Tourist Attractions in Kanyakumari, Kerala
While you’re in Kanyakumari, make sure to stop by the Guganathaswamy Temple. This impressive 15th-century church is a stunning example of Gothic style architecture. The temple is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, but is also known by its Tamil Christian name, Alangara Upkara Matha. Inside the temple, you’ll find a saree-clad idol of Mother Mary. During the night, the church is decorated with colourful lights.
Visit Kanyakumari during the fall. October to February is the ideal time to visit Kanyakumari, and there are a variety of activities to enjoy from the fall. The town also has some quaint shops where you can buy colorful bags and handicrafts made by locals. Once you’ve finished exploring the historical buildings, you’ll probably want to try some local cuisine – the seafood is world famous here, but South Indian food is equally popular.
The city is also home to the famous Kanyakumari beach. This picturesque locale sits at the confluence of three oceans and is renowned for its varied coloured sand. The sand is also rough, but this makes it a perfect beach for families to splash around in the waves and enjoy the scenery. The beach is located about three kilometers from the center of Kanyakumari, so it’s easy to take a taxi there.
If you’re interested in history, you should visit Vattakottai Fort. It’s a beautiful example of Kerala architecture. It’s located on 3.5 acres and was built by the Travancore dynasty in the eighteenth century. The fort was built after the Travancore kingdom defeated Captain Eustachius De Lannoy’s army in the Battle of Colachel. Today, the fort is maintained by the Archeological Department of India.
Vivekananda Rock Memorial #1
On a small island just off Kanyakumari, you will find the magnificent Vivekananda rock memorial. The picturesque Indian Ocean is 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’.Vivekananda Rock Memorial is located at about 500 meters east of the mainland of Vavathurai in Kanyakumari and can be accessed by regular ferries.
The statue was constructed in 1970 on an island in Vavathurai. It is located on the same spot where Vivekananda achieved enlightenment. The Shripada Mandapam houses a study room and a museum that allow you to explore Vivekananda’s life and work.
Legends and historical stories tell that Goddess Kumari believed to have performed austerity on this particular rock. The memorial is located next to a ‘Dhyana Mandipam’, which acts as a meditation hall. This unique style of architecture incorporates different temple styles from across India. These rocks are surrounded by the Laccadive Sea.
More Details About Vivekananda Rock Memorial
| Website: | https://www.vrmvk.org/ |
| Address: | Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu 629702 |
| Contact: | 04652 247 012 |
| Opened: | 1970 |
Thanumalayan Temple #2
Thanumalay temple, also known as Sthanumalayan Kovil, is a sacred shrine dedicated to Trimuthis (Bramha Vishnu, Shiva and Shiva). This beautiful temple was rebuilt in 17th century. Its inscriptions date back as far as the 9th century.
This magnificent temple is a masterpiece of architectural beauty. The four musical pillars, each carved from a single stone and placed in the alankara Mandapam area are one of the highlights of this temple. When struck with a thumb, these musical pillars emit a range of musical notes. The striking feature of the Sthanumalayan Perumal Temple’s Sthanumalayan Perumal Temple, is its representation of both Vaishnavite and Shaivite sections of Hinduism. It also contains massive statues of Anjaneya, Nandi and other Hindu figures. They are unique in their kind. This temple hosts thousands of people every year for the rathotsava or teppam festivals.
More Details About Thanumalayan Temple
| Address: | : 5F38+V3V, N Car St, Vivekananda Junction, Suchindram, Tamil Nadu 629704 |
| Architectural style: | Dravidian architecture |
| District: | Kanyakumari |
| Deity: | Thanumalayan |
Thiruvalluvar Statue #3
This beautiful statue is dedicated to Thiruvalluvar (a poet and philosopher). It’s located on an island just outside Kanyakumari. Thiruvalluvar is the author of Tirukkural, a classic Tamil text, a remarkable work in Literature. The work on the statue was started by Thiruvalluvar in 1990, and continued until 1999, when the final version of the figure was completed.
The monument is a magnificent 133-foot tall and rests upon a pedestal 38 feet high. The pedestal’s height is representative of the 38 chapters that make up Thirukkural. This destination is full of symbolism, cultural significance, and is worth a visit. The statue was sculpted by V. Ganapati Sthapati, and unveiled on January 1, 2000. The statue, which is surrounded by water, can be reached quickly via a ferry. A temple is located on the premises of the statue, which makes it a great spot to meditate.
More Details About Thiruvalluvar Statue
| Website: | http://www.tamilnadutourism.org/places/citiestowns/valluvar.aspx |
| Address: | Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu |
| Contact: | 044 2538 3333 |
| Opened: | 1 January 2000 |
| Height: | 41 m |
Padmanabhapuram Palace #4
The Padmanabhapuram Palace, Tamil Nadu, is one of India’s most beautiful palaces. It symbolizes the rich cultural heritage of India that has existed for many centuries. This was the capital of the former Travancore Empire, and it has been a symbol of the region’s history. The Padmanabhapuram Palace, believed to be built in 16 century, is home to many rare antiques and artifacts. It is important to note that Padmanabhapuram Palace was built entirely out of wood. The Palace’s simplicity is what makes it so charming.
The Padmanabhapuram palace is located in a fortress that measures four kilometers long. It is divided into several sections, each with its own significance. The Padmanabhapuram Palace houses a number of unusual articles, including old Chinese jars and various weapons, brass lamps and wood and stone sculpture, furniture, large mirrors, paintings and large mirrors. A wooden cot as well as a polished stone one are all kept safe in the Padmanabhapuram Palace. This enchanting palace is maintained by the Kerala Government. The Padmanabhapuram Palace attracts hundreds of people every day. It is frequently referred to as one of the top 10 palaces in the entire world.
More Details About Padmanabhapuram Palace
| Function: | Palace |
| Address: | Chakala, Thuckalay, Tamil Nadu 629175 |
| Contact: | 04651 250 255 |
| Opened: | 1601 |
Thirparappu Falls #5
Thirparappu Falls is an artificial waterfall that is one of Kanyakumari’s most popular attractions. The spectacular waterfall cascades from almost 50 feet high. Its gushing waters amaze the surrounding environment. It is basically a mixture of multiple streams of water that flow from the top to create a magnificent water pool at its bottom. The entrance to the Falls is marked by a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Photographers love the lush greenery and exotic fauna surrounding the Falls. The stunning view of the white-snowy waterfalls cascading down from the heights is possible to capture. This is the perfect place to spend a weekend with friends or family, or for a picnic.
You can rent paddle boats to go boating near the Falls. A swimming pool is also available near the Falls for refreshing yourself. It is also a great place to spend the night in Kanyakumari. You can spend an evening filled with entertainment and fun at nearby bars and clubs.
More Details About Thirparappu Falls
Kanyakumari Beach #6
Kanyakumari Beach, also known as Cape Comorin Beach, is one of Kanyakumari’s most beautiful spots. The pristine beach, which is located at the southernmost tip of the Indian peninsula at confluence of three major water bodies makes it a paradise for tourists. Tourists from all over the globe flock to the golden sand beach on the banks of the sparkling sea waters.
It will amaze you to see the three distinct colors of the water from the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea intertwine. This is also a great place to visit in Kanyakumari after dark. It is famous for its spectacular sunsets, which can be seen against the backdrop of the magnificent sea waters.
It is an eye-opener to see the sun’s rays reflecting on the water crystals. It is also amazing to see the sunrise, as the sun rays cast an unforgettable spell. You can also climb to the top of the lighthouse at the beach for a better view.
More Details About Kanyakumari Beach
Gandhi Mandapam #7
Gandhi Mandapam, Kanyakumari’s most revered spot to visit, is a must-see. This is where the ashes of Father of Nation Gandhi were stored before being thrown into the sea. In 1956, the mandapam was built in memory of the Great Leader of our nation.
The memorial’s most distinctive feature is its 79-foot high central spire, which represents the time when Mahatma was assassinated. The Mandapam’s ceiling is another remarkable feature. It was designed and constructed in such a manner that sun rays reflect off the Mandapam where Gandhiji’s ashes are kept on October 2nd, Gandhiji’s birth date.
Inside the memorial is a library that displays literature, magazines and books from the time when India was under British control. There are also photographs of Gandhiji, as well as other Indian leaders, who fought for India’s independence.
More Details About Gandhi Mandapam
FAQs: Top 7 Best Places To Visit in kanyakumari
What is the Special of Kanyakumari?
There are several temples and shrines in Kanyakumari. The town is home to the goddess Kanya Kumari, an incarnation of the Hindu goddess Parvati. Visit the Kumari Amman Temple, a three hundred year old shrine, and the Arulmigu Bhagavathy Amman Temple. You can also visit the Thanumalayan Temple, which is the only temple in the world where the Hindu trinity is worshiped as one deity.
Why Kanyakumari is a Tourist Place?
The scenic landscape of Kanyakumari is truly mesmerizing. The picturesque riverside town of Kalikesam is home to a reputed 3000-year-old shrine, the Devi Kanyakumari Temple. The temple is a place of worship for the goddess Kali, and is surrounded by thick forests and rubber plantations. The temple is also home to a rosary and sparkling gold jewellery. The area is peaceful and serene and is perfect for those seeking tranquility.
What is the Old Name of Kanyakumari?
It was under the British rule that the seaside town was given the name of Cape Comorin, which amounted to a mispronunciation by English men. But that’s not all: it’s worth knowing that Kanyakumari has a long and fascinating history. Its current name, Kanyakumari, is derived from the presiding deity of a seashore temple.
Why Kanyakumari is Named So?
The town of Kanyakumari sits on the southernmost tip of India. It is a popular pilgrimage and has some beautiful temples, paddy fields, and rich forests. History also has a lot to do with the city. According to the Travancore Census of 1931, Kanyakumari was once ruled by the Paravars. The town’s temples and sea are both associated with the goddess Parvati.
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