Southern Splendor: The Allure of Kanyakumari
The coastal city of Kanyakumari, nestled at the southernmost tip of mainland India, is a popular tourist destination. Located in the state of Tamil Nadu, it is renowned as the point of confluence for three magnificent bodies of water: the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean. Beyond its natural beauty and geographical allure, Kanyakumari holds a lot of historical significance and cultural repertoire. Known as Cape Comorin during the British colonial era, there are many interesting places to visit in Kanyakumari that will leave every visitor mesmerized.
Places to Visit in Kanyakumari
The Beaches of Kanyakumari
One of the top attractions of Kanyakumari is undoubtedly its innumerable beaches. Some of the most iconic and pristine beaches that are a must-visit are Kanyakumari Beach, Muttom Beach, Sanguthurai Beach, and the very popular Kovalam Beach. Along with the convergence of the vast seas, Kanyakumari Beach is also the only place on Earth from where one can see the spectacular sunrise and sunset, from the very same location. Close to the beach is the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, erected in memory of Swami Vivekananda, a famous Indian philosopher and author. Situated amidst a picturesque location, the entire structure of the memorial is an architectural marvel.
Vivekananda Rock Memorial
A quick 15-minute ferry ride from Kanyakumari takes you to the breathtaking Vivekananda Rock Memorial, and the experience of watching the endless sea on all sides is simply out of this world. Adjacent to the memorial is a tall, 41-meter statue of Tamil poet and saint Thiruvalluvar. While the harsh sea waters here don’t allow swimming or surfing, Sanguthurai, in another part of Kanyakumari, is a beautiful white sand beach that offers lots of opportunities for swimming and relaxation. One can see many children playing on the beach while others enjoy their snacks in the food stalls along the shoreline. The Kovalam Kanyakumari beach is located around a 10-minute drive from Kanyakumari city centre and has some spectacular sunset points.
Churches
Many tourist places in Kanyakumari will make your visit to the southern tip of India worthwhile. St. Xavier’s Cathedral Church, the All Saints Church, and St. Catherine Church are some distinguishable churches in Kanyakumari that you will visit while crisscrossing the city. The churches add a distinct facet to its tourism landscape and stand testament to its Portuguese as well as British-colonial influence in the region.
Forts, Temples, and Museums
Among the forts, the Vattakottai Fort and Udayagiri Fort are quite well-known and most visited. Another historical site associated with the erstwhile ruling Travancore kingdom is the Padmanabhapuram Palace. The palace’s floors, crafted from enduring black granite, continue to captivate the admiration of visitors.
Several ancient and architecturally important temples such as the Thanumalayan Temple, Amman Temple, and Nagaraja Temple are most visited by devotees and history enthusiasts. If you are a history enthusiast, a visit to the Government Museum is a must. The museum has a rich collection of artifacts, coins, wood carvings, tribal crafts, and sculptures. There is also a Wax Museum, the first one in India, that stands out from other museums in the town because of its creativity.
Other Points of Interest in Kanyakumari
The Mahatma Gandhi Memorial, built in honor of India’s most prominent freedom fighter and father of the nation, offers a fantastic sea view. It is here that Mahatma’s ashes (one urn among 12 others) were kept before immersion in the ocean as per Hindu traditions.
The hanging bridge called the Mathur Aqueduct is yet another place of interest to visit in Kanyakumari and is a remarkable engineering marvel built across the Parali River.
Also known for its waterfalls, forts, museums, and religious centers, one of the notable cascades is the Thirparappu Falls, situated about 35 kilometers from Kanyakumari town, on the Kodayar River. There is also a garden and a quaint Shiva temple in the vicinity, making it a popular spot for both nature enthusiasts and pilgrims alike.
The Best hotels in Kanyakumari
Some luxury accommodations in Kanyakumari are sure to elevate your stay with their exquisite comfort and immaculate service. The Annai Resorts and Spa and the Sparsa Resort are among the best hotels to stay in Kanyakumari. Steeped in opulence and the magic of amazing hospitality, these can be ideal for a relaxing holiday.
The Best Time to Visit Kanyakumari
The best time to visit Kanyakumari is during the winter months, from October to March. The temperatures range from around 20°C to 32°C, making it pleasant for traveling. All kinds of outdoor activities like visiting the beaches and watching sunrise/sunset are most enjoyable during this time. Tourists from the Western world are seen visiting Kanyakumari to escape the harsh winters. There are also many festivals and cultural events being organized during this time, which creates a lively atmosphere.