Day 29: Rameshwaram to Kanyakumari

Leaving Rameshwaram

The day began with a full night’s rest.

There was aquiet awareness in the morning. This was not just another drive. It was the day that would take me to the southernmost tip of mainland India - Kanyakumari.

Breakfast was simple. Took some time to pack, rest a bit, and get ready to check out. A few places in Rameshwaram still remained to be seen before leaving.

A Last Round in Rameshwaram

The firs tstop was the Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple.

Managed by a fourth-generation priest, the temple carried a sense of continuity. It was a good time to visit, with very few people around. The darshan was calm and unhurried. It was my first darshan of a Panchmukhi Hanuman, linked to the Ramayana and the killing of demon Ahiravana.

The idol is said to be carved from a single black stone and commands a strong presence in the temple complex.

This temple is another place where the floating stones linked to Ram Setu are kept, protected by the iron cage, they can be seen floating.

Darshan done, I moved toward the area near Kalam House, the birth place of Dr.A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

Didn’t go inside but it was enough to see the humble beginnings of one of India's greatest sons. That stretch had some shops selling seashells,conches, and pearl items. What started as a quick stop turned into a longer one. Ended up buying souvenirs for family and friends.

By the time I was done, it was already close to 2 PM.

Crossing Back

The drive to Kanyakumari began in the afternoon.

Crossing the Pamban Bridge again, slowed down out of habit. The sea was still as striking as the previous day, though the harsh afternoon light took away some of its softness. Not the best time for photographs, but the view did not need acamera. Some views hold regardless of the light.

Once off the island, the road opened into the mainland again.

On the Road to Kanyakumari

The route followed Rameshwaram – Thoothukudi – Tirunelveli – Kanyakumari, largely along NH 38 and NH 44. Greenery and industries lined this route, a mix of industry and open land along the way.

The roads were good, traffic manageable, and the drive steady, with a mix of open stretches, small towns, and patches of greenery along the way. A calm, smooth drive in the late afternoon with the sky ahead getting wider as the land narrowed toward its tip.

Getting closer to Kanyakumari, a series of windmills dotted the tops of hillocks all around. A striking sight, though it made me wonder about the balance between landscape and development.

Passed many beautiful sites, however small they may have been, and felt connected to each in their own unique ways. And slowly, the sun dipped as the kilometres passed.

Arrival After Sunset

By the time I reached Kanyakumari, the sun had already set.

Checked into the hotel and took some time to rest after the drive.

Soon it was dinner time however, the hotel restaurant did not seem very inviting. Hence, stepped out toward the market area nearby.

Dinner in the Market

The walk to the market was about a kilometre.

That stretch was lined with restaurants and eateries of varying sizes, each busy in its own way. Chose one at random and settled in for dinner.

The food was good overall, though one thing remained consistent from Rameshwaram - the raita here was simple, mostly onions without the mix of vegetables I was used to.

A small detail, but one that stayed noticeable.

Walked around the market for a bit after dinner before heading back.

The Last Stop

Back at the hotel, the thought settled in clearly.

Like Rameshwaram, Kanyakumari is known for its sunrise and sunset. The day next was to be the last full day here before the journey turns north again.

The southern edge of the map had finally been reached.