Kanyakumari
is often referred as the 'Land's End' of India. Here, the Bay of Bengal
confluences with the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea and, at Chaitrapurnima
(the Tamil name for all full moon day that generally falls in April), it is
possible to enjoy the unique experience of seeing the sunset and the moon
rise over the ocean simultaneously.
Kanyakumari (also spelt as Kanniyakumari) district is contoured by
Tirunelveli district in the north and northeast, by Kerala state in the
northwest and confluence of Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean in the west and
south. The coastline is almost regular except for some points of land
projects into the sea at Cape Comorin. Kanyakumari is the district
headquarters of the district of the same name. At the southern most land tip
of India, where the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal
meet, lies Kanyakumari, an important revered pilgrim centre.
Sun rolls in the sea !
Kanyakumari is famous for its beach and the magnificent sunrises and
emotive sunsets, especially on full moon days. Kanyakumari is also popular
for its vast foliar stretches of paddy fields, rich forests, coconut groves
and mineral sands. The Kanyakumari beach has an overwhelming sight with the
sand which has played with the colours of the sky. The beach here does not
usually offer one the opportunities to sunbathe on soft silver sands, either
to frolic in the waves or in the sands. The seashore is rocky and dangerous,
and there is a manmade wall running along it. People are warned to stay off
the rocks, and when if someone moves out of bounds, he or she is quickly and
severely admonished by a watchful policeman. There is a lighthouse from
where one can get a panoramic view. The sea is fairly rough, so it is
entertaining to watch it beat itself against the rocks and then subside,
before it gathers itself up for another attack. With long stretches of sands
of many hues, the beach welcomes you to capture the waves of change. A
spectrum of shells are on sale on the Kanyakumari beach.
The
nearest airport is in Thiruvananthapuram, 87 km away. Kanyakumari is
spirally connected with all places by rail and road. Local includes
transport is bus, auto rickshaw and taxi.
» Altitude : sea level; temperature: ranges from 20 to 35 deg
C.
» Rainfall : average 102 cms; clothing: cotton; visiting
season: round the year.
» Languages : Tamil, Malayalam, English.
Best time to visit :
Due to it's friendship with the sea, Kanyakumari enjoys a pleasant climate
and can be visited throughout the year. However, the most enjoyable season
to visit this place is between October and March. During summers, the
temperature can elevate to a high of 34.8°C while it can dip to a low
of 20.4°C during winters.
Kanyakumari
Beach
