Kanyakumari - The Ultimate Journey at Southern Coastline of India

 

Recently, we have visited in Kanyakumari the Southernmost part of the India, formerly known as Cape Comorin. This is the most popular pilgrim and tourist destination in South India. The nearest major city is Nagercoil almost 16 KM away. This place is perfect to see both sunrise and sunset because of its geographical location. The most interesting fact about Kanyakumari is the meeting point of the three water bodies Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea and multi coloured sand. Kanyakumari is one of the most magnificent places in the world that offers incredible sightseeing opportunities.

My Itinerary, Transportation and Sightseeing Details are as below;

 

We begun the trip from Bangalore by Train, Nagercoil Express 17235 on 17th Feb 2015 and reached Nagercoil Junction at 07:50 AM on scheduled arrival 18th Feb 2015, since this was the last station and we had to catch another train to Kanyakumari. After got down here we had two options to reach Kanyakumari either go by auto or bus or catch next train which was around at 8:15 AM, Train no 12642 THIRUKKVRAL EXP. Then we have decided to go by the next train and rushed to the ticket counter and bought 2 tickets the fare was Rs 90 for each. Finally the train were arrived on time. Now we were onboard to the final destination. It took hardly an hr to arrive Kanyakumari and got down at 8:45 AM. Once we landed here it was amazing moment. We were pretty much excited to look forward all the places, after seeing hundred of pick online. We have clicked few pictures at station and timetable so that we can use further if required.

 

Now we had to settling down in a Hotel or Lodge. Staying in Kanyakumari never be a problem. There are plenty of accommodation options available here like lodges, dormitories, Hotels which suits your budget and no extra burden on your pocket. But it's better to book in advance in order to avoid any trouble especially in peak season during October to February. If you are travelling alone, it's very difficult to find a place in Kanyakumari. As I heard or based on research Hotel owners association is having a rule in Kanyakumari for not lending a room to a single person. Solo travellers committed suicide while in Kanyakumari which led to such arbitrary restriction. However, we had been enquired about Vivekananda Kendra at the station counter and rushed towards the same by auto which we hired. Driver offered me to provide the cheap hotel here; however, I refused his offer because I could not get rip-off and spoke to drop us at the Vivekanada Kendra. Once we reached there were no rooms vacating at that point of time and we had to book the room in 60 days in advance, if we want to stay here. It's a 100 acre campus at Kanyakumari, contact details are 04652-247012. We were very disappointed, as we wanted to stay here but unfortunately could not. Any way we rushed to search next hotel or lodge. Finally we managed to settle in a Bhagya Hotel which was in the main market and close to the beach hardly 10 mins walk able distance from here. It was around 09:30 AM. Once you reached in main market in every street nook agents trying to approach you, but be careful otherwise you could rip-off in some deals.

 

After checked in the Bhagya we had unloaded the luggage. After refreshing up for the sightseeing it was around 11:30AM. We stepped out from the hotel and moved towards the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Tiruvalluvar statue monument. We were passing from the main market. Lot of agents were called us on the way to hope to get the potential customer, but we have nodded his head for everything and move forward. Since this was almost afternoon and now we were feeling hungry so we rushed to the restaurant and ordered typical south Indian Masala Dosa, Idly-wada and Tea. The taste was not good. This we could expect here. We paid Rs 120 and moved out. 

 

While passing the main market we bought a round hat in order to avoid direct sun rays the cost was Rs 60. After 05 mins walk we reached the entrance of the Vivekanada Boat jetty ticket counter. Since this was afternoon luckily there was no queue at the ticket counter and paid Rs 68/- for 2 people. The timing to operate ferryboat was at 8 AM to 4 PM. It was thrilling to finally see the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Tiruvalluvar statue in real. This was spectacular view to see the beauty of the Kanyakumari. Now we boarded on the ferry along with the other tourist and instructed to put on life jacket in order to avoid any casualties. This was the first time I was travelling in ferry. This was very thrilling experience. Once the ferry reached at the Vivekananda Rock we stepped out and put off the life jacket. The Rock was surrounded by sea on the all sides. Day was bright and sunny as we felt little bit humidity. October to March is the ideal time to visit in Kanyakumari. One should avoid going in May to Aug because of scratching Sun rays. My heart throbbed with joy and mind was constantly thinking about Swami Vivekananda since I reached Kanyakumari. To move further again we had to buy a ticket which cost around Rs. 20 per person. We arranged the tickets and removed footwear and deposited on the safety counter without any thing to pay which was outside. You are advised to carry a pair of socks, cap, and sunglasses and sun cream lotion because it's very hot. We enjoyed here almost 2 hrs and take photos. There is a one Hall on the top of the rock where Swami Vivekanand standing sculpture situated, photography is prohibited inside the hall. Vivekananda rock is a gigantic stone mounting in the Ocean. Swami Vivekanand meditated on this rock for three days therefore considered a holy place. We closely sew the architect of the place this was marvellous. We went on the roof just right behind the statue we could feel the strong sea shore waves hitting the rock and rebound as if they are warn us to stay away. These strong waves could smash anything. Nevertheless lot of daring fishermen were catching a fish in the horizon of Ocean.

 

So far everything was going as per the plan. Now it was almost 3:45 PM time to move next monument Tiruvalluvar Statue which is adjacent from this Vivekanada rock. Again we boarded on the same ferry and it took hardly 3 or 4 minutes to reach there. Here we had small refreshment tea and coffee. After tea break we moved forward to the way to statue on the roof side. We left footwears outside and proceed toward the stairs. The height of the Tiruvalluvar Statue is almost 133 feet of the Tamil-poet. We had to clime more than 150 stairs. Once we reached on the top we felt the wind was too strong that we had to hold something to stand there. This was amazing view to see dock from right here. We tried to see beyond of the Ocean but could not because of our human incapability. We clicked the several photos here from different angles. It was around 04:00 when we boarded on ferry to back to the mainland. While returning to Hotel we had a Dosa in the restaurant. 

 

We took short break at Bhagya and got ready to see sunset view this was around 6:00 PM after 15 min walk finally we reached View tower at the western beach to see the amazing sunset view. View tower specially designed to see Sunrise and Sunset. We could go more far on the pathway however, we have decided to stay in view tower. After paid Rs. 10 each we had proceeds and reached the top of the view tower. There were lot of people already gathered to see the amazing view. Somehow I managed to place to stand my tripod to record the sign off moment of Sun in to my SONY. This was an amazing moment to see the sunset from here. We could see the sun was started getting down in the Ocean. We captured this spectacular sunset view in my SONY camera. 

 

After returned from the Sunset point, we thought of visiting the Goddess Kanyakumari Temple, we have bought flowers to offer Devi Kanyakumari. Taking photo inside the temple strictly prohibited therefore we were asked to deposit camera and mobile phones to the western entrance of the temple. As per the temple rule before entering inside the temple the men have to put off the shirt and vests. According to Hindu mythology, Kanya Devi wants to marry Siva, as he failed to show up on his wedding day the rice and the other grains uncooked and remain unused. Kanya Devi now considered a virgin Goddess. We had good Darshan of Goddess as there was no queue at this time and moved out of the temple. Apparently, we had not forgotten to collect our gadgets from the counter while returning.

 

The next was Gandhi Memorial where we also visited this is nearby from the temple. This was around 8:30 PM, we felt hungry and proceed to Marwari restaurant. We ordered Paneer Masala, plain rice and naan along with papad and onion salad. The food was delicious and well enough for both of us. The services were very prompt. We paid Rs 180 and moved out and rushed to short walk in the market. We saw lot of vender sat beside the road selling sea shells and all there were in different shapes and colours from each. We bought shell made necklace and one small sea shell. After wondering for an hour we reached Bhagya. Since day one in Kanyakumari No IDEA network and wondering if any important call got missed. I felt completely cut off from the rest of the world. However, my TATA PHOTON data card hardly managed to get network and showed 2 semi network towers. My phone and camera battery almost dried out. We plucked in our gadgets on charging mode till morning. Anyway now it's time to go bad so that we could get up early to see Spectacular Sun rise view. We had a sound sleep in night.

 

We woke up early at 5:30 AM and rushed to the seashore to view the Sunrise. The huge crowd gathered here to see the first rays of the Sun, this was commendable view, and few tourists were standing on the Hotel roof. Somehow we could manage to stand near the seashore where I can take a perfect picture of the Sunrise. We waited patiently to come out the Sun God. The gentle breeze was blowing. Kanyakumari is the only place where we can see Sunrise and the Sunset from the same place throughout the year. Now we could see the Sun rays coming out of the clouds and started spread rays in the sky. Since I was addicted to shutterbug and clicked as much as I could. We came little bit down towards the coastline. Fishermen were going in to Ocean to catch a fish and few of them were unloading the fishes from the sail. I had requested to one of the fisherman to click the picture with holding gray Mullet fish in my hand. He was typical Tamilan guy who does not know Hindi or English. Somehow I managed to get understand him by gestures or hand movements and took couple of nice picks. The fish was very sticky and too heave to lift with single hand and the smell was horrible. As quickly my companion took shot I left the fish in the tub. I was standing at the edge and waves were rebound my bare feet as if they are inviting me in the Ocean. Although, I had maintain a quite distance because you don't know when heavy waves comes. We walked parallel to coastline quite far and then returned back.

 

It was around 8:00 AM and we were returning to Hotel meanwhile, we had a breakfast on the way. Since this was second day in Kanyakumari and we had to check out the Bhagya by 10:00 AM. We had quick shower and zip up backpack and got ready to move out. As per our request the Hotel clerk allowed us to put luggage near the reception counter until noon. We had been booked a mini shared tourist bus in advance for Maduri at 1:00 PM. Still we have a 3 hours in hand to spend hence, we walked towards the main street to explore few more untouched areas. We passed through the wax museum, light house and government bus stand. On the way we saw aquarium on the display and took couple of shots. However, we had skipped couple of places around Kanyakumari which was 15 km in radius due to time constraint. The last place which we had visited was Tsunami Monument and clicked some exotic pictures. Now the time almost 12:45 PM and we had to move back to pick the backpack and boarded on Bus to Madurai.

 

Finally, the moment had arrived to say good bye to Kanyakumari. The trip was fantastic and amazing to explore this place. We were bringing back lot of good memories and new experience. I have tried to document as much I could. I hope this will help you to plan your travel to Kanyakumari. Actually, the journey was not end here later we had visited Rameshwaram, Maduri and Kodaikanal and you will get the details in my next travelogue which will be revealed shortly. Till time we met again good bye and Happy & safe Journey.

 

Please give your valuable feedback and suggestions about this blog. If you have any question or query to ask feel free to write me at  ashishsoni282@gmail.com I will be happy to answer your queries.

 

Disclaimer: - The details which we have furnished in this Blog is absolutely based on my personal experience and circumstances which happened during the trip. Details may alter on timely manner and would very person to person or folk depending upon the condition, budget and point of time. Therefore, Visitors are advised to inquired about such things well in advance and plan accordingly your trip.