Things to do in Kanyakumari

There are many things to do in Kanyakumari. A coastal town in Tamil Nadu, Kanyakumari, also known as Kanniyakumari, or Cape Comorin during British rule, is the southernmost tip of India. It is also the point of confluence of the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and the Bay of Bengal.

The town is believed to be the home of the virgin Goddess Kanya Kumari, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. It is a renowned pilgrimage center for Hindu devotees. However, there is a lot more to do in Kanyakumari. Read on to find out!

Relax at the beaches

Surrounded by water  on three sides, the town of Kanyakumari has many beaches you can visit.

The Kanyakumari beach is the most unique of all – with three water bodies merging together, you can see three different colors of water in the same place, differentiating the Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal, and the Arabian Sea.

Sanguthurai beach in Kanyakumari is one of the cleanest beaches in India. Blue waters and golden sand welcome visitors with open arms. You can have a picnic here, or even try parasailing.

The Sothavilai Beach spans over 4 kilometers, making it one of the longest natural beaches in Tamil Nadu. It is a beautiful beach with stunning views.

Sanguthurai Beach

Visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial

The Hindu monk, author, and philosopher Swami Vivekananda visited Kanyakumari in 1892 as he traveled the length and breadth of India. He spent three days meditating on a large rock in Kanyakumari, where Goddess Kanya Kumari is believed to have performed her penance. The rock is considered blessed by the touch of her foot, and it is said that his meditation here played a big role in him becoming an Indian reformer.

In 1970, a memorial was built on the rock in honor of Swami Vivekananda, with a life-size bronze statue, a meditation area, and a large hall which offers knowledge about his life. The rock also has a carving of what is believed to be the Goddess’ foot.

Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Check out the waterfalls

The town of Kanyakumari is full of natural beauty, lush greenery, and scenic landscapes. There are also many waterfalls in this town, such as Thiruparappu Waterfall, Kaalikesam Waterfalls, and Vattaparai Waterfall.

Courtallam Falls, or Kutralam Falls, is a beautiful waterfall in the Western Ghats in Kanyakumari. The falls are known not just for the mesmerizing landscape, but also for its rejuvenating properties. Locals believe that the waterfall has healing and therapeutic properties.

If you love trekking, the Olakaruvi Falls, or Ullakaruvi Falls, are one of the best places to do so in Kanyakumari. An hour-long trek leads you to the top of the waterfall, offering splendid views of nature. You can also just take a dip in the pool or enjoy a picnic at the lower area of the waterfall.

Courtallam Falls

Explore Vattakottai Fort

The Vattakottai Fort is an 18th century structure built during the rule of the Venad kings of Travancore. The fort was built mainly as a defense structure against the enemies. There are many watch towers and army shacks, along with a secret tunnel connecting the fort to the Padmanabhapuram Palace.

Maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, the fort offers mesmerizing views of the Western Ghats and the Bay of Bengal.

Vattakottai Fort

Visit the Triveni Sangam

At the Kanyakumari Beach, you will witness a unique natural marvel – the Triveni Sangamam, or the Triveni Sangam. It is the confluence of three mighty water bodies – the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean. You can actually differentiate the three bodies of water by the colors, as they all meet seamlessly at one point.

Bathing at this confluence is believed to absolve you of all your sins, so you will find many devotees taking a dip in this water. However, the waters are quite rough, so you need to be careful if you are planning on entering the water.

Kanyakumari Beach is unique in another way – it is the only place on Earth from where you can see the sunrise and sunset from the same location. Plus, on the day of Chitra Paurnami, a full moon in April or May, you can see the sun and the moon facing each other on the same horizon!

Triveni Sangam

Visit the Tsunami Monument

The tsunami of 2004 affected quite a few countries and was one of the worst natural disasters of the 21st century. India was one of the countries affected in the tsunami and earthquake. Kanyakumari was affected terribly, with almost 1000 deaths.

The Tsunami Monument was built in memory of all the people who died in this natural disaster. Built by architect B. Kanagaraj Cangan, this unique structure is a must-visit when you are in Kanyakumari.

Tsunami Monument

Go shopping

If you want to shop for souvenirs, Kanyakumari has a range of beautiful items made of shells available everywhere in the city.

Buy some elegant woven handloom sarees available in the shops on Sannathi Street, the main market area of Kanyakumari. You can also buy coconut-shell items, brass and wooden handicrafts, as well as spices.

Kanyakumari is known for its seashell handicrafts

Check out a wind farm

Muppandal Wind Farm near Kanyakumari is one of the largest onshore wind farms in the world and the biggest source of wind energy in India. If you are interested to know more about renewable energy, you should definitely visit this place.

Rows and rows of huge wind turbines stretching out for miles, landscaped with banana and palm trees, make for a unique sight.

Wind Farm

Visit the Thiruvalluvar statue

Located in Vellore near Kanyakumari, the Thiruvalluvar Statue is a 133 feet structure dedicated to the renowned Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar. The poet is most known for Thirukkural, a collection of verses that impart wisdom about life.

Standing tall on a 38 feet pedestal representing the 38 chapters in a section of the book, the statue was unveiled in 2000. It took around 20 years to complete this statue. You can reach the feet of the statue by climbing 140 steps.

Thiruvalluvar Statue

Watch the sunrise and sunset

Kanyakumari has some of the most mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets in India. You can visit almost any beach in the town to witness a beautiful sunrise.

The sunset point in Kanyakumari is at the southernmost tip of India and provides magnificent views of the ocean. During some full moon nights, you can also witness the sunset and the moonrise at the same time.

The View Tower at sunset point is the perfect place to watch the sunset. The tower has telescopes which offer panoramic views of the sea, the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue, and other monuments. The tower is crowded throughout the year – you can get amazing views of the sunrise and the sunset from here.

A sunset in Kanyakumari

Visit religious places of worship

Visit the 3000 year old Kumari Ammann Temple, or the Arulmigu Bhagavathy Amman Temple, dedicated to Goddess Kanya Kumari, after whom the town has been named. The temple is situated near Triveni Sangam and features a black stone idol of the goddess with a stunning bejeweled nose ring. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the temple.

The Bharat Mata Temple in Kanyakumari is dedicated to Mother India. The 12000 square feet temple has a 12-feet statue of Swami Vivekananda as well as a Ramayana Mandir in the temple complex.

Some other temples in Kanyakumari include Adikesava Perumal Temple, Mandaikadu Bhagavathi Temple, and Thanumalayan Temple.

Kanyakumari is also home to many churches. One of the most beautiful churches in the town is Our Lady of Ransom Church, which is dedicated to Mother Mary. Located near the sea, the cathedral is intricately carved and has beautiful sculptures on the walls.

Another popular church is St Xavier Church, built by St Francis Xavier in the 1600s. The holy site is believed to have witnessed many miracles, and brings in devotees from all over the country.

Kumari Ammann Temple

Marvel at the Padmanabhapuram Palace

An hour’s drive away from Kanyakumari is the town of Padmanabhapuram. Once the capital of the princely state of Travancore, the town is now a beautiful heritage site. It is renowned for teh Padmanabhapuram Palace, the largest wooden palace in Asia. built in 1600, the palace boasts intricate carvings and detailed architecture.

The Padmanabhapuram Palace near Kanyakumari is definitely a must-visit place when you are in Kanyakumari.

Padmanabhapuram Palace

Visit Gandhi Mandapam

Mahatma Gandhi often visited Kanyakumari, and Gandhi Mandapam is one of the most important places to visit in the town. This is the site where Gandhi’s ashes were kept before being immersed into the sea. The memorial was constructed in 1956 in honor of the Father of the Nation.

The memorial features a 79 feet high spire, symbolizing the age of Mahatma Gandhi when he was assassinated. The ceiling of the mandapam is also remarkably designed – on 2nd October, the birth anniversary of Gandhi, the rays of the sun reflect exactly on the place where his ashes were kept.

The memorial also includes a library full of books, magazines, and photographs showcasing the history of Gandhiji, other Indian leaders, and India under British rule.

Gandhi Mandapam

So, what will you be doing first in Kanyakumari? Let us know! At India Someday, we curate personalized itineraries to India for you, based on your likes and requirements. Contact us, and together we can plan the perfect trip to India for you!