It is a town in the Kanyakumari district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Located at the southernmost tip of the Indian Peninsula, its former name was Cape Comorin. The capital of Kerala (85 km). anniyakumari was once referred to as the "Alexandria of the East". It has been a great centre for pilgrimage, commerce and trade. St.Thomas, one of the twelve Apostles of Christ, arrived in this area in 52 AD. Kanniyakumari was under the control of the Chola, Chera, Pandya and Nayak dynasties who built several temples. Islam, Christianity and Jainism have also enriched the architectural wealth and heritage of the city.