Kanyakumari is a scenic town in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Kanyakumari is the meeting point of the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean. The famous Triveni Sangam Point and the View Tower are famous places to enjoy sunrise and sunset in the area.

Kanyakumari has mountainous surroundings with tall coconut trees and paddy rice fields. Kanyakumari is famous for its picturesque neighborhood, temples, forts, and other landmarks. In this guide, you will learn about Kanyakumari tourism including the best places, and hotels, how to reach it, and the best time to visit Kanyakumari.

Top 6 Places to Visit in Kanyakumari

Here are the best Kanyakumari tourist places during your tour of this beautiful town in Tamil Nadu.

Vivekananda Rock Memorial

The magnificent Vivekananda Rock Memorial is located on a tiny island near the Kanyakumari coast. It is in the beautiful Indian Ocean, and you can reach it by boat, some 500 meters east of the coast of Vavathurai. The boats are the only means of transfer from the coast to the memorial.

The sculpture was built on the island of Vavathurai in 1970. It is the same location where Vivekananda got his education. The Shripada Mandapam houses a museum and a study hall where you can learn more about Vivekananda's lifestyle and works.

Kumari Amman Temple

Kumari Amman Temple is one of the historical places in Kanyakumari. It is a 3000-year-old temple dedicated to the Hindu Goddess 'Pravathi'. The Kumari Amman temple holds many religious and cultural festivities. You might face entry problems, especially on holidays if you fail to get tickets early.

Kumari Amman Temple is both a religious and cultural center in Kanyakumari. This gorgeous Kanyakumari temple is located on the coast atop the beach and thousands of tourists come here resulting in long lines. However, you must remember that only Hindus can enter the temple for sightseeing.

Kanyakumari Beach

Kanyakumari Beach is located on the meeting point of three water bodies: the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean. Although the water of each of these seas does not mix, you can see the stunning spectacle of the coexistence of the bright blue, azure blue, and sea-green waters.

The beach is not suitable for swimming or surfing since the sea is harsh and the sand is rocky. However, you can enjoy the stunning spectacle of sunrise and sunset by climbing the iconic lighthouse watchtower and Triveni Sangam Point.

Mathur Aqueduct, Kanyakumari

The Mathur Aqueduct is situated in the Vilavancode Taluk in Kanyakumari. It is a one-kilometer-long bridge and one of the world's tallest and longest trough bridges. The sole purpose of building this aqueduct was to facilitate agricultural growth in the region. The name of this trough bridge comes from Mathur, a small town near the aqueduct. Twenty-eight giant pillars support the huge bridge.

The Mathur Aqueduct is separated into two sections: a trough canal and a road. As the aqueduct gained popularity and more people began to visit it, a set of steps was constructed to allow travelers to access the bridge swiftly. A kid's park and various bathing facilities have also been constructed in the neighborhood, allowing people of all ages to relax and enjoy at the aqueduct.

Thiruvalluvar Statue

This magnificent statue pays tribute to the great poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar. The enormous statue is built on a rocky island near Kanyakumari. Thiruvalluvar wrote Tirukkural, the ancient Tamil text, which has become renowned in the literary world. The work on his statue started in 1990 and was completed in 1999.

This 133-foot-tall sculpture is supported by a 38-foot pedestal. The elevation of the pedestal signifies the 38 chapters of morality in Thirukkural. The place is reminiscent of the great poet and an epitome of cultural significance that you must visit and see.

Vattakottai Fort, Kanyakumari

Vattakottai Fort is a seashore fort in Kanyakumari that is mostly composed of granite slabs. The Indian Archaeological Department and the Department have completed a substantial refurbishment of the fort and taken it under their protection since then.

The Vattakottai Fort spans almost 4 acres on the shore of the majestic Bay of Bengal. The historical importance of the Vattakottai Fort coupled with its picturesque surroundings make it a popular tourist destination. The fort provides 360-degree views of the Western Ghats on the eastern side and the Bay of Bengal on the western.

Best hotels in Kanyakumari

Here are the top 10 hotels in Kanyakumari for family or even if you are alone.

1. Anantya By the Lake
2. The Gopinivas Grand
3. Annai Resorts and Spa
4. Hotel Sea View
5. Shell Park
6. The Seashore Hotel
7. Tri Sea Hotel
8. Hotel Sangam
9. Hotel Viswa Grand
10. Hotel Vijayetha

Best time to visit Kanyakumari

The best time to visit Kanyakumari is from October to February as the weather is pleasant. However, this coastal town is a little humid during these months. But it is still the best time to enjoy thrilling water sports, sightseeing tours, and beach activities with amazing sunset views. Kanyakumari also hosts several festivities, such as the Cape Festival in the winter. So, these months provide both summer and winter activities.

How to reach Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu?

By Air:

The closest airport to Kanyakumari is Trivandrum International Airport, about 67 km away. It takes about an hour and a half to reach Kanyakumari from the airport by taxi.

By Train:

Kanyakumari has its railway station called Kanyakumari Railway Station, easily accessible from most cities in India. The second nearest railway station is Trivandrum Railway Station, located 90 km away. You can reach your destination in Kanyakumari by taxi from either station.

By Car:

The nearest major cities to Kanyakumari are Chennai and Bangalore, at distances of 710 km and 667 km, respectively. However, you can travel to Kanyakumari from any city in India by car.

Conclusion

Kanyakumari is a beautiful destination for local tourists as well as foreigners. The tons of tourist attractions including the rock memorials and rocky beaches make it a unique destination in India. Kanyakumari tourism is not just because of its geographical importance but also due to its landmarks, holy temples, and friendly people which attract many tourists’ year after year.