Tourist Places in Kanyakumari

December 23, 2023 Dharani Natarajan

Located at India’s southernmost tip, Kanyakumari is one of Tamil Nadu’s most serene and beautiful places. It is a wonderful combination of history, culture, scenic beauty, and modernisation; from forts and temples to beaches and museums, this coastal town has something to offer everyone.

Kanyakumari has convenient connections to the rest of the country through various modes of transportation. The nearest option for those arriving by air is Trivandrum International Airport, located 89 km away. Upon arrival, visitors can take a bus or taxi to reach Kanyakumari. Additionally, the town has its own railhead and receives regular trains from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad. Excellent road connectivity is also available, with numerous buses traveling to Kanyakumari from cities such as Coimbatore, Madurai, and Pondicherry in the southern region.

You should definitely add Kanyakumari to your itinerary if you want to spend your holidays in this stunning coastal town.

Tourist Places in Kanyakumari

1. The Vivekananda Rock Memorial | Tourist Places in Kanyakumari

The Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari is a popular tourist attraction. Swami Vivekananda attained enlightenment on this rock after three days of meditation in 1892.

The rock memorial’s prominent attractions are Vivekananda Mandapam and Shripada Mandapam. With the Indian Ocean in the background, the large statue of Swamiji is an amazing sight! Vivekananda Rock Memorial is a major attraction in Kanyakumari due to its spiritual vibes and serenity, along with its mesmerising views of its surroundings.

October to March is the best time to visit

The ideal duration is between one and two hours

To reach the island, you have to take a ferry from the coast. The place is 2 km away from Kanyakumari centre.

You can also read about Tamil Nadu Tourism and its main attractions here

2. The Thiruvalluvar Statue | Tourist Places in Kanyakumari

The enormous statue next to Vivekananda Rock Memorial is a favored site for both history enthusiasts and those fascinated by architecture. It honors Thiruvalluvar, a renowned Tamil poet and philosopher. Standing tall at 133 feet on top of a 38-foot pedestal, the statue is easily visible from a distance. The height of the pedestal represents the 38 chapters of moral values found in his famous work Tirukkual, while the statue’s height symbolizes the 133 chapters within the same book. This location holds immense cultural significance and remains a highly visited spot in Kanyakumari.

October to March is the best time to visit

The ideal duration is 1-2 hours

This statue is only 2 km from Kanyakumari center. It is on an island, so you have to take a ferry to get there.

3. The Church of Our Lady of Ransom | Tourist Places in Kanyakumari

There are many beautiful places to visit in Kanyakumari, including this beautiful church dedicated to Mother Mary, which is located near the beach with lashing waves behind it. Gothic architecture characterizes the church and it has exquisite carvings on the walls and ceiling. The most fascinating aspect of this place is that it houses a saree-clad idol of Mother Mary, which is unusual in a church. You’ll be amazed at how beautiful it looks in the evening if you visit in the evening.

November to March is the best time to visit

The ideal duration is between one and two hours

Taxis and auto-rickshaws are readily available for convenient transportation to the church. It is about 2 km from the bus stand and 3 km from Kanyakumari centre.

The Tsunami Monument

The ideal duration is between one and two hours

The museum is less than a km away from the bus stand, so you can take an auto-rickshaw there.

4. The Bharat Mata Temple | Tourist Places in Kanyakumari

Bharat Mata Temple, an essential stop in Kanyakumari, is dedicated to Mother India. Spanning 12000 square feet, it features a 12-foot-tall depiction of Swami Vivekananda and multiple other artworks showcasing the theme of motherhood. Another highlight of the temple is the Ramayana Mandir, which tells the story of Valmiki’s Ramayana through intricately carved statues and paintings on 108 wooden panels. At the entrance of the mandir stands a striking 27-foot-tall granite statue of Lord Hanuman that often captures visitors’ attention.

October to March is the best time to visit

One hour is the ideal duration

You can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw from Kanyakumari Bus Stand (2 km away), Kanyakumari centre (3 km away), or any other place in the city.

5. The Kanyakumari Beach | Tourist Places in Kanyakumari

This 1-km-long bridge, also referred to as the Mathur Aqueduct and Mathoor Hanging Trough, is among the longest and tallest bridges found on the continent. Its pillars rise up to 115 feet while the trough itself measures 7 feet in height and 7.5 feet in width. Initially constructed over the Pahrali River for irrigation purposes, it quickly gained popularity as a top tourist spot. Aside from admiring the breathtaking scenery from the trough, visitors can also enjoy activities like exploring the children’s park and swimming at one of several designated platforms.

The ideal duration is between one and two hours

You can take a bus or taxi to the bridge from the bus stand and Kanyakumari center, which is 48 km away.

6. The Triveni Sangam | Tourist Places in Kanyakumari

Located at the confluence of three major water bodies – the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean – Triveni Sangam is a popular religious destination. Both devotees and tourists visit the site to take a dip or bathe in its holy waters. In addition to spectacular ocean views, the area has prominent attractions like Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue. For those seeking tranquillity and peace, Triveni Sangam is a must-visit.

October to March is the best time to visit

1 hour is the ideal duration

The place is only 1 km from the bus stand and 2 km from Kanyakumari’s center. You can take an auto-rickshaw or taxi.

7. The Thirparappu Falls | Tourist Places in Kanyakumari

The 50-foot Thirparappu waterfall in Kanyakumari is a breathtaking destination that cannot be missed. This man-made marvel is a series of streams joining into a tranquil pool at the bottom. As you admire its splendor, take a dip in the refreshing pool, relish a picnic amidst nature, go for a boat ride, or capture stunning photos. Additionally, devotees can also receive blessings at the Shiva Temple located at the entrance.

Kanyakumari’s Thirparappu Falls are at their best during and after the monsoon season.

Monsoon and winter are the best times to visit

The renowned Padmanabhapuram Palace, known for being the largest wooden palace in Asia, showcases the extraordinary craftsmanship of local carpenters. This architectural wonder was commissioned by Iravi Varma Kulasekhara Perumal of the Travancore dynasty in the 16th century. Its exquisite features include murals, furniture, floor carvings, antiques and rare artefacts. Each section of the palace, such as Mantrasala, Thaikottaram, Nataksala, Central Mansion and Thekeekottaram, is a must-see.

The palace is 35 km from the bus stand and 34 km from Kanyakumari center. Taxis and buses are readily available.

8. The Sunset Point | Tourist Places in Kanyakumari

One of the best things to do in Kanyakumari is to watch the setting sun among the surreal evening sky and the mighty ocean. Sunset Point is a must-visit if you want to spend some quiet time in scenic surroundings. On or around a full moon, you can even see the setting sun’s rays combine with the rising moonlight! The point is also a popular photography spot since it offers stunning views of Vivekananda Rock Memorial and nearby attractions.

October to March is the best time to visit

1 hour is the ideal duration

You can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to Sunset Point, which is only 2 km away from Kanyakumari center.