COLLEGE TOUR

A one-day college tour to Chitharal Jain Temple, Triparapp, Padmanabhapuram Palace and Kanyakumari was organised for the fourth semester B.Ed. students on 22 March 2024 and this document aims to provide a detailed overview of the experiences and observations during the exploration of various places we visited. A total of 33 students were accompanied by 4 teachers including Dr. Kumar S (Asst. Professor Tamil Department), Dr. M.Omanasheelan (Associate Professor, English Department), Dr. Sreeja. I (Asst. Professor, Maths Department) and Dr. Chitralekha (Asst. Professor, Geography Department). We set out on the journey at 6: 40 am from the college and Manasi travels was the travel agency who assisted us for the same. As planned earlier we had our breakfast at Annies Kitchen, Udiyankulangara.  After the delicious breakfast we continued the journey to reach the first destination - Chitharal Jain Rock Temple.

The tour commenced with a visit to the Chitharal Rock Jain Temple, also known as the Chitharal Malai Kovil or Jain Cave Temple. We reached Jain temple around 9 am in the morning. Situated atop a rocky hill, this temple dates back to the 9th century and is renowned for its rock-cut sculptures and inscriptions. It is located near Chitharal village in Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu. Students had the opportunity to explore the temple complex, admire the intricate carvings depicting Jain deities, and learn about the rich historical and cultural significance of Jainism in the region and was able to unravel the spiritual tapestry woven through the ages. The intricately carved facade bore witness to centuries of history, each groove and contour telling a story of devotion and craftsmanship. Students delved into the labyrinthine corridors of the temple complex, eager to unravel its secrets. 

Following the temple visit, the group proceeded to Triparappu Waterfalls, a picturesque natural attraction nestled amidst lush greenery. We reached Triparappu around 10: 45 am. Triparappu Waterfalls, located in the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, India, is a mesmerizing natural wonder. The waterfall originates from the Kodayar River and descends from a height of approximately 50 feet (15 meters). The river bed in this area is rocky, extending for about 300 feet (91 meters). We enjoyed a refreshing break amidst nature, witnessing the cascading waters of the falls as they plunged into a serene pool below. This serene setting provided a perfect opportunity for relaxation, photography, and contemplation, allowing us to connect with the beauty of the natural world. The swimming pool near the waterfalls also provided relief and enjoyment to us in the scorching rays of the sun. 

After this we reached our third destination, Padmanabhapuram Place at 12:55 pm. However, we encountered an unexpected twist when we arrived at the gates of the Padmanabhapuram Palace, only to find it closed for a lunch break. With a saddened heart we went to the Muttidichan Parai Church, Padmanabhapuram, where our lunch was arranged. After the lunch we continued our journey to reach the final destination, Kanyakumari.

We arrived at Kanyakumari around 3:30 pm, filled with excitement to explore this beautiful coastal town. Kanyakumari Beach is the converging place of the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and Bay of Bengal, offering breathtaking views of the horizon. The first thing on our agenda was a visit to Vivekananda Rock Memorial, accessible by a short boat ride. As we glided across the serene waters, anticipation built up to witness the majestic statue of Thiruvalluvar, but unfortunately, it was undergoing maintenance, leaving us a bit disappointed. 

The Thiruvalluvar Statue is a 7,000-ton stone statue of poet and philosopher Valluvar. It has a height of 29 metres (95 feet) and stands upon an 11.5-metre (38 ft) rock that represents the 38 chapters of virtue in the Thirukkural. The statue standing on the rock represents wealth and pleasures, signifying that wealth and love be earned and enjoyed on the foundation of solid virtue. The combined height of the statue and pedestal is 133 ft (40.5 m), denoting the 133 chapters in the Thirukkural. It was sculpted by the Indian sculptor V. Ganapati Sthapati. 

The pinnacle of the tour awaited at the Vivekananda Memorial, The Vivekananda Rock Memorial is a popular tourist monument in Vavathurai, Kanyakumari, India. The memorial stands on one of two rocks in the Laccadive Sea, located about 500 metres (1,600 ft) east of the mainland of Vavathurai. It was built in 1970 in honour of Swami Vivekananda who is said to have attained enlightenment on the rock in 1892. According to local legends, it was on this rock that Goddess Kumari performed austerity. A meditation hall (Dhyana Mandapam) is also attached to the memorial for visitors to meditate. The design of the mandapa incorporates different styles of temple architecture from all over India. It houses a statue of Vivekananda. The memorial consists of two main structures: the Vivekananda Mandapam and the Shripada Mandapam. 

After the wonderful and adventurous boating experience to Vivekananda rock memorial we headed towards the beach to see the sunset. But, unfortunately, the clouds over crowded the sky making the sunset invisible to us. After that we decided to indulge in some shopping till 7 pm, as Kanyakumari is known for its vibrant markets offering a variety of souvenirs and local handicrafts. We strolled through the bustling streets, observing the sights, sounds, and smells of this lively town. From the colourful textiles to intricately carved wooden artifacts, there was something for everyone. With our bags filled with treasures and memories, we headed back to our college at 8: 15 pm. But before calling it a day, we stopped at “Gowri Sankaram" hotel in Nagercoil for a delicious vegetarian dinner. Finally, we reached safely at the college at 11:30 pm. Overall, our trip to Kanyakumari was filled with unforgettable experiences. Kumar sir, Omanasheelan sir, Sreeja teacher and Chitralekha teacher were a constant support and guide for us.