Kanyakumari, India | 27 January, 2007 | $5.65
Finally, I made it to the end—the Southern tip of India. After leaving Kerala, and certainly after leaving Varkala Beach, I encountered few Western tourists. Southern India has a vastly different feel than the North and I hope everyone traveling to India has time to experience both. This spot is a special place, not only the Southernmost tip of mainland India, but also the meeting point of the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Oceans. A short boat trip bring tourists and pilgrims to two tiny islands where a monument and a large statue of the poet Thiruvalluvar stand.
More than the tourists sites, I enjoyed watching Indian tourists hang out on the beach, wade into the water and buy ice cream from colorful vendors. The day I spent in Kanyakumari was overcast, but the real excitement happened after dark. Something was happening in the temple in town, and after following people through the dark corridors I came up a scene of worshipers chanting around idols. It was hot and humid in the tiny rooms and most of the men were shirtless and covered in sweat. I had no idea what was going on but followed the crowds and eventually found my way out into the cool night air.
More photos of Kanyakumari can be seen in the gallery.