A Glimpse of Kanyakumari

The union of the Arabian Sea, The Indian Ocean and the Bay Of Bengal combined with the mountainous terrains make Kanyakumari a serene gateway. The Land’s End, or Cape Comorin as it was known earlier during the British rule of India, Kanyakumari, is a small coastal town in the state of Tamil Nadu. is a town in the Kanyakumari district in the state of Tamil Nadu in India. 

The southernmost tip of India, it is also known as 'the Land's End. The name of the place, Kanyakumari, literally translates to ‘The Virgin Princess’, which refers to the goddess ‘Kanyakumari’, who was the sister of Krishna.

The serene sunrise, picturesque sunsets and enchanting full-moon nights create Kanyakumari a geographic wonder. The combination of modern-day and old-world charm can be seen in every corner of Kanyakumari. From the calm beaches, churches, and palaces to the busy market lanes, Kanyakumari offers something for every visitor. An ideal weekend getaway for travellers residing in nearby cities, Kanyakumari is one of the must-visit for every travel enthusiast.

10 Places to Visit in Kanyakumari

1. VIVEKANANDA ROCK MEMORIAL

BuiIt in 1970, to honour Swami Vivekananda, a great religious reformer, Vivekananda Rock Memorial is one of the main tourist attractions in Kanyakumari. Behind the rock memorial, there is an interesting story that prevails. After travelling throughout India for three years, a young monk reached Kanyakumari in 1892. His mind was full of questions, and to find answers, he leapt into the shark-infested sea and swan across the waters to reach the rock perched midst sea- the last of Indian land. He meditated on the rock for three whole days and nights and attained enlightenment there for his life’s mission to rediscover the Nation’s glory while rising it from thousand years of slavery.

The rock memorial consists of two main structures. One is the Vivekananda Mandapam, and the other is the Shripada Mandapam. The tourists pay their homage at the mandapas and then step out to witness the splendid view of the sea from the end point of India.

2. THIRUVALLUVAR STATUE

Standing at 133 feet, the statue of Tamil Poet Thiruvalluvar at Kanyakumari beach is the 25th tallest statue in India. The towering statue stands on a smaller rock right beside the Vivekananda rock memorial, visible from the coast of Kanyakumari. The foundation stone of the statue was laid in 1979, and the statue was completed in 1999, 20 years later. The ferries which take you to the Vivekananda rock memorial take you to the Thiruvalluvar statue on the way back to the coast if the tide permits. If the statue is not closed off for maintenance work, then it is possible to visit the inside base of the statue. One can also climb the stairs up to reach the feet of the statue. Atharapeedam is the three-tier pedestal that the statue stands on. The pedestal is surrounded by a 38 feet Alankara Peedam which is adorned with 10 elephants made of stone. The elephants symbolise the ten directions - one for the sky, one for hell and eight for the earth.

3. SUNSET VIEWPOINT

Life today has become hectic, with people managing jobs, commutes and personal lives all at the same time. It is important to reset and rejuvenate one’s mind and oneself every once in a while. The sunset viewpoint in Kanyakumari is one such place where you can calm the raging questions in your mind and get a break from all your responsibilities. Sitting at the viewpoint gives you a feeling of peace while all the thoughts in your mind wash away with the setting sun. The sunrise and sunsets in Kanyakumari are among the best you are going to witness in India. Witnessing the sunrise alongside the Thiruvalluvar statue is majestic. Sunsets are more special on full moon nights. On full moon nights, the sun sets in the sea opposite the rising moon at the same time. It is even possible to witness the rising sun and setting full moon together the next morning.

4. PADMANABHAPURAM PALACE

One of the ancient palaces in India where every corner of the palace oozes old-age charm. Built by Iravi Verma Kulasekhara Perumal in 1601 AD, the palace features the marvellous architecture of the Travancore era. Although the heritage site sits in the foothills of Velli mountain in the Tamil Nadu state, the palace is maintained by the government of Kerala. The palace houses murals that attract archaeologists and take them back to the 17th and 18th centuries. The beauty of the palace does not end here but expands to the intricately designed Queen Mother’s palace. Mother’s Mary palace is adorned with hued ceilings and royal chairs. Along with that, the secret passages, the Durbar Hall, artwork depicting Lord Krishna, the Council chamber, Goddess Saraswati’s Shrine, the Performance hall, and the Southern palace are also popular among tourists. There is a 300-year-old clock tower which works till. The hall and whole palace are full of ancient things like weapons, daggers, paintings and many more to explore there.

5. BHAGAVATHY AMMAN TEMPLE

The Bhagavathy Amman Temple is another place of great religious importance located in Kanyakumari. The temple is believed to be more than 3000 years old and dedicated to the virgin goddess Devi Kanyakumari. The Bhagavathy Amman temple is one of the 51 Shakti-peethas which are spread all over the country, and devotees visit this temple throughout the year. The diol of the devi worshipped her resembles a charming young lady. This temple is mentioned in historical scripts from Ramayana, Mahabharat, and Yajurveda and also in the Sangam age works Manimekalai and Puranaanora. The Bhagavathy Amman Temple is also said to be one of the hundred and eight "Durga Alayas" temples dedicated to the goddess Durga.

6. THANUMALAYAN TEMPLE

Thanumalayan Temple is also known as the Sthanumalayan temple. The name of the temple is derived from the name of the trinity of Hinduism- Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Stanu means Shiva, Mal means Vishnu, and Ayan means Brahma. It was one of the temples in Kerala, but it now falls in Tamil Nadu, when Kanyakumari merged with Tamil Nadu from Travancore. Hindu mythological legend has it that the king of devas, Indra, got relieved of the curse of that place of the main Linga temple. A sage couple, Atri and Anusuya, was living in the Janarya. Once Vishnu, Brahma and shive came into brahmins' faces, so anusaya started her hospitality, but they denied it and said they would accept it when she served them nude so, with her power of chastity, she turned them into three kids and served them her breast milk. Ati returned to the hermitage at the behest of Parvathi, Saraswati and Lakshmi to restore their husbands to their original forms. Anusaya gets obliged and immediately turns them into their original form, and the couple gets blessed.

7. MATHUR AQUEDUCT

Located in the Kalkulam taluk of the Kanyakumari district, Mathur Aqueduct is another masterpiece of modern architecture. Built in 1966 over the Pahrali river, the bridge takes its name from Mathoor, a hamlet near the aqueduct, which is about 3km from Thiruvattar and about 60 km from Kanyakumari. This hanging bridge is one of the longest and tallest trough bridges in Asia, measuring 115 feet in height and one kilometre in length. Given the tourist attraction this bridge receives, stairs were built later for their convenience.

8. VATTAKOTTAI PALACE

Located on the coastline of the Bay Of Bengal, Vattakottai palace must be on your checklist the next time you visit Kanyakumari. The rulers of the Travancore Kingdom constructed the Vattakottai palace in the 18th century under the supervision of Punachal/Elakkara Valiyaveetil Marthandan Chempakaraman Pillai- one of the last coastal forts constructed by them. Made up of Granite blocks, the fort has resting rooms, watch towers and weapon rooms and replicates a circular form. This palace is under the governance of the archaeological department. The major renovation of the fort was undertaken recently by the department, and the site is now a popular tourist spot.

9. OUR LADY OF RANSOM

An impressive gothic structure for history buffs and one of the most visited historical religious sites in Tamilnadu, Our Lady Of Ransom church is located in Tamil Nadu. Dedicated to Mother Mary, this church’s history traces back to the 15th century. When you step inside the church, there is a golden altar in the middle where the idol of Mother Mary is placed. The wooden carvings in the church depict the coronation of Mother Mary as the queen of heaven and earth. Other carvings in the church depict a lamb lying on the holy bible and the 12 disciplines of Jesus Christ. On the altar, there are carvings of Jesus Christ and angels playing musical instruments like drums, violins, and flutes. You can experience multi-hued lights inside the church when the sun's rays fall through the colourful glass windows of the church in the main building of the church. The view of this church gets even more breathtaking in the evening with all the lighting, making it a sight to behold.

10. KANYAKUMARI TIRUPATI TEMPLE

A marvel of architecture, Kanyakumari Tirupati Temple is another place you just can't miss on your next visit to Kanyakumari. Venkateswara shrine in Tirupati. A replica of the famous Venkateswara shrine in Tirupati, Kanyakumari Tirupati temple is located close to the seashore. The design of the temple makes it possible for the sun's rays to fall directly on the foot of the Venkateswara idol on April 14 every year, on the occasion of Vishu. 

The temple complex contains quarters, annadhanam, places to offer hair, a pond and a goshala.

How To Visit Kanyakumari

By Air-

Thiruvanthapuram International airport is the nearest airport which distances about 90 km. This airport is connected to all major places and includes some of the international places too. Vehicles are easily available here.

By Train-

Kanyakumari junction is 4km away from the bus stand, which takes you directly to Kanyakumari.

By Road-

Roadway can take time, but this is also a way to reach. Kanyakumari is connected with cities like Chennai, Nageroli, Bengaluru and others. From the bus stand, many rickshaw autos are there to reach Kanyakumari.