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Courtallam Falls

Best Places to Explore in and Around Kanyakumari – Discover the Southernmost Point in India (2024)

The southernmost point in India is the famous historic seaside town of Kanyakumari. With expansive dunes reflecting the rainbow hues of the mesmerizing sunsets and sunrises on the deep blue seas is a sight to behold. The beautiful views all contribute to Kanyakumari’s ethereal beauty. Reserve a stay at one of the hotels in the town and get ready to bring home a few memorable souvenirs. Make a wonderful collection of intriguing mementos here from the Best places to explore in Kanyakumari!

A trip to Kanyakumari is only complete if you visit the famous tourist places in and around Kanyakumari. When you place your feet on the Kanyakumari jetty, you will be reminded of 1892 when Swami Vivekanand gained salvation and attained enlightenment here.

Best Places to Explore in and Around Kanyakumari – Discover the Southernmost Point in India

Experience the serenity and spiritual vibe instantly and touch base with the Vivekanand Rock Memorial!

1. Vivekanand Rock Memorial:

Swami Vivekananda’s Hindu teachings and knowledge have endured time. His works and ideas as a learned Hindu scholar from the late 19th century have been highly regarded. Thus, in his honour, the Vivekananda Rock Monument was created at Kanya Kumari in Vavathuria in 1970. Swami obtained enlightenment here, and legend says the Goddess Kanyakumari is said to have performed austerity over this rock.

If you want to experience peace or try healing yogic postures, go to the “Dhyana Mandapam” meditation hall. The Vivekananda Mandapam includes the Mukha Mandapam, Sabha Mandapam, and Namashtubhyam. The Shripada Mandapam is another important square hall with a stunning design. This hall accommodates the Inner Prakaram, Outer Prakaram, Garbha Graham, and an external platform.

Vivekanand Rock Memorial, Kanyakumari

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The hall features an enthralling sculpture of Vivekananda created by renowned artist Sitaram Atre and incorporates the architectural designs of numerous Hindu temples. The memorial’s setting is distinctive and overlooks cliffs encircled by the Laccadive Sea. The monument is still a well-liked tourist destination and a great inspiration with the extensive support extended by the Ramakrishna Mission, Ramakrishna Math, and State and Central Governments.

2. The Sunset Viewpoint:

The valuable natural colors in the environment are a rarity, but they can be experienced almost every morning and evening at the southernmost tip of India, in Kanyakumari. The beautiful town is home to these views at the eye-striking sunset viewpoint in Kanyakumari at the convergence point of the Gulf of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea.

You get to admire the setting sun amongst the waves from a distance, and the sight is unbelievably beautiful. Get a glimpse of the light enveloping the sun’s rays and enjoy this incredible sight as you munch on goodies from a food stall nearby. The splendor of the views from here is enhanced by the lighthouse in the distance. Behind the Vivekananda Rock Monument, the sun rises, casting a magnificent reflection on the entire scene.

Unwind and take in the breathtaking scenery resulting from the interaction of light, water, and monuments. The location also makes for intriguing photo opportunities and has washroom facilities too. The moon’s rise and sunset are both visible on full moon evenings. Though, the scenery is magnificent on Chitra Poornima. Take out your cameras and capture memorable moments in a picture forever and ever.

3. The Pechiparai Reservoir:

The Pechiparai Reservoir was built in 1906 by Mr. Minchin, a European engineer. By transversely spanning the River Kodayan, this majestic dam spread out over an area of 207 sq km and was constructed within a budget of Rs. 26 lakhs INR. The reservoir’s water is used for cultivation and drinking by people living in urban areas.

The dam is a fantastic setting for a picnic and is located below where the Kallar, Chittar, and Kuttiyar streams converge. This reservoir, surrounded by the Western Ghats, also provides a breathtaking sight of the city. Visitors to this location can also take advantage of nearby sights, including the Gandhi Memorial, Government Museum, and Vivekananda Rock Monument. Food stalls and washrooms are at the site for the convenience of the tourists.

4. Kanyakumari Beach:

Kanyakumari Beach seems to be the end of the earth as it is the Southernmost tip of the Indian peninsula. Popularly also called the “Triveni Sangam,” the Beach looks over the union of three water bodies, the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, and the Bay of Bengal, coming together.

Kanyakumari’s beaches are becoming very popular because of their exquisite scenic opulence. The main Beach showcases a vast expanse of sand reflecting several colors, with rocky and rough boulders around the coast. Tourists swarm the Beach to see the distinctive sunrise and sunset. For safety, a wall is built alongside the ragged coastline for security.

Youngsters must beware and not wander off because the sea can sometimes be ruthless and choppy; thus, people typically stay on land.

Suppose you decide to indulge in water sports like surfing, exercise caution. Why not sit on one of the rocks, let the brisk air blow through your hair, and unwind? The Beach is almost always jam-packed, so no luck if you want quiet.

The picturesque Vivekananda rock and the Thiruvalluvar statue are visible from the shore and look stunning, especially when dusk approaches, and shadows are cast. The best times for a visit are anytime during the day. You can even get a locker here to store your stuff until you finish eating and playing in the waters.

5. Courtallam Falls:

Courtallam or Kutralam, at 160 m above sea level, is a popular tourist destination and attracts people for its majestic waterfalls. This is because numerous rivers pass through this territory. The Manimuthar, Tambaraparani, Chittar, and Pachaiyar rivers originate here. Despite being primarily dense and thick, these waterfalls are safe to enter. The rains frequently bring much water, and bathing is sometimes prohibited for safety reasons.

The largest waterfall here, called the Peraruvi, drops from a height of 60 m. The fall of the water is slowed down here because of a crater. The other waterfalls in this area are Chitraruvi and Anitharuvi. Thenaruvi or Honey Falls is about 3 kilometers away from these falls. The Honey Falls are named so because the rocks here are in an exciting honeycomb shape.

6. The Tsunami Monument:

It was calamitous to experience the Tsunami, the destructive seismic waves that had smashed Tamil Nadu and some other Southern areas in 2014. Thousands died in the havoc. A huge bluish-colored wave and a silver-varnished lamp with fire are incorporated into a steel structure almost 16 feet tall.

This Statue, called the Tsunami Monument, near Kanyakumari’s Southern shore, has been created in memory of the people and indicates that nature finally prevails. Visit the monument to pay homage and respect to the deceased. Breathe a silent prayer and bless them with your heart.

7. Mandaikkadu Bhagavathi Amman Temple:

Goddess Parvati, commonly known as Bhagavathi, is worshipped at the Mandaikkadu Bhagavathi Amman Temple in the Mandaikkadu town, close to the Nagercoil-coached state highway. The temple’s sacredness and lovely position on the seashore make it very popular. Moreover, its Kerela-style architecture and the holy idol mesmerize the visitor. According to legend, Sri Guru Shankaracharya eventually reached enlightenment at this place.

Anthills began to grow where the Holy Srichakra was placed, and the anthills developed strong and strange vibes. Maharaja Varma believed that a tall anthill of 15 feet was incarnate of Goddess Parvati and constructed a temple there.

Time passed, and the temple gained religious significance with its holy Neem and Bo trees. Kodai festival is celebrated with great pomp and show at this temple and women visit this “Sabrimala” or temple to pray to the deity with their pooja items called Irumudi!

8. Kaalikesam Waterfalls:

The waterfall in the middle of the opulent and grand Keeriparai Wildlife Sanctuary is a sight to behold. About 2 hours from Kanyakumari, these falls are an excellent place for a picnic. The neighboring rubber plantations and a quaint Kali Mata temple make the scenic surroundings light up with spirituality and natural beauty. You need private transportation to this beautiful reserve full of bridges, dense forests, and broken roads.

The Thiruvalluvar Statue, a famous monument, lies about 400 meters from the Kanyakumari coastline in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, India. It is a 133-foot tall stone statue of the ancient Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar, who wrote Thirukkural, the outstanding work with 1330 Tamil couplets that are globally known.

The Memorial Statue on an island rock was built in homage to this famous man who lived between the 3rd and 1st century BCE. The Statue comprises three distinct parts: the pedestal, the middle portion, and the figure itself. The concrete pedestal measures about 38 feet in height. The center portion is made of stone and is about 45 feet in height. The stone statue is about 50 feet tall and showcases a standing Thiruvalluvar with a palm-leaf manuscript in one hand and the other indicating the ocean.

The Thiruvalluvar Statue, made between 1990 and 2000, was inaugurated on January 1, 2000. It is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Tamil culture and literature. The Statue must undergo a maintenance treatment with chemical coating once every four years.

9. Mayapuri-Wonder Wax:

Exceptional wax art can be seen on the figures in the wax museum in Kanyakumari. The intricate wax figures are primarily of celebrities, famous personalities, and actors.

The Kanyakumari Wax Museum is a popular tourist attraction in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, India.

The museum features wax sculptures of famous Indian personalities, historical events, and international celebrities. This privately owned museum of the Emerald Group of Companies is spread over nearly 1.5 acres and was established in 2005. More than 100 wax statues are displayed creatively in 19 different galleries here.

The wax figures showcased at the museum include Mahatma Gandhi, Swami Vivekananda, Mother Teresa, APJ Abdul Kalam, Manmohan Singh, Rabindranath Tagore, Amitabh Bachchan, and many others. The museum also includes wax sculptures of famous international figures such as Michael Jackson, Obama, Jackie Chan, Clinton, and Princess Diana.

In addition to the wax figures, the museum also exhibits a grand multimedia show in a 180-degree theater, showcasing India’s history and culture to provide visitors with an immersive and unique experience.

The Kanyakumari Wax Museum is a popular tourist destination and offers a glimpse into India’s rich history and culture through its life-like wax sculptures and enthralling multimedia presentations. Get your camera out and click the interesting poses of your favorite superstars. Take advantage of the 3-D painting hall, as most paintings here appear 3-dimensional.

10. Vattakottai Fort:

If you want to peek into the Travancore kingdom of the 18th century, visit the Vattakottai Fort. People at that time faced threats from intruders, and to protect themselves against attacks by the sea route, the Vattakottai Fort stood opulent and tall.

The fort is constructed with granite blocks and stands in the sea on one side and the Western Ghats on the other. You will be surprised to see black sand at the Beach. The sight of the whole scenic landscape is very intriguing.

Mathur Hanging Trough, or Mathur Aqueduct, is a breathtakingly beautiful 110 feet tall structure made in the 1960s to aid irrigation. The sight of the lush green forests spread below the bridge and the river gushing beneath, cannot be described in words.

If you feel like it, climb down from the side and bathe in the clear waters. The excellent view from the height and the sight of the plains spread beyond is amazingly enthralling. Grab some pineapples here; they come cheap and are very tasty! Put on your walking shoes and climb up to the architecturally fantastic Mathur Aqueduct or thotti paalam.

11. Thanumalayan Temple – Sthanumalayan Kovil:

The temple is about 7 – 8 kilometers from Kanyakumari. Brahma, Shiva, and Lord Vishnu are all worshiped in this architecturally beautiful place, making this 100-year-old temple rare and unique.

The artistry is exquisite, and the yalli sculpture and musical pillars are reasons to visit here. The temple hosts the revered Vigneshwari idol, which has Brahma, Siva, and Vishnu in a single linga-shaped statue in a separate sanctum sanctorum. The roof is intricately carved with the Navgraha, and the waving tail Anyaneya statue stands tall at 18 feet.

Kanyakumari is home to beautiful palaces, temples and mosques, and a quaint church. It is an attractive and popular tourist destination where the ocean embraces the sunrise and sunset.

Surprisingly, you can enjoy the sunset and moonrise simultaneously on full moon days. Pack your bags and visit here any time of the year, but it’s the best from October to March.

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