Discover Kanyakumari: 8 Famous Tourist Attractions for a Perfect Vacation in the Southernmost Point of India (2024)
If you want to enjoy the most glorious sunset and sunrise in the same place in the city, then visit the enthralling Kanyakumari, the southernmost point of mainland India. The town lies near the tip of the Indian Peninsula. Also, the Western Ghats and the Laccadive Sea, or the Lakshadweep Sea, border Kanyakumari to its southwest, southeast, and south.
The grandeur of the temples in Kanyakumari is unbeatable, and the unspoiled clean beaches are a sight for the visitor; this is why pilgrims and tourists have this coastal town on their list of favorite “Go-to” places.
Discover Kanyakumari: 8 Famous Tourist Attractions for a Perfect Vacation in the Southernmost Point of India
Let us see the 8 famous tourist attractions in Kanyakumari:
1. Vivekananda Rock Memorial:
Kanyakumari, a seaside town in Tamil Nadu, is home to the well-known Vivekananda Rock Monument. The memorial, situated atop a sea rock, honors Swami Vivekananda, a well-known Indian spiritual figure and philosopher who brought Vedanta and yoga to the West. It offers a stunning ocean view and is easily accessible by ferry. This town’s historical landmarks, rich cultural heritage, and natural beauty make it a must-visit region and admired tourist destination.
Vivekananda Rock Memorial is a popular pilgrimage attraction in this coastal town and was built in 1970. A sight to behold, the memorial stands proudly on a rock island and comprises two main structures – the Vivekananda Mandapam and the Shripada Mandapam.
The Vivekananda Mandapam is a traditionally designed meditation hall showcasing a grand statue of Swami Vivekananda. The hall in pink granite showcases amazing architecture, looks exquisite, and is conducive to meditation.
The Shripada Mandapam is the second hall located on the lower level of the Vivekanand Rock memorial and is said to contain the footprints of the Goddess Kanyakumari. The town is named after the Goddess!
The memorial is brightly illuminated at night and looks spectacularly beautiful, standing regally overlooking the sea. People visit the memorial from 7 am to 5 pm by boat ride from the mainland.
2. Thiruvalluvar Statue:
Located adjacent to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial stands one of the tallest statues in India called the Thiruvalluvar Statue, which is dedicated to the renowned Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar. The grand statue offers a panoramic and grand view of the ocean and stands at the convergence of the Arabian Ocean, Indian Ocean, and the Bay of Bengal.
The Tamil Nadu government constructed the 133 feet tall Thiruvalluvar Statue to honor Thiruvalluvar, the legendary literary figure. The statue was unveiled on January 1, 2000, and represents the 133 chapters in Thirukkural, a Tamil work written by Thiruvalluvar.
This popular tourist attraction of Kanyakumari on the island called the “Vivekananda Rock Memorial” depicts Thiruvalluvar with one foot on a lotus flower and the other on a rock, symbolizing his spiritual insight and worldly wisdom.
The statue, made of over 7000 blocks of granite, was designed by the renowned Tamil sculptor V. Ganapati Sthapati. Its base is surrounded by 38 smaller statues of famous Tamil saints, poets, and scholars. Visitors must take a ferry from the mainland to reach the Thiruvalluvar Statue to admire the breathtaking landscape and ocean views. It is a must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike.
3. Kanyakumari Beach:
If you want to see an amazing sunrise and sunset view in one place, visit the famous Kanyakumari beach, its extraordinary landscape, and scenic beauty. The sandy beach with stunning footfall is a popular destination spot for tourists and locals.
Imagine standing at a place where the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and the Bay of Bengal are converging nearby- this makes it more special. A perfect spot to lie back, relax and enjoy, the beach is a beautiful place to sit and gaze out at the sea or run into the waves. The golden sands, pristine waters, and gentle white waves hitting against the shore make the beach ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
Just off the shore, on an island, on this beach, lies the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, a popular tourist destination. Also near this beach stands the Thiruvalluvar Statue, tall and majestic in its beauty. The statue towers at a height of 133 feet and stands tall on a nearby rock. The whole region looks fabulously attractive and attracts many visitors yearly.
Kanyakumari Beach is a serene and beautiful place with tremendous cultural significance and natural splendor. The beach provides plenty of recreational opportunities and is a must-visit destination for traveling to this part of town.
4. The Kanyakumari Temple:
The Kanyakumari Temple, or the Bhagvaty Amman Temple or Kumari Amman Temple, is a sacred place for Hindus dedicated to Goddess Kanyakumari, considered an incarnation of Goddess Parvati.
The temple lies on the southernmost tip of the country on the shore of the Arabian Sea. The Kanyakumari temple is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery and stands apart from the rest because of its square shape and exquisite Tamil and Kerala-style architecture.
The sanctum sanctorum in the temple houses an impressive six-foot-tall idol of Goddess Kanyakumari, made of black stone. During the Navratris, there is a huge footfall at this temple built by Lord Parasurama, though visitors throng the temple throughout the year to pay their respects.
The temple is unique because it stands at the confluence Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean. The location is sacred and is of great spiritual significance to Hindus. It is considered an important pilgrimage site and popular tourist attraction due to its fabulous location and enthralling architectural beauty.
The temple is one of the sacred 108 Shakti Peethas recognized in Hindu mythology. Ancient Hindu scriptures mention this famous Kanyakumari temple as a sanctuary for thousands of pilgrims.
5. Padmanabhapuram Palace:
The ancient historic Padmanabhapuram Palace is a perfect example of Keralan architecture and lies about 20 kilometers from Kanyakumari. It is a well-preserved Palace that offers a glimpse into the region’s traditional architecture and rich cultural heritage. The building is beautiful, and the exquisite paintings and wooden carvings are a class apart.
The Palace was once under the Travancore rulers who ruled over this region. The Palace was constructed around 1601 AD by Iravi Varma Kulasekhara Perumal, a ruler of Travancore at the time. The intricate woodwork is famous and a typical characteristic of ancient Kerela architecture.
The whole complex of the Palace has lush green gardens, opulent courtyards, and several buildings. It is spread over about 6.5 acres and houses a museum showcasing various unique artifacts and objects the royal family used. The Palace is built around a grand courtyard with galleries and several rooms. Moreover, the central palace building stands tall on 4 stories and has halls and rooms spread out. Here, you can see the Queen and King’s bedrooms, the dining hall, and the Durbar Hall.
The most attractive area in the Palace is the enthralling “Throne Room” or “Varkala Hall,” adorned with stunning mural paintings and exquisite wooden carvings. The Palace hall features a large throne, which seems to have been used by the kings of Travancore. Other notable features of the Palace include the “Navarathri Mandapam,” a large hall used for religious ceremonies, and the “Padma Theertham” pond, a water body with curative properties.
This Palace’s exquisite craftsmanship and structures, including the Central Palace building, Natakasala, Thai Kottaram, and the Mantrasala, are strikingly beautiful. The intricate wooden carvings adorn the ceilings and walls in various rooms depict natural beauty and scenes from Hindu mythology, such as colorful birds, animals, and flowers.
The unique antique furniture, carved tables, wooden chairs, and beds add to the exquisiteness of the Palace. There are rumors that a secret underground passage in the Palace was built to provide an escape route for the royal family in case of any attack or emergency.
According to legends, kings used the passage and its several chambers and exited to escape to the town of Thuckalay. There has been no confirmation of its existence, and it may have been sealed off or destroyed over time, but this historical legend surely makes us want to explore further, doesn’t it?
The Palace, which is 30 kms from Kanyakumari, is open throughout the year but is closed on National holidays and Mondays. Visitors have to remove their footwear before entering the premises of the Palace.
6. Thirparappu Falls:
Located 50 kilometers from Kanyakumari, the majestic and enchanting Thirparappu Falls is a favorite destination for many nature lovers. The waterfall cascades rapidly down from about 50 feet and mesmerizes the visitors. It’s a sight to behold, and the falling water surrounded by lush greenery creates an instant bond with nature. The Kodayar River forms the waterfall, gushing quickly from the rocky terrain. The water plunges into a pool at the base of the falls, creating a mesmerizing view.
Besides its stunning natural beauty, the glorious Thirparappu Falls also have a religious implication. There is an enthralling Lord Shiva temple near the waterfall. Many locals and visitors come to this pilgrimage spot to pay their respect to the divine. This Mahadeva temple celebrates the Mahashivratri with great pomp and show and holds an annual festival called the Mahashivaratri Festival.
Visitors at the falls love boating in the river and often carry their picnic baskets to enjoy in the surrounding wilderness. The best time to visit Thirparappu Falls is during the monsoon season when the waterfall is in full glory; thus, between June and September, try to plan a trip to this region. However, it is advisable to check the weather conditions before planning a visit, as heavy rains can make the area dangerous.
7. Udayagiri Fort:
The historic Udayagiri Fort is located in Padmanabhapuram in Kanyakumari. This historical monument of the 17th century gives tourists a glimpse into the region’s rich history and architecture. The structure is situated on a hilltop overlooking the sea. The view of the surrounding landscape is breathtakingly beautiful and stuns the visitor.
Travancore King Marthanda Varma made the Fort in the 18th century to consolidate his power and expand his regional empire. The strategic location of the Fort was perfectly designed to defend the Kingdom against enemy attacks from the sea. In fact, it was also used by the King’s army to station the soldiers and artillery.
The Fort is creatively designed in a typical Kerala architectural style. The walls are thick and surrounded by a moat that protects the people living inside from enemies in olden times. The Fort walls are made of laterite stones and have several levels with secret passages and underground alleys for storage. These passages acted as escape routes when the country was threatened during the war.
Today, the famous Udayagiri Fort is a popular tourist destination to visit in Kanyakumari because of its rich cultural reference and historical significance. The view of the surroundings is stunning, and travelers admire the rich history and beauty of the well-preserved Fort. Visitors can walk around to explore its various sections, watch towers, underground chambers, and even the ramparts, the watchtowers, and the underground chambers.
In fact, the intriguing Udayagiri Fort is a captivating site that offers a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage. Whether you are a history lover or are simply looking for a beautiful place, the amazing Fort is worth a visit.
8. Gandhi Memorial Mandapam:
This memorial is almost 79 feet high and was built as a tribute to honor Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. It is near the Kanyakumari beach and has a tall central tower representing Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy and teachings.
The modern and traditionally designed museum made in pinkish reddish stone is dedicated to the life and works of Gandhi and was conjured after his assassination in 1948. It was in 1956 that this unique memorial was constructed, and a single stone piece was used to make the ceiling. The first rays of the sun fall on the place where Gandhiji’s ashes were stored before they were submerged in the ocean.
There is a prayer hall with a statue of Mahatma Gandhi. The walls, in turn, are spread out with murals made from the teachings and life incidents of the leader. There is an impressive collection of pictures, photographs, and books related to Gandhiji.
The Gandhi Memorial Mandapam in Kanyakumari attracts visitors worldwide and symbolizes India’s rich cultural heritage. This is a wonderful way to celebrate Gandhiji and his efforts to improve society.
At one time, Kanyakumari was the Travancore kingdom’s religious, art, and cultural hub. With several intricately carved temples, this stunning Tamil Nadu city is a favorite tourist destination for travelers, so why not plan a holiday here?
