Chitharal, A Place of Historical Significance and Tranquility

Chitharal is a renowned tourist destination
in Kanyakumari District, which is situated at a distance of about 7 km from Marthandam, 30 km from Nagercoil, 48 km from Thiruvananthapuram and 45 km from Kanyakumari. This small village of Chitharal is popular among the tourists for its Jain monuments which have been conserved by the Archaeological Survey of India.

These temples of Jain Deities' are believed to be structured during the period of 9th century AD, and they stand as the chief attraction of the place. These sculptures are historically known as Thirucharanathupalli, which are located inside the caves on a hill.

At the foot of the Thirucharanmalai hillock, you will come across an elegant Kerala Style Arch, structured out of rocks, which is also the starting point of your trek. From the bottom of the hill, you can measure the hard climb up the hill. But one has got be prepared for a steep climb of around 800 meters.

It is advisable to trek on a day when the sun is not too sharp. Throughout the trekking route, you will come across many cement benches, where you can rest during the climb. But if the day is shinny, the scorching heat of the sun will not let you relax on these benches. Colorful flowers and few trees, with red and yellow flowers around these benches will offer a charming surrounding.

The steep climb is worth the effort as Chitharal stands as one of the last few remnants of Jain religion. Few years back, these Jain monuments were considered as the pilgrim center for the Jains'. When Jainism was slowly declining during the rule of the Cholas during the 11th Century, it is believed that Chandragupta Maurya, along with a Jain ascetic Badrabhahu, reached Sravanabelagola in 298 BC. Their followers came to this region in order to spread Jainism and chose the hillock for meditation. However, the place was transformed into a Hindu temple during 1250 A.D. and a figure of Bhagavathy was installed.

The hill top hill, Thirucharanmalai, means `the hill holy to the charanas'.

As you reach the summit of the hill, you will be able to observe the picturesque beauty of Chitharal. The cave which is the main attraction of this village is also a natural splendor to be admired.

From the apex of the hill, one can view and enjoy the beauty of meandering rivers, lakes, fields, clusters of villages, coconut fields, tall church spires, and the lines of Western Ghats covered with white clouds, which will keep you awe-struck.

Another chief attraction at the top of the hill is two large rocks facing each other, and one can also explore the entire beauty of the bottom of the hill through the small window created by these rocks. The top also holds some of the remnants of ancient temples, which is believed to be of Charanas. This entire rocky area is carved with Jain deities' images and is also a part of primeval period.

How to Reach Chitharal

The nearest railway station is to this place is at Kuzhithurai which is at a distance of around 4 km and the nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport. Chitharal is around 55km from Kanyakumari, 36km from Nagercoil and 7km from Marthandam. It can also be reached by road from Kandapuram, leading to Elanthavilas.