Bengaluru: As gorgeous as it is eulogised for, Kanyakumari is the sun swept southernmost tip of mainland India, which is hemmed by waters from three sides.
Also known as Cape Comorin or Kumari Munai, Kanyakumari is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country.
If you are a geographically conscious traveller then like Kashmir, Kanyakumari should be central to your idea of India. Both destinations are where India begins and ends. Both destinations are equally popular among travellers. Though, Kashmir draws more romanticism, Kanyakumari is not too far behind, especially if you are a fan of sun-soaked beaches and groves.
Famed for its resplendent dawns and dusks, it is the only place on Earth where one can witness both the sunrise and the sunset from the same spot. Not just that, if you time your visit to the city on full moon nights, you can also witness the rare spectacle of moonrise and sunset at the same time.
Rarer still is the annual spectacle of Chitra Pournami, the magnificent sunset and moonrise of April-May, when the sun and the moon face each other on the same horizon.
Unfortunately, when we visited, the skies were not clear enough for us to witness the epic in its full glory. Nevertheless, the experience was still magical.
As the sun went down under the cool winter breeze, the horizon ranged from scarlet and crimson to turquoise and violet, with the fiery clouds gliding past to make the atmosphere ethereal.
Natural beauty
Favoured by tourists throughout the year, due to its natural beauty, which is highlighted by the confluence of two seas, the Bay of Bengal and the Laccadive Sea with the Indian Ocean, Kanyakumari offers a wide of range of experiences to the visitors.
Apart from the gorgeous sunrise and sunset, the small town has many popular tourist attractions, including the calming Gandhi Ashram, the towering Thiruvalluvar Statue, the adjoining Vivekananda Rock Memorial, both located off the shore on tiny twin islands, and the azure Cape Comorin Beach.
Twin attractions
The twin attractions of the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the 41-metre tall statue of the legendary Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar are thronged by both the tourists and pilgrims.
The memorial marks the spot where Swami Vivekananda supposedly gained enlightenment, while the 133-feet tall stone sculpture pays homage to the Tamil poet and philosopher, each foot’s height symbolising a chapter in his work filled with virtue, wisdom and love. Both the monuments can be accessed only through government operated ferries.
An ancient city, with its history going back to the times of Tamil Sangam, Kanyakumari has been mentioned by the Greek scholar Ptolemy and the medieval Venetian traveller Marco Polo in their historic accounts.
Located at the confluence of western and eastern coastal plains rising towards the initial formation of the Western Ghats, the city and the eponymous district is rich in natural wealth, particularly the abundance of wild herbs used for herbal medicine.
Aromatic herbs
A small trek through the forests and into the hills gives the keen travellers ample exposure to the aromatic herbs as well as some serene meditative experience. The panoramic view of the sea from the hills is also breathtaking.
Though, Kanyakumari is the smallest district of Tamil Nadu, it is the second most densely populated administrative block in the state after Chennai.
It lies on the border with Kerala and hence closer to the state in geography, topography, climate and culture.
Much like Kerala, this small district is also known for its pristine beaches, adorned by countless coconut groves, rubber plantations and vast stretches of verdant paddy fields.
The easiest access to the city is also from Kerala, with Trivandrum being the nearest big city and the closest international airport.
Considered an auspicious place by many religious denominations, pilgrims throng Kanyakumari especially during the winter for a holy dip at the confluence on their way to or from Sabrimala Temple in Kerala.
Temporary bazaar
During this period of around 45 days, from early December to mid January, the beaches and bazaars of Kanyakumari are at their liveliest, attracting not just shoppers but also vendors and hawkers from across India.
But, what caught our attention most was the sea facing temporary bazaar along the main promenade that is thronged by shoppers through out the day until late evening.
From jackets and sweaters to trinkets and accessories, the bazaar is the ideal location for some bargain shopping if you know how to haggle.
Amidst all the sightseeing and shopping, don’t forget to try the mouthwatering local seafood delicacies, it is a haven for fish lovers.
However, the only thing that bothered us a bit was the weather. Even in the peak winter of January it was sweltering, particularly from noon to 4pm.
But despite the weather, this ancient capital of Travancore Kingdom warrants a visit at least once in a life time. Happy travelling!
--Shafaat Shahbandari is a freelance journalist and founder-editor of Thousand Shades of India
