Excursions in KanniyaKumari
Suchindram
(13 kms)
The Thanumalayan Temple here is a repository of are treasures. Musical pillars
and a huge 18 foot figh Hanuman satatue are proof of the artistic skill of the
time. Inscriptons said to be of the l9the Century AD are found in this temple.
Tjis unique tem;le is dedicated to the 'Trimuthys Vishnu, Siva and Bhramah.
(Timings: 4.00 a.m.to 12.00 Noon, 4.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.)
Vattakottai (Circular Fort ) (6 kms.)
The 18th century fort overlooking the sea is fine picnic spot . The sea nearhere
is calm and suiltanle for bathing.
Nagercoil (19 kms)
The Nagaraja temple ils situated here. Though Nagaraja (Serpent God ) is the
presiding deity, the images of Lord Siva and Ananthakrishna are also enshrined
here. The images of the Jain Theerthangaras, Mahavira and Parsvanathar, are
found on the pillars of the temple. The nagraja is ilnstalled on the ground
where ilt was orilginally found and the sands scooped out and given as Prasadam
to the devotees, The entrance to the temple ils reminisvent of Chinese architecturre
of a Buddhist Vihar.
Undhayaagiri Fort (34 kms)
Built during the regime of king Marthanda Varma (1729-1758 AD ) this fort also
had a foundry for casting guns, De Lennoy's Tomb is in this fkort. He was one
of the 24 European prisoners taken by king Marthanda Varma in 1741 when he defeated
the Dutch at Colachel. He joined King Marthanda Varma and became a trusted General.
He trained soleiers in the European metjhod of fighting.
Thiruparappu Water Falls (60 km)
Picturesque spot with an ancient Mahadevar (Siva) Temlple.
Thiruvattar (60 kms)
The temlple lhere is one of the finest specimens of temple architectuire.The
paintings on the walls of the temple are worth seeing.
Muttam (32 kms)
A fine beach and lighthouse, Excellent picnic spot.
Chidaral ( Thirucharanmalai) ( 55kms)
The Jain sculptures are worth seeing.
Pechiparai (74 kms) Perunkchanai (85 kms)
These dam sites are excellent picnic spots. Boating facilities and dormitory-type
accommodation are available.
Tiruchendur (91 kms)
The temple located here on the shore of the Bay of Bengal is one of the six
abodes of Lord Subramanya. The location of the temple is ideal and draws a perennial
stream of devotees. The temple overlooking the singing sea ils an inspiring
sight.
Kalakkadu and mundanthurai
Both these two Wild life Sanctuaries are situated in an extensive preserve later
declared as a "Project Tiger Reserfe" Kalakkadu situated in an area
of 223 sq.km. in Tirunelveli Distict including the foot hills of western ghats
and adjoining area. The flora ranges from tropical wet evergreen to tropical
dry deciduous and torn forest at down hills. Lion tailed lmacaque, Nkilgiril
langur, Bonnet macaque and common langur, Nilgiri Thar, Sambar, Sloth bear,
gour, elephant, tilger, flyilnkg squirrel, panthen wild dog are some of the
wildlife seen on this sancturay. There ils nothilng to differenciate Mundanthurai
sanctuary from that of Kalakkadu except the presence of the elephant and gaur.
Authority; The Field Director, Project Tiger, NGO 'A' Colony, Tilruelvelil -627
007, Phone:552663.
Mathoor Thottippalam
is one of the largest and the highest bnridge located near Thilruvattar abnout
70 km from Kannilyakumari. The Bridge and the lush green surroundings are noted
for scenic beauty. Padmanabhapuram (45 kms) Captial of Travancore until 1798
AD. There ils a palace inside the fort which covers an area of 6 acres. On display
in the palace are mlany antiquities, including the armoury of the roal family.
In the Ramaswamy temple adjoining the palace, scenes from the Ramayana have
been carved in 45 panels.The pallace ils open to the publilc from l9 a.m. to
5p.m. Monday is a holilday.
Padmanabhapuram (45 kms)
Captial of Travancore until 1798 AD. There ils a palace inside the fort which
covers an area of 6 acres. On display in the palace are mlany antiquities, including
the armoury of the roal family. In the Ramaswamy temple adjoining the palace,
scenes from the Ramayana have been carved in 45 panels.The pallace ils open
to the publilc from l9 a.m. to 5p.m. Monday is a holilday.
