Things to Do in Kanyakumari

The magnificent Vivekananda Rock Memorial is located on a small island off Kanyakumari. It has the picturesque Indian Ocean in its backdrop. It is situated on one of the two adjacent rocks projecting out of the Lakshadweep Sea and comprises of the 'Shripada Mandapam' and the 'Vivekananda Mandapam'.

Dedicated to the accomplished philosopher and poet Thiruvalluvar, this beautiful statue is on a small island near Kanyakumari. Thiruvalluvar was the author of a legendary work in the world of Literature, Tirukkural, the classic Tamil text. In his devotion, the work for the statue started in 1990 and continued till 1999, during the year in which the figure was finally completed.

Located in the southernmost part of India, Kanyakumari beach, with its beautiful hue-changing beaches, is the confluence of three water bodies: the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea. Miraculously, here you can see that the water of the three seas does not mix; you can distinguish between the three seas' turquoise blue, deep blue, and sea green waters.

Watching the sunset at the southernmost tip of India is a sight. Kanyakumari is at the confluence of the Indian ocean, the Arabian sea and the Bay of Bengal. It's the only place in India where you can see both the sunrise and sunset at the same spot.

Kumari Amman Temple is one place in Kanyakumari with a lot of cultural significance in Kanyakumari. This magnificent temple is situated on the coast surmounting the beach, and thousands of vacationers come here, creating very big queues. A word of caution: unless you are a Hindu, you will not be permitted to enter Kumari Amman Temple even for sightseeing.

Kanyakumari also boasts home to a large memorial dedicated to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. This memorial, which was built to honour this eminent personality, is located in the same spot where the urn of the ashes of this renowned individual was kept for the public to pay their homage.

Set in the midst of a Panchayat town in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu, the Courtallam falls are renowned in the state for its enormity as well as ferocity. At an elevation of 160 metres (520 feet), the cascade towers above its green surroundings and magnificent hillside.

Vattakottai Fort, which translates to the 'Circular Fort', is a seaside fort near Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India. The fort is largely made of granite blocks, and today, a part of the fort even extends into the sea. The Fort is now a protected site under the Indian Archaeological Department.

Padmanabhapuram Palace in Tamil Nadu is one of India's most exquisite palaces, symbolising the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the country that has been around for many centuries aptly. Believed to have been built in the 16th century, the Padmanabhapuram Palace is home to many unique antiques and artefacts.

Undoubtedly one of the places that offer the best scenic views and sceneries of the clear blue seas and the never-ending sky that meets it at infinity, the View Tower is located in the town of Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu in India. The View Tower and the telescope that accompanies it provide a panoramic view.

Located at about 55 kilometres from Kanyakumari, the cascading waters of the Tirparappu Falls make up for an enchanting sight. This waterfall is manmade and falls from a height of 50 feet. The falls are surrounded by thick green foliage and indigenous fauna, which make it a nature lover's paradise.

In Kanyakumari, much of what is prepared is done so with generous use of spices and an essential garnish of coconut. Enjoy delicacies of freshly caught fishes and typical South-Indian platters in one of their most authentic and lip-smacking forms. Typical South-Indian delicacies that one must try include Idli, Dosa, Chutney, Vada, Sambhar, Rasam, Upma, Sweet Pongal, Payassam, Kesari and more.

Chitharal Jain monuments and temples are an effigy to the diversity of the culture and the religions existing in harmony in India. Sitharal Jain Monuments are one of these culturally rich monuments.

Lord Subramanya Temple is one of the most interesting temples to visit when in India. The never ending pillars and countless towers give it a magnificent look. Many festivals are celebrated at Lord Subramanya Temple and especially during certain religious holidays, it is very hard to get in there.

The Muppandal village in Kanyakumari is home to India's largest onshore windmill farms. Scattered across different regions in the city, the wind farms have not only changed the lives of the locals but have added to the visual delight. The lush green ghats surrounding the roads of Kanyakumari now contrast with stark white windmills.

Best Time to Visit : October - March

Situated in Suchindram, Thanumalay temple is also known as Sthanumalayan Kovil is the sacred shrine dedicated to Trimuthis (Bramha, Vishnu and Shiva). The beautiful temple was renovated in the 17th century, and its inscriptions date back to the 9th century.

Located at the southernmost point of the Indian mainland, Kanyakumari is bordered by the Arabian sea, the Indian Ocean and the Western ghats. One of the most serene destinations in India, Kanyakumari is a must-visit place in India. Also known as Cape Comorin, this place caters to tourists as a pilgrimage sight and a fantastic beach resort. It is considered a religious spot to take a dip in the water.

The Sotha Vilai Beach is one of the most famous beaches that can be found in the entire district of Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu. This beach is an offbeat attraction, which means that many people do not know about it. The glorious beach stretches for over 4 kilometres, which makes it one of the longest natural beaches in the entire state.

Sanguthurai Beach is one of the calmest yet cleanest beaches that you should go to, during your visit to Kanyakumari. Sanguthurai Beach is located in the southernmost part of India, and you can feel the fierce power of the Indian Ocean there.

Built by St Francis Xavier in the 1600s, the St. Xavier Church is a famous historical structure of great religious importance located in Kottar of Nagercoil. This Roman Catholic, Latin Rite shrine is dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God. The church enjoys great fame and respect.

Since ancient times, Kanyakumari has been one of the major centres of religion, art and culture. Famous for being the only place in India where you can observe the sunrise and sunset at the same beach, Kanyakumari is a very popular tourist destination.

The Wax Museum is definitely is one of its kind Museum that stands above the rest in terms of creativity. It is situated in Kanyakumari region in the city of Baywatch. The museum houses all the important figures of the Indian History as well as the world history in wax form.

A one of its kind structure, the Tsunami Monument is a unique monument that is located near the southern shore of Kanyakumari. It was built in the memory of all those thousands of people who died in the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami that shook the entire nation on 26 December in 2004.

The local food of Kanyakumari showcases the culture of the state, with rice being the most consumed food item, and Aval is one of the favourite dishes made out of rice. Being a coastal town, fresh seafood is another common speciality food here along with lentils and legumes. The famous restaurants to try out are The Curry, Sea View Restaurant, Hotel Saravana and Taj Restaurant.

The street markets and beach stalls of Kanyakumari are prevalent for their unique handicrafts. The beach stalls at Kanyakumari offer tourists all things bamboo, be it wall decoration, trendy jewellery, showpieces or handicrafts. These stalls have it all!