In the days of yore, the area was more popular as Cape Comorin and activities were far more subdued than they are now. However, the view was picturesque and a string of tourists would visit every now and then, while locals would spend a great deal of their time relaxing along the rocky coastline. As the years rolled by, the area adopted a more local name; Kanyakumari and the number of tourists steadily increased till tourism became a front runner in the territory’s economy. Nevertheless, the beauty and tranquility of the cape has remained unblemished by development and undiminished by the passage of time. Kanyakumari, which is named after the Hindu Goddess Kumari Amman is one of the few places on earth where one can witness the rising and setting sun from the same locality.
The view from the shoreline is scintillating throughout the day, and if you do happen to visit when the skies are particularly clear, you will find to your joy that the sunset and the simultaneous rising of the moon can be seen.
Off the coast of Kanyakumari, after an invigorating ride on the ferry which moves over rough sea waves, there are different places that catch the attention of many tourists; mainly, the Thiruvalluvar statue which stands 41 meters towering over the little man made islet. Another rocky island comprises the temple of Swami Vivekanand, which was made in memory of this revered local philosopher and the Gandhi Mandapam which is a structure built in memory of Mahathma Gandhi and where his ashes lie in an urn. The formation is built in such an astronomically precise way that the first rays of sunlight fall on the place where his ashes are kept on his birthday, the 2nd of October. Ancient monuments are not the only things that Kanyakumari has to offer; they also vary to tasting the local cuisine of deliciously prepared seafood and local shopping down the crowded streets of the small town.
Not far off from the main city of Kanyakumari, Poovar Island Resort stands to accommodate those who visit the town. This Kerala resort is a township of its own with its sprawling grounds, spas and private backwaters. In spite of being located in the backwaters, its proximity to the delta makes it a popular beach hotel Kerala as well.
