When people plan for an excursion to Kanyakumari district, a few tourist spots that would definitely flash to the mind will be Kanyakumari Beach, Vattakottai, Thirparappu falls and Padmanabhapuram palace
But the district actually has lot more tourist attractions that are either neglected or ill-maintained by the department of tourism
Even historical forts and palaces are under utter neglect and the ignorance of the history of the district, which is entwined between Tamil Nadu and Kerala, is another reason for the neglect of the historical sites
Some of the forgotten tourists spots are Udayagiri Fort, Eraniel Palace, Marunthu Kottai, Maiyakottai and Thekkurichi beach
Built in the 16th century, Eraniel palace, which served as a residence of King Cheraman has completely crumbled. A large stone cot of length 10’X6’ found in the ‘Vasantha Maligai’, needs attention and protection. Unfortunately, the drawings and woodcarvings found in the palace have been completely lost (stolen)
Udayagiri Tomb of the famous General Eustache Delennoy, who is called ‘the architect of Travancore Kingdom’ now stands without a roof. The tragedy is that Rs 30 lakh had been allotted for the renovation but no progress has been made so far
Other important forts cry- ing for attention are Marunthukottai and Maiyakottai
Constructed in 1744, Maruthukottai is located on a hillock on the way to Kulasekaram from Thuckalay, about 6 km from Thuckalay
This fort was used for the manufacture of gun powder
It is about 500 feet from the road at an elevation of 500 ft above the sea level. There are no bastions or gun holes in the fort, indicating that it was mainly used as a store house. Any tourist would pay millions to have a view of the lush green surroundings of the district from the fort.