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Kanyakumari – The Sangam of Three Oceans |
Table of contents for Temple Exploration in Tamil Nadu
- SRIRANGAM :- Bhooloka Vaikuntham, World’s largest functioning temple
- THANJAVUR :- Brihadeeshwara Temple (UNESCO) and SRIRANGAM:- Sri Raganathaswamy Temple
- Rameshwaram – A bridge between Lord Shiva and Lord Rama
- Meenakshi Amman and Lord Sundareshwar temple – Masterpieces of Architecture
- Kanyakumari – The Sangam of Three Oceans
ADVICE TO THE READERS :- While booking your tour for Kanyakumari, please keep at least 3 days in spare , because there are around 30 fantastic places around this legendary town and I reckon each one has class of its own and secondly its an ideal place for relaxation. If not 3 then at least keep 2 days, otherwise it’s of no use. I was there only for one day and I repent now for that.
Kanyakumari – India’s southern most tip from Sea
0a.Kanyakumari-Overall view of India’s Southern tip
While planning the tour in beginning I was thinking whether to add Kanyakumari or not. But it would have been a greatest blunder if this was to be missed. The beauty , the coastal panorama, the pleasant soothing atmosphere and the feel we get while in Kanyakumari is such that I cannot describe with the words I have in my vocabulary. For this you have to go to Kanyakumari .I will just try to describe few things regarding this wonderful place………………….
Kanyakumari Church
TRAVEL :-7th November 2011 Monday :- After seeing the class of Meenakshi Sundareshwar temple . It was time to leave for Kanyakumari. We had booked tickets in Maduari Kollam passenger which starts from Madurai at 22.50 and reaches Nagercoil Junction at 4.10 am on 7th November. After reaching we headed to Kanyakumari ( 18 kms) via bus which we get from station itself . We caught the bus around 5.00 oclock and reached Kanyakumari in half and hour. As for Hotel we had booked Vivekandapuram ( a vast spiritual and yogic centre for tourist and devotees) which is around 2 kms away from main beach.
Kanyakumari Sunrise
Immediately after reaching Vivekanandapuram we went to see Sunrise
In Vivekanadapuram
I suggest all viewers to stay in VIVEKANANDAPURAM only when you go to Kanyakumari the reason given below
Rooms i.e comfortable rooms.
Kanyakumari’s association with Swami Vivekananda dates back to over a century. The Vivekananda Memorial Rock set in the midst of the Indian Ocean has been built in honor of this great man who swam across the turbulent ocean and sat on the rock and meditated. Presently the Vivekananda rock is one of the major tourist attractions of the place and Vivekananda Kendra Rest House Kanyakumari though is mainly a social welfare centre, it offers cheap lodging facilities. The Vivekananda Kendra Rest House in Kanyakumari India is located at Vivekanandapuram in Kanyakumari. Vivekanandapuram is the headquarters of the Vivekananda Kendra and the centre spreads over an area of 100 acres.
Accommodation in Vivekananda Kendra Rest House Kanyakumari
The Vivekananda Kendra Rest House Kanyakumari is indeed the perfect choice for all those who want to enjoy comfortable accommodation at reasonable prices. The cozy rooms of the Vivekananda Kendra Rest House sport an unpretentious appearance. They are provided with the necessary furnishings comprising of a cot, a mirror, a table and also have an attached bathroom with running water 24 hrs.They have both AC as well as NON AC rooms for subsidised rates
Dining Facility in Vivekananda Kendra Rest House Kanyakumari.
There is a vegetarian canteen within its sprawling campus. The canteen offers heavily subsidized food which is therefore cheap and healthy. However, food is served punctually to clock timings and if you are late, you might have to have your lunch outside.
Vivekanandapuram
Recreational Facility in Vivekananda Kendra Rest House Kanyakumari
There is a well stocked library within the premises of Vivekananda Rest House. The rest house is excellently connected. Buses are also regularly available from Vivekanandapuram to Kanyakumari Township. Moreover you can enjoy absolutely breathtaking views of sunrise from the beaches of Vivekanandapuram. The advantages of staying at the Vivekananda Kendra Rest House are umpteen.
Other Facilities in Vivekananda Kendra Rest House Kanyakumari
Post office within campus
State Bank of India within campus
Dispensary within campus
FREE BUS SERVICE TO MAIN TOWN
Please click the link below for official website
http://www.vkendra.org/
As soon as we checked in the room , we had quick bath and decided to go to Suchindram
Suchindram Temple and Kunda
SUCHINDRAM :- Suchindram is a panchayat town in Kanniyakumari district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.It is 12 km away from Kanyakumari on the way to Nagercoil. It is an important pilgrim centre and the site of the famous Thanumalayan Temple.
Please Click the link below for 360 view
http://www.view360.in/virtualtour/suchindrum
LEGEND :- There are many Legends associated with this temple .
First one is Lord Shiva Stayed here when he came to marry Kanyakumari amman and returned back from here.
Second one is Lord Dattatreya was born here, the famous story of Sati Anusuya, Rishi Atriya, Trinity and Tridevi.
Hence The Shivalinga here has all the three Lords of Hindu Trinity
Third one is Lord Indra worshipped the Trinity to absolve his sins which he did while cheating Gautama Rishi and Ahilya.
Lord Anjaneya in Suchindram temple
There is also Lord Anjaneya Temple in this complex. This has very vast Lord Hanuman idol. People here also throw butter balls on the idol as they did in Lord Murugan temple in Madurai.
After Suchindram we went to Nagercoil to visit Nagaraja ( Sheshnaag temple)
Inside Nagaraja Temple and Golden Kalash.
People offering milk , turmeric etc. to Nagadevta to remove Nagadosha
Actual Temple Entrance
NAGERCOIL :- Nagercoil derives its name from the famous old Nagaraja Temple (temple of the serpent king) [4] which is in the central part of town. It has been an important temple for Hindus for centuries as well as a tourist attraction. The idol is Swayambhu and installed on the ground where it was found.
Maruthuvazhumalai
After that I saw this great part of Sanjeevani mountain called Maruthuvazh Malai. There are lot of temples and sages who live on this mountain. Still lot of Herbs are found on this mountain. I just had darshan from bus because of lack of time.
MARUTHUVAZH MALAI :- According to tradition, the Maruthuvazh 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 5 km from Kanyakumari and 11 km from Nagercoil.
After this we headed towards hotel and decided to relax a liitle before going to Kanyakumari Amman temple. Now the time was already 11.30am and I and my wife Sonali decided that we would go to have darshan of Kanyakumari devi.
KANYAKUMARI :- Kanyakumari is a town in the state of Tamil Nadu in India. It is also sometimes referred to as Cape Comorin. Located at the southernmost tip of the Indian Peninsula, it is the geographical end of the Indian mainland.It is here that all the three oceans meet ( Bay of Bengal,The Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea). It is one of the best coastal towns in Asia. The name Kanyakumari is given because of the legend of Goddess Kannyakumari
Kanyakumari temple Entrance
LEGEND :- According to Hindu legend, Kanya Devi, an Avatar of Parvati, was to marry Siva, but as he failed to show up on his wedding day, the rice and other grains meant for the wedding feast remained uncooked and remain unused thereafter. As the legend goes, the uncooked grains turned into stones as time went by. Some believe that the small stones which look like rice on the shore today, are indeed grains of the wedding that was never solemnized. Kanya Devi is now considered a virgin goddess who blesses pilgrims and tourists who flock the town.
Kanyakumari also killed The demon Banasura who had the boon to be killed by virgin Goddess only. Till date people believe that she still is meditating here in temple and waiting for Lord Shiva with garland in her hand.
Goddess Kumari Amman – Kanyakumari devi temple
This is one of the most beautiful idol I have ever seen. You just don’t feel like going away from her sight.
After that we went nearby Kanyakumari beach where we clicked the following pics.
KANYAKUMARI THE ECOFRIENDLY TOWN :- One of the most important rule in Kanyakumari is Plastic Bags are banned. No one keeps or sells them. Disposable plastic plates, glasses and other plastic items are also completely banned. This rule is strictly followed. So you will find this town completely clean and eco-friendly………………………
Other cities should follow this example rather than just shouting BAN PLASTIC and sell on counters……………………
Please check the video for Kanyakumari
Rock Memorial and thiruvalluvar Statue
Bay of Bengal
One more angle
Mandap backside is southern most point in India
Place where Bay of Bengal meets Indian Ocean
Beautiful sea scene with Rock
Back ground is triveni sangam where all the three oceans meet. Southernmost tip of India.
People bathing in Triveni Sangam washes all the sins
Vivekananda Rock Memorial from Top
VIVEKANADA ROCK MEMORIAL is a sacred monument and popular tourist attraction in Vavathurai, Kanyakumari, India. The memorial stands on one of two rocks located about 500 meters off mainland of Vavathurai, 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.
Please Click the link below for 360 view
http://view360.in/virtualtour/kanyakumari/kanyakumari%20Temple
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.
Thiruvalluvar Statue
Thiruvalluvar Statue at Night
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 (Millennium) 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.
To go to Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar statue there are ferries available near Kanyakumari temple.They cost you Rs. 20 per person.These two monument timings are 8am to 4 pm . They close very quickly in the evening. Unfortunately it was raining heavily when I went for the view in afternoon at 1.00 pm . It was closed for the day.
Gandhi Memorial
Wandering Monk exhibition
During evening Again we went to Kanyakumari triveni sangam and visited Gandhi Memorial, Wandering Monk Exhibition
Can you see the Prabhakaran’s photo in the shop
Finally it was time for shopping. Kanyakumari is excellent place to buy different types of chips , wafers, dry fruits, spices and sea shells and conches. You may get half of the price.
Apart from these I couldn’t go to around 20 more nearby places and beaches ( around 80kms nearby) because of shortage of time.
Tamil Nadu along with Kanyakumari is on my “ONCE MORE” list……………………………………
Here comes end of my tour. Next day 9th November we caught Tirunelveli Hapa SF express from Nagercoil Town Railway station at 7.20 am and reached Vasai (Mumbai ) next day at 12.30 pm. Watching GREEN KERALA from Train was really great and overwhelming.
Finally I come to end of my Tamil Nadu tour. Thanks for your lovely comments and will come soon with new posts.
Dear Readers if you want to read my other Yatras with more pictures PLEASE CLICK BELOW
JAMMU AND KASHMIR: PAHALGAM , VAISHNO DEVI
GUJARAT : SOMNATH AND DWARKA ( 2010 & 2012 )
MAHARSHTTRA : BHIMASHANKAR , TRIMBAKESHWAR , GRISHNESHWAR , DAULATABAD FORT
MADHYA PRADESH : UJJAIN , OMKARESHWAR AND DEWAS
KASHI YATRA : VARANASI , PRAYAG AND CHITRAKOOT
KARNATAKA : GOKARNA , UDUPI , MURUDESHWAR , SIRSI
Wow! Great post!
Thanks Mr. Bill………………………
Vishal ji ,
aapki post padhkar laga sachmuch kanyakumari bahut hi sundar jagah hai. Pehla photo to bahut hi khoobsurat hai.
Thanks
thank you. Yaa Kanyakumari is very beautiful place…………………..
Uncle,
The post was very nicely written. I think this is one of the best post written by you on ghumakkar. The photographs were equally beautiful.
Thank you sanskriti for your sweet words……………………………………..
Vishal,
I agree with Sanskriti, Yes this is one of your best ever post. It was a perfect blend of skilled photography and narration. We all family members gone through the post together in the morning and the beautiful post recharged us for the full day. I will rate this post 10/10.
Thanks.
Thanks Mukesh for your sweet words………………………………….
I will try to post like this way in near future………………………………………
कन्याकुमारी में सर्दियों में भी कच्चे आम मिलते है, जबकि उतर बहरत में जुलाई में ये बात समझ नहीं आती है, दो साल पहले मैं भी दिसम्बर के माह में ही गया था, वहाँ एक से मालूम भी किया था तो उसने बताया था कि ये आम यही के लोकल है। देख लो उतर भारत व दक्षिण भारत में दूरी के साथ-साथ कितना कुछ बदल जाता है।
Kuch Baat jaroor badal jaati hai lekin lekin hindustan ki sanskriti, hindustani logo ki bhavna aur apnapan nahi badaltaa…………………………
हम भी जब कभी कन्याकुमारी जायेंगे तो आपकी बताई हर जगह को जरूर देखेंगे।
jee haan aap wahi thaharnaa , Lekin booking bahut 2 mahine pehle hi karnaa . bahut jaldi full ho jaataa hai. single aur double room ke alaavaa , aapko hall bhi kifaytee daam mein milte hai…………………
Great Post Vishal!
The narration, the pictures….Superb!!!
Keep it up….
Thanks Aditya…………………………..
Wow! Amazing post. Kanyakumari looks so calm and divine. You have inspired many of us to visit this place. Thanks a lot for sharing this unforgettable tour.
Thank you Amit,
As far as beauty, calmness, silence and cleanliness is concerned this one is best……………
When visiting South TN never forget Kanyakumari………………………….
Nice travelogue, Vishal. You are right, Kanyakumari and its surroundings do deserve atleast 2 days. Btw, did u see Vattakottai near Kanyakumari?
No venkatt saahab,
There was very less time. I had to miss lot of places. Next time 3 days will be the plan for stay………..
Vishal,
lovely post. I always love Kanyakumari and Madurai. These two places have special place in my heart.
Hope to visit them once again sometime.
Sahil
Thank you Sahil………………..
Actually All the places I visited in South TN have become special in my heart ……………………
My Heart still wanders in them …………………………….
All have class and significance of its own and no comparisons can be made…………..
Superbly written. You showed me a different side of Kanyakumari. Did you do it all on public transport?
Just one clarification – I remember from somewhere that the southernmost part of India is Indira Point in the Nicobar Islands – Kanyakumari is the southernmost point of the sub-continent though.
Gouthami
Yes I did it all on public transport………………………….
Yes you may be right . I dont know really about the southern most point. I have written because I have heard this from many people…………………….
Thanks for giving the Info……………………
Thanks Vishal for taking us to Kanyakumari. This post has lot of good information for anyone visiting the place.
Thank you Deependra,
Anytime if you want any additinal info please mail me at [email protected]
Hello Vishal,
Thanks for writing such a great post.. very well written, nice pics.
I would like to ask, what is the name of the sangam of the three seas (2 Seas, 1 Ocean) ? I think there is a particular hindi/sanskrit name for it.. not able to recollect what.
Thanks Rahul
i think what you are asking is ” Triveni sangam ” ……………………………..
Triveni Sangam is generally used for the sangam of Ganga, Jamuna, and Saraswati…
I don’t know why I am feeling like I heard a name for this sangam of three seas as well!!!
Dear Rahul
Tri means three and Veni means waterbody . So it is not only used in Allahabad sangam but also in many places………………
मज़ा आ गया..
विवेकानंद राक तो अनुपम है..
लगता है एक बार जाना ही पड़ेगा
ग्रेट लेख व ग्रेट फोटोस
Dear Vishal,
I am planning to visit Kanyakumari,Rameshwaram, Madurai & Tirupati balaji, here is my plan, please advice if any changes to be made.
Sat-4.38 pm Dep from Kalyan 16381 by Kanyakumari Exp
sunday – In Train
Mon – 12.45 pm Arrive at Kanyakumari & Night Stay in Kanyakumari
Tue – Dep from Kanyakumari 22.00 pm 12790 by CAPE RMM EXP
Wed – 5.20 am Arrive at Rameshwaram & Nigh Stay in Rameshwaram
Thus – Rameshwaram to Madurai by Bus in afternoon & Night Stay in Madurai
Friday – 19.00 dep from Maduari by 16787 – TEN JAMMU EXP
Sat – 9.08 arrive at Tirupati & Darshan in Evening & Night Stay
Sunday – Dep from Renigunta @ 9.15 am
Monday – Arrive at kalyan @ 5.15 am
Ramakant
The plan seems perfectly ok Ramakant jee.
Just have doubt that ” can you get darshan at Tirupati in the evening when you have arrived in the morning that day even after getting the ticket of Rs.300 . I dont know about that temple because I have not been there .
Rest everything is OK , I feel
Hello Vishal,
in Tirupati we can have evening darshan @ 3.00 pm or 4.00 pm & for darshan tickect we can book from Sion or online 90 days in advance.
Thanks
Ramakant
Can you type down the address and telephone number of the place in sion in the form of comment or mail me on [email protected]
Thanks
Dear Vishal,
here we go…..
Tirupati e-Darshan Counters in Mumbai (Sion)
Booking: 60Day in Advance Booking
The Address:
TTD Information Centre,
E-Seva and Prayer Hall,
No. 67, Jayant House,
Behind Vittal Mandir,
Near Sion Circle,
Sion (West),
Mumbai – 400022
Phone no.: 022-24011144
E-darshan Booking timing
Monday to Friday :- 9.15 am To 01.00 pm & 2.15 pm To 4.00 pm
Saturday & Sunday :- 9.15 am To 01.00 pm & 2.15 pm To 7.00 pm
** Tuesday Holiday
For Online booking http://www.ttdsevaonline.com/
Thanks a lot and Wonderful Ramakant jee
I am obliged.
Dear Vishal,
you can book room from here also.. i am going every year for darshan & by reading your travel details i am very much inspired to help the people too.
Thanks for your comment & chal melte he break ke baad…….
Always.
Ramakant