Kanyakumari

Kanniyakumari (or Kanyakumari) is a town on the southern most tip of the main land of India, in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is also known as Cape Comorin, necessitated perhaps by the Englishman's inability to pronounce local names.

India is probably one of those privileged lands which have high mountains on one side and oceans and sea

Vivekanand Rock

shores on the others. India is also one of those rare countries that have their shores shared between three great seas - The Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean. And the confluence of these three seas can be witnessed in Kanyakumari. This unique geographical phenomenon has made this little town in the southern most tip of mainland India one of the significant destinations in any religious or pleasure trips that one seeks to undertake in this country. The fame of Kanyakumari attracts prominent people from across the world, including names such as Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi. Its not by coincidence that there are memorials named after these two figures. Moreover, Kanyakumari is one of the few places in the world where one can witness both the sunset and sunrise at the same beach due to the geography.

The oldest and the most ancient landmark in this town is the temple of Goddess Kumari who prayed to Lord Shiva to be accepted as wife by him. The name of this place has taken after the name of the Goddess. During the British Raj, it was also known as 'Cape Comorin', probably a British spoilt version of 'Kumari', meaning virgin. The town is so small that an enthusiastic tourist may actually walk across the town. For less walking enthusiasts, buses are available and the fares are very low. The auto rickshaws fares are also very reasonable. In short, traveling in and around Kanyakumari is not expensive.

Get There

By Air

• Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) of neighbouring state Kerala, is the nearest international airport, with direct flights from the Middle East, Singapore, Maldives and Sri Lanka. And is served by Air-India, among others. From there it takes about three hours by train or bus or taxi. The taxi charges are pretty cheap, about Rs 9-10 per km, and should be around Rs 1000 (US$22 Approx), for a trip to Kanyakumari from the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.

• Alternatively, if you cannot reach Thiruvananthapuram directly from your place, you can reach Chennai (Madras) the state capital and then take either train or bus to reach Kanyakumari. Note that travelling to Kanyakumari is a bit tiresome via road, especially for Westerners, as the travel time is about 14-15 hours and the climate is pretty hot (30-35 degrees during summer and 25-30 degrees during winter) through out the year. Insist on a II tier air-conditioned coach as this is pretty cheap, about Rs 1200 (US$27). A local flight travel to Thiruvananthapuram is also a viable option, but the ticket prices are slightly higher, ranging from Rs. 1500 and can go up to anywhere around Rs. 5000. In India, the faster you book/plan your travel, the more you save on tickets.

• Alternatively reach Kochi, Kozhikode (Calicut), Bangalore, Bombay, New Delhi, Kolkata and then by train.

By train

Very well connected and serviced by rail to all major cities in India like Chennai, Trivandrum , Kochi, Bangalore, Bombay, New Delhi, Kolkata, Coimbatore etc. And from here starts longest train route in India, Kanyakumari to Jammu.

By bus

Buses are frequently available from Thiruvananthapuram,the closest major transport hub. Long distance buses are available from Chennai (Madras), Coimbatore, Madurai,Bangalore etc.

Get Around

Most people travel around Kanniyakumari using a hired vehicle. Auto-rickshaws (tuk tuks) are available, along with buses. Buses are about Rs15 from the station to the point, and Rs 7.5 from the bus station to the point.

If your train comes into Nagercoil, there are busses to Kanyakumari from right outside Nagercoil junction station starting at 5:20am (ish) and meant to be on the half hour every hour. Although you just have to keep asking.

See In Kanyakumari

If you can escape from the crowds, you can visit Vivekanandapuram (the only peaceful area in Kanyakumari)

Vivekanad Rock Memorial at Night

maintained by the Ramakrishna Mission. It has its own lodging and boarding arrangements. If you'd like to see the sunset or sunrise, it is recommended that you see it from the beach at Vivekanandapuram. The other popular places are the Kanyakumari Devi temple, Vivekananda Rock, and the Thiruvalluvar Statue. It is not recommended that you visit Kanyakumari in December-January; the crowds are at its peak during these months.

The temple of Goddess Kumari is rather small by South Indian standards, but comes with the usual ingredients of Pujaris (Hindu Priests), Poojas, Kumkums, and Prasad (sweet offerings made to the Gods). All men are supposed to enter the temple with bare torsos as it deemed to be a mark of respect to the Devi. You should be careful about the touts in the temple.

• Vivekananda Rock is about a hundred meters from the shore and a regular ferry service exists between the mainland jetty and the rock. The tickets are Rs 30 for a ride. Normally you will find a lot of people waiting in the queue during holiday season, so there's a legitimate way of by passing the queue by paying Rs 150 , they take you directly inside the ferry, no waiting. The Rock has two Mandaps (halls); one belonging to Swami Vivekananda and the other belonging to a Holy Foot. The Holy Foot is a foot shaped carving found on the rock and is believed to be the footprint of Goddess Kumari who stood on this rock on one leg and performed the Tapasya (penance). The Rock memorial has a tall statue of Swami Vivekananda whose photographs are not allowed to be taken from inside the hall. Below the statue was mentioned the year of death of the Swamiji and the "probable" dates when Swamiji attained Samadhi on the rock. Here you can see both sunrise and sunset and it is one of the main tourist attractions here. Golden Hues of the Horizon are very impressive with a silhouette of the Rock Memorial. Timings: 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. You should enter main gate to the jetty for ferry before 4 pm, after that entry is denied. Nobody is allowed there after sunset, so if you were planning an evening visit hurry up and leave well before sunset so as to watch it from the beach. The last ferry leaves the island around the sunset time with all the remaining visitors as well as the staff.

• Vivekanandapuram is the headquarters of the Vivekananda Kendra and the centre spreads over an area of 100 acres. There is a well stocked library within the premises. It is well connected. Buses are also regularly available from Vivekanandapuram to Kanyakumari. One can enjoy absolutely breathtaking views of sunrise from the beaches of Vivekanandapuram. It has its own boarding & lodging facilities, a post office and a bank on its premises.

• Thiruvalluvar Statue is dedicated to arguably the greatest Tamil poet, philosopher, and saint Thiruvalluvar. The rock supports a huge statue of the saint carved out of many rocks that were then joined together. It was inaugurated fairly recently. The statue is about 133 feet long which corresponds to 133 chapters in the greatest epic written by the saint – Thirukkural. Tourists can climb up to the feet of the statue. The view from this point is quite breathtaking! It is a very entertaining and enlightening piece of work and inspires one to lead a very principled and moral life. It is a must read for anyone who visits this place and it is advisable to spend at least half an hour specially dedicated for this exercise. Such is the beauty of Kanyakumari that a lot of people find themselves attracted to it. Mahatma Gandhi too could not resist its charm, and there is a place here dedicated to him called Gandhi Mandapam. This is the place, as told by locals, where one could witness the 'Sangam' (confluence) of the three oceans. Gandhi arrived here and succumbed to the beauty of the place as described in his beautiful words inscribed below his portrait in the Mandapam. After he died, his ashes were brought to this place. The Gandhi Mantapa is engineered in such a way that at the place where the ashes were kept stands a small stone which is said to receive the Sun’s rays only on the 2nd of October, Gandhi's birthday, every year through a small hole on the roof.

• Our Lady of Ransom Church - Located on the shoreline of the Bay of Bengal, the 100-year-old Church of Our Lady of Ransom is dedicated to Mother Mary. The Church, which is one of the most beautiful churchs in India, looks beautiful against the backdrop of the beautiful blue sky.

The Church of Our Lady of Ransom was built in the Gothic style of architecture with a strong Portuguese influence. The church is slightly off-white in appearance and has three massive towering spires and stained glass windowpanes contributing to its overall grandeur. Another attraction of the church is the Central Tower. It is 153 feet high and is crowned with a cross of pure gold. (Interesting to note that the dimesnsions of the church structures are based on the count of beads in the rosary!

There are a few things about the church that make the visitors gasp with awe as they enter. The church boasts a beautiful statue of Mother Mary clad in a saree. Surprisingly, as compared with the grand and ornate exteriors, the visitors are quite taken aback by the simplicity of its interiors. There is just a tiny cross that adorns the altar. There are no church benches and the masses are held inside the church in normal days and outside on the clean sands during carnivals and occassions. The prayers are held in Tamil considering the parish here mainly comprises the local fishing folks. However, English masses are being conducted lately. Be on the lookout for the 10-day carnival festival during the second week of December every year. It is vibrant and colourful with the fishing hamlets of other nearby places and people of other religions celebrate together.

• Padmanabhapuram Palace is the erstwhile palatial residence of the rulers of Travancore. It is made entirely of wood. It lies an hours drive away from Kanyakumari on the border between Tamil Nadu and Kerala state. It is actually maintained by the Kerala government. There is an entrance ticket of Rs. 25 for Indians and Rs 200 for foreigners. It will take approximately an hour to one-and-half hours to see this palace. Ticket Timings: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

• Kamarajar Mani Mantapa Monument was raised and dedicated to a freedom fighter and Former Chief minister of Tamil Nadu, President of Indian National Congress, Mr Kamarajar. He's also popularly known as Black Gandhi among the masses. Like the Gandhi Mantapa, this place is where Kamarajar's ashes were kept for the public to pay homage before immersion into the sea.

• Baywatch is a water theme amusement park at Sunset Point and is home to India's first wax museum.

• Tsunami Monument is a momument recognizing the tragic events of the 2004 tsunami that claimed the lives of many Kanyakumari denizens. It is near the south shore. The monument is made of uniquely coloured items such as a wave, a flame, and human hands, together.

• See the sunrise/sunset the actual geographic south point of India is a few kilometers to the West of Kanyakumari's point and the big Thiruvalluvar Statue. It has a nice stone boat shed, a big Virgin Mary statue, some rocks, and if you walk down onto the sand and rocks, best of all no other people! If you are getting a bus from Nagercoil station, the first bus of the day should just get you there in time. Ask to get off at the Virgin Mary statue, buses go both ways all day so you'll easily be able to resume your trip.

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VISHAKHAPATNAM

VISHAKHAPATNAM Primarily an industrial city, Visakhapatnam, as per the Hindu Mythology, is the city named after the god Vaishaka and is popularly known as Vizag. Visakhapatnam city, head quarters of the Eastern Naval Command, has the biggest ship building yard in the country. The major port in Vizag handles huge volumes of Cargo every day. It is an industrial main centre in South India. 

Visakhapatnam has a rich cultural and historical heritage. Once part of the ancient empire of Kalinga, it has been ruled by eminent kings such as Ashoka and Krishnadeva Raya. It had also been a Dutch colony in the 18th century. Now a comfortable urban hangout, the city offers the best of both ancient and modern worlds. 

It is a paradise for tourists of all kinds, whether natural lovers, environmental lovers, wild animal enthusiasts, bird watchers or those who look for physical modern entertainments. Natural beauty is abundant in this majestic city, with ranges of pretty big hills, golden beaches along the Bay of Bengal coastline and natural valleys. The city has maintained its greatest appeal to the tourists all along the centuries. The beaches are against a setting of low ranges of scenic hills and lush greenery spotted with quiet coves and creeks. 

 Vizag is surrounded by three amazing hills, Sri Venkateswara Konda, Ross hill and Dargah konda. Each hill carries the legacy of housing the shrines dedicated to three different religions. Venkateswara temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva on Venkateswara Konda; Church of the Virgin Mary on Ross hill and the tomb of a Muslim saint, Baba Ishaq Madina Dargah on Dargah Konda. 

The popular tourist attractions are Kailasagiri Hill Park, VUDA Park, Mudsarlova, Dantapuram, Simhachalam Temple,Rushikonda Beach and Araku, a scenic hill-station. The city boasts of a submarine museum known as 'Smritika' at Rama Krishna Beach, the first of its kind in South Asia.

Attraction in Vishakhapatnam

Borra Caves

Borra Caves is highly renowned for its attractive stalactite and stalagmite formations and is located at 1400 meter above sea level in Anantagiri area of Visakhapatnam. Bearing archaeological importance, the Borra Caves have historical and religious significance also. In 1807, William King George of the Geological Survey of India discovered some Paleolithic implements assumed to be a million years old. 

Local folks throng to this place to worship the Shivalinga and the idol of the holy cow Kamadenu, which is place deep in the caves. The stone formations in the Borra Caves bear a resemblance to the udder (sthani) of a cow and hence it got the name Gosthani.

Buddhist Excavations

Bhavi Konda

Bhavi Konda, Thotla Konda, Bojjana Konda, and Salihundam located around Visakhapatnam were places of Buddhist excavations. These were hamlets of Buddhism during the second century AD. Excavation during 1906 in these places brought out many Buddhist monuments such as stupas and chaityas. It is believed that some of the corporal remnants of the Buddha were conserved at these sacred Buddhist places. 

The visitor is blessed with the view of architectural remnants of the Buddhist period dated from 200 BC to 700 AD, one of the earliest of its class in South India. 

Dantapuram, another Buddhist excavation site, is pretty placed at the confluence of river Vamsadhara with the Bay of Bengal not far away from Vizag. The excavations in this holy place have exposed many stupas and antiquities. 

On the eastern hill, there are a series of rock-cut caves, numerous groups of monolithic dagobas, standing on rock platform in tiers above each others and, crowning all, a rock-cut stupa with extensive structural remains. On the western side of the eastern hill is a stairway, partly rock-cut and partly structural, which leads up to a large double-storied cave. The cave is entered by a doorway and is flanked on each side by huge dwarapalas.

War Memorial

War Memorial

A memorial, also known as ‘Victory at Sea’, dedicated to the great soldiers who sacrificed their lives to the cause of national integrity and border protection, renowned as War memorial is located in Vizag on the left of the beach road and facing the submarine museum. 
This memorial is established to commemorate the victory on 1971 at the sea Indo Pak war. Many war related materials are displayed here, including a fighter plane, missiles, few bombs and a tank.

Araku Valley

Araku Valley

Blessed with enchanting streams, beautiful waterfalls, wealthy landscape and lovely weather, Araku valley that is placed at a height of 3100 feet in the effluent hills of Anatagiri, is a scenic hill station near Vizag in Andhra Pradesh. 

Renowned for the inhabitance of 17 tribal societies, Araku attracts many environmentalists, nature lovers and tourists. Dhimsa dance with colourful costumes and rich cultural performances accompanied with rhythmic pleasing songs is very popular. A famous festival celebrated in the region is Itika Pongal. 

Araku Tribal Museum, Rishikonda Beach, Padmapuram Gardens, Sangda Falls, Matsyagundam and Paderu form the major attractions.

Bheemli Beach

The calm and serene Bheemunipatnam Beach is located at the confluence of Gosthani River and the Bay of Bengal. Bheemunipatnam is featured by the ruins of a 17th century fort and cemetery, and history reveals that this was a Dutch settlement earlier period. 

The beach, known also as 'Bheemli', is renowned as the safest and calmest location for swimmers. 

The beach and refreshing climate united with the agreeable nature with the lusting greenery all around and the lined palm groves makes it an admired beach.

BINSAR

BINSAR

Binsar is situated at an altitude of 2,480 m It is a beautiful, quiet and wild Himalayan destination with rich natural surroundings among dense forest. Binsar is perched on top of the Jhandi Dhar hills. This place is situated 33 km north of the Almora town in the Uttarakhand state of India. From Binsar one can see the 300 km panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks like Kedarnath Peak, Shivling, Trisul and majestic Nanda Devi from a place called 'Zero Point'.

BINSAR Valley

History of Binsar

Binsar was the summer capital of the Chand Kings, who ruled over Kumaon, from 11th to 18th centuries AD. Binsar is also noted for mythological warfare between King of Binsar and Golu Devata. Due to some confusion Golu Devata was beheaded and his trunk fell at Gairad Dana Golu near Binsar national Park and his head felled at Kaparkahan near Binsar. Both The places has ancinent temples of Lord Golu.

In the older days people came from far-flung villages, trekking on paths they themselves created to pay homage to Bineshwar Mahadev. Unlike Shimla, Nainital and Ranikhet - north Indian hill stations discovered and developed by the British.

Geography of Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary

Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over 45.59km² and situated at an altitude varying 900 to 2500 metres with an average height of 2412 mts. Binsar is rich in its flora and fauna. The slopes have a varying expanse and the terrain has been shaped by the action of running water. The sanctuary lies some 400-odd kms north of New Delhi on the Moradabad-Kathgodam-Almora route, some mid-way between Corbett National Park and Nanda Devi national Park.Binsar Hills known and Jhandi Dhar, rise to a height of 2412 mts and offer an excellent view of Almora town, Kumaon hills and the greater Himalayan valley. The surroundings abound in alpine flora, ferns, hanging moss and species of wild flowers. The chief attraction of Binsar is the majestic view of the Himalayas - a 300 km, stretch on famous peaks which includes Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Trishul, Nanda Devi, nanda Kot and Panchchuli. Binsar is the epitome of serenity and tranquillity with perched on top of a hill with a spectacular view of the snow capped peaks and the Almora valley. Surrounded by abundant garlands of alpine flora, ferns, hanging moss and many other species of wild flowers, tourist can feel close to heaven.

A well known forest reserve and bird sanctuary on the Jhandi Dhar hills of Kumaon. Once the capital of the Chand Raj Dynasty, it is located at a distance of 26kms from Almora. The entire region is surrounded by virgin forests of oak, rhododendron, pine and deodar making it a popular getaway for those looking for solitude and a close experience with nature.

Flora & Fauna at Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary

Flora 

The main forests types found in this sanctuary are listed below :- 
1. Oak and moist mixed deciduous forests. 
2. Temperate moist coniferous forests including deodar and blue pine. 
3. Sub-alpine birch, fir and spruce forests. 
4. Sub-alpine pasture and scrub. 

The place has Pine forest at the lower level and Oak and Rhododendron at the higher altitude. This place is abundant in alpine flora, Bryophytes, Pteridophytes, hanging mosses and many other species of wild flowers. Other main plants of this sanctuary are Kaphal (Myrica esculenta) , Pinus roxburghii, Engelhardtia spiicata, Macaranga pustulata, Quercus gloca, Quercus incana, Quercus leucotricophora(Banjh), Quercus semicarpifolia, Quercus dilatata, Cedrus deodara, Alnus napalensis, Aesculus indica, Pinus wallichiana , Quercus lanuginosa and Quercus floribunda, etc. 

Fauna 

This sanctuary is the home of many high altitude species of animals and birds. These includes leopard (Panthera Pardus), Nemorhaedus goral (goral), Chital (Axis axis) Musk deer , Serow (Capricornis sumatiensis) , Jungle Cat (Felis chaus), Sus scrofa, Black Bear, pine marten,Fox (Vulpes vulpes), Langur (Presbytis entellus), monkey (Macaca mulatta), Porcupine, Flying Squirrel (Petaurista petaurista),Barking Deer(Muntiacus muntjak), amongst others. It has been declared an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International with over 200 species including Tits, Forktail, Nuthatches, Blackbirds, Parakeets, Laughingthrush, Magpies, Kalij Pheasant (Lophura leucomelana), Monal, Koklas, eagles, Woodpeckers and a range of others. Binsar is also home to many reptiles and innumerable invertebrates including a wide range of Butterflies.

Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary

Binsar wildlife sanctuary was set up in 1988, and spreads over an area of 45.59 sq kms. Binsar wildlife sanctuary was set up for the conservation and protection of the shrinking broad leaf oak (Quercus) forests of the Central Himalayan region It is home to a variety of flora and fauna, and over 200 species of birds. 

The sanctuary has been declared an “Important Bird Area by Bird life International.” There are more than 200 bird species in the sanctuary, including Forktail, Blackbirds, Laughing Thrush, Kalij Pheasant, Nuthatches, Parakeets and Monal. 

Surrounded by dense forests all around, you can catch some amazing views of the Himalayan peaks. Zero Point is the best place to see the enthralling view of the snow capped peaks of Kedarnath, Shivling, Trishul and Nanda Devi (best visible in autumn and spring). Bineshwar Mahadev Temple is a famous 16th century temple, 8 kms away with the shrine of Lord Shiva. Binsar is said to have been named after this temple.

Binsar is famous for it's views of the snow capped Himalayan mountain ranges, so one can sit back and enjoy the view while savouring your favourite drink. One can also go trekking with abundant nature trails available from Binsar. Binsar also houses a forest reserve with a rich diversity of flora and fauna with forests of oak and rhododendron with a large species of flowers and birds along with some wild animals. The famous temple of Binsar Mahadev is also nearby. One can also make a detour to nearby places like to Kausani, Ranikhet, Jageshwar or Chowkori.

Bineshwar Mahadev Temple

Bineshwar Mahadev Temple is the temple from which Binsar derives its name. The presiding deity of this temple is the Lord Shiva and it was built during the prosperous reign of King Kalyan Chand; one of the scions of the Chand Raja dynasty. The Chand Rajas had their summer capital at Binsar and Bineshwar Mahadev temple is one of the few constructions dating back to the 16thcentury architectural style that are still there in Binsar.
Bineshwar Mahadev Temple is situated at a distance of 6 kms from Ayarpani and it is convenient to visit it on the way to the Binsar Wildlife sanctuary.

Binsar Sanctuary Museum

Binsar has a museum about the flora and fauna of the region and provide good and valuable information about the Sanctuary.

Kasar Devi Temple

Kasar Devi Temple is located at a distance of around 9 km from the Binsar, it was the house for Dutch Monk from 1970 to early 80s. It is said that this temple was the house for the hippies and hippie culture got popular from here. This temple is still a major tourist attraction for the foreigners.

Archaeological Spots in Binsar 

The Binsar hills are rich in ancient relics. Near Dinapani on the Almora-Binsar road, there is a point called Pariyadeva-Pashan where there is a long stone with cup-marks. According to Historians these cup Shaped marks belong to Megalithic Age.

Climate of Binsar - Weather of Binsar

The climatic conditions prevailing in the Binsar sanctuary range from temperate to sub-arctic. Winters are very cold and Heavy snowfall is received. 

You Can Visit Binsar By Taxi Or By Tours & Travel Packages
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