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Poised at the tip of India’s ‘V’-shaped peninsula, Kanyakumari is famous for its ocean sunrise and sunset. It is also a pilgrimage destination with numerous temples and memorials.
Driving to Kanyakumari is a pleasant experience with state-run buses and private operators offering services from major cities like Chennai and Bangalore. The scenic route through quaint villages and lush landscapes makes the journey itself an exciting part of the trip.
List of Top Tourist Attractions in Kanyakumari
1. Kanyakumari – Vivekananda Rock Memorial
A famous place to visit in Kanyakumari, the Vivekananda Rock Memorial symbolizes purity and unity preached by Swami Vivekananda. It also offers a spectacular view of the confluence of three seas.
The monument is managed by the Vivekananda Kendra, a spiritually oriented-service mission. The Saint Thiruvalluvar Statue is located nearby and tourists often combine their visit to the Rock Memorial with a trip to the statue.
2. The Mystical Sunset Point at Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari is a mesmerizing destination where the Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean meet. The sunset and sunrise at this southernmost point of India is a mystical experience for tourists from all over the world.
At this meeting point, also called Triveni Sangam, the water of these three oceans has a bluish-green hue.
3. Padmanabhapuram Palace Kanyakumari
Padmanabhapuram Palace Kanyakumari is an exemplary edifice of Kerala’s indigenous architecture and craftsmanship. It is also one of the oldest surviving wooden palaces in India.
Visitors can reach Padmanabhapuram Palace by train to Eraniel, the nearest railway station. From there, they can take auto-rickshaws or taxis to the palace.
4. Mathoor Aqueduct, Kanyakumari
Located in Mathoor, a hamlet of Aruvikkarai revenue village in Vilavancode taluk of Kanyakumari district, the bridge was built in 1966 to channel water for irrigation and serve the drought-prone villages. Today, this trough-shaped bridge is also a tourist attraction.
5. Suchindram Shree Thanumalayan Swamy Temple Kanyakumari
Suchindram Shree Thanumalayan Swamy Temple Kanyakumari is one of the rare temples in the world that houses all three Trimurtis of Hinduism (Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma) in a single image. The 17th-century temple is famous for its architectural grandeur. Its white gopuram (gateway tower) is visible from far away.
6. Vattakottai Fort, Kanyakumari
A renowned landmark of Kanyakumari, Vattakottai Fort is a stunning historic site that overlooks the Bay of Bengal Sea and Western Ghats on either side. This mighty fortress was constructed in the 18th century under the rule of Travancore King Marthanda Varma and Eustachius De Lannoy, an ex-Dutch naval officer of the Dutch East India Company.
7. Kanyakumari Bhagavathy Amman Temple
Kanyakumari is a beautiful beach town with many famous temples. It is also one of the most popular destinations for religious pilgrims. The best time to visit this place is between October and March.
The temple is dedicated to Parvati as Devi Kanyakumari (Kanya means virgin and Kumari means girl). The deity’s sparkling diamond nose ring reflects out into the sea.
8. Thiruvalluvar Statue Kanyakumari
Thiruvalluvar Statue Kanyakumari is one of the most popular places to visit in Tamil Nadu. It is located next to Vivekananda Rock Memorial and can be reached by ferry services.
This 133-foot-tall and 7000-ton-heavy statue symbolizes the wealth, pleasure, and love that can be earned and enjoyed with the foundation of virtue. It is designed by renowned sculptor Dr Ganapati Sthapati.
9. Kanyakumari Beach
The beach in Kanyakumari is a dramatic setting with waves that crash against jagged rocks. It is a great place for photographers and painters. One of the islands here is home to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, dedicated to Indian philosopher Swami Vivekananda.
10. Triveni Sangamam Kanyakumari
Known as the confluence of three oceans, this beautiful sight offers spectacular sunrise and sunset. The Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean merge seamlessly here.
The waters are distinctive – the brownish muddy color of the Arabian Sea, the teal blue sparkling water of the Bay of Bengal, and the turquoise shades of the Indian Ocean. The convergence evokes grandeur, depth, and divinity.
11. View Tower Kanyakumari
One of the best places to see sunrise and sunset in Kanyakumari, the View Tower offers a spectacular view of the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean, and Arabian Sea converging into a single point. Also, it provides a clear view of other prominent landmarks such as the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue.
12. Sree Adi Kesava Perumal Temple Kanyakumari
Sree Adi Kesava Perumal Temple Kanyakumari is an ancient Thiruvattar temple and it is one of the 108 Divya Desams. It has several similarities and relations with the famous Padmanabha Swami Temple of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
The temple’s presiding deity lies in a reclining position in the sanctum. The statue is 22 ft long and it is made of jaggery, mustard, and lime powder.
FAQs
Best places to visit in Kanyakumari
- Vivekananda Rock
- Thiruvalluvar Statue
- Kanyakumari Bhagavathy Amman Temple
- Our Lady of Ransom Shrine
- Mathoor Aqueduct
Tourist Sightseeing Spots in Kanyakumari
- Our Lady of Ransom Shrine
- Padmanabhapuram Palace
- Triveni Sangamam
- View Tower | Kanyakumari
- Mahatma Gandhi Mandapam
Popular Tourist Attractions and Places to Visit in and Around Kanyakumari
- Kanyakumari Bhagavathy Amman Temple
- Our Lady of Ransom Shrine
- Sunset View Point
- Padmanabhapuram Palace
- Thiruvalluvar Statue
Things To Do In Kanyakumari
- Sunrise Point
- Shri Mahaveerswami Jain Mandir Dadawadi,
- Our Lady of Ransom Shrine
Top sights in Kanyakumari
- Vivekananda Rock Memorial
- Thiruvalluvar Statue
- Vattakottai Fort
- Suchindram Shree Thanumalayan Swamy Temple
Hidden tourist places in Kanyakumari
- Rock Beach
- Perunchani Dam
- Muttom Beach
- Vellimalai Sivan Temple
- Shadow Falls
Romantic places in Kanyakumari
- Anantya by the Lake
- Annai Resorts & Spa
- Perunchani Dam
- Hidden Twin Beach
- Marunthu Kottai Fort
Best Things to Do in Kanyakumari for Couples
- Vivekananda Rock Memorial
- Padmanabhapuram Palace
- unset View Point
- Kanyakumari Beach
- Marunthu Kottai Fort
Places To Visit In Kanyakumari For Couples
- Vivekananda Rock Memorial
- Padmanabhapuram Palace
- unset View Point
- Kanyakumari Beach
- Marunthu Kottai Fort
Places to visit in Kanyakumari in one day
- Kanyakumari Bhagavathy Amman Temple
- Our Lady of Ransom Shrine
- Sunset View Point
- Padmanabhapuram Palace
- Thiruvalluvar Statue
Best time to visit Kanyakumari
November is the best time to visit Kanyakumari.