Places to visit in Kanyakumari (2024)

  • Post last modified:6 April 2023
  • Reading time:20 mins read
  • Post category:Places to Visit

At the southernmost tip of India lies the mesmerizing piece of land called Kanyakumari. An amalgamation of scenic beauty and cultural importance, Kanyakumari is certain to take a place in every travellers’ bucket list. Also referred to as — The Land’s end, Kanyakumari is the southernmost town of Tamil Nadu and the Indian subcontinent.

The town of Kanyakumari equally attracts leisure travellers and pilgrims. From enchanting natural beauty to calming and historically relevant sanctums, there is a lot to see and do in this tourist haven.

With plenty of options available, it is often a difficult task to compile a list of places to visit in Kanyakumari. In this article, we bring you famous places that are worth your visit.


10 Places to Visit in Kanyakumari

  1. Vivekananda Rock Memorial
  2. Thiruvalluvar Statue
  3. Kanyakumari Beach
  4. Mahatma Gandhi Mandapam
  5. Tsunami Memorial Park
  6. Bhagavathy Amman Temple
  7. Our Lady of Ransom Church
  8. Triveni Sangam
  9. Sunset Point
  10. Vattakottai Fort

Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Vivekananda Rock Memorial
Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Vivekananda Rock Memorial boasts numerous cultural and heritage values. As per legends, Swami Vivekananda attained enlightenment on this very rock. Surrounded by the Lakshadweep Sea, Vivekananda Rock Memorial was built in 1970 in honour of the monk.

Tourists from all over the world flock towards this spot to check out the marvellous architecture within the Dhyana Mandapam aka meditation hall.

As per folklore, the spot where Vivekananda Rock Memorial rests is also where the goddess Kanyakumari performed Tapasya in Neelkanth’s devotion. The memorial is divided into two sections: Vivekananda Mandapam and the Shripada Mandapam.

The peaceful vibe with the serene view of the sea provides the perfect setting for visitors to meditate or perform yoga. The same factors make Vivekananda Rock Memorial one of the top places to visit in Kanyakumari.

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Major Attractions: Vivekananda Mandapam and Shripada Mandapam

Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours

Things to do: Meditate, Visit the spot where Swami Vivekananda achieved enlightenment.

Thiruvalluvar Statue

Thiruvalluvar Statue
Thiruvalluvar Statue

Thiruvalluvar Statue can be visited by ferry and is often not missed by tourists who visit the nearby Vivekananda Rock Memorial. The statue is considered to be the face of Tamil Nadu’s deep cultural and philosophical values.

The stone monument was unveiled at the beginning of the new millennium, on 1st January 2000. The Thiruvalluvar Statue is one of the most famous tourist places in not just Kanyakumari but the whole of South India.

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Major Attractions: The pedestal represents 38 chapters of virtue.

Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours

Things to do: Climb up on the foot of the statue

Kanyakumari Beach

Kanyakumari Beach
Kanyakumari Beach

One can treat their feet to the pristine golden sands of one of the most beautiful beaches in India — Kanyakumari Beach. The stretch of sandy landscape that marks the end of the Indian subcontinent, is one of the most crowded yet must-visit attractions in Kanyakumari.

Visitors can witness the Triveni Sangamam (the unity of Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and the mighty Indian Ocean) from this very beach.

From taking a stroll aimlessly to listening to the calming sound of tides splashing against the sturdy rocks, the serene beach provides a lot to look forward to. Kanyakumari Beach is also the starting spot for tourists who wish to visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the Thiruvalluvar Statue.

Best time to visit: December to February

Major Attractions: Triveni Sangamam

Ideal duration to explore: 2-3 hours

Things to do: Evening walk, take a ferry ride to nearby attractions

Mahatma Gandhi Mandapam

Mahatma Gandhi Mandapam
Mahatma Gandhi Mandapam

After the demise of Mahatma Gandhi, one of the greatest personalities to walk the earth, his ashes were collected in 12 urns and transferred to different parts across the country. One of those urns was brought to Kanyakumari for people to pay homage to the greatest freedom fighter the country has ever seen.

After the ceremony, the ashes were immersed in the sea. The spot where the ashes were kept paved the way for Mahatma Gandhi Mandapam.

The tourist hotspot constructed in 1956 has to be a must inclusion in the list for tourists who seek historically significant tourist spots in Kanyakumari.

Mahatma Gandhi mandapam is created in such a way that, each year, on Gandhiji’s birthday (2nd October), the sun rays pass through a spot and perfectly hits the place where the ash remains were kept.

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Major Attractions: Sunset hitting spot where Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were kept.

Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours.

Things to do: Learn more about Mahatma Gandhi’s life.

Tsunami Memorial Park

Tsunami Memorial Park
Tsunami Memorial Park

Next up on the list of places to visit in Kanyakumari is the Tsunami Memorial Park. The park was built to honour the departed on the fateful day of 26th December 2004. The giant waves that took the lives of many, affected Kanyakumari equally.

This tranquil park houses the famous Tsunami Memorial monument. The 16-feet steel monument shows a giant wave stopped by one hand while the other hand holds a Diya (earthen lamp) which symbolizes hope.

One can take a stroll around the park during the evenings and pay homage to the victims of the tsunami disaster. The monument holds a tablet in place that reads, “In memory of those who lost their lives in the Tsunami on 26-12-2004”. The park is also a remembrance that nature prevails.

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Major Attractions: Tsunami Memorial monument

Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours

Things to do: Evening walk, pay homage to 2004 Tsunami victims

Bhagavathy Amman Temple

Bhagavathy Amman Temple
Bhagavathy Amman Temple

The Bhagavathy Amman Temple, which also goes by the name of Devi Kanyakumari or Kumari Amman Temple is the hub of pilgrimage in Kanyakumari.

It is said, a visit to Bhagavathy Amman Temple, considered one of the most sacred temples across the globe, would fulfil a pilgrim’s spiritual seeking. Nestled right by the seaside, stands this stunning embellishing sanctum dating back to almost 3000 years.

The deity, Bhagavathy Amman is an alias of Devi Kanyakumari, upon whom the town has been named. With its historical and cultural significance, Bhagavathy Amman Temple has to be included in the list of places to see in Kanyakumari. Bhagavathy Amman Temple is certainly a must-see tourist spot in the town.

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 4:30 AM to 12:00 PM;4:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Major Attractions: The diamond nose of Devi Kanyakumari

Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours

Our Lady of Ransom Church

Our Lady of Ransom Church
Our Lady of Ransom Church

The alluring shrine is an ideal epitome of marvellous Gothic architecture. Tracing its birth back to the 15th century, Our Lady of Ransom Church should be among the list of places to visit if you are seeking the cultural side of Kanyakumari. It is believed that Saint.

Francis Xavier found Our Lady of Delights Grotto in Kanyakumari and the spot where he prayed was where Our Lady of Ransom Church was built later.

It was during the 1900s when the construction of the modern church took place. The shrine houses a golden altar with the statue of Mother Mary right at the centre. The wooden carvings that occupy the interiors depict the architectural brilliance of that time and tourists can spend hours just enjoying the beauty of the same. This holy church possesses colourful windows that emit bright hues of sunlight during the day. At night, the church lights up and makes way for one of the best sights to behold.

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 5:00 AM to 6:30 PM

Major Attractions: Golden Altar

Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours

Triveni Sangam Kanyakumari

Triveni Sangam Kanyakumari
Triveni Sangam Kanyakumari

The significance of Triveni Sangam is of a rare kind. Not many tourists places in the world exist where one could witness the unity of three majestic water bodies. However, one can simply do that by travelling down to Kanyakumari. The Triveni Sangam is where the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea greet each other. This meeting place holds numerous significance.

Facing the ocean, one can find Bay Bengal flowing in from the left, the Arabian Sea from the right and the mighty Indian Ocean from the front. One can easily distinguish these three from each other from the colour of the water. As per the Hindu culture, a dip in the Triveni Sangam is considered holy. People come in large numbers over here for the ‘sacred dip’.

Best time to visit: June to November

Major Attractions: Confluence of three major water bodies

Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours

Things to do: Evening walks, photography

Sunset Point Kanyakumari

Sunset Point Kanyakumari
Sunset Point Kanyakumari

The Sunset Point in Kanyakumari has to be one of the most stunning and Instagram-worthy destinations in Kanyakumari. Tourists rush to Sunset point to see the ball of fire escape into the horizon from the Southernmost tip of the subcontinent. A significant fact about this place is that it is the only place in India where one can see both, the sunrise and the sunset, at the same spot.

From this point, one can treat themselves to the mesmerizing view of the Triveni Sangham, Vivekananda Memorial Rock, Thiruvalluvar Statue and in the backdrop, the charming view of the orange sun dipping into the sea. There is a viewpoint nearby for tourists to ascend and enjoy the view better for a nominal fee. Sunset Point is a haven for shutterbugs.

Best time to visit: June to November

Major Attractions: Viewpoint

Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours

Things to do: Experience sunset/sunrise, photography

Vattakottai Fort

Vattakottai Fort
Vattakottai Fort

The Vattakottai Fort or the Circular Fort is a protected site under the Indian archaeological department. The historical importance of this seaside fort makes it one of the famous places in India. Vattakottai Fort was built during the 18th century for the kings of Travancore in order to fortify their defence. Situated near the bed of black sands, the Vattakottai Fort extends into the sea and provides a picturesque view of the sea and the Western Ghats.

Constructed with heavy granite blocks, the fort recently went under fortification. Vattakottai fort symbolizes India’s pre-modern defensive tactics inspired by the Dutch. The heritage spot has to be a part of one of the places to visit in Kanyakumari.

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Major Attractions: Granite fortifications

Ideal duration to explore: 30 minutes-1 hour

In conclusion, Kanyakumari is much more than a destination with several tourist attractions. The town is home to famous places with cultural, religious, historical and leisure importance. Whether leisure or pilgrimage, Kanyakumari caters to every travellers’ requirements.


FAQ

What’s special in Kanyakumari?

Kanyakumari is famous for its natural beauty. Tourists can choose from numerous beaches or tourist spots. Kanyakumari is also known for having temples, monuments and attractions with religious, cultural and historical importance.

Is Kanyakumari worth visiting?

Yes, for various reasons, Kanyakumari is totally worth visiting. It is one of the fewest places in India that provides an array of destinations to choose from.


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