Known as Cape Comorin in the old British days, Kanyakumari is a tiny coastal town located on the southernmost tip of the Indian Peninsula. A captivating destination for avid travelers, Kanyakumari offers you a chance to witness the magnificent confluence between the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean.
Adorned with some really majestic and architecturally fascinating temples, Kanyakumari holds great spiritual importance in the hearts of Hindu devotees. It is claimed that the Goddess Parvati (Kanyakumari) performed deep penance at this sacred location so that Lord Shiva would marry her. Renowned for being once ruled by the Cholas and the Pandya, Kanyakumari certainly has a historical as well as a cultural legacy.
Although it will be quite difficult for us to cover all the amazing things this town has to offer, here are the top 7 things to do in Kanyakumari that you certainly should not miss out on while vacationing in this town.
Top 7 Things To Do In Kanyakumari
1. Witness the Magical Confluence At The Triveni Sangam
To be in Kanyakumari and not witness the mesmerizing confluence of three water bodies would be a foolish mistake. And where else to witness it than the Triveni Sangam. This is where the turquoise blue waters of the Bay of Bengal, the deep blue waters of the Indian Ocean, and the sea-green waters of the Arabian Sea meet each other. Interestingly, the waters of the three water bodies do not merge instantly and one can see a clear demarcation between the three oceans because of the color of their waters.
Apart from being able to experience one of nature’s miracles, the Triveni Sangam is considered to be an extremely sacred location and is revered greatly. It is believed that taking a dip in the holy waters at the Triveni Sangam can help you dissolve all your sins and attain liberation. This means one would be free from the cycle of rebirth. Hindu devotees have a strong spiritual connection to this place and visit it in huge numbers in anticipation of receiving Moksha (ultimate liberation). Whether you’re a believer or not, Triveni Sangam is a location you simply cannot skip while you’re visiting Kanyakumari.
2. Explore The Historical Vivekananda Rock Memorial
Resting on a tiny island and reachable by a 15-minute ferry ride, the Vivekananda Rock Memorial was established to mark the time when Swami Vivekananda set foot in Kanyakumari after covering most of the Indian subcontinent by foot. It’s believed that he meditated for three days on the same rock where Goddess Parvati performed her penance and then became a true sage as he achieved enlightenment.
A life-sized bronze statue of the saint was erected here in the late 1970s. The rock housing the memorial consists of a Shripada Mandapam and a Dhyana Mandapam. The former is essentially a museum and a study hall that displays the teaching and the works of Swami Vivekananda. The Dhyana Mandapam, however, allows people to peacefully sit and meditate for a while. Take a moment to marvel at the jaw-dropping architecture inspired by the temples of India. The architecture really enhances the charm of this location.
Time: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Entry Fee: INR 20 per person
Ferry Fee: INR 34 for adults; INR 17 for students
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3. Admire The Grand Statue Of The Tamil Poet Thiruvalluvar
Enjoy a small ferry ride in the raging seas and visit the grand Thiruvalluvar statue that has been established off the coast of Kanyakumari. Not only was Thurivalluvar a poet and philosopher, but he was also the author of the legendary Tamil text, Thirukkural. Dedicated to him this statue was completed about 20 years after establishing its foundation. Although this statue can be viewed from the shores of Kanyakumari, the experience of admiring it up close is completely different.
The statue soars through the height of 133 feet and has been built on a pedestal that is 38 feet high. The height of the pedestal symbolizes the 38 chapters of virtue found in the Thirukkural. If the tides are not very violent, you can get off the ferry, walk up your way through the base of the statue, and reach the feet of the statue. If you’re well-versed in Tamil, do read the verses present on the walls. However, if you don’t understand the language, you can always ask the guide who’ll walk you through it. Surrounded by sea from all sides, this picturesque destination that bears cultural significance is a must-visit location in Kanyakumari.
Time: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
4. Watch Bewitching A Sunset From Kanyakumari Beach
If you like to soak yourselves in the orange-pink hues of the sunsets or sunrises, Kanyakumari is the right place for your next holiday. Spend some time at Kanyakumari beach to catch a beautiful sunrise or sunset while you sip on some fresh coconut water. Being the southernmost tip of the country, Kanyakumari is the only place where the sun sets and rises from the same spot! For a panoramic view of the beach and the confluence, climb up the lighthouse nearby and voila, your pinterest-y mood will come true!
The sunrise alongside the statue of the great Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar is certainly a spectacular sight. Similarly, you can witness the most breathtaking sunsets on full moon nights. If you have spent most of your time in Kanyakumari near the beach, it’s suggested you visit the Murugan Kundram temple resting in one of the hill ranges near the town to watch a mind-blowing sunrise/sunset.
5. Glance Back At History At The Padmanabhapuram Palace
Nothing can represent the rich cultural heritage and the glorious past of India better than the Padmanabhapuram Palace. Famous for being home to the rulers of the Travancore Empire in the 16th century, this palace is unlike any conventional palace that you might have seen in various other Indian locations. Fun fact? This palace is constructed entirely out of wood and no other materials and it has been listed as one of the largest wooden palaces in Asia!
Decorated with intricate wooden carvings and fascinating designs, the simple materials and the architectural style of this palace are what make it so alluring for history buffs. This palace also houses several ancient, one-of-a-kind artifacts. Items like different weapons, Chinese jars, wooden and stone sculptures, brass lamps, paintings, mirrors, wooden and stone cots, etc. are displayed in the palace. The palace is subjected to regular maintenance by the Kerala Government to preserve its original state.
Time: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm on all days except Mondays
Entry Fee: INR 10 for adults and INR 2 for children
6. Go On Shopping Spree In The Markets Of Kanyakumari
No vacation can be considered complete unless you go on a shopping spree and buy yourself some native items from the markets of your holiday destination. Even in this case, you can rest assured shopping in Kanyakumari won’t be a disappointment. The markets of Kanyakumari are dotted with vendors that sell various intriguing souvenirs for you to carry back home.
Purchase some pretty handloom woven sarees and watch the delighted faces of your mom or your grandma when you gift them. You can also find a range of items made from shells, be it painted, ornaments, or handicrafts. Some shells of unique designs can be bought directly from the vendors wandering on the shorelines. To make it more fun, you can choose to get your names engraved on the shells before purchasing them. Don’t forget to visit and stroll down the vibrant Thovalai Flower Market where you can buy some fragrant and colorful flowers.
7. Pray At The Temples Of Kanyakumari
Because Kanyakumari is one of the holiest destinations in the country, it is studded with several magnificent temples that are crowded by devotees every year. The Kumari Amman Temple holds a lot of religious and cultural significance in this town. Built more than 3,000 years ago, this holy temple is considered to be one of the most divine and important Shakti Peethas in the country. The temple is extremely renowned for housing the black stone idol of Devi Kanyakumari which sports a beautiful jeweled nose ring.
Another temple that you must visit is the Thanumalayan Temple. Depicting both the Vaishnavite and Shaivite sects of Hinduism, this temple worships the Trimurthis, namely, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva. This holy shrine is home to some sacred inscriptions that are more than 1,000 years old. The main attraction of this temple is the musical pillars that have been carved out of a single stone and produce a variety of musical notes when tapped. The gigantic Nandi and Anjaneya statues are some other attractions that captivate the visitors of this temple.
Summing Up
Although there are a variety of things to do when you are holidaying in this town, these are the top seven things to do in Kanyakumari that can make your holiday one-of-a-kind. With this list, you’ll surely enjoy the various experiences that this charming coastal town has to offer and create some memories for a lifetime.
FAQs
How Many Days Are Enough For Kanyakumari?
You can ideally cover most of the interesting locations and main attractions of Kanyakumari in a span of two days.
Which Food Is Famous In Kanyakumari?
Here are some of the food items you should try out while holidaying in Kanyakumari.
- Appam
- Banana Chips
- Aval
- Kothu
- Payasam
- Pazha Sarbath
What Is The Best Time To Visit Kanyakumari?
The best time to visit Kanyakumari is from October to March because the climate is pleasant and not very humid.
Is There Any Airport In Kanyakumari?
The Trivandrum International Airport is the nearest airport to Kanyakumari. Located 67 km away, this airport is well connected to most of the major cities of the country.
Is Ola Available In Kanyakumari?
Tourists can choose to hire Ola cabs, Savaari taxis, and Meru cabs to get around Kanyakumari.
How Far Is Kanyakumari From Trivandrum?
Kanyakumari is 90 kilometers away from Trivandrum by road.
How Many Beaches Are There In Kanyakumari?
Kanyakumari is blessed with eight beautiful beaches.
How Is The Climate In Kanyakumari?
Kanyakumari has a warm and humid climate all around the year, with the average temperature ranging between 30°C and 33°C.
