Kanyakumari | The Land Where The Oceans Meet

Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of Indian mainland, is not just a meeting point of three water bodies but also an amalgamation of different cultures, religions and ideas developed over centuries. The allure of this charming town in Tamil Nadu attracts hordes of tourists all the year round. Blessed with beautiful temples, historical monuments and serene beaches, here’s a list of tourist places in Kanyakumari you must definitely visit!

Check out the below list of the best tourist places in Kanyakumari. Add these to your itinerary as you plan your vacation to this stunning place. From religious places like temples and churches to beaches and falls, there is no dearth of places to visit in Kanyakumari.

Vivekananda Rock Memorial: Tranquil Memorial

A Kanyakumari trip would be incomplete without a visit to this famous tourist places in Kanyakumari. As soon as you step off the ferry at this small island where India’s most loved saint Swami Vivekananda attained enlightenment in 1892, you can feel the spiritual vibes and serenity of the place. It is a blissful experience to simply sit and meditate in the quiet Dhyan Mandapam (meditation hall) or gaze at the meeting point of three mighty oceans with wonder. The sunset and sunrise views from the Vivekananda rock make it one of the best places to visit in Kanyakumari. Just 500m off the mainland, the place can be easily reached by a regular ferry service.

Thiruvalluvar Statue: Majestic Saint In Stone

Just adjacent to the Vivekananda rock memorial is the towering stone statue of the much revered Tamil poet and philosopher, Thiruvalluvar. The 38-feet high pedestal is symbolic of the 38 chapters of virtue in the literary masterpiece, the Tirukkural, while the 133 feet high statue represents the 133 chapters in the book. This is a place of great cultural significance and one of the most popular Kanyakumari sightseeing places.

Bhagavathy Amman Temple: Profound Religious Experience

Also known as the Devi Kanyakumari temple, this is one of the most sacred temples in Kanyakumari and the reason why the city gets this name. This temple is also one of the best places to visit in Kanyakumari. Being amongst the 108 shaktipeeths in India, it holds great religious significance and dates back to 3000 years. The impressive architecture and the magnificent idol of the Goddess Kanya kumari with the diamond nose pin are the most remarkable features of this historic shrine. Located near the shore just a kilometre away from the railway station and bus stop, it can be easily reached by road.

Gandhi Mandapam: Remembering The Father Of The Nation

This memorial is dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi whose sacred ashes were kept here before being immersed in the sea water. Built in modern architectural style, the Mandapam borrows elements from Orissa style of architecture. A unique feature of the memorial is it has been built in such a way that on every 2nd October the sun’s rays fall on the exact spot where the great man’s ashes were placed. Such a unique and wonderful tribute to the father of the nation must definitely be in your list of places to visit in Kanyakumari.

Kanyakumari Beach: Picture Perfect Moments

Located at the confluence of the Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea this picturesque beach features amongst the popular places to visit in Kanyakumari. The differently coloured sand, stunning sunrise and sunset views at this beach, the lighthouse and Vivekananda memorial in the backdrop make for some superb picture perfect moments. Being a rocky beach it is unsuitable for swimming, however you can splash in the waves for some fun family time. The beach is perfect for soaking in the beautiful views around.

Thanumalayan Temple: Seek The Blessings

This unique temple is the only temple in the world where the holy trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are enshrined at the same place as a single deity (called Sthanumalayan). It also houses a towering 22 feet hanuman statue that is one of the highest in the country. This ancient temple is one of the finest examples of south Indian architecture with beautiful gopurams, exquisite carvings, musical pillars and a powerful spiritual aura. The 18-feet high musical pillars carved out of a single granite stone are a major attraction. There is a strict dress code for men and women and one needs to be wary of the so called guides and pandas who are on the lookout to extract money from tourists.

Padmanabhapuram Palace: Superb Architecture

This alluring 16th century teakwood palace is amongst the top kanyakumari sightseeing places and the finest example of Taccusastra (the ancient science of carpentry). A living proof of the architectural brilliance and rich heritage of the erstwhile kingdom of Travancore, the magnificent interiors of this palace will take your breath away. Right from the entrance where an intricately carved jackfruit tree stands witness to its unparalleled beauty, to the stunning interiors adorned with elaborately carved columns, chairs with Chinese carvings and Belgian mirrors, the palace leaves a lasting impression.

Our Lady Of Ransom Church: Gothic-style Structure

A stunning white gothic style structure contrasted against the clear blues skies is a sight to behold. This peaceful church must be on your list of places to visit in Kanyakumari in one day. Located at a walking distance from the beach, the beauty of this magnificent structure is heightened at night time, with the church lights turned on. So, if you are looking for churches in Kanyakumari, then you cannot miss out on Our Lady Of Ransom Church.

Vattakottai Fort: Rich Historical Value

A 40-minute drive out of Kanyakumari, this old fort is located in a very scenic spot. The small fort can be covered by foot in half an hour, but the high-point is watching the surreal views from the fort ramparts – the soothing waters of the Bay of Bengal and the marvelous view of the windmill farm at a distance. Built out of stone and granite, the fort has great historical value as being part of the major defenses of the Travancore kingdom. The serene beach, wonderful breeze and peaceful environment make it the perfect place to spend a relaxed day.

Mathur Aqueduct: Perfect For Nature Lovers

Looking for the best places to visit in Kanyakumari? This engineering marvel is located around 60kms away from Kanyakumari city. The 100-feet high aqueduct surrounded by lush greenery is one of the most awe-inspiring places in Kanyakumari. Built across the Pahrali River as a drought relief measure, it carries water from one hill to another. You can feel the adrenaline rush while walking atop this narrow aqueduct; special care must be taken with children as it is a narrow bridge. Do not miss out on the trying succulent pineapples in this area.

Thirparappu Falls: Cascading Waterfalls

Thirparappu Falls is a manmade waterfall that falls from a height of 50 feet. The gorgeous waters of the fall offers an enchanting sight which attracts crowd from far across. The falls are surrounded by a variety of fauna and greenery making it the favorite spot for nature lovers. You can as well enjoy a boat ride in the waters of Thirparappu as it is one of the coolest things to do in Kanyakumari. This destination is one of the best places to visit in Kanyakumari for a fun-filled day with family and children.

Wax Museum: Statue Of Prominent People

Situated in Kanyakumari region in the city of Baywatch, wax museum is definitely one of the best places to visit in Kanyakumari. It is one of its kind museum housing all the important figures of Indian as well as world history. The well-maintained museum has wax statue of many renowned people like Sir Abdul Kalam, Sir Amitabh Bachchan, Charlie Chaplin, Michael Jackson.

Sothavilai Beach: An Offbeat Attraction

The Sothavilai beach also known as Chothavilai, is one of the most famous beaches in Kanyakumari. The offbeat attraction has a long shore stretching up to four km along with beautiful lawns, sitting arrangement. It is an ideal place for swimming, and water bath because of quite shallow waters.

Tsunami Monument: Unique Tourist Attraction

One of the famous Kanyakumari tourist places, Tsunami Monument is a unique monument built in the memory of all those who died in the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami that shook the entire nation on 26 December, 2004. The sixteen foot memorial is designed and built by the architect B. Kanagaraj Cangan. A stroll through this monument fills the visitors with calmness.

St. Xavier Church: Famous Historical Structure

Located in Kottar of Nagercoil, St. Xavier Church built by St Francis Xavier is a famous historical structure and is one of the most popular Kanyakumari tourist places. The spirituality and power of the church attracts visitors in large numbers from all across the globe especially in December to seek blessings from the Lord. An annual celebration also takes place in the church every year during the month of November or December for about 10 days for which people travel from far off.