Kanyakumari Times

Vattakottai Fort (or 'Circular Fort') is a seaside fort near Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu the southern tip of India. It was built in the 18th century as a coastal defence-fortification and barracks in the erstwhile Travancore kingdom. It was constructed under the supervision of Captain Eustachius De Lannoy, an ex-Dutch naval officer of the Dutch East India Company, who became commander of the Travancore Army (the very army that defeated him in the Battle of Colachel) in the 18th century, after he earned the trust of the Travancore King Marthanda Varma. De Lannoy constructed Vattakottai, as part of the defence-fortifications he undertook throughout Travancore. Vattakottai Fort commands a picturesque view of both the sea on the one side, and the hills (Western Ghats) on the other. Another interesting feature near the site is a beach of black sands. It is about 7 km (4.3 mi) from Kanyakumari town. View of the hills from Vattakottai fort. View of the sea from Vattakottai fort.

Thirparappu(Thriparappu) is famous for its waterfalls and is located in Kanyakumari District of Tamil Nadu in the southern part of India. Thirparappu (Thriparappu) Falls is located 42 km (26 mi) from Nagercoil (headquarters of Kanyakumari District), 55 km (34 mi) from Thiruvananthapuram (capital of Kerala) and a distance of 5 km (3.1 mi) from Kulasekaram (nearest town Panchayat). This famous falls is in the Kodayar (Kothai River). The Kodayar makes its descend at Thirparappu and the water fall at this place is about 13 km (8.1 mi) from Pechiparai dam.

Chitharal Malai Kovil is situated on a hillock in Chitharal village, approximately 7 kilometers from Marthandam town in Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu. The site has historical significance and is known for its Jain rock-cut sculptures and monuments dating back to the 9th century. It is believed to have served as a Jain worship center and a center for learning. Chitharal Malai Kovil features rock-cut sculptures, bas-reliefs, and inscriptions that depict Tirthankaras, Yakshis, and other Jain deities. The site includes a hillock with rock-cut beds and a cave temple. The rock-cut sculptures showcase the skill of the artisans of the time, and the architecture reflects a blend of Dravidian and Jain styles. The temple complex also includes a Bhagwathi Temple dedicated to the goddess Bhagwathi. The temple is an active place of worship and attracts devotees. The Chitharal Festival, celebrated annually, attracts pilgrims and visitors. During the festival, religious rituals, processions, and cultural events take place. The hillock offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, making it not only a religious site but also a place for scenic beauty and tranquility. Chitharal Malai Kovil is recognized as an archaeological site, and efforts are made to preserve and protect its historical and cultural heritage. The site is accessible by road, and visitors need to climb a flight of steps to reach the hillock where the Jain monuments are located. The site is under the care of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which is responsible for the conservation and maintenance of its historical assets. Chitharal Malai Kovil is a unique destination that combines historical, cultural, and religious elements, attracting history enthusiasts, pilgrims, and tourists alike.

Kalikesam is located in the Kanyakumari wild life sanctuary in Kanyakumari district in Tamil Nadu, India. The Kali temple situated here.Access to Kalikesam temple is restricted and one needs to take permission from the Forest Officer, Nagercoil to enter the area. Kalikesam is a birding hotspot located in Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary. Kalikesam Waterfalls is just 35 kms from Nagercoil, our hometown. So we used to visit this place even before we started bird watching. In South India, most of the outings with families are to visit temples. We also followed the same trait and visited Kalikesam for the Kali temple. Once we started bird watching, we revisited many of our childhood picnic places and we were really surprised about the biodiversity in those areas. During picnic, you take a dip in the water or eat yummy foods sitting under a tree or play with your family. So we never noticed anybirds,butterfliesor wildflowers. We recently visited. Kalikesam after good rains and we really had a great timebird watchingin that sanctuary. There were many rubber plantations and few streams were flowing along the edges of jungle. Sometimes the water level was so high, we cannot cross the streams. When we saw the level of water was manageable, vinod slowly pushed the bike and crossed the water. I was trudging even for this low water level, because the flowing water had a surprisingly high force. After the water crossing, we came across a big fig tree. Ficus is always the life of a jungle and we saw the Hill Mynas, Yellow-footed Green Pigeons were pecking the fig berries. The Hill Mynas were making such a racket, we could have missed the familiar knocking sound. The waterfall around the place makes more adventure.​

A fort usually carries historical significance, often having played a role in the region's history, battles, or strategic importance. Udayagiri Fort in Nagercoil, is a historical background that dates back to a certain period. It is most popular in Nagercoil. Fort structures typically exhibit architectural features such as walls, bastions, gates, and sometimes moats. The design may reflect the military and defensive considerations of the time it was built. Forts are often situated strategically to provide panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. This could include views of the city, nearby hills, or bodies of water. If the fort has historical or architectural significance, it might be a cultural attraction and a point of interest for tourists and history enthusiasts. It could house artifacts, displays, or information about the region's history. Forts are generally accessible to the public, allowing visitors to explore the premises and learn about the historical context. There may be guided tours or informational signage providing details about the fort.​

​The Vivekananda Rock Memorial is a prominent monument and spiritual pilgrimage site located on a rocky island off the coast of Vavathurai, near Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, India. The Vivekananda Rock Memorial is situated on a small rocky island in the Laccadive Sea, at the southernmost tip of the Indian subcontinent, where the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean converge. The memorial is dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, a renowned Hindu monk and philosopher who played a key role in introducing Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world. The memorial is built in a unique architectural style that combines traditional Indian and modern architectural elements. It reflects the spiritual and cultural ethos that Swami Vivekananda represented. The Vivekananda Rock Memorial consists of two main structures—the Vivekananda Mandapam and the Shripada Mandapam. The Vivekananda Mandapam is the main hall and houses a bronze statue of Swami Vivekananda. The bronze statue of Swami Vivekananda is placed in the Dhyana Mandapam within the Vivekananda Mandapam. The statue captures a moment of deep contemplation and meditation.The Shripada Mandapam is a smaller hall that enshrines a 'Shripada' (Divine Footprint), believed to be the spot where the Goddess Kumari performed austerity. The architecture of the memorial is symbolic, representing the spiritual journey of Swami Vivekananda. The structures are designed to withstand the powerful oceanic currents in the region. The rock on which the memorial is built is known as Vivekananda Rock, and it is believed to be the place where Swami Vivekananda meditated and attained enlightenment.. Visitors reach the Vivekananda Rock Memorial by ferry, which operates from the mainland. The ferry ride itself offers scenic views of the surrounding seas and landscapes. The memorial stands as a symbol of religious harmony and unity. Swami Vivekananda's teachings emphasized the universality of religions and the importance of tolerance and understanding among diverse faiths. The location of the Vivekananda Rock Memorial offers breathtaking views of both sunrise and sunset over the confluence of the three seas, making it a popular spot for visitors seeking a serene and spiritually charged experience. The memorial includes a meditation hall for visitors to engage in contemplation and meditation, fostering a tranquil environment. The Vivekananda Rock Memorial is not only a significant pilgrimage site for followers of Swami Vivekananda but also a cultural and architectural landmark that attracts tourists and spiritual seekers from around the world. It stands as a tribute to the teachings and philosophy of this revered spiritual leader.​ ​​