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Kanyakumari Travel Guide

Lofty patches of red cliffs with deep blue waters and of course the union of three major water bodies-Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean-there's definitely something magical about Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India. The place is all about picture perfect sunsets, enchanting full-moon nights, scrumptious coastal food, walk by the azure waters and of course the thrill of being in such a geographical wonderful destination, indeed, Kanyakumari can always leave you asking for more. From scenic beaches to churches, temples, waterfalls and monuments-the places to visit in Kanyakumari include some of the best sceneries you will ever witness. Kanyakumari, a part of Tamil Nadu is unique in many ways and offers matchless scenic beauty. Owing to its strategic location, Kanyakumari makes for an ideal tourist destination and a weekend getaway for the ones living in cities like Trichy, Thiruvananthapuram, Pondicherry, Coimbatore and Chennai. Needless to say that travellers will have end number of choices in terms of places to see and things to do in Kanyakumari. Dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, a religious reformer, the Vivekananda Rock Memorial is one of the most popular tourist attraction in Kanyakumari. Covering an area of six acres, the rock memorial is situated at an island a few metres into the sea and positioned at a level of 17 metres above the sea level. Apart from that, a statue of celebrated Tamil poet, Thiruvalluvar, standing tall, almost at the confluence of the three seas, is a major tourist place.

Back on the shore, the Gandhi Memorial is yet another structure that draws a lot of eyes. The monument is so constructed that every year on Gandhiji's birth anniversary, sunlight peers through a hole in the ceiling. Other major travel places at Kanyakumari include a host of beautiful beaches including Sothavilai Beach, Sanguthurai Beach and of course the main Kanyakumari Beach. Play with the waters of the ocean, take a stroll on the beaches as you witness the beautiful sun setting across the horizon-the beautiful beaches of Kanyakumari will always fill you with a sense of wonder. Away from the coastline Kanyakumari boasts of several other attractions for visiting including waterfalls, temples, churches, museums and historical monuments. If you are religious, you can choose from ample places of worship, sprinkled all over-be it temples or churches. Attend a midnight mass at the Our Lady of Ransom Church or offer prayers at the Bhagavathy Amman Temple, you are bound to feel blessed. History buffs can have a good time at Kanyakumari Wax Museum or exploring the Vattakottai Fort. In our effort to guide tourists in Kanyakumari we have given all the details about the places to visit and things to do in our Kanyakumari Travel Guide that can also help you with how to reach and best time to go. Trust us for the most authentic information.

Best Time to Visit Kanyakumari

Owing to its location, a tropical climate characterises Kanyakumari. Summers can get exceptionally hot and sunny while monsoons become highly humid. This is why, the best time to visit Kanyakumari is the winters months when the weather is cool and pleasant. Maximum tourists flock to the city from November to March.

  • Summer

    Summer

    Summers in Kanyakumari are hot and humid. The average temperature ranges between 25°C to 34°C during April and May making it somewhat uncomfortable for the tourists especially during daytime. Therefore, you will find comparatively less tourists flocking to the place during this time of the year.

  • Monsoon

    Monsoon

    Monsoons span from June end till September in the area. Kanyakumari receives somewhat moderate rainfall. However, the weather becomes quite humid during this time making it slightly unbearable for travellers. Nonetheless if you want to experience the exquisiteness of the three oceans' confluence, it can be one of the best times. But do remember to carry umbrellas and raincoats with you.

  • Winter

    Winter

    Winter months are the best time to visit Kanyakumari when the weather is absolutely pleasant. Temperature ranges between 17°C and 22°C, humidity in the air gets completely reduced thus making more comfortable for tourists to venture out. The cool breeze from the seas enhances the serenity of the region. A trip to Kanyakumari during winters are bound to fill you with a great sense of satisfaction and pleasure.

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Popular Tourist Attractions and Places to Visit in and Around Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari makes for an ideal destination for all those who love travelling. Whether its pilgrims, nature lovers, family vacationers or solo travellers - all kinds of tourists are bound to have a great time in the coastal town.

  • Vivekananda Rock Memorial

    As the name suggests, the Vivekananda Rock Memorial was built to commemorate the great religious reformer Swami Vivekananda. Opened to the public in 1970, the rock memorial is a major tourist attraction in Kanyakumari. The rock memorial comprises two main structures-the Vivekananda Mandapam and the Shripada Mandapam. After you have paid your homage, you can step out to get a splendid view of the tapering end of India from this point.

  • Thiruvalluvar Statue

    The gigantic statue of Tamil Poet Thiruvalluvar, standing atop an island few metres into the sea is one of the major tourist attractions of Kanyakaumari. Standing tall at 133 feet, the statue of Thiruvalluvar was opened to the public in 2000. The statue stands on a three-tier pedestal, known as the Atharapeedam which is further surrounded by a 38 feet Alankara Peedam. 10 elephants made of stone mantle the Alankara Peedam symbolising the ten directions - eight for earth, one for sky and another for hell.

  • Kanyakumari Beach

    A unplanned stroll on the main beach is a must while on a tour of Kanyakumari. Known as Kanyakumari Beach, the shoreline attracts of tourists especially during the winter months. While travellers are not allowed to take a dip into the waters owing to rocky patches in between. However, a walk on the soft sands a little away in the evening with our significant other while watching the orange sun set across the horizon is an experience to remember. Read more

  • Padmanabhapuram Palace

    Upholding a gorgeous architecture, the Padmanabhapuram Palace is one of the best places to visit in Kanyakumari. Located at the foothills of the Veli Hills, the palace was built in the 16th century by Kulasekhara Perumal of the Travancore Kingdom. The floors of the palace are made out of black granite which till date demands the admiration of the viewers. Appreciate the murals, the numerous floral carvings on the walls, and a host of others connoisseur's collections, a tour of the palace will fill you with a sense of pleasure. Read more

  • Thanumalayan Temple

    Dedicated to the Shiavaite and Vaishnavaite sects of Hinduism, the Thanumalayan Temple is one of the most revered places of worship in Kanyakaumari. The presiding deities of the temple are Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma in a single form called Sthanumalyam. Constructed in a typical Dravidian style of architecture, the structure is easily visible from a long distance. Do remember to pay home at the temple, while on a tour of Kanyakumari.

  • Sunset View Point

    If you are in search of a calm and quiet spot in the southernmost tip of the country, then a visit to the Sunset View Point is a must. One of the most visited places in Kanyakumari, the Sunset View Point is a favourite among all kinds of travellers. Watching the sunset across the horizon-at the confluence of the three seas-Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean is a thrilling experience.

  • Bhagavathy Amman Temple

    Believed to be over 3000 years-old, the Bhagavathy Amman temple is one of the most revered places of worship in Kanyakumari. Dedicated to virgin goddess Devi Kanyakumari, the temple attracts a lot of devotees round the year. The devi stands tall as a charming young lady on her penance. The Bhagavathy Amman temple is one of the 51 Shakti-peethas, spread all over the Indian subcontinent. A tour of Kanyakumari is incomplete without a visit to the Bhagavathy Amman Temple.

  • Vattakottai Fort

    Resting along the coast of the Bay of Bengal, the Vattakotai Fort is a must-visit attraction on Kanyakumari. One of the last coastal forts constructed by the rulers of the Travancore Kingdom, it dates back to the 18th century. Constructed under the supervision of an ex-Dutch naval officer, today the fort protected under the archaeological department of India. Built of solid stone, the fort comprises watch towers, weapon rooms and resting rooms. It goes without saying that the architectural grandeur of the fort makes for a must visit to this place.

  • Thirparappu Falls

    One of the more popular tourist places in Kanyakumari happens to be the Thirparappu Falls. Located at a distance of 55 kilometres from the main city, the cascading waters of the falls make for an enchanting sight to behold. The waterfall originates at the Kodyar River and descends at Thirparappu from a height of around 50 feet. The location is ideal to adults and children alike who can enjoy to their fullest here. Whether simply admiring the beauty of the falls or taking a dip, the things to do will leave you asking for more.

  • Our Lady of the Ransom Church

    Dedicated to Mother Mary, Our Lady of the Ransom Church is one of the most revered places of worship in Kanyakumari. The religious shrine ends up attracting a lot of pilgrims and travellers round the year. The astounding Gothic architecture of the church always leaves everyone in awe. Attend a mass here or simply offer prayers, a stint at the Our Lady of the Ransom Church will make you feel truly blessed. Read more

  • Gandhi Memorial

    The Gandhi Memorial, built in memory of the Father of the Nation, is yet another major tourist attraction in Kanyakumari. After his death, his ashes were immersed in the Triveni Sangam, here in Kanyakumari. The architecture of the memorial closely resembles Hindu Shrines of Central India. Which is why man address it as the Gandhi Mandapam. While in Kanyakumari, a visit to the revered place is a must.

  • Mathur Aqueduct

    One of its kind, the Mathur Aqueduct is yet another place of interest to visit, while on a tour of Kanyakumari. Measuring one kilometre in length and 115 feet in height, this hanging bridge is one of the tallest and the longest trough bridges in Asia. The imposing structure was constructed in 1966 over the Pahrali River and till date attracts a lot of tourists. Later a flight of stairs was built for the convenience of public.

  • Kanyakumari Wax Museum

    A comparatively recent addition, the Kanyakumari Wax Museum is a major tourist attraction in the city. Needless to say, that the museum attracts a lot of curious visitors every day. It was the first wax museum to be opened in India, way back in 2005. As the name suggests, the museum exhibits wax statues of eminent personalities from different walks of life. Get yourself clicked with Mahatma Gandhi or Abdul Kalam, you are bound to have a great time. Read more

  • Sothavilai Beach

    If you are looking for a sea beach in Kanyalumari that offers you something different then you must visit the Sothavilai Beach. One of the longest natural sandy beaches in south India, a walk along the Sothavilai Beach during sunset with your significant other would be an experience of a lifetime. Do remember to pay a visit to this beach while on a tour of Kanyakumari.

  • Sanguthurai Beach

    One of the lesser known and quiet beaches of Kanyakumari, the Sanguthurai Beach is a must visit for all travellers who are on a tour of Kanyakumari. While the soft slightly white sands are a pleasure to walk on, the lukewarm waters of the ocean are perfect to go for a swim. You can also observe the Vivekananda Rock and the statue of Thiruvalluvar at a certain distance.

  • Kutralam

    Courtallam Falls

    If you are looking for something different to hang out in this coastal city, then a trip to the Courtallam Falls is a must visit which, is located roughly 125 kilometres from the main town. Cascading from height of 520 feet, the falls is often referred to as the "Spa of South India" as travellers are often seen plunging and taking a dip into its waters. Photographers might find its worth taking shots while others can simply enjoy the chill. A scene from the superhit movie Roja was shot here.Read more

  • Adi Keshava Perumal Temple

    A comparatively lesser-known temple in the Kanyakumari region, travellers with a religious bend of mind, can choose to visit this temple. Surrounded by rivers on its three sides, the temple is built in the traditional Dravidian style of architecture. Despite being not so popular, the temple ends up attracting a substantial number of pilgrims and tourists round the year. Do, remember to pay a visit to the Adi Keshava Perumal Temple while on a tour of Kanyakuamri.

  • Jain Temple

    Upholding a typical Jain architecture, Kanyakumari's Jain temple is one of the major places of worship for this particular religious sect in the locality. What sets the temple apart from others is the fact that its entry is through a cave that contains rock-cut sculptures of the Jain Tirthankaras. The presiding deity here happens to be Thirucharanathu Bhataariyar. However, idol of Mahavira is also installed in the cave.

  • Tsunami Monument

    The Tsunami Monument is yet another tourist attraction in Kanyakumari that is worth a visit. Located near the southern shore of the town, the monument was built in the memory of those who lost their lives in the 2004 Indian ocean earthquake followed by Tsunami. Travellers from far flung places flock to this monument to pay reverence to the thousands of lost lives in the disaster. The memorial is worth a visit.

  • Vattakottai Beach

    Located along the Vattakottai Fort, the Vattakottai Beach is yet another interesting place to visit in Kanyakumari. The slightly rocky beach and the black sands make for an amazing experience. Take a last stroll on the black sands of the beach, or explore the nearby fort - the things to do at the Vattakottai Beach will fill you with a sense of fulfilment. Do remember to visit this beach while on a tour of Kanyakumari.

  • Thengapattinam Beach

    If you are looking for a beach in Kanyakumari that offers something different, then you must head towards the Thengapattinam Beach. Located in the coastal village of Paimkulam, this beach is bound to soothe a traveller's tired eyes. Pristine blue waters, sun-kissed beaches with warm sands and an array of coconut trees welcome you as you step into the Thengapattinam Beach. Laze around or take a stroll - the experiences at this beach is bound to excite you.

  • Observation Tower

    The Observation Tower is yet another tourist attraction in the coastal town of Kanyakumari. If you want to catch a glimpse of panoramic views of the sand and the sea, do remember to visit the observation tower located in the Kovalam Beach Road. A circular structure with five floors, the Observation Tower offers amazing views of the seas and the overall scenery of Kanyakumari. A tour of the observation tower is a must, while you are visiting Kanyakumari.

Where to Stay in Kanyakumari?

An array of accommodations is available in Kanyakumari, that caters to all kinds of travellers. From backpackers to family vacationers and even luxury seekers can find places to stay in Kanyakumari suiting their pockets and interest. Be it a backpackers' hostel near the railway station or a lovely family suite overlooking the sea-hotels options in Kanyakumari are in plenty. The best part about the town's accommodation is that, you can easily book them online from us where you get the best deals and discounts and a guarantee of a comfortable stay.

How to Reach Kanyakumari?

Kanyakumari can be easily accessed from almost all over the country. Needless to say that major cities of Kerala and Tamil Nadu are much closer to Kanyakumari. Thiruvananthapuram lies at a distance of 100 kilometres from Kanyakumari while Kochi is 299 kilometres away. Kanyakumari can be reached easily from Madurai, Coimbatore and Pondicherry as well.

  • By Air

    The nearest airport to Kanyakumari happens to be Thiruvananthapuram International Airport located roughly at a distance of 70 kilometres. Apart from being well-connected with the rest of the country, the airport is also well-linked with a number of Gulf Countries. Taxis for Kanyakumari are easily available at the airport.

  • By Rail

    Kanyakumari has its own railhead and all major express trains stop at this junction. Trains from all major cities including Kolkata, Delhi, Hyderabad and Mumbai ply to Kanyakumari on a regular basis. The second major railhead happens to be Thiruvananthapuram. From here one can either go bay taxi or take another local train to Kanyakumari.

  • By Road

    Kanyakumari can be easily covered by road as well. Buses ply from major cities like Thiruvananthapuram, Madurai, Coimbatore, Puducherry and even Chennai. National Highway 7 connects Kanyakumari to Chennai and Puducherry while travelling to Kanyakumari from Thiruvananthapuram, one needs to take NH 47 via Nagercoil. As per their comfort, travellers can choose from AC and non-AC buses as well. On the other hand, you can choose to self-drive as well as the road conditions are really good.

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