Tamil Nadu
Trip To Holy Kanyakumari – Best Places To Visit in Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari, the southernmost point of the Indian peninsula, is a top tourist destination. An unassuming search for places to visit in Kanyakumari carries you a long list of top tourist places here. It is certainly the reason why uncountable history buffs who love to investigate deep into the great history of Kanyakumari and also esteem the architectural beauty of the dissimilar temples and monuments dotting this city, flock here.
Travel images and several other leisure travelers also decorate a mini-vacation in Kanyakumari to enjoy and capture its raw and pastoral beauty, observe the remarkable view of the various beaches, and most prominently, enjoy the sparkling sunrise in Kanyakumari.
Among the dissimilar places to visit in Kanyakumari, one cannot miss the breathtakingly attractive Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the astonishing view of the Indian Ocean from there. Along with it, the towering ideal of Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar constructed amidst the sea is also worth a watch.
The antiquity of Kanyakumari can be dated back to the Sangam Duration, and it is also a well-known fact that this city was governed by mighty kings from the Chola Dynasty to the Pandya Dynasty. As of now, Kanyakumari has advanced into a gorgeous tourist center but it also conserves its rich cultural heritage.
If you are planning a trip to this enormously beautiful coastal city, we bring you a great list of the best places to visit in Kanyakumari. So, sit back and scroll through.
Table of Contents
Vivekananda Rock Memorial
At 1.5 km from Kanyakumari Bus Station & 1.5 km from Kanyakumari Railway Station, Vivekananda Rock Memorial is a memorial situated on the small island of Kanyakumari. It is one of the most attractive Kanyakumari places to visit.
Vivekananda Rock Memorial was constructed in 1970 in honor of Swami Vivekananda on one of the two together rocks prominent out of the Lakshadweep Sea. This is the site where Vivekananda gained enlightenment. Below the statue was cited the year of death of Swamiji and the ‘probable’ dates when Swamiji gained Samadhi on the rock.
Vivekananda’s Rock also controls religious implications for the locals. It is believed that Goddess Devi Kumari sanctified the rock while functioning in austerity. The memorial comprises two major structures, the Vivekananda Mandapam and the Shripada Mandapam.
Thiruvalluvar Statue
Enthusiastic to the proficient philosopher and poet Thiruvalluvar, this attractive statue finds itself on a small island near Kanyakumari. Thiruvalluvar was the author of a mythical work around the world of Literature, Tirukkural, the definitive Tamil text.
In his devotion, the work for the statue began in 1990 and sustained till 1999, the year in which the figure finally got finished. This monument stands tall at an enormous height of 133 feet and is suspended upon a 38-foot pedestal. The pedestal’s height represents the 38 chapters of benefit in Thirukkural.
Full of symbolism and cultural implication, this destination is awe-stirring, and a must-visit. V. Ganapati Sthapati shaped the statue, and it was unveiled on January 1, 2000. Enclosed by the waters, the Thiruvalluvar statue is established at an ideal location, and a short ferry ride can speedily help you reach the masterpiece. The sites of the statue also have a temple which is a picturesque spot for meditation.
Thirparappu Falls
Thirparappu Falls is a beautiful artificial waterfall and is one of the best places to visit in Kanyakumari. Plunging from a height of nearly 50 feet, the remarkable falls mystifies the environment with its pouring waters. It is fundamentally a mix of different streams of water flowing from the top to form a royal water pool at the bottom.
A small temple of Lord Shiva marks the appearance of the Falls. The lush greenery and unusual fauna encompassing the Falls are a favorite location for photographers. You can capture spectacular views of the snowy white falls sprinkling down from the heights. It is an accurate spot to spend a weekend or celebrate a picnic with family and friends.
There are paddle boats accessible for rent for boating in the locality of the Falls. You can also dip into a swimming pool nearby the falls and invigorate yourselves. Last but not least it is also one of the great places to visit in Kanyakumari at night. There are pubs and clubs neighboring for spending an evening full of fun and entertainment.
Padmanabhapuram Palace
Padmanabhapuram Palace in Tamil Nadu is one of the most beautiful palaces of India that signifies the rich and assorted cultural heritage of the country that has been around for different centuries aptly. This was the capital city of the previous Travancore Empire and has been a true standing symbol of the region’s history.
Supposed to have been constructed in the 16th century, the Padmanabhapuram Palace is home to different unique antiques and artifacts. What is worth noting about this great palace is the fact that Padmanabhapuram Palace is made wholly from wood and no other material. Adorned with beautiful wooden carvings and designs, the effortlessness of the Palace is what makes it a truly delightful destination.
Kanyakumari Beach
Kanyakumari Beach or Cape Comorin Beach is one of the enthralling places to visit in Kanyakumari. Located in the southernmost part of the Indian peninsula at the convergence of the three foremost water bodies, the pristine beach is a traveler’s paradise. The golden sand beach at the banks of the imposing sea waters allures tourists from all around the world.
You will be astonished to watch the three distinct colors of the waters from the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal, and the Arabian Sea intermingling with each other. It is also one of the most exhilarating places to visit in Kanyakumari at night. The enthusiasm is accredited to the remarkable sunset that can be observed against the backdrop of the majestic sea waters.
Thanumalayan Temple Sthanumalayan Kovil
Located in Suchindram, Thanumalay temple also better known as Sthanumalayan Kovil is the hallowed shrine enthusiastic to Trimuthis (Bramha, Vishnu, and Shiva). The attractive temple was reconditioned in the 17th century, and its inscriptions date back to the 9th century. This attractive temple represents inordinate architectural magnificence.
One of the foremost highlights of this temple is the four musical pillars carved out of a single stone located in the Malankara mandapam area. These musical pillars emit a variability of musical notes when struck with a thumb.
Another conspicuous factor of the Sthanumalayan Perumal Temple is that it represents both the Shaivite and Vaishnavite segments of Hinduism. The temple also houses enormous statues of Anjaneya and Nandi which are one of a kind. Every year rathotsava and teppan festival renowned in this temple fascinates thousands of people.
Gandhi Mandapam
Wondering which places to visit in Kanyakumari? Gandhi Mandapam will let you discover history. This memorial is enthusiastic to Mahatma Gandhi whose revered ashes were kept here before being engrossed in the seawater. Built-in modern architectural style, the Mandapam derives elements from the Orissa style of architecture.
An exclusive feature of the memorial is it has been constructed in such a way that on every 2nd October the sun’s rays fall on the precise spot where the great man’s ashes were placed. Such an exclusive and delightful tribute to the father of the nation must certainly be on your list of places to visit in Kanyakumari.
Olakaruvi Falls
Located towards the center of a hill of Western Ghats, Olakaruvi Falls is a one-hour trek from the rocky forest area. Also better known as Ullakaarvi Falls, this is one of the best waterfalls in Kanyakumari. They are two-level beautiful waterfalls – the lower one being faultless for the picnic while the greater one demands a trek of a kilometer. Do add one of the best Kanyakumari tourist places to your list!
Wax Museum
Set within the premises of Bay Watch (Water Theme Amusement Park), the Kanyakumari Wax Museum is an unmissable lure for tourists visiting this attractive city. Noted as India’s first wax museum, it was opened to the public on 24th December 2005.
Built-in line with London’s Madam Tussauds Wax Museum, this exclusive attraction displays wax statues of well-known personalities. Visitors can see good-looking statues of Indira Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Mahatma Gandhi, Shahrukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Rajnikanth, and Jackie Chan, to list a few.
Sothavilai Beach
The Sothavilai beach, also known as Chothavilai, is one of the most well-known beaches in Kanyakumari. The offbeat lure has a long shore widening up to four km along with beautiful lawns, and sitting arrangements. It is an ideal location for swimming, and a water bath because of the fairly shallow waters.
Sanguthurai Beach
Sanguthurai Beach is one of the quietest yet cleanest beaches that you should go to, throughout your visit to Kanyakumari. Sanguthurai Beach is situated in the southernmost part of India, and you can feel the ferocious power of the Indian Ocean there.
However, Sanguthurai Beach is a beautiful tranquil place with white sand beaches that sets an accurate background to the coastline you can also see Vivekananda Rock Memorial from here on the shoreline of Sanguthurai Beach. If vigilant enough, you can also spot a white pillar bulging from the sea at Sanguthurai Beach. In addition to all these lures, its lukewarm water is accurate for swimming.
Sunset Point
Watching the sunset at the southernmost tip of India is a vision to behold. Kanyakumari is at the convergence 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 sunset and sunrise at the same spot.
Mathur Aqueduct
Mathur Aqueduct or the Mathur Hanging Bridge is one of the captivating places to see in Kanyakumari. Located at a height of 115 feet and casing a length of about 1 km, the bridge is the longest and highest dangling bridge in Asia. It was built in 1966 under the instructions of the Late Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Mr. Thiru. K. Kamaraj.
The major purpose of constructing the bridge is to pass irrigation water through a channel on the bridge from the Pattanamkal Canal to the Kalkulam and Vilavancode Taluks. Constructed across the River Pahrali, the aqueduct is well-known for its scenic views surrounding it. Due to the vast popularity of the aqueduct, a children’s park and platforms for bathing and swimming have been built for the entertainment of the locals and travelers.
Vattakottai Fort
A 40-minute drive out of Kanyakumari, this old fort is situated in a very picturesque spot. The Vattakottai fort may be explored on foot for 30 minutes, but the highlight is taking in the spectacular views from the ramparts, including the calm Bay of Bengal waters and the breathtaking distant view of the windmill farm.
Built out of stone and granite, the fort has countless historical value as being part of the foremost defenses of the Travancore kingdom. The peaceful beach, wonderful breeze, and peaceable environment make it the accurate place to spend a relaxed day.
Best Time To Visit Kanyakumari
The best time to visit Kanyakumari is from October to February. The weather throughout this period is pleasant and favorable for exploration and outdoor activities. Also, there are different activities held at Kanyakumari beach beginning in October. There are different shops selling locally made items, jewelry, colorful bags, and souvenir items. With moistness level dripping, you can also relish elephant back rode and enthralling sunset view.
How To Reach Kanyakumari?
There are a lot of destinations to visit in Kanyakumari and it is well-linked by rail, road, and air. So, you can conveniently visit all the tourist destinations.
Air
The closest airport to Kanyakumari is the Trivandrum International Airport which is situated 67 km away and well-connected to the foremost cities in India. From here, you can rent a taxi to reach Kanyakumari.
Rail
Kanyakumari has its own railway stations and trains from the foremost cities halt here. Not only this, the second closest station is the Trivandrum Central railway station. It is well-linked to almost all Indian cities.
Road
Unvarying buses ply from almost all foremost cities of South India. Tamil Nadu and Kanyakumari Road Transport Corporation propose these services. You can select the type of budget – unvarying or deluxe relying upon your budget.
Conclusion
There are different other places to visit in Kanyakumari. If time allows, plan a visit to places such as the natural waterfall Ullakaarvi, Mahadevar Kovil, Thengapattinam Beach, Sanguthurai Beach, Thirunanthikarai Cave Temple, Keeriparai Reserve Forest, and many more. This wide collection of sightseeing places in Kanyakumari is sure to make your tour an unforgettable one.
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