It is difficult to say whether Kanya Kumari is the land’s end or land’s beginning, because there is hardly any difference between Adi and Anta . It was previously known as Cape Comorin. Once a part of Kerala, now it is in Tamil Nadu.
I had visited Kanya Kumari for the first time in December 1955, while studying at Gandhigram near Madurai . Then it was less commercialised, and no temple was constructed on the Vivekananda Rock. I still have the photograph of Vivekananda Rock taken by me in my Kodak Box Camera. The huge statue of Thiruvallar was also not constructed. It was a beautiful and peaceful place.
Again I visited Kanya Kumari last year with my family. It was a completely changed place, full of people everywhere - on the sea front, in the temple and in the bathing place. The bathing place is full of rocks, and one has to be very careful while taking bath. Added to these there were innumerable hawkers trying to sell their fare - Cameras, Sun Glasses and what have you.
We had stayed at the Vivekanada Guest House, a very nice place. The early morning sun rise was a fantastic sight, although on that day there were clouds in the sky. The sunset was equally beautiful.
Approaching Kanya Kumari either by road or by rail from Madras is quite convenient. Another attraction at Kanya Kumari is the Devi Kumari temple, which you must visit wearing a dhoti in a bare body. The rules are different for women.
To write on Kanya Kumari is not easy, because the more I write, the more I am mystified by the greatness of my country India. In the words of Rabindranath Tagore:
He Mor Chitta Punnya Tirthe Jagore
Dhire, Aie Bharater Mahamanaber Sagaro
Tire,