Destination Features

Vattakottai Fort
This small and picturesque circular fort on the seashore 6 kms from Kanyakumari is an idyllic picnic spot. The isolated beach lined with coconut groves and dense vegetation is sure to seduce you for a dip in the clear blue virgin waters. The fort, according to some historians, was constructed in the 18th century during the reign of Marthanda Varman (1729 -1758) while others claim that it was built by the Dutch. Only the ramparts and a few broken down structures have withstood the ravages of time.

Padmanabhapuram Palace
The ancient and majestic Padmanabhapuram Palace, an epitome of Kerala architecture, is housed in a small idyllic town set against a backdrop of hills, 32 kms from Kanyakumari, on the road to Thiruvananthapuram. A pleasant 15-minute walk through paddy fields from Thakkaly gets you to the Palace, which unlike the imposing Mahals of northern India, is made of granite and teakwood displaying a perfect combination of clean lines and gentle angles, sloping tiled roofs of various interconnecting buildings, broken by triangular projecting gables enclosing delicately carved screens. The whole ensemble, most of which dates from the 17th or 18th century with some parts dating back to the 14th century, is excellently maintained by the Archeological Survey of India and a guided tour through the maze of 108 rooms leaves one speechless at the artistic expression and sheer opulence. Even the ceilings have intricately carved floral patterns! And the Palace has a dining hall, which seated 2000 Brahmins at one time! The Palace was the seat and capital of the rulers of Travancore, a princely state, for over 400 years, which included a good part of present day Kerala and parts of western Tamil Nadu.

Suchindram Temple
Even from a distance the 134 feet tall gopuram or the tower of the Suchindram temple with the sky as a backdrop is an awe-inspiring sight. Suchindram Temple, dedicated to Sri Stanamalaya or the Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva) venerated in ‘one form’, is counted as one of the foremost shrines in southern India. The ancient temple with parts dating back to 9th century and the construction of which extended over a period of 600 years is the mainstay of the sleepy village of Suchindram located 12 kms from Kanyakumari. Home to a profusion of art, culture and architecture with the Pandyas, Cholas and the Pallavas leaving their inscriptions in Pali, Sanskrit and Tamil, the temple is a wonder. Besides exquisitely carved sculptures of Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha and Subramanya, the temple boasts of musical pillars, which emit a chime when struck and an 18 feet tall idol of Hanuman. The temple complex is open from 3 am to 1 pm and 4 pm to 8 pm.