An easy, practical and in-sequence itinerary planner I have travelled the length and breadth of India, and am truly proud of its rich and varied heritage. I am amazed by the tradition and values, the people, festivals, celebrations and the changing landscape. Have you wondered if it's possible to travel across India completely? Most foreigners arriving in India, land in Delhi and then travel the Golden Triangle route first- which is a good decision incase you have limited time at hand and want to make the most of it. The Golden Triangle- Delhi, Agra and Jaipur includes the much hyped Taj Mahal which invariably is part of a tourist's bucket list. This blog on the other hand- is a sequential strategy and detailed 'been there done that' itinerary plan starting from Mumbai. I am sure as we go through this Journey you will understand India better. My experiences are based from the perspective of a - digital nomad, budget backpacker and from a local standpoint. Each Itinerar
Kanyakumari and Triveni Sangam, Tamilnadu~ spiritual nostalgia
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Touching the tip of southern peninsular India is definitely one of the most exhilarating spiritual moments- Kanyakumari is named after Devi Shree Bhagvathy Amman, and is a powerful Sakthi sthal for Hindus.
There is an interesting story about the goddess- an asura (demon) named Banasura prayed to Lord Brahma and asked to be granted a boon that he would die only at the hands of a Kumari (virgin girl). Brahma is said to have granted the boon, which caused Banasura to become more evil. The devas (gods/ demi gods) prayed to Adishakti (primordial mother goddess) who came to their aid in the form of Kumari and eventually killed the demon Banasura. The Bhagvathy Kumari Amman temple here is dedicated to the goddess.
Triveni Sangam ie the confluence of the Bay of Bengal, Arabian sea and Indian ocean- Kanyakumari India
Pilgrims need to take a dip at the Triveni Sangam- ie. at the confluence of the Bay of Bengal, Arabian sea and Indian ocean before entering the temple. Temple timings- 6am to 8pm (closed in afternoons between 11am to 4pm)
After visiting the temple, take a delightful boat ride to the Vivekananda Rock memorial. Kanyakumari has been a place for meditation and spirituality seekers- Swami Vivekanand was here in 1892 Dec, and so too many others who come here to experience the tranquility this place has to offer. There is a meditation hall where you can sit a while and reflect in peace. The memorial is an amazing place to chill, get some pics, enjoy the breeze and watch the waves dash against the rocks.
Healing old wounds- the tsunami of 26 Dec 2004
The tsunami of 2004 brought destruction and havoc to coastal Tamil nadu and particularly Kanyakumari district. If you look closely traces of this devastation can still be seen.
It was lunchtime already and I was hungry, but felt no harm in getting my feet wet before lunch.
People enjoying at Kanyakumari beach, South India
The Kanyakumari beach is a flurry of mostly pilgrims cum tourists, with no specific beachwear code- ladies in saris & salwar kameez and guys in just about anything were seen having a great time. There were a few foreign tourists who preferred to stay back on the shore and watch instead.
Who cares what anyone wears when the warm waves wash over you, I picked a fistful of tangy raw mango slices sprinkled in salt and chilli, made friends with a few local girls and we had the time of our life playing in the sea.
There is a viewpoint near the temple, where you can spend a few moments of spectacular sunset. There is also another place further down (2 kms maybe) where you can enjoy sunsets.
A visit to Padmanabhapuram palace
Maria the Lithuanian friend, who I had met in Varkala was delayed by a day; but we decided to meet the next day at Padmanabhapuram palace, which is roughly 40kms from Kovalam and 33kms from Kanyakumari.
ceiling woodwork of Padmanabhapuram palace, Kerala
The palace complex and the palace itself mostly made of wood is indeed worth watching. We spent a few hours admiring the woodwork; intricate designs on the walls, ceilings and furniture.
portion of the simplistic but elegant Padmanabhapuram palace, Kerala
The simplistic but elegant palace once belonged to the Travancore rulers. Travancore was then a flourishing state under the able rule of Marthananda Verma.
Another 13kms further south, we stopped at the Nagaraja (king of snakes) temple, Nagercoil before heading to Suchindram.
Suchindram temple, Kanyakumari South India
The intricately carved tall majestic gopuram in white stands out. There are many non-accredited guides at the entrance waiting to make a quick buck, we bargained with one guy who gave us a tour mostly in tamil. The sculptures and carving inside the temple is just as beautiful.
Where to stay and eat in Kanyakumari?
We were pleasantly surprised to find several mid-range elegant hotels in Kanyakumari if you're looking for comfort. As backpackers however, there are fewer options the best we could get was dormitory stay at Rehobath homestay 560 rs/ night, it was clean, comfortable and well-maintained.
The Tamilnadu tourism hotel, by all means commands the best location, has spacious rooms but a bit lax on upkeep.
Tamilnadu tourism's hotel overlooking the sea at Kanyakumari
Looking forward to a substantial meal; maybe continental or local wasn't too difficult either as most good hotels have an inhouse restaurant or two. We took our pick and were satisfied with the ambience, food besides being not too expensive 300-350 rs, nice simple meal for 1 person.
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