Mathur Hanging Trough is the longest and also the highest aqueduct that can be found in the continent of Asia. Although Mathur Hanging Trough was constructed as a drought measure, it was kept in place due to its qualities and historical attraction that it offered.

Thiruvalluvar Statue

If you are looking for magnificence along with a monument that reams at you with cultural heritage and history then Thiruvalluvar Statue is definitely one of the best things that you must see in your visit to India. It is a symbol of greatness that stands 133 feet tall (38 feet is the height of the pedestal) Thiruvalluvar Statue weighs just a little bit more than 7000 tons and more than 500 craftsmen or workers have worked in its construction. Thiruvalluvar Statue was designed to be a beacon of art for the whole humanity. Thousands come every month to see this great work of art and culture.

Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Vivekananda Rock Memorial is one of the most interesting places to see in the southern part of India. It is situated in Kanyakumari and it is a fort and an island. Vivekananda Rock Memorial stands on top of a two rocks that are situated approximately 500 meters off the island. Although the Vivekananda Rock Memorial itself is fairly recent and built around the 1970’s, the two rocks themselves have been there since the millennia. It is thought that the great philosopher Swami Vivekananda had meditated on the rock seeking enlightenment. Vivekananda Rock Memorial is open everyday and attracts many visitors constantly.

Beaches, Lakes & Falls

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.

Olakaruvi Falls

Olakaruvi Falls is definitely a place to go if you are a naturalist or a person looking for a natural attraction. It is one of the many waterfalls that is situated in the southern tip of India. According to the old legends Olakaruvi Falls has the rejuvenating power for the old people. Thus many people come to Olakaruvi Falls to feel rejuvenated. Olakaruvi Falls is about 20 km distance from Nagercoil and it is a very popular tourist attraction. It takes more than an hour’s drive plus some walking to get there but due to its popularity many people go there.

Thiruparrapu Falls

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. Thiruparrapu Falls is located in the Tamil Nadu region of India. It is rumored that the Thiruparrapu Falls has recuperative powers to he visitor which goes there. 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.

Sanguthurai Beach

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.

Sothavilai Beach

Sothavilai Beach is one of the two beaches in Kanyakumari that you can visit in your holidays in India. 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. Sothavilai Beach is about 7 km from the main town. Sothavilai Beach was damaged in the big tsunami that took place couple of years ago. However, now its been rebuilt as a popular tourist beach attraction.

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.

Pechiparai Reservoir

Pechiparai Reservoir is one of the few places in India that is definitely worth seeing, even if it is not a cultural or historical sight seeing place. Pechiparai Reservoir is situated some 43 kms away from the area of Nagercoil, close to the Pechiparai village of Kanyakumari district. The pechiparai reservoir was originated by the groundwork of the pechiparai dam! The reservoir plays a major role is supplying the drinking water and it is also used in irrigation of crops. The pechiparai reservoir holds the least storage capacity of just 22.49%, but it assists the farmers to use the water in order to take care of their crops.

Art & Museum

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.

Religious

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.

Gandhi Mandapam

Gandhi Mandapam is a special temple that is one of the most important places to visit when you go to Kanyakumari in the southern tip of India. Gandhi Mandapam is built near the famous Anna University. Gandhi Mandapam is one of the greatest monuments that you can look at when you go to India. This temple or monument the Gandhi Mandapam was erected to honor the world famous Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi. It is an important tourist spot that is favored by many people who come to visit India and its monuments that depict its rich cultural heritage.

Kumari Amman Temple

If you are going to visit India and especially the city of Kanyakumari then one place that you should definitely go and see is Kumari Amman Temple. You can find the many cultural heritages of the Indian people in Kumari Amman Temple. Many India people come to pilgrimage and to bathe in the Kumari Amman Temple. This magnificent temple is situated in the coast overlooking the beach and thousands of Indians comes there creating very big lines. However, unless you are a Hindu you will not be permitted to enter Kumari Amman Temple even for sight seeing.

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, it is very hard to get in there. It is very easy to travel to the Temple either by bus or by train.

Nagaraja Temple

When you say temple or a monument then definitely India is the place to go in order to see hundreds of different temples and monuments that is a mixture of faith ad different cultures. Nagaraja Temple is such a temple that symbolizes the rich cultural heritage of India. Nagaraja Temple is a dedication monument that has been erected for the honoring the name of Nagaraja which is the Serpent God in the Hindu religion. In the month of Avani, this temple becomes the pilgrimage point of many Hindu especially on Sundays. Nagaraja Temple is one of the many places that you can visit as a tourist.

Suchindram

When you are looking for interesting places to visit, then definitely Suchindram is one of those interesting places that you must definitely go to. It is located in the Southern most part of India and it is a small village that you must definitely go to understand the rich cultural heritage of India. The major spotlight of the place is the famous Sthanumalayan Temple, which is notably marked for its artistic treasures. This temple is greatly known for its unique musical columns and it has a tall statue of the monkey god Hanuman. It is one of the best places to go in order to understand the rich religious and cultural heritage of India. Suchindram is also a place where a major naval engagement took plce between the Dutch and the locals here.

Swamithoppe

Swamithoppe is a town that is situated in Kanyakumari in the state of Tamil Nadu in India. It is a small village that attracts many visitors every year. Its main strength and popularity arises from the fact that this small village was the place where the Ayyavazhi religion was founded in the 19th century. In fact many followers of this religion today still pilgrimage over there in order to fulfill their religious requirements. You can see the temple where Ayya Valkundar lived and you can visit the historical well of Muttirikkinaru in which all castes were allowed to use water in the 19th century.

Tiruchendur Temple

When you are looking for monuments and temples then definitely India is the right place to go. There are hundreds of monuments, temples and even palaces that symbolize the rich heritage of India. Tiruchendur Temple is one of them as it is Aarupadai veedu shrines of Murugan that is known throughout India. Tiruchendur Temple is situated near the sea and it has borders to the sea on the North and on the East side of the temple. Tiruchendur Temple is definitely one of the most visited temples in the southern most part of India. Tiruchendur Temple has been around for more than 5 centuries.

Fun & Entertainment

Bay watch

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.

Getaway

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.

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.

Kanyakumari Travel Guidebooks: Find advice, information and inspiration to travel nook and corner of Kanyakumari.

Books on Kanyakumari

In this section you will find interesting books published about Kanyakumari district and a brief review of each book and details on where you can get them in Kanyakumari, Nagerkovil and also the price, discount etc.Visit our library by clicking the animation below:

Thulasi Garland

This is a very good collection of articles dealing with the temples and history, Sthala Purana, rituals and festivals associated with each temple of the Travancore region. This book contains beautiful pictures of temples and also a map of Travancore. 32 Kshetras present in Travancore region are listed The following are the temples of Kanyakumari district are covered in great details in the book:

o Kanyakumari
o Suchindrum,
o Kumarakovil,
o Padmanabhapuram,
o Thiruvithancode and
o Thiruvattar .

Author of this volume is Princess Aswathi Thirunal Gouri Lakshmi Bayi niece of H.H.Sree Chitra Thirunal Rama Varma Maharaja of Travancore.
o Publisher: Bharathiya Vidhya Bhavan, Mumbai
o Year of publication: 1998
o Language: English
o Price: Rs 200.00

Kumari Kathai (The story of southern Kumari)

Prof.A.K.Perumal PhD is a tireless researcher who has over decades searched and collected large quantities of data on the history and culture of Kanyakumari district. This volume brings together the cultural, social and economic history of Kanyakumari district. It contains detailed data on almost all aspects: Literary history, agricultural history, religious history, military history and socio-economic dimensions of many events of importance like the Thol cheelai rebellion by depressed classes etc. It also provides a list of ruined monuments of Kanyakumari district and their little known history.

o Publisher: United Writers, Chennai
o Year of publication: 2003
o Language: Tamil
o Price: Rs 180.00

Nanchil Nadu (Varalaru, Marapukal Porulnilai) (Nanchil Region: History, Traditions and Economic status)

The author of this volume is Dr.D.Velapan who was the Head of the Department of Economics in S.T.Hindu College, Nagerkovil and retired as its principal. This books mainly covers the economic evolution and cultural practices of Nanchil area of Kanyakumari district - which was called as the rice bowl of erstwhile Travancore state. Much importance has been given to the legacy of traditional irrigational structures by the author. He has also covered in detail the culture and customs of the agrarian community of the Nanchil areas. He has brought out interesting facts about the inter-community relationships cordial, harmonious and conflict-oriented between different communities (Jaathis). On the whole the book is a very valuable contribution.

o Publisher: Rohini Agencies, Nagerkovil
o Year of publication: 2000
o Language: Tamil
o Price: Rs 80.00

Deivangal Mulaikum Nilam (Land where Gods grow)

Dr.A.K.Perumal is an accomplished researcher in folklore. This book consists of eight articles written over a period of ten years and read in many national seminars on folklore. The origin of folk Deities, the mythologies and their present conditions are discussed in this book. The folk Deities of Kanyakumari district are dealt in a detailed manner. The famous writer Jayamohan has given a preface where he mentions Nadukaddu Esaki Amman temple (Middle of the forest Goddess temple) which ironically is today in the middle of the concrete jungle of Nagerkovil. The Deities of Kanyakumari district dealt with are: Sudali Madan Mutharamman and Esaki amman.

o Publisher: United Writers, Chennai
o Year of publication: 2003
o Language: Tamil
o Price: Rs 100.00

Ahilathin Arputha Kovil : Suchindrum (Earth’s spectacular temple: Suchindrum)

Author Suthaa.Thangam is a retired Government officer and he has worked for decades collecting information regarding the Sthala Puranam (Temple Mythology), history, sculptural wonders, unique features, rituals etc. related to Suchindrum temple. This book is a guide to every Tamil who wants to enter this wonderful temple. It is also a good documentation of the temple features. For example, he gives details about almost every important pillar sculpture of the temple, of how Hanuman statue was hidden from invasion and rediscovered and installed in the temple etc. The book contains 326 pages of information about the temple and also good quality photos. This is a single man’s efforts of love and this book should be translated to English.

o Publisher: Su.Thaa.Thangam, Suchindrum
o Year of publication: 1999
o Language: Tamil
o Price: Rs 100.00

Kanyakumari Shopping Malls: Shop around, get deals, discounts or buy products at a bargain prices.

Shopping

Kanyakumari is an excellent shopping destination for buying various seashell items. Nothing better than to purchase beautiful seashell trinkets and souvenirs for your loved ones from this popular beach destination!

While shopping in Kanyakumari, you can buy beautiful decorative items made of wood and bamboo. Palm-leaf utility articles are also good buys from Kanyakumari. On the beachfront at Kanyakumari and withinin the temple premises there are several handicraft shops which sell many seashell products

The Tamil Nadu Co-optex Sales Emporium, Indco Products, Tamil Nadu Crafts and Poompuhar are some of the well known shopping centers where you can buy various handicraft items, textiles and other materials.

Shopping in Kanyakumari must also include multi-colored sea sands and small curios made of numerous kinds of sea-shells. Traditional saris and other dress materials are also easily available in some of the shops at Kanyakumari.

Kanyakumari Entertainment Centers: Explore and enjoy the traditional Music, theatres, cinema halls, dance, cultural programs and more.

Cultural Dance

Kolattam

Kolattam, derived from Kol( a small stick), and Attam (play) is the name of a charming Tamil dance practiced by groups of young girls. A festival connected with this art has both a cultural and a religious significance.

Kavadi

There are several kinds of Kavadis- the milk and rose-water Kavadi being the principal ones. The central shaft of the semi-circular wooden structure is placed on the shoulders and the pilgrims dressed in yellow costume and decorated with garlands, undergoing many privations to fulfill vows. They dance their way through the streets and up the hillock under the hypnotic music provided by the drum, the pipes and the tom-tom.

Folk Music

Tamil folk music is remarkable for the tala intricacies. Very ancient classical ragas or melodies like Manji, Sama, Navaroz, Kalyani, Karaharapriya, Thodi, and Nadanam-k-kria  are used in  the folk-songs. Many instruments are used in folk music.

Musical Notation Of Tribes

The hill-tribes have a natural fondness for music and they are known for the preservation of ancient culture. The Pulayar tribe describe their melodies as talams. According to them, their melodies are derived from the cooing of birds such as kanamayil, Kanakkozhi. Talam and melodies are named after their deities. Karaganachi talam, Mangalanada talam, Kundhanada talam, etc. are all specific melodies. The chaya of classical ragas like Sudhasaveri, Saraswathi, Sankarabharanam, Andolika, Brindavanasaranga are to be seen in these beautiful melodies.

Melody of the Kulavai

The Kulavai sound is made by the women engaged in agricultural work with a turn of the tongue which they move swiftly side ward. The Kulavai song is sung in beautiful melody, particularly in Thanjavur where agricultural prosperity and music tradition alike have been kept up. Women stand in knee-deep slush, planting the seedlings and they raise the Kulavai sound to expedite work and to honour visitors. Anyone passing between paddy fields has to make token payments or tips to these women, if they greet him in chorus.

Nayyandi Melam

Nayyandi Melam or Chinna Melam is a rustic imitation of the classical melam or Nadaswaram and is intended purely as an accompaniment to folk-dance-drama to cater to the tastes of the unlettered audience. This orchestra consists of two Nadaswarams, two tavels, a Pambai, a Thammukku, and a pair of cymbals. The peculiarity of Nayyandi melam is that the instrumentalists also dance while playing the instrument. The troupe is in demand as an accompaniment to Karagam, Kavadi, Dummy-horse show, and gypsy-dance, popularly known as the dance of the Kuravan and Kurathi.

Musical instruments

Percussion Instruments

Nagara is a large hemispherical kettle-drum used in temples, struck with two curved sticks and carried on a decorated elephant. It is played before and after making important announcements.

Damaram is a conical instrument with a shell of wood and braces of leather, placed on a bullock and played with two sticks, one of them curved and other straight.

Udukki is an instrument held in the left hand and played by the finger of the right hand. It is used in all folk temples and is an emblem of Shiva. Davandai is a large Udukki and is played with a stick.

Gummati is a pot-shaped drum held in horizontal posture while playing.

Ekkalam is an s-shaped horn played with the trumpet and the drum.

Pambai is a pair of coloured and painted cylindrical drums used in temple festivals.

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Tourism Info

Govt. of Tamil Nadu Tourist Office
Beach Road, Kanyakumari
Tamil Nadu, India.
Telephone:  (91)-04653 71276/246276