Convergence point of the Bay of Bengal, the Indian subcontinent and the Arabian Sea, Kanyakumari is known as the 'Land's End'. Chaitrapurnima (full moon day of the first month of the Hindu year) is one of the best times to experience sunset and moonrise over the ocean.Kanyakumari is dedicated to goddess Devi Kanya, an incarnation of Parvati, Shiva's consort and thus carries great religious importance for the Hindus. Pilgrims come here to visit the temple and bathe in the sacred waters.

Legend
The story goes that the Goddess wanted to marry Shiva and that could not take place. So she preferred to remain a virgin (Kanya) by doing penance.For tourists Kanyakumari is a popular day trip from Kovalam in Kerala. Kanyakumari is a pilgrimage town where people fulfil their spiritual duties.

Kumari Amman Temple
As a legend narrates the goddess conquered the demons alone and freed the world. Pilgrims thank her for the protection she provided them. Devi's victory over the demons is celebrated during the Navratri Festival that takes place in September/ October.The deity's idol is taken out in procession during the car festival that takes place in May/June.The temple remains open from 4.30 a.m. to 11.45 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. Entry is barefoot for all and for men after removing their shirts. Cameras are not allowed in.

Gandhi Memorial
The memorial resembling an Orrisan temple stored Mahatma Gandhi's ashes before they were immersed in the sea. It was designed in such a way that on Gandhi's birthday sun rays fall on the place where his ashes were kept. The temple remains open daily between 7 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Vivekananda Puram - The Wandering Monk
The museum contains information about Indian philosopher, Swami Vivekananda's widespread journey in India. He developed a synthesis between doctrines of Hinduism and concepts of social justice.It is open daily from 8 a.m. until noon and 4 to 8 p.m. The cloakroom in the museum is available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. with entry fee rupee one.

Vivekananda Memorial
The memorial situated on two rocky islands, is about 400 m away from the coast. This rock fascinated Swami Vivekananda so greatly that he swam to it, sat in meditation in 1892 before he emerged as one of India's most imperative religious advocate. The mandapam built in his memory in 1970 manifests architectural technique from every part of the country. The floors of the Vivekananda Rock Memorial is polished to a mirror like radiance, reflects the wise, dignified statue of Vivekananda. The peaceful meditation hall is worth visiting even for a person who has never done meditation before. The footprints of the virgin Goddess on the rock is said that place inspired Swami Vivekananda to meditate. The present statue is so placed that the eye falls directly on the footprint of the Goddess on the rock. The ferry to the island (half-hourly) takes Rs. 6. Entry to the memorial is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hotel Maadhini (East Car St)
It is a little upmarket. Its balconies hanging over the village appear fascinating for guests but probably disturb the villagers a bit. The rooms are airy and clean. Doubles cost Rs. 360 or Rs 470/850 for ocean views without/with air-conditions. The Archana Restaurant holds out excellent food in an open-air dining area and gives view of the hotel rather than the sea.

Kerala House
Run by Kerala Tourism Department claims to be the southernmost house on the subcontinent. Primarily it caters to government officials. Nevertheless, you can get the rooms if you apply to the Political Department, State Secretariat,Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum). Those who negotiate well with the manager can also manage to get room here. Large double rooms with sea views and bath are for Rs. 360 to Rs. 420.