While Kashmir is on the northern edge of India, Kanyakumari with a lot more diversification decorates the southern tip of the country. Kanyakumari is a small seaside town in Tamil Nadu, close to the Kerala border. It was formerly known as Cape Comorin when Britain ruled India. Kanyakumari is well known for being the southernmost point of India and the location where the Indian, Arabian, and Bay of Bengal oceans converge.
As the home of the Goddess Kanya Kumari, a manifestation of the Hindu Goddess Parvati, the town holds spiritual significance. Kanyakumari is a well-liked travel destination for pilgrims and devotees. It is thought that the goddess performed penance there in order to convince Lord Shiva to wed her. There are several interesting stories associated with Kanyakumari and its nearby attractions. Here are our list of to 9 amazing things to do in Kanyakumari during your short trip.
1. Start from the sunrise or sunset
I had visited Kanyakumari on numerous occasions. I count myself fortunate to have seen both sunrise and sunset at least a few times. Yes, you can see the sunrise and sunset in Kanyakumari. Despite what you may have read in some articles and blogs, finding a sunrise position and a sunset spot may be necessary if you want to get a better view of it. Your experience of a sunrise or sunset may also be influenced by the weather. You might not be able to see the entire event if it is cloudy in the morning or evening. However, if you are reaching at Kanyakumari towards the later half of the day, it is always good to start by experiencing the sunset (until and unless you reach the place after the sunset).
2. Sail to the famous Vivekananda Rocks
Legend has it that Swami Vivekananda bravely swam to some rocks (later known as Vivekananda Rocks) in the Indian Ocean that were a good distance from the coast. You may travel to the Vivekananda Rocks via ferry without having to swim. I recently visited the Cape, but the choppy sea prevented me from visiting the rocks. However, I still recall the breathtaking voyage and the mesmerizing sight of the blue oceans encircling the rocks.
Where to book ferry tickets to Vivekananda Rocks?
Tickets for ferries can be purchased at the booth next to Kanyakumari Temple. I haven’t discovered any online booking options, though. Ferry booking counter location: https://goo.gl/maps/XKLv6sAsk6VBu31i9
3. Kanyakumari Temple on mainland
Legends say that for sailors at sea in the past, the goddess’ nose ring’s glitter served as a lighthouse. A visit to Goddess Kanyakumari Temple will help you learn why people revere the ‘virgin goddess’ who nearly wed Shiva. The temple compound also offers stunning views of the Thiruvalluvar Statue and the Vivekanada Rocks. Hence, this cannot be excluded from your list of interesting places to visit in Kanyakumari.
4. Pay respect to Thiruvalluvar
Thiruvalluvar Statue is undoubtedly another Kanyakumari attraction. It is a huge statue of the renowned Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar, standing 133 feet tall. A quick ferry journey will get you to the statue, which is situated on a little island next to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial. It represents Tamil Nadu’s rich cultural and literary legacy.
5. Stroll along the beachline
Walk to the hidden Twin Beach through a windswept, desolate path that runs along the shore. This stunning beach, which is littered with boulders, is thought to be the southernmost tip of mainland India. If you are here during the sunset, you would really enjoy the vibrant sky in blue, red, and green with splashing waters of the ocean.
6. Do not miss to visit the scenic Vattakottai
A few minutes journey from Kanyakumari would take you to this ancient fort of the Venad rulers, Vattakottai. The Venad rulers of Travancore, who ruled in the 18th century, expanded their domain, and Vattakottai was their coastal military stronghold in Kanyakumari. It was the final seaside fort they constructed, and the Archaeological Survey of India now looks after it. The fort is a great location for photography since it offers spectacular views of the Western Ghats and the Bay of Bengal. There is a nominal entrance fee to access this fort.
7. Visit Gandhi Mandapam
Visit Gandhi Mandapam, a monument honouring Mahatma Gandhi, the country’s father. On the location where his ashes were interred before being submerged in the water, a memorial now sits. It provides a calm setting and sheds light on this great leader’s life and beliefs.
8. Try some local Biriyani
During our recent visit to Kanyakumari, I tried some local food. We dined at the Chithra Hotel in Kanyakumari, which is located on the Vivekananda Kendra campus, and sampled south Indian vegetarian cuisine. After visiting Vattakottai later in the lunch hour, I tried Toppi Vappa Biriyani from Nagarcoil. Do not anticipate it to taste like Lucknow or Hyderabad biriyani. It is made differently here and is a variation on Tamil Nadu biriyani.
9. Musical pillars of Suchindram temple is in our list of things to do in Kanyakumari
Tamil Nadu’s Suchindram Temple is a major religious and cultural monument. It draws visitors and devotees who want to explore the elaborate construction, take in the rituals, and become engrossed in the temple’s spiritual atmosphere. It is frequently visited as a day trip from Kanyakumari or it can be incorporated into a longer itinerary that includes visiting the area’s historical sites and temples.
The melodic pillars of Suchindram Temple are one of its charms. When tapped, these pillars emit musical notes with various rhythms and tones. These pillars are a great draw for tourists because of their precise craftsmanship and distinctive sound quality.
Other attractions near Kanyakumari under 50 kilometers
Since Kanyakumari is a vast tourist site, it cannot be thoroughly explored in a single day. I would advise taking at least two to three days to properly explore this stunning location and its surrounds. Following are a few attractions around Kanyakumari that needs your touristy attention.
- Padmanabhapuram Palace: Located about 20 kilometers from Kanyakumari, Padmanabhapuram Palace is a magnificent wooden palace that was once the seat of the erstwhile rulers of Travancore.
- Mathur Hanging Bridge: Situated around 55 kilometers from Kanyakumari, the Mathur Hanging Bridge is an engineering marvel. It is one of the tallest and longest pedestrian suspension bridges in Asia.
- Udayagiri Fort: Located about 35 kilometers from Kanyakumari, Udayagiri Fort is an ancient fort known for its historical significance. The fort stands atop a hill and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. It is believed to have been built by King Marthanda Varma of the Travancore dynasty and houses several structures, including a temple and a pond.
- Tirparappu Waterfalls: Located about 50 kilometers from Kanyakumari, Tirparappu Waterfalls is a beautiful waterfall set amidst lush greenery. The cascading water creates a mesmerizing sight, and the surrounding area is ideal for picnicking and relaxing in nature’s lap.
How to reach Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari is well-connected by various modes of transportation. Here’s how you can reach Kanyakumari:
By Air:
The nearest airport to Kanyakumari is Trivandrum International Airport, which is approximately 90 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kanyakumari. Flights from major Indian cities as well as international destinations connect to Trivandrum Airport.
By Train:
Kanyakumari has its own railway station, which is well-connected to major cities in India. Several trains operate to and from Kanyakumari, including both express and local trains. You can check the Indian Railways website or consult a travel agent for train schedules and ticket bookings.
By Road:
Kanyakumari is well-connected by a network of roads, and you can reach the town by bus, taxi, or private car. The National Highway 66 passes through Kanyakumari, connecting it to major cities in South India. State-run buses, as well as private bus services, operate regular routes to Kanyakumari from nearby towns and cities.
Also read: A train journey to Kanyakumari
