Places To See in Kanyakumari
Excursions Nagercoil (19kms)
The Nagaraja Temple is situated here. Though Nagaraja ( Serpent God ) is the presiding deity, the images of Lord Siva and Ananthakrishna are also enshrined here. The images of the Jain Theerthangaras and Mahavira are found on the pillars of the temple. The Nagaraja is installed on the groground where it was originally found and the sand scooped out is given as prasadam to the devotees. The entrance to the temple is reminiscent of the Chinese architecture of a Buddhist Vihar.
Suchindram (13 kms.) The Thanumalayan Temple here is a repository of art treasures. Musical pillars and a huge 18 foot high Hanuman Statue are the proof of artistic skill of the time. Inscriptions said to be of the 9th century AD are found in this temple. This unique temple is dedicated to the Trimurthys : Vishnu, Siva and Brahma.
Udhayagiri Fort ( 34 kms.) Built during the regime of King Marthanda Varma ( 1729-1758 ) this fort also had foundry for casting guns. De Lennoy's Tomb is in this fort. He was one of the 24 European prisoners taken by King Marthanda Varma in 1741 when when he defeated the Dutch at Colachel. He joined King Marthanda Varma and became a trusted General. He trained soldiers in the European method of fighting.
Padmanabhapuram (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.
Kalakkadu and Mundanthurai Both these two Wild Life Sanctuaries are situated in an extensive preserve; later declared as a " Project Tiger Reserve ". Kalakkadu is situated in an area of 223 sq. km. in Tirunelveli District. The flora ranges from tropical wet evergreen to tropical dry decidious and thorn forest at down hills. Lion tailed macaque, Nigiri langur, Bonnet macaque and common langur, Nilgiri Tahr, sambar, Sloth bear, gour, elephant, tiger, flying squirrel and panther wild dog are some of the wildlife seen in this sanctuary. there is nothing to differentiate Mundanthurai sanctuary from that of Kalakkadu except the presence of the elephant and gaur.
