Arichal Munai, also known as Cape Comorin or Kanyakumari Point, is a historically and geographically important area in the southernmost tip of the Indian mainland in the state of Tamil Nadu. The historical and cultural landmark is a popular tourist destination for travel enthusiasts. The landmark is popular for its stunning sunrise and sunset, picturesque views, and many other beautiful places.
Cape Comorin is in the Kanyakumari district, approximately 20 kilometers from the town of Nagercoil and 85 kilometers from the city of Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala.
How to go there
Arichal Munai or Cape Comorin is easily accessible from any part of India by road, rail, and air.
From USA, UK, or Europe: The easiest way to reach Arichal Munai is by taking a flight to the nearest airport named Trivandrum International Airport. You can hire a taxi or a bus from Trivandrum to Arichal Munai, which is about 90 kilometers distant. A different option is to take a train from Trivandrum to Kanyakumari, the station closest to Arichal Munai, and then take a bus or a taxi to get to the cape.
Arichal Munai is well-connected by road to major cities in Tamil Nadu and neighboring states. As a result, you can reach there by bus, train, or by hiring a taxi. The nearest railway station is Kanyakumari, which is approximately 2 kilometers from Arichal Munai.
History Of Arichal Munai
The history of Arichal Munai is extensive and fascinating, going all the way back to the beginning. The name of the cape is dedicated to the famous Hindu deity Kanya Kumari. As Arichal Munai is a meeting point of the Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean, it has been an important trading point since ancient times.
It was also an important place for learning and scholarship because of many scholars and philosophers visited this area and exchanged their ideas and knowledge. Throughout its history, the Arichal Munai has been ruled by a number of dynasties, including the British, Cholas, Vijayanagara Empire, and Pandyas. Every dynasty left their imprint on the cape, and the British built a lighthouse here in the 19th century.
In 1892, a famous Indian Monk and philosopher named Swami Vivekananda visited the place. It was also significant in the Indian liberation war.
Geographical importance of Arichal Munai
Arichal Munai, often referred to as Kanyakumari Point or Cape Comorin, is in the Tamil Nadu state near the southernmost point of the Indian subcontinent. It is a distinctive and significant landmark since it is thought to be the location where the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and Bay of Bengal meet.
As it is the meeting point of these three, it was important for trading since ancient times. Local people believe that the Hindu goddess Kanya Kumari inhabits it. However, the area is one of the popular destinations to travel enthusiasts because of its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
The Cape is also important for tourism as the place is home to some picturesque destinations like- Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Kanyakumari Beach and many other. It is also a great place to enjoy the sunset and sunrise because of its geographical location.
Things to do in Arichal Munai
There are plenty of things a visitor can enjoy and explore in Arichal Munai or Kanyakumari. Here are some of the top things you can do there:
Watch sunrise and sunset in Arichal Munai:
Arichal Munai is a great place to enjoy sunrise and sunset. Geographically, this is a great place to enjoy the natural beauty. When you are at Arichal Munai, try to weak up early in the morning and enjoy the sunrise.
Visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial:
The Vivekananda Rock Memorial is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Arichal Munai. Here you can find a statue of Swami Vivekananda, which is almost 500 meters off the mainland.
You can see the Vivekananda Rock Memorial from 500 meters off the coast. You may get there by taking a 15-minute ferry from Kanyakumari, which runs from 7 in the morning until 5:30 in the evening, depending on the season. 35 INR is the standard price of tickets. It is a must-visit location for you when you are in Arichal Munai.
Explore the Bhagavathy Amman Temple:
The Bhagavathy Amman Temple is of the most beautiful Temple in Tamil Nadu. The temple is known for its stunning architecture and outstanding views of the ocean. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kanya Kumari.
Bhagavathy Amman Temple temple is a 3000-year-old temple with a rich history and heritage. The shrine is also thought to be one of the 51 Shakti Peetham, where pieces of the Goddess Sati fell as a mourning Lord Shiva carried her burial.
- Entry fee: free to enter.
- Timing: From 6:00 AM till 11:00 AM and in the evening from 4:00 PM till 8:00 PM
Visit Kanyakumari Beach:
Kanyakumari Beach is one of the famous beaches in Tamil Nadu, India. The color of the sand of the beach is one of the major attractions of it, which is multi-colored and rare to find anywhere in India. The beach is also famous for the geographical location as the Indian ocean, Arabian sea and Bay of Bengal meet there.
The Kanyakumari beach is a rocky beach. So, you must need to be careful while swimming there. Here you can find a lighthouse on the beach which offers a stunning view of the entire ocean and the surrounding area. Don’t miss the chance to visit Cape Kanyakumari beach.
Taste the local foods of Kanyakumari:
Your tour will remain incomplete if you do not taste the local foods of the place where you stayed and explored many beautiful destinations. As Arichal Munai is a coastal town, it offers a variety of seafood dishes. So, if you are a seafood lover, it is a great place for you.
Some of the famous foods of the region are – Crab masala, Fish curry, Prawn Curry, Kottu Parotta and many other seafoods. Here you can also find Banana Chips, Filter Coffee, and Idiyappam with Egg Curry.
