Situated in the southernmost part of the country, Kanyakumari is the last land of India. Three water bodies, the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea, meet in Kanyakumari. It is one of the unique destinations of the country that you must see once in your lifetime. This place is a perfect mixture of rich historical significance, natural splendor, and divinity. Kanyakumari got its name from Devi Kanniyakumari, the Hindu goddess who was believed to be the sister of Krishna.
This place is a feast for your eyes if you are an avid traveler who is in search of areas that are full of natural splendor. With its picturesque, wonderful beaches, Kanyakumari attracts people from all over the world. Every year, not only Indians but also foreign tourists come to this place to experience its natural beauty and divinity. Apart from the beaches, it has numerous monuments that let you get a sneak peek into its rich culture and heritage. Thus, all in all, Kanniyakumari is a must-visit destination for travelers. If you are looking to get unique cultural experiences, you will love to visit this place. Thus, what are you waiting for? Embark on a delightful journey to Kanyakumari and experience its breathtaking natural beauty and spiritual spots.
Best Places to Visit in Kanyakumari
A few best places to visit in Kanyakumari are:
Kanyakumari Beach
Located in the southernmost part of the country, Kanyakumari Beach is one of the best tourist destinations in the country. The golden sand and the serenity of this place attract tourists and spiritual travelers. Every year, innumerable tourists visit this beach to view the beautiful sunset and sunrise. You can explore many places during your Kanyakumari visit, such as Udayagiri Fort, Lighthouse, Vivekananda Memorial Rock, Kanyakumari Temple, Gandhi Mandapam, etc. Apart from its beauty, the beach is also the perfect place for photographers.
Vivekananda Rock Memorial
Situated on a small island, Vivekanand Rock Memorial is the epitome of purity and unity. Constructed in 1970, this memorial is located on the exact site where Vivekananda gained enlightenment. The rock on which the Vivekanand Rock Memorial is constructed has a deep spiritual significance. People believe it to be the exact rock where Parvati repented by standing on one foot. The memorial was constructed to pay homage to Swami Vivekananda. He was an author, a philosopher, and a monk who gave a new direction to the freedom movement of the country. This place is full of serenity as well as spirituality, which is the reason why many people visit it again and again.
Thiruvalluvar Statue
Dedicated to the great poet Thiruvalluvar, the Thiruvalluvar statue is a beautiful structure. Its construction started in the year 1990. This monument is 133 feet tall and is placed on a 38-foot pedestal. The 3-level platform of the statue is known as Atharapeedam, and it is decorated with statues of elephants. The statue is constructed in Indian architectural style and weighs around 14 million pounds.
Thanumalayan Temple
Located in Suchindram, the Thanumalayan temple is dedicated to Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu. Renovated in the 17th century, this temple is the perfect example of the architectural brilliance of the ancient era. It has 4 musical pillars that are carved out of a single stone. You will hear a variety of musical notes if you strike these pillars with your thumb. The temple also has large statues of Nandi and Anjaneya. Every year, people from different corners of the country come here to take part in the teppam and rathotsava festivals.
Kumari Amman Temple
The Kumari Amman temple is one of the best places to visit in Kanniyakumari. It is believed to be the dwelling of Goddess Devi Kanya Kumari. The temple has a special place in the hearts of Hindus due to its deep religious significance. People throng here to experience its spiritual essence. The main deity of the temple is also known as Bhagavathi Amman. The temple houses the beautiful statue of the goddess, which is decorated with a diamond nose ring. According to a legend, Devi Kanya was to marry Shiva. However, the marriage never took place. People believe that Lord Shiva arrived at the place of the wedding when the auspicious time was over. This is the reason why the marriage couldn’t be materialized.
As you enter the temple, you will be amazed to see its magnificence. The Kumari Amman Temple is known for its beautiful, intricate carvings. The gopuram is also beautiful and is one of the unique attractions of the temple. The legends attached to this temple and the divine energy of this place attract tourists from all parts of the country.
Padmanabhapuram Palace
This is one of the uniquely beautiful palaces in the country. You will get to know about the unique cultural heritage of India after visiting it. People believe that the palace was constructed in the 16th century. Padmanabhapuram Palace houses a wide range of artifacts and antiques that let you know much about the bygone era. The palace is constructed from wood and looks beautiful due to its wooden carvings. It is a 4 km-long fortress and is divided into many sections. Each section of the palace has a unique significance of its own. You will find numerous unique articles in this palace, such as brass lamps, paintings, large mirrors, wood & stone sculptures, different weapons, etc. Every day, a large number of tourists visit this place to experience its serenity and natural splendor. This palace is the best example of the architectural brilliance of Kerala. The carvings done here are constructed with rosewood. The beautiful sculptures add value to the beauty of this place.
Lord Subramanya Temple
This temple is a holy Hindu shrine that is located in the Kanyakumari district. Dedicated to Lord Murugan, the temple is immensely popular for its serenity. People who come here are amazed to see its captivating architecture, beautiful gopuram, and stone sculptures. As soon as you enter the temple, you will feel its spiritual essence. The sound of prayer coming from each corner of the temple makes the whole atmosphere spiritual.
You will feel serenity everywhere after visiting the temple. The holy pond located on the premises adds tranquility to this place. It is visited by numerous visitors who take part in the religious ceremonies organized at the temple.
Kanyakumari Wax Museum
Situated in the Baywatch amusement park, the Kanyakumari Wax Museum is one of the best attractions to be explored by tourists. Constructed in the year 2005, the Kanyakumari Wax Museum offers an immersive experience to tourists. This museum houses a large number of wax sculptures of celebrities, political leaders, and historical figures.
The museum offers a great experience for visitors by letting them know about the contributions of great people to the world. Here, you will find the wax sculptures of notable figures such as Mother Teresa, Swami Vivekananda, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, etc. The Kanyakumari Wax Museum offers informative displays and multimedia presentations that help you know about the lives as well as the achievements of famous personalities. You can explore the museum, take photographs, and praise the artistry behind each wax figure that is placed here.
Thiruparappu Falls
This manmade waterfall is 55 km away from Kanyakumari. The water falling from a height of 50 feet looks beautiful. It is collected in a pool below, which lets you enjoy it with your friends and family members. The natural scenes and the beautiful flora and fauna surrounding this waterfall attract visitors from all corners of the country.
Once you are here, you can visit the Mahadevar Temple, which is known as one of the 12 ‘Sivalayas.’ Constructed in the 9th century, the temple is popular for its Kerala style of architecture. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple offers a great experience to the visitors. You can rent paddle boats and enjoy the route. Passing through the thick vegetation, the serenity and beauty of this destination will be a fantastic experience for the visitors.
Tsunami Monument
It is a unique monument that is situated near the shore of Kanyakumari. The tsunami monument is a perfect reminder of those who died in the tsunami. The site is not only visited by Indians but also by the people of Thailand, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and the Maldives. This 16-foot memorial features 2 hands. While one hand holds a blue wave, the other one is carrying a lamp of hope.
Best Time to Visit Kanyakumari
Winter (October to March)
The winter season in Kanyakumari is from October to March. This is the ideal time to visit it, as the weather is favorable and you don’t need to worry about the heat. The weather during this season is at agreeable levels. So, you can visit Kanyakumari with your kids without getting worried. The skies are clear during this time, and the visitors can enjoy water sports, surfing, swimming, etc. This is the peak season to visit Kanyakumari. Thus, you will have to spend more on your Kanyakumari tour if you go there during this time.
Summer (April to June)
The summer season starts from April to June. During this time, the temperature rises to 35 degrees. This makes the whole atmosphere humid and makes it difficult for visitors to explore Kanyakumari. However, it is a good time to visit a few places such as the Gandhi Museum, Vivekananda Rock, Vattakottai Fort, etc. This season is the best time for those who want to explore the beaches. You must choose early summer in Kanyakumari to visit it. During this time, you can easily go surfing and take a dip in the sea.
Monsoon (July to September)
The monsoon season starts in June, and the temperature range during this season is lower than the summer season. However, the rain increases the humidity level, which makes it difficult for tourists to explore this region. But if you love rain, this is the right time to visit Kanyakumari.
Getting Around Kanyakumari
It is easy to get around Kanniyakumari through the following transport mediums:
Car
Exploring Kanyakumari by car is easy and convenient. You can easily hire a car or a taxi to visit the sightseeing places. Many apps are available through which you can hire a taxi. Moreover, you can also hire a private cab that you can easily find on the road.
Bus
If you have set a limited budget for your Kanyakumari tour, you must choose a bus to get around in Kanyakumari. You will find many local buses through which you can reach any sightseeing place. However, apart from the government-run buses, you can also find private buses to reach your destination.
Auto-rickshaws
If you want to go to a nearby place, hiring an auto-rickshaw will be much better than hiring a taxi. They provide you with much-needed safety and comfort. Most visitors who want to cover short distances hire auto-rickshaws for their journey.
How to Reach Kanyakumari?
By Air
Travelers can book flights to Trivandrum International Airport, which is the nearest airport to Kanniyakumari. Located approximately 90 kilometers away from Kanniyakumari, Trivandrum Airport is well-connected to the important cities of the country. Thus, whether you are coming from Mumbai, Delhi, or a small city, you can reach Trivandrum easily from your city. You will find many airlines that offer flight services from your city to Trivandrum. Once you reach Trivandrum, you can easily take a taxi or bus to head to Kanyakumari.
By Train
If you love a train journey, you can catch a train to reach Kanyakumari. You can reach Kanyakumari railway station from any city. Direct trains are available from most cities and can take you to this place without any inconvenience. Thus, whether you are coming from Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore, you can easily catch a train and reach Kanyakumari. This is a convenient transportation mode as it provides you with much-needed comfort.
By Road
You can also travel to Kanyakumari by bus, as there is a regular bus service from various cities to Kanyakumari. There are many private and state-run buses that you can catch to reach Kanyakumari from Madurai, Trivandrum, and Chennai.
