Kanyakumari

Travel to Kanyakumari

History of Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari district consists of the areas locally known as Nanjil Nadu and Idai Nadu. The names of villages in the region, such as Azhagiapaandipuram, Bhoothapandy, Cholapuram and Kulasekaram, reveal that these places were ruled by different rulers during different periods of history. Nanjil Nadu was under the rule of the Pandyas until the beginning of the 10th century and later came under the Cheras.

Idai Nadu, including the Kalkulam and Vilavancode taluks, was under the Chera Empire. When Chola power declined due to the rise of the Hoysalas and the Western Chalukyas, the Venad (Travancore) chiefs, descendants of the central Chera family, took advantage of the situation and gradually established their control over considerable areas of Nanjil Nadu.

Veera Kerala Varma was one such chieftain who styled himself as “Nanjil Kuravan”. The annexation initiated by Veera Kerala Varma was largely continued by his successors and was completed by 1115 AD.

For nearly four centuries, Venad was ruled by powerful kings who continuously made incursions into Pandyan territories. As a result, the Vijayanagar rulers proceeded against Venad. In 1609, Kanyakumari came under the control of Viswanatha Nayak of Madurai. As a result, Nanjil Nadu remained relatively free from serious threats until 1634.

During the reigns of Ravi Varma and Marthanda Varma, Venad was disturbed by internal struggles. Sanda Sahib of Arcot took advantage of this situation and attacked Nanjil Nadu.

Although Marthanda Varma achieved success in the famous Battle of Colachel by defeating the Dutch forces that had supported the local feudatories, he was unable to deal effectively with the threat posed by Sanda Sahib and eventually withdrew from the battlefield.

After Marthanda Varma, Venad had a succession of weak rulers. Consequently, there was frequent interference by the British, whose control over Venad became firmly established and continued until 1947.

From 1947 to 1956, the region remained under the personal rule of the Maharaja of Travancore. Between 1956 and 1961, the administrative system was brought into line with that of the other districts of Tamil Nadu.

How to Reach Kanyakumari

By Air

The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram, located approximately 80 km from Kanyakumari. It has both domestic and international terminals. From Thiruvananthapuram, visitors can take a taxi or bus to Kanyakumari.

By Train

Kanyakumari is well connected by rail with all major cities in India. Superfast trains connect Kanyakumari with major railway junctions in northern India, while intercity trains operate from several cities across South India.

By Road

Kanyakumari has a good road network connecting it with major cities and towns in South India, including Chennai, Bangalore, Madurai, Pondicherry and Trivandrum. Tourist taxis and auto-rickshaws are readily available for travelling around Kanyakumari.

Shopping

Kanyakumari is not primarily a shopping destination. However, shopping for seashell products can be an enjoyable experience. Beautiful decorative items made from shells make popular gifts and souvenirs to take home from this famous beach destination.

While shopping in Kanyakumari, visitors can also find attractive decorative items made from wood and bamboo. Palm-leaf drawings are another unique shopping option in Kanyakumari.

For textiles, handlooms and traditional handicrafts of Tamil Nadu, visitors can explore Tamil Nadu Emporium, Co-optex Sales, Tamil Nadu Handicrafts and Poompuhar.

Food

The basic food served here is typical Tamil cuisine, consisting largely of rice and lentil-based preparations. A variety of curries and condiments are served with dishes such as steamed rice, dosa, idli and uttappam.

Visitors can also enjoy traditional South Indian delicacies such as sambar, rasam, kootu, vada and payasam. Since Kanyakumari is close to Kerala, the local cuisine is further enriched by a variety of Kerala delicacies.

Due to the influence of European colonisation, several continental dishes can also be found on restaurant menus in Kanyakumari.

Hotels in Kanyakumari

Hotel Singaar International Kanyakumari

Indienhermitage Kanyakumari

Parvathy International Kanyakumari

Parvathy Residency Kanyakumari

Ashok Hotel Kanyakumari

Cape Residency Hotel Kanyakumari

Maadhini Hotel Kanyakumari

TTDC Youth Hostel Kanyakumari

Triveni Tourist Home Kanyakumari

Sangam Hotel Kanyakumari

Saagar Hotel Kanyakumari