The 'Land's End' of India

Just like so many destinations in India, the southernmost tip is one of mystery and beauty that is nothing less than awe-inspiring. The town of Kanyakumari, located on the tip of the Indian Peninsula, marks the southern end of this diverse and vibrant country, a “land’s end” only fitting for the magnitude that India embodies at each turn. This peninsula falls at the convergence of three bodies of water – the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea – boasting a spectacular sunrise and sunset. Better yet, on Chitra Pournami (Tamil ceremony celebrating the day of the full moon in April/May), it is possible to experience something truly unique – watching the moon rise and the sun set simultaneously, on either side of the horizon. Seems fitting that this beach also marks the spot for a string of famous memorials, namely The Gandhi Memorial, which resembles the stunning architecture of central Indian Hindu temples. The memorial was expertly designed, so that on Gandhi’s birthday of October 2nd, the very first rays of the sun will fall on the exact place where Gandhi’s ashes were kept. Also in view, standing on two rocky islands just off the shore, are the Vivekananda Rock Memorial (built in 1970 as a dedication to spiritual teacher Swami Vivekananda) and one of the tallest statues in Asia, a 133-foot sculpture of Tamil saint-poet Thiruvalluvar.

There are few places that leave us too moved to take a photo, but this is one of them. The above photo is just one small stamp that we have from our trip to Kanyakumari. Have any of you been to the cape or somewhere near it? We'd love to see a photo and hear about your experience on the blog or our Firestone Discoveries fan page.