9 Destinations en-route Kanyakumari from the capital city
1. Mathur Thotti Palam (Hanging Bridge) - The Mathur Aqueduct
Visiting : Open 24 hours
Mathur Thotti Palam, constructed in 1969 was primarily built as a part of a drought relief measure and for the development of agriculture in Kalkulam/Vilavancode Taluks. Situated in Mathur of Kanyakumari district, is the tallest as well as the longest hanging water carrier bridges in Asia, having a length of over one kilometer and height of 101 feet shouldered by huge 28 pillars. This is one of the destinations we can visit en-route, while driving to Kanyakumari beach which shouldn't be missed.
Mathur Thotti Palam Mathur Thotti Palam (Hanging Bridge) Mathur Thotti Palam side view Mathur Thotti Palam Bottom
This incredible water irrigation bridge connecting two hills has now became one of the most popular tourist centers while traveling from Thiruvananthapuram to Kanyakumari.
2. Chitharal Hillock Jain temple(Malai Kovil)
Visiting : Open 24 hours
Chitharal Jain temple aka Chitharal Malai Kovil is located at a distance of about 50km from from the capital city of Kerala in Kanyakumari district. The protected Jain Monuments are likely to be built in the 9th century and later in 13th century, the temple was converted into Bhagavati temple as per the archeological studies.
Chitharal Jain temple front view Chitharal Jain temple side view Chitharal Jain temple natural pond Chitharal Malai Kovil Front
3. Thirparappu Falls
Visiting : 06:30 am to 6:30 pm
The mini artificial waterfalls are about 10 km from Marthandam more a place for a family picnic with little risks and is good for one time visit.
4. Chittar Lake
About 50 km distant from Thiruvananthapuram is area on Border of Southern Kerala and Tamilnadu. Good for a weekend stay with family at Anantya Resorts near the banks to unwind from the busy life schedule.
5. Pechiparai Reservoir
Visiting : 10 am to 6:00 pm
This majestically built reservoir during the British rule in India is good for one time visit. There are many ways to reach the dam,one should take the route towards dam office with a bus stand in-order to get the full view. Even-though the dam and its surroundings is not so fascinating we could enjoy the scenic village roads to reach the place.
6. Padmanabhapuram Palace
Visiting : 9 am to 4:30 pm
Monday: Closed
The royal residence of erstwhile rulers of Travancore, located near Thuckalay is a masterpiece of indigenous Kerala architecture.
The interiors are beautiful with wooden carvings, murals, sculptures and the shiny flooring is made of a combination of egg white, burnt coconut, charcoal, jaggery, lime and river sand.
The Vattakottai fort near Kanyakumari has a secret passage tunnel connected with Padmanabhapuram Palace, which was later closed.
Padmanabhapuram Palace exterior view Padmanabhapuram Palace aerial view Padmanabhapuram Palace pond Padmanabhapuram Palace dance floor Padmanabhapuram Palace side view Padmanabhapuram Palace kili vathil with Christy Padmanabhapuram Palace royal cot cellar at Padmanabhapuram Palace Padmanabhapuram Palace nadumuttam Exit towards oottupura Padmanabhapuram royal carvings Padmanabhapuram Palace sculptures Padmanabhapuram Palace exit
7. Udayagiri Fort (Puliyoorkurichi)
Visiting : 08:00 am to 6:00 pm
Monday: Closed
While traveling towards Nagercoil from Thuckalay, in less than 2 km we could find a not much visible hoarding at Puliyoorkurichi(left side of the road).
The Udayagiri Fort is also known by the name De Lannoy's Fort or Dillannai Kottai. De Lannoy, a Dutch general was defeated by Marthanda Varma in the Vattakottai Fort battle who later became the trusted General of Marthanda Varma for another 37 years.
There is a small zoo cum park and a provision for cycle rental is available inside the Fort.
Udayagiri Fort (Puliyoorkurichi) Udayagiri Fort Swan Udayagiri Fort peacock Udayagiri Fort Deer Udayagiri Fort fun Udayagiri Fort De Lannoy's tomb Udayagiri Fort De Lannoy's tomb Udayagiri Fort De Lannoy's tomb Udayagiri Fort De Lannoy's tomb Udayagiri Fort De Lannoy's tomb
8. Vattakottai Fort
Visiting : 08:00 am to 5:00 pm
Monday: Closed
Is a seaside fort stationed at a distance of about 6 km from Kanyakumari, was built as a part of defense of the old Travancore kingdom during the 18th century.
The fort is spread across 3.5 acres and has a secret passage tunnel connected with Padmanabhapuram Palace, which was later closed.
Vattakottai Fort Kanyakumari Ext Vattakottai Fort Kanyakumari Int
9. Kanyakumari Beach
Ferry Timings: 08:00 am to 3:30 pm
Located at the southern most tip of India, Kanyakumari is a famous pilgrim center and a beach resort. People from different parts of the world arrive here to watch the spectacular view of sun-rise and sun-set, which is also the spot where the Arabian sea, Bay of Bengal and the Indian ocean meets.
Vivekananda rock in 1995 Vivekananda rock in 2009
Vivekananda rock memorial was constructed in honor of the spiritual leader Swami Vivekananda in 1970's. One can avail ferry service to reach Vivekananda rock located at 500 m east of mainland.
Ferry service to Vivekananda rock Vivekananda Rock Memorial 50,000 Gallon rainwater reservoir Vivekanada rock Meditation
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