Quietly resting on the southernmost tip of India, Kanyakumari, formerly called Cape Comorin, is the smallest district in Tamil Nadu. While it’s widely known for the green patches and tall coconut groves, you probably know it for another very popular reason from the reels. Kanyakumari is famously known as the only city down south that witnesses the meeting or the confluence of the three surrounding water bodies– the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, and the Bay of Bengal. This phenomenon is called the Triveni Sangam and is an interesting visual that attracts tourists from globally and even India. The three bodies meet but never merge so you can distinctly see all three of them.
Now you know why you must plan a vacation to Kanyakumari! However, if you need more reasons, here’s another fun fact about the place– it’s one of the rarest places where you can spot the sun rising and setting simultaneously! Not only is it a nature’s paradise, but it also has memorials dedicated to inspirational Indian leaders and other tourist attractions. Kanyakumari is one of those destinations that has something for everyone to enjoy and leaves a happy imprint on your memorabilia. So why wait? Let’s get going and learn everything there is to know about this city.
History And Culture Of Kanyakumari
Cape Comorin or Kanyakumari is a historic city, the origin of which doesn’t date back in years but periods. This city is utterly significant in Hindu mythology with folklore of the virgin Goddess, Kanya Devi associated with it. Thus came the name Kanyakumari, Kanya meaning girl, and Kumari meaning virgin. There’s even a temple dedicated to her called the Devi Kanyakumari Temple. As per legend, Kanya Devi, an avatar of Goddess Parvati, was supposed to wed Lord Shiva but he didn’t turn up. As a result, the wedding was canceled and Kanya Devi remained an unwed virgin goddess and helped humanity.
All the rice grains and cereals that were supposed to be the wedding lunch, remained uncooked. When you travel to Kanyakumari, you’ll have people tell you that certain smaller rocks found here are the grains remaining from the wedding. Kanyakumari is also home to one of the several Shakti Peeths or places where Goddess Shakti’s body parts fell. Eventually, the Cholas, Cheras, Pandyas, and the Nayaks constructed several architectural pieces in these temples of Kanya Devi.
Kanyakumari has also been ruled by the Portuguese followed by the Dutch and finally the British for trade purposes. It served as a crucial trade point. The city has a reputation for being a tourist paradise with spoiled choices for people of all ages. From iconic landmarks like the Thanumalayan Temple and Vivekananda Rock Memorial to exciting activities like boating, there’s something for everyone to do here.
How To Get To Kanyakumari
By Flight: The nearest airport to Kanyakumari is the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. From there, you can take a bus or cab to Kanyakumari that’s roughly about 97 km.
By Train: You can travel directly to Kanyakumari Railway Station via trains as it’s well connected to most urban cities in India.
By Bus: Kanyakumari is well-connected to most South Indian cities via NH 66. You can still travel to Kanyakumari by road as the highways are well-maintained and are well connected.
Best Time To Travel To Kanyakumari
Peak Season
The best time would be during the pleasant months between October and March. The temperature ranges between 25°C to 30°C, making your stay comfortable and cozy. Since it’s also the peak season, it’s going to be crowded so ensure you have your accommodation sorted. During this season, you can participate in a lot of outdoor activities or go sightseeing.
Off Season
If you don’t want to visit Kanyakumari when it’s too crowded, visit between July and August. The temperature ranges between 25°C to 30°C accompanied by a lot of rainfall so most outdoor activities are shut. Hotels and lodges, however, offer discounted prices and booking becomes easy. Visiting off-season is best if you’re looking to simply unwind and rest instead of venturing outdoors.
Where To Stay In Kanyakumari?
Kanyakumari is a tourist destination that can’t be explored in just one day. But to stay here for more than a day, you’ll need a place to crash at the end of the day where you can reset. This list of hotels will make things that easy for you:
- Hotel Ocean Heritage: INR 1,900 per night
- The Seashore Hotel: INR 3,360 per night
- Hotel Seaview: INR 5,056 per night
- Anantya by The Lake: INR 11, 328 per night
- RR Inn Group Of Hotels Kanyakumari: INR 5,644
Where To Eat In Kanyakumari?
If you thought Kanyakumari was only about exploring and being all touristy, allow us to tell you that it’s as much about food as its attractions. To taste the delicacies of the city, visit these restaurants:
- Zam Zam Restaurant
Address: Antonys Higher Secondary School, Cape Road
Price: INR 200 onwards
- The Curry
Address: 2/17B, E-Car Street, Near Seashore
Price: INR 200 onwards
- The Ocean Restaurant
Address: The Seashore Hotel, 2/12, E-Car Street
Price: INR 400 onwards
- Suchindrum Maruthi Hotel
Address: Ground Floor, Sebaa Palace Building, E-Car Street
Price: INR 200 onwards
- Capeista Restaurant
Address: 6/61E, Beach Road
Price: INR 200 onwards
Places To Visit In Kanyakumari
- Kanyakumari Beach: Nestled in the southernmost part of India, this beach is most popular because it’s the point where three water bodies namely the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea. What’s fascinating about this place is that the three water bodies confluence but never mix so you can see a clear distinction between the three.
- Thiruvalluvar Statue: Thiruvalluvar was a legendary philosopher and poet who authored the Tirukural, one of the finest works in Tamil literature. This statue is dedicated to him and is situated on a small island near Kanyakumari.
- Vivekananda Rock Memorial: With the backdrop of the Indian Ocean, the Vivekananda Rock Memorial is situated on a small island 500 m away from Kanyakumari. There are two rocks atop which are the Shripada Mandapam and Vivekananda Mandapam. It’s an homage to Vivekananda who had attained enlightenment at this site.
- Gandhi Mandapam: This memorial was built to pay homage to the Father of the Nation. It’s also one of the 12 spots where the urn of his ashes was kept for the public to visit and pay homage.
- Lighthouse: Situated atop a rocky promontory, this lighthouse is a great vantage point from where you can see the Triveni Sangam. You can climb a spiral staircase and get to the top.
Summing Up
From history to nature, food to shelter, everything’s top-notch in Kanyakumari. The only reason you shouldn’t visit is because you’d want to extend your trip and that might cost you your leaves. But grab every chance you get to be in Kanyakumari and learn all about it with this travel guide.
FAQs
What Is Kanyakumari Famous For?
Kanyakumari is famous for its beaches, stellar viewpoints, and other attractions like Vivekananda Rock Memorial. It’s also famous because it hosts the Triveni Sangam or the confluence of the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and Bay of Bengal.
Which Month Is Best To Visit Kanyakumari?
Between October and March is the best time to explore Kanyakumari because the climate is pleasant.
What Is A Special Item In Kanyakumari?
Banana chips, appam, kothu parotta, and pazha sarbath are some of the dishes you must try in Kanyakumari.
What Name Was Kanyakumari Known As?
Kanyakumari was formerly called Comorin by the Portuguese. The British further anglicized the name and called it Cape Comorin.
