Top Destinations in Kanyakumari

Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari

                    Vivekananda Rock Memorial is a monument and popular tourist attraction in Kanyakumari, India's southernmost tip.[1] The memorial stands on one of the two rocks located about 500 meters off mainland of Vavathurai. It was built in 1970 in honour of Swami Vivekananda, who is said to have attained enlightenment on the rock.[1][2][3][4] According to legends, it was on this rock that Goddess Kanyakumari (Parvathi) performed tapas in devotion of lord Shiva. A meditation hall known as Dhyana Mandapam is also attached to the memorial for visitors to meditate. The design of the mandapa incorporates different styles of temple architecture from all over India.[1] The rocks are surrounded by the Laccadive Sea where the three oceans Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea meets. The memorial consists of two main structures, the Vivekananda Mandapam and the Shripada Mandapam.

Thiruvalluvar Statue In Kanyakumari

Thiruvalluvar Statue

                    The imposing statue of the Tamil literary legend, Thrivalluvar stands tall and mighty adjacent to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial. This architectural masterpiece has a 38-feet tall pedestal representing the 38 chapters on virtue in his literary work – Thirukkural – and the 133-feet tall statue represents the 133 chapters in this book. This is one of the most wonderful tourist places in Kanyakumari that also holds great historical and architectural significance. 

Bhagavathy Amman Temple In Kanyakumari

Bhagavathy Amman Temple

                    Kanyakumari gets its name from the deity Bhagavathy Amman, also called Devi Kanyakumari or Virgin Goddess, whose artistically built idol with a prominent nose pin sits in the sanctum santorum of this temple. The temple is located just 1km from the Kanyakumari railway station and bus stand and is built just a few metres away from the Kanyakumari Beach. Considered one of the 108 Shaktipeethas, this sacred temple holds great religious and historical significance and is one of the most important places to visit in Kanyakumari as well.

Our Lady of Ransom Church In Kanyakumari

Our Lady of Ransom Church

                        Our Lady of Ransom is a magnificent 15th-century church that boasts the Gothic-style architecture of that era. Standing tall and pristine amidst the blue sky and lashing waves, this white architectural marvel is dedicated to Virgin Mary who is also called “Alangara Upkara Matha” by the Tamil Christians residing here. The church houses a saree-clad idol of Mother Mary which makes it a must-visit tourist places in Kanyakumari. At night the church is lit in colourful lights which also makes it sight to behold.

Tsunami Monument In Kanyakumari

Tsunami Monument

                The Tsunami Monument was designed by built by the architect B. Kanagaraj Cangan to commemorate all those who lost their lives on 26th December 2004 in the earthquake and tsunami that had its epicentre in the Java and Sumatra islands and affected multiple islands along with southern state of Tamil Nadu. IT is a 16-feet monument built near the shore in Kanyakumari and stands as a grim reminder of one of the biggest natural calamities. Truly one of the best places to visit in Kanyakumari.

Wax Museum In Kanyakumari

Wax Museum

                    Mayapuri Wonder Wax Museum is one of its kind which houses the wax statues of numerous national and international personalities of historic importance. It is conveniently located very close to the railway station and can be reached easily via local transport. An imitation of the wax museum in London, Mayapuri Wonder Wax Museum is an interesting tourist attraction that you can include in your Kanyakumari sightseeing itinerary.

Bharatmata Temple In Kanyakumari

Bharatmata Temple

                    Ramayan Darshan Temple or Bharat Mata Temple is an architectural and aesthetical wonder erected in Kanyakumari. The ground floor of this building is dedicated to the beautiful paintings of the Epic, Ramayana that is described chronologically along with a detailed description. In the first floor, there is a 12-feet-tall brass statue of Bharat Mata and paintings and statues of other deities including Devi Kanyakumari and Lord Vivekananda. The sheer magnificence of this building, the tale of Ramayana wonderfully depicted through paintings and the beautifully carved statues of various deities make this one of the best places to visit in Kanyakumari.

Kanyakumari Beach In Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari Beach

                    Kanyakumari Beach is a rocky beach that offers a mesmerising view of the blue waters splashing against the rocks. The golden sand drenched in multiple hues of the setting and the rising sun, the spectacular view of sunrise and sunset and the picturesque beauty of the rock memorial and the towering statue makes it a must-visit tourist places in Kanyakumari. People flock here from dawn to dusk to drench themselves in the splashing Ocean or just sit on the shore and enjoy the beauty of the beach.

Sai Baba Temple In Kanyakumari

Sai Baba Temple

                Located at a distance of 8kms from Kanyakumari Railway Station, this Sai Baba temple is a symbol of faith, serenity and tranquillity. The aesthetic white structure of the temple gives a feeling of calm to the onlooker while the quiet prayer hall with the huge statue of Sai Baba connects you to the saint himself. Include this temple as part of sightseeing in Kanyakumari if you wish to spend some time in a calm and quiet place.

Triveni Sangam In Kanyakumari

Triveni Sangam

                    Apart from the majestic rock memorial and the mammoth statue of the Tamil poet, Kanyakumari is also famous for the Triveni Sangam – the confluence of the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. Deities visiting the Kanyakumari temple also visit this Sangam and dip their feet in the water as they consider it holy. The Sangam offers a spectacular view of the sunset and also the rock memorial situated just 500m from the seashore.

Thanumalayan Temple In Kanyakumari

Thanumalayan Temple

                    Thanumalayam Temple represents both Shaivite and Vaishnavite communities and is dedicated to the Trimurthis – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The intricately designed gopurams, the 22-feet-tall statue of Lord Anjaneya and the musical pillars built out of a single granite are some of the noteworthy aspects of the temple. Indeed this temple is thronged by devotees and tourists to admire its architectural beauty and to pay obeisance to Sthanumalayan – the three Lords enshrined as a single deity.

Guganathaswamy Temple In Kanyakumari

Guganathaswamy Temple

                     This 1000-year-old temple depicting the enchanting Dravidian-style architecture is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Deemed to have been built by Raja Raja Chola. The temple has a small Shivlinga in the sanctum santorum, which is the main deity, and it also has 16 inscriptions that date back to the 11th century. The temple is located on the main road, very close to the railway station and bus stop.

Thirparappu Falls In Kanyakumari

Thirparappu Falls

                    Fifty-feet tall man-made waterfalls, Thirparappu Waterfalls located around 55kms from Kanyakumari is a worth a visit. The water collects in a small pool below and the public is allowed to bathe in the cool waters of this falls. Separate changing rooms for men and women are also present, making it convenient for travellers who wish to take a dip in the waters. The surrounding area is also built like a park where tourists can sit and relax, watching the falls. A cool getaway from the city centre, Thirparappu Falls is one of the many popular places to visit near Kanyakumari and also a must-visit tourist attraction.

Padmanabhapuram Palace In Kanyakumari

Padmanabhapuram Palace

                    This notable palace is located 10kms from the city centre and is a charming beauty of the 16th century. This palace is intricately built with teakwood and is a classic example of Tacusastra (ancient art of carpentry). A rich heritage of the Kingdom of Travancore, this marvellous palace has everything from Brazilian mirrors, beautifully carved columns to furniture designed with Chinese carvings. The two-storey palace is artistically interconnected through narrow paths from one unit to another and it also houses the paintings of all the Kings of Travancore. Indeed, Padmanabhapuram Palace is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kanyakumari.

Sunset Point In Kanyakumari

Sunset Point

                    Just like the sunrise in Kanyakumari, sunset is also a spectacle to behold. Watching the gorgeous sunset at the backdrop of the clear blue sky and the blue ocean is a splendid experience every tourist must enjoy. The reflection of the setting sun on the sea changes from golden to crimson red and this alluring sight is sure to leave the onlooker awestruck. The Sunset Point is also the point where the 2 seas and the Indian Ocean and is one of the top places to visit in Kanyakumari to enjoy the amazing sunset.

View Tower In Kanyakumari

View Tower

                    For the best view of the sea and the rock memorial standing majestically amidst the sea, View Tower is the best choice to visit. It gives you ample opportunity to capture some picture-perfect moments and also enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful view. You get a panoramic view of the coastal city and can also watch the beautiful sunset and sunrise in Kanyakumari. One of the top places to visit in Kanyakumari, View Tower is something one cannot miss from their Kanyakumari sightseeing itinerary.

Gandhi Mandap In Kanyakumari

Gandhi Mandap

                    Apart from Vivekananda, Kanyakumari also boasts of the Gandhi Mandap which is dedicated to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi which is built quite close to the shore. This memorial is built in the exact same location where the urn with the ashes of this great soul placed for the public to pay their tribute, after which the ashes were dissolved in the Triveni Sangam. The memorial showcases some of the rarest of the rare pictures of the Mahatma with many prominent personalities from the West. The memorial also has a charkha inscribed on one of the domes, as a reminder of Gandhi’s protest for Swaraj.

Vattakotai Fort In Kanyakumari

Vattakotai Fort

                    The splendid Vattakotai Fort is spread over an area of 3.5acres and is one of the fascinating places to visit in Kanyakumari. The fort which was built in the 18th century by the Travancore Dynasty, under the supervision of King Marthanda Verma, overlooks the might Bay of Bengal and gives a spectacular view of the sea. It was the last fort built by this dynasty after defeating Captain Eustachius De Lannoy’s army in the Battle of Colachel. This fort is now protected and maintained by the Archeological Department of India.