Kanyakumari Trivandrum

Chitharal Malai Kovil is situated on a hillock in Chitharal village, approximately 7 kilometers from Marthandam town in Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu. The site has historical significance and is known for its Jain rock-cut sculptures and monuments dating back to the 9th century. It is believed to have served as a Jain worship center and a center for learning. Chitharal Malai Kovil features rock-cut sculptures, bas-reliefs, and inscriptions that depict Tirthankaras, Yakshis, and other Jain deities. The site includes a hillock with rock-cut beds and a cave temple. The rock-cut sculptures showcase the skill of the artisans of the time, and the architecture reflects a blend of Dravidian and Jain styles. The temple complex also includes a Bhagwathi Temple dedicated to the goddess Bhagwathi. The temple is an active place of worship and attracts devotees. The Chitharal Festival, celebrated annually, attracts pilgrims and visitors. During the festival, religious rituals, processions, and cultural events take place. The hillock offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, making it not only a religious site but also a place for scenic beauty and tranquility. Chitharal Malai Kovil is recognized as an archaeological site, and efforts are made to preserve and protect its historical and cultural heritage. The site is accessible by road, and visitors need to climb a flight of steps to reach the hillock where the Jain monuments are located. The site is under the care of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which is responsible for the conservation and maintenance of its historical assets. Chitharal Malai Kovil is a unique destination that combines historical, cultural, and religious elements, attracting history enthusiasts, pilgrims, and tourists alike.

Kovalam is a beach town by the Arabian Sea in Thiruvananthapuram metropolitan area, of Trivandrum City Kerala, India, located around 18 km south of the city center

Rasthakaadu Beach, located near Anjugramam in Kanyakumari, is a serene coastal destination known for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Beach is very clean, peaceful and not much crowded. It offers stunning seaside views with a mix of rocky and pebble features. Beaches in Kanyakumari are known for their picturesque settings, with golden sands, clear blue waters, and often framed by rocky cliffs or hills. The coastal area offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. Kanyakumari, being the southernmost tip of the Indian subcontinent, is famous for its stunning sunrise and sunset views. If Rasthakadu Beach is in Kanyakumari, it might be a great spot to witness the sun setting over the ocean. Many beaches in Kanyakumari have cultural and religious significance. The region is known for its temples, including the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue, both located in close proximity to the shore. Visitors to Kanyakumari beaches often engage in activities such as strolling along the shore, enjoying local cuisine at beachside eateries, and taking part in boat rides or other water-based activities if available. Kanyakumari is a place where the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean meet. This confluence is considered sacred, and beaches in the area often have a spiritual and serene atmosphere. ⏰ Session Open Hours Every Day 24 Hours

Suchindram Shree Thanumalayan Temple (Sthanumalayan Temple) is a significant Hindu shrine located in Suchindram, in the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the rare temples in India where the Trimurti Brahma (Ayan) the creator, Vishnu (Mal) the preserver, and Shiva (Thanu) the destroyer are worshipped together in a single sanctum as Thanumalayan, symbolizing divine unity. This unique feature makes the temple spiritually significant for devotees across the country. The temple is a fine example of Dravidian architecture, featuring intricately carved stone pillars, towering gopurams (gateway towers), and ancient inscriptions. Among its notable features are the 18-foot-tall monolithic statue of Lord Hanuman, one of the tallest in South India, and a massive Nandi (sacred bull) carved from a single stone. The temple is also famous for its musical pillars, which emit distinct tones when tapped. The temple is steeped in rich mythology. One legend tells of Lord Indra, who was cursed and came to Suchindram to be purified of his sins by praying to the Trinity, giving the place its name Suchi-Indran, later shortened to Suchindram. Another story recounts how Anasuya, the wife of Sage Atri, turned the Trinity into infants to preserve her modesty and fed them. Pleased, the gods granted her a boon, and merged into one Lingam Thanumalayan to be worshipped together. Rich in legend, devotion, and artistry, the Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple stands as a beacon of spiritual harmony and a must-visit destination for pilgrims and heritage seekers alike. ⏰ Session Opening Hours Morning 4:30 AM To 12:00 PM Evening 5:00 PM To 8:30 PM.

Udayagiri Fort, located near Puliyoorkurichi in Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu, is a historic and scenic site that reflects the military and architectural legacy of South India. Originally built in the 17th century by the Venad kings and later rebuilt in the 18th century by Maharaja Marthanda Varma of Travancore, the fort served as a strategic defense structure and a military training ground. Nestled amidst lush greenery and gently sloping hills, the fort spans over 90 acres and is surrounded by massive granite walls. One of the fort’s most notable aspects is the tomb of General De Lannoy, a Dutch naval officer who became a trusted commander in the Travancore army after being captured during the Battle of Colachel. His contributions to the modernization of Travancore's military are commemorated here. Visitors can explore the ancient watchtowers, underground passages, and remnants of barracks within the fort. Today, Udayagiri Fort is a peaceful heritage site and a protected archaeological monument. It is ideal for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and photography buffs. The fort offers a serene escape with panoramic views, rich history, and a chance to walk through centuries of legacy amidst natural beauty. ⏰ Session Open Hours Every Day 9:00 AM To 5:00 PM

Vattakottai Fort (or 'Circular Fort') is a seaside fort near Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu the southern tip of India. It was built in the 18th century as a coastal defence-fortification and barracks in the erstwhile Travancore kingdom. It was constructed under the supervision of Captain Eustachius De Lannoy, an ex-Dutch naval officer of the Dutch East India Company, who became commander of the Travancore Army (the very army that defeated him in the Battle of Colachel) in the 18th century, after he earned the trust of the Travancore King Marthanda Varma. De Lannoy constructed Vattakottai, as part of the defence-fortifications he undertook throughout Travancore. Vattakottai Fort commands a picturesque view of both the sea on the one side, and the hills (Western Ghats) on the other. Another interesting feature near the site is a beach of black sands. It is about 7 km (4.3 mi) from Kanyakumari town. View of the hills from Vattakottai fort. View of the sea from Vattakottai fort.

Nagaraja Temple in Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu, is a unique and ancient shrine dedicated to Nagaraja, the King of Serpents. Located in the heart of the town, this temple holds great spiritual and cultural significance, especially among devotees who worship serpent deities. What sets this temple apart is its sacred sanctum, where the main deity, Nagaraja, is enshrined in the form of a five-headed snake, beneath a thatched roof, with the idol set on soil instead of stone a tradition preserved for centuries. According to legend, the site where the temple now stands was once overgrown with bushes and grass. A woman cutting grass for her cattle noticed blood on her knife and discovered she had accidentally struck a five-headed cobra. Frightened, she informed the villagers, who rushed to the spot only to witness the snake miraculously transformed into a statue. Believing it to be a divine manifestation of Lord Nagaraja, the villagers began worshipping the idol, covering it with coconut leaves. Another significant legend tells of Maharaja Vira Udaya Marthanda Varma of Venad, who suffered from leprosy and was advised to visit the Nagaraja Temple. After praying and performing penance there, he was miraculously healed. In gratitude, the Maharaja rebuilt the temple, establishing it as a sacred place of healing and divine grace. Believed to be over a thousand years old, the temple blends Hindu and Jain influences, evident in its architecture and customs. It is a powerful center for removing Naga Dosham (serpent curses), which are believed to cause delays in marriage, fertility issues, and other life challenges. Devotees from across Tamil Nadu and Kerala visit to perform Nagapratishtha, milk abhishekam, and other rituals to seek healing and relief. The temple is especially crowded on Sundays and during the Tamil months of Aadi and Avani. Its calm, spiritual atmosphere combined with deep-rooted faith in the serpent god’s powers makes Nagaraja Temple a revered destination for blessings and spiritual solace in southern Tamil Nadu. ⏰ Session Open Hours Morning 4:00 AM To 11:30 AM Evening5:00 PM To 8:30 PM