Wanderlust With Athena - Chapter 1 - Kanyakumari

When someone mentions 'Kanyakumari', the destinations that immediately come to our minds might be, Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue or the main Kanyakumari beach. But little do people know about some unique beautiful destinations that Kanyakumari has to offer. I was really lucky enough to visit such marvelous, less explored sites during perfect weather conditions.


1. Thottipaalam (Mathoor Aqueduct), Aruvikkarai:

Located almost 50 kms (1 hr 50 mins) away from Kanyakumari Beach, is the amazing serene destination of Mathoor Aqueduct. Built across the small river of Paraliyaar, it is used for irrigation, connecting one hill to another. 

It is a narrow structure stretching for 1 km in length, where while walking on the bridge, one can see the nature brimming with greenery embraced by Western Ghats and a river below. You will definitely get lost in its mesmerizing and tantalizing surroundings. One can either directly choose the path of the bridge or take another path that leads to a trough below. The sound of birds chirping, the chill breeze of the hills caressing our skin and the occasional drizzle just made me instantly fall in love. 

Buckle up for the place filled with Psithurism and Petrichor as this would be a place to remember and those with Acrophobia...Well...Good luck....


Thottipaalam (Mathoor Aqueduct)


If you are an animal lover, then you might also get the chance to feed lots of cute and friendly stray puppies and dogs. Upon feeding they would definitely accompany you till the bridge and back. It was really heartwarming. Do carry some biscuits along with you and keep them handy. But also be ready to feed more than one of them. All of them would crave for your attention where you can never say 'No' to those innocent puppy eyes.


(The Adorable Buddies)

The route to Mathoor Aqueduct from the main roads is filled with awesome picture worthy spots. One of which I came across was a secluded bridge over the Paraliyaar river, few kms away from Mathoor Aqueduct. It was surrounded by tall trees and elegant ducks can be seen swimming along the shores, thus making the scenery even more captivating.


There is not any specific 'Best time to visit' details for this location, as it would definitely be a pleasant weather all time of the year with refreshing drizzles and sunshine.


2. Chothavilai Beach:

A more quieter beach compared to the usual ones along the Kanyakumari coast, 30 mins away from the Kanyakumari Beach. The roads leading to the beach is quite beautiful and calm. The entire beach is 4 kms and is completely family friendly. We can see some of the steps, leading from the road down to the beach, corroded over the years. Be careful while you enjoy the scenery standing at the edge of the elevated viewpoints. The salty breeze and sound of the waves would definitely melt the accumulated stress within us. 


Chothavilai Beach


3. Nagercoil Windmill Farm:

One of the most famous destination along the highway leading to Kanyakumari, in the district of Nagercoil is the Muppandal Windmill Farm. You can just stop at any point in the highway to capture the majestic windmills along either side of the highway. It is one of the scenic location that you should not forget to visit with more than 500 windmills awaiting to be admired.


Nagercoil Windmill Farm


4. Thirupudaimarudhur Temple:

A temple approximately 1500 years old, located amongst villages and along the shores of Thamirabarani River, much less known to tourists and located almost 1 hour away from central Tirunelveli. Apart from the temple's ancient history and serenity, people prefer to bathe in the river situated behind the temple. The chill breeze from the surrounding hills, mild sunshine and the cold water of the river provide the perfect combination either for a bath or just lazing along the shores just dipping our feet into the river, while the fish nibble at our toes. This is an ideal place where you can happily sit around for as long as you want with someone and relive nostalgic memories. A picture perfect destination where anyone upon glancing at the spot would wish to spend some time to rejuvenate. 

While travelling to this destination you would cross many lush green fields and narrow roads that further enhances the experience.



These were some of the less frequently visited Travel Destinations on my bucket list. Never miss the chance of seeing these breathtaking locations next time, when South Tamilnadu is on your itinerary.

~Athena Valencia

Comments

  1. Thanks to you, got to know about less explored scenic locales worth visiting.. Waiting to see more leaves of your travel diary

    ReplyDelete

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