Excursions
in Kanniyakumari
Olakkay Aruvi Water Falls
Olakkay Aruvi Water in the Western Ghats is about 8 kms., North of Azhgiapandiapuram,
14 kms., from Nagercoil and 33 kms., from Kanniyakumari. The beautiful water
falls and the natural scenery all around the place attract many holiday seekers
and this place has become an important picnic center. A small temple connected
with the sage Agasthiar near the falls attracts a large number of religious
people on full moon day of the month of Chithirai (April - May) and they worship
the altar, after a bath in the falls. It is one of the places for Trekking also.
Kumarakovil (34 Kms.)
Kumarakovil is at the foot of the Velimalai hills in Kalkulam Taluk, about 15
kms., North - West of Nagercoil and 3 kms., east of Thuckalay, and 34 kms.,
from Kanniyakumari.
The Lord Muruga Temple is built on the the hillock about 200 feet height in
a lush green field of Paddy, Plantain and Coconut trees. The temple is noted
for architectural beauty. Goddess Valli, the spouse of Lord Subramaniya, the
Presiding deity, is also enshrined in the temple by the side of Lord Subramaniya.
The right side of the temple there is one big lake, suitable for boating.
Mondaikadu Bagavathy Amman Temple (41 Kms.)
Mondaikadu is situated in the sea coast, north - east of Colachel Port. It is
connected with Nagercoil and Trivandrum by a motorable road. It is 22 kms.,
from Nagercoil and 41 kms., form Kanniyakumari. This place is famous for its
temple dedicated to Bagavathy Amman, dates back to the 7 th century B.C. The
Amman is in the form of anthill which is about 12 feet in height and with five
heads and believed to be growing gradually. The annual festival called Mondaikadu
Kodai is celebrated in March for 10 days and is the main attraction at this
place. Department of Tourism, Government of Tamilnadu, organises Photographic
Exhibition during the festival.
The temple, though small attracts a large number of people from all over the
district, besides a regular flow of pilgrim from Kollam in Kerala State, about
160 kms., from Mondaikadu during the annual festival celebrated for 10 days.
Thengapattinam Beach (54 Kms.)
Thengapattinam situated on the west coast is a place of historical importance.
It is 35 kms., from Nagercoil and 54 kms., from Kanniyakumari. As coconut trees
are abundant in this place, this might have derived this name.
This village had, in ancient times, trade relations with foreign countries
like Arabia. There was direct Cargo boat service between Thengapattinam and
other foreign maritime towns.
Some Arab Merchants who came here found suitable for their trade. The Mosque
at Thengapattinam is said to be is built about 1200 years ago. This place is
well connected with Nagercoil and Thiruvananthapuram by regular bus service.
Thengapattinam Beach is an excellent picnic spot with back water facilities.
Pechipparai Dam (56 kms)
Like all other dam sites this one too is a popular picnic spot where facilities
for boating have also been provided.
Udayagiri Fort (34 kms)
The fort was built in the 18th century by King Marthanda Varma. The grave of
the Dutch General De Lennoy, one of the most trusted generals of the king, lies
within the fort.
Padamanabhapuram (45 kms)
The capital of Travancore until 1333, Padmanabhapuram is known for its fort
which encloses, among other buildings, a palace and a temple. The palace has
some important art relics while the Ramaswamy temple has exquisitely carved
panels depicting scenes from the Ramayana.
Thirparappu Water Falls (60 kms.)
A picturesque spot with an ancient Mahadevar Temple.
Thiruvattar (60 kms.)
The temple here is one of the finest specimens of temple art and architecture.
The paintings on the walls of the temple are worth seeing.
Interested
? Book Tour through our Members
