Kanyakumari Tourism and Travel Guide
Ancient History
Kanyakumari district District consists of those parts known as locally Nanjil Nadu and Idai Nadu. The names of the villages of the district such as Azhagiapaandipuram, Bhoothapandy, Cholapuram and Kulasekaram reveal that theseKanyakumari places were governed by several rulers at difficult periods of time.It is learnt that Nanjilnadu was under the rule of Pandiyas till the early 10th century and then under Cheras.
The Idai nadu including Kalkulam and Vilavancode taluks were under the rule of cheras. When the power of Chola declined due to the rise of Hoysalas and western Chalukyas, the venad (Travancore) Chief tains (the decondants of central Chera’s family) took advantage of the situation and gradually established their hold on considerable areas in Nanjilnadu. Veera Kerala varma one such cheif tain and style himself as “Nanjil Kuravan”. The annexation commenced by Veera Kerala Varma was to a large extent continued by his successors and completed by 1115 A.D.
For about four centuries, the Venad was ruled by powerful kings who were consistently making incursions into the pandian territories. As a result Vijayanagar kings are proceeded against venad. In 1609 Kanyakumari fell in to the mighty hands of Viswanatha Nayak of Madurai. Consequent on this, there was no series threat to Nanjilnadu, till 1634. During the regime of Ravi varma and Marthanda varma, Venad was disturbed due to the internal strife.
Sanda sahib of Arcot took advantage of this situation and attacked Nanjilnadu. Although Marthanda varma could succeed tje famous battle at Colachel defeating the Dutch armouries who helped the local faudatories, he could ot cope with the threat from Sanda sahib and made him to with draw the battle field. After Marthanda varma, Venad had very weak rulers. Therefore there was frequent interference by the British whose control was completely established Kanyakumariover Venad and continued till 1947. From 1947 to 1956, it was under the personal rule of Maharaja of Travancore. During the period between 1956 -1961, the administrative system has fallen in line with that of other districts in Tamil nadu.
How to Reach Kanyakumari
How to reach Kanyakumari by Air: The nearest airport is Thiruvanathapuram which is 80 km away. It has both the domestic and international terminals. From Thiruvanathapuram, you can take a taxi or a bus to Kanyakumari.
How to reach Kanyakumari by Rail: Kanyakumari is well connected by rail services with all the major cities in India. Superfast trains connect Kanyakumari with the northern rail junctions and Intercity trains are running from almost all the southern cities.
How to reach Kanyakumari By Road: Kanyakumari has a good road network which connects it to the major cities and towns in South India like Chennai, Bangalore, Madurai, Pondicherry, Trivandrum and and so on. Tourist taxis and autorickshaws are available for travel in Kanyakumari.
Shopping
Kanyakumari is not really a shopping destination. However in Kanyakumari, shopping for seashell items can be fun. What better gifts and souvenirs to carry home form this popular beach destination than beautiful trinkets made from seashells!
While shopping in Kanyakumari, you will come across beautiful decorative items made of wood and bamboo. PalmleafKanyakumari drawings are also unique buys from Kanyakumari.
For textiles, fabrics and handicrafts typical of the state of Tamilnadu you can check out the Tamil Nadu Co-optex Sales Emporium, Tamil Nadu crafts and Poompuhar.
Food
The basic food served here is a typical Tamil cuisine that comprises largely of rice and pulses preparations. A variety of curries and condiments are served with the rice preparations such as steamed rice, dosa, idli and uttappam. Besides these, you can savour your taste buds with sambhar, rasam, kuttu, avail, payasam and other south Indian delicacies. Since Kanyakumari touches Kerela, the cuisine is further enriched by several delicacies from Kerala. However, thanks to the effect of European Colonizers, you can also find several continental delicacies on the menus as well.
So, pack your bags and break the barriers because this is INDIA. Also, read some of the best blogs like Best Tours of India and Travel to India from the USA. Please also read some of our blogs like Travel Check List for India , Best Indian Snacks and Best Hotels in Rajasthan.
