Kanyakumari, located at India’s southernmost tip and surrounded by three major water bodies, is among the most serene and beautiful places in Tamil Nadu. This amazing coastal town boasts a wonderful blend of history, culture, scenic beauty and modernisation; from forts and temples to beaches and museums, there is something for everyone.
Kanyakumari is well-connected to the rest of the country by air, rail or road. If you are arriving by air, Trivandrum International Airport (89 km away) is the nearest option, from where you can take a bus or taxi. Kanyakumari has its own railhead, and trains from many major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Hyderabad stop here on a regular basis. The town also enjoys good road connectivity, with many buses plying from Coimbatore, Madurai, Pondicherry, and other major cities in the south.
Do you want to spend your holidays in this stunning coastal town? We have shortlisted some of the top places to visit in Kanyakumari that you should definitely add to your itinerary.
1. Vivekananda Rock Memorial
#1 Places to Visit in Kanyakumari
Situated on a small island, Vivekananda Rock Memorial is a top tourist place in Kanyakumari. Swami Vivekananda attained enlightenment here after three days of meditation in 1892. It is also believed that Devi Kanya Kumari practised severe austerities on this rock.
The rock memorial’s prominent attractions are Vivekananda Mandapam and Shripada Mandapam. A massive Swamiji statue with the Indian Ocean in the background is a sight to behold! The spiritual vibes and serenity of the place, combined with mesmerising views of the surroundings, make Vivekananda Rock Memorial a major attraction in Kanyakumari.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Ideal Duration: 1-2 hours
- How to Reach: The place is 2 km away from Kanyakumari centre. You have to take a ferry from the coast to reach the island.
Also read about Tamil Nadu Tourism and the main attractions here
2. Thiruvalluvar Statue
#2 Places to Visit in Kanyakumari
This gigantic statue adjacent to Vivekananda Rock Memorial is a popular attraction among history lovers and architecture buffs. It is dedicated to Thiruvalluvar, a prominent Tamil poet and philosopher. The 133-foot-tall statue stands proudly on a 38-foot-tall pedestal and can be seen from afar. The pedestal’s height represents the 38 chapters of virtue in his literary masterpiece Tirukkual, while the statue’s height signifies the 133 chapters in the same book. The place holds great cultural significance and is a popular tourist destination in Kanyakumari.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Ideal Duration: 1-2 hours
- How to Reach: The statue is only 2 km away from Kanyakumari centre. It is on an island, you must take a short ferry ride to get there.
3. Our Lady of Ransom Church
#3 Places to Visit in Kanyakumari
This beautiful church dedicated to Mother Mary, located near the beach with lashing waves of the ocean behind it, is one of the best places to visit in Kanyakumari. The church has brilliant Gothic architecture, with eye-catching carvings on the walls and ceilings. The most intriguing aspect of the holy place is that it houses a saree-clad idol of Mother Mary, which is unusual in a church. If you go in the evening, you will be astounded by how beautiful the place looks when it is lit up.
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
- Ideal Duration: 1-2 hours
- How to Reach: The church is about 2 km away from the bus stand and 3 km away from Kanyakumari centre. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are easily available for convenient transportation.
4. Tsunami Monument
This monument was built in memory of those who lost their lives in the devastating earthquake and tsunami on December 26, 2004. The 16-foot memorial, which features two hands, is located near the town’s southern shore. The left hand can be seen preventing a gigantic blue wave from blowing off the lamp on the right hand. This monument, which represents optimism and courage in the face of catastrophe, is, without doubt, a worth a visit in Kanyakumari!
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
- Ideal Duration: 30-45 minutes
- How to Reach: The monument is 1 km away from the bus stand and 2 km away from Kanyakumari centre. So, you can hire an auto-rickshaw or taxi.
5. Mayapuri Wax Museum
An interesting replica of London’s Wax Museum, this popular attraction in the city of Kanyakumari is a tourist-puller. The museum houses many figures of famous national and international personalities from different walks of life, like Sir Abdul Kalam, Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Charlie Chaplin and Michael Jackson. The museum, which exhibits the history and culture of India and other countries, is a prominent attraction in town.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Ideal Duration: 1-2 hours
- How to Reach: The museum is less than a km away from the bus stand, so you can take an auto-rickshaw to reach.
6. Bharat Mata Temple
Bharat Mata Temple, dedicated to Mother India, is a must-visit place in Kanyakumari. The temple is 12000 square feet in size and is known for housing a 12-foot tall statue of Swami Vivekananda, as well as many other statues and paintings depicting the concept of motherhood. The temple also includes a Ramayana Mandir, which depicts the tale of Valmiki’s Ramayana through beautifully carved statues and paintings on 108 wooden panels. The 27-foot-tall granite statue of Lord Hanuman at the entrance of Ramayana Mandir is a major draw.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Ideal Duration: 1 hour
- How to Reach: You can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw from Kanyakumari Bus Stand (2 km away), Kanyakumari centre (3 km away), or any other place in the town.
7. Kanyakumari Beach
#7 Places to Visit in Kanyakumari
If you enjoy visiting beaches, Kanyakumari Beach will captivate you. The beach is a confluence of three major water bodies – the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. The beach is amazing because the water from these three water bodies does not mix, so you can see three different shades of water here. Although the beach is not suitable for water activities, you can spend some serene time here admiring the sunrise, sunset, and the waves splashing against the rocks.
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
- Ideal Duration: 1-2 hours
- How to Reach: The beach is 2 km away from the bus stand and 3 km away from Kanyakumari centre. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are easily available.
8. Mathoor Hanging Bridge
Also known as Mathur Aqueduct and Mathoor Hanging Trough, this 1-km-long bridge is one of the continent’s longest and tallest bridges. The bridge’s pillars stand 115-feet tall, while the trough is about 7-feet high and 7.5-feet wide. Although the bridge was originally built across the Pahrali River for easy passage of irrigation water, it soon became a major tourist attraction. Apart from taking in the stunning views from the trough, you can also spend time in the children’s park and swim on one of the many swimming platforms.
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
- Ideal Duration: 1-2 hours
- How to Reach: The bridge is 48 km away from the bus stand and Kanyakumari centre, so you can take a bus or taxi.
9. Triveni Sangam
Triveni Sangam, the meeting point of three major water bodies – the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean – is a popular religious destination. Visitors to the site, both devotees and tourists, take a dip or bathe in the holy waters. The place also offers magnificent views of the ocean and prominent attractions, such as Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue. The Triveni Sangam’s serene, natural beauty makes it a must-visit for those seeking peace and tranquillity.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Ideal Duration: 1 hour
- How to Reach: The place is only 1 km away from the bus stand and 2 km away from Kanyakumari centre. You can take an auto-rickshaw or taxi to cover the distance.
10. Bhagavathy Amman Temple
This 3000-year-old shrine, also known as Devi Kanyakumari Temple, is one of the most religious and historically significant places to visit in Kanyakumari. The temple is one of 51 Shakti Peethas dedicated to Devi Kanyakumari Amman. This is thought to be one of the locations where some of Goddess Sati’s lifeless body fell when Lord Shiva carried her on his shoulders and performed the dance of destruction.
A beautiful idol of Devi Kanyakumari Amman with a rosary in her hand and sparkling gold jewellery in her nostrils can be found in the temple. Apart from the spiritual aura, the temple is also known for its impressive ancient architecture and enthralling scenic beauty.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Ideal Duration: 1 hour
- How to Reach: Take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach the temple from Kanyakumari centre (2 km away) or any other part of the town.
11. Thanumalayan Temple
Thanumalayan Temple, also known as Sthanumalayan Kovil, is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to the Gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. There are about 30 shrines in the temple, including a 22-foot-tall statue of Lord Anjaneya and a massive idol of Nandi. From astounding architecture and four musical pillars to beautiful gopurams and exquisite carvings, everything about the temple is amazing. When you strike the pillars with your thumb, you will hear different musical notes. Inscriptions dating back to the 9th century can be found on the wall.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Ideal Duration: 1-2 hours
- How to Reach: The temple is 13 km away from Kanyakumari centre and 14 km away from the bus stand, so you can take a bus or taxi.
12. Guganathaswamy Temple
Guganathaswamy Temple, built in the 11th century by King Raja Raja Chola, is a popular religious site frequented by Lord Shiva’s devotees. The temple has an impressive Dravidian-style architecture and 1000-year-old inscriptions that appeal to both history and architecture enthusiasts. The main deity worshipped here is a Shivalinga in the temple. You can stay at one of the hotels in Kanyakumari that are close to the temple for easy access.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Ideal Duration: Less than an hour
- How to Reach: The temple is about 3 km away from Kanyakumari centre and 2 km away from the bus stand. You can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to cover the distance.
13. Thirparappu Falls
#13 Places to Visit in Kanyakumari
Thirparappu waterfall, which cascades from a height of 50-feet, is one of the most spectacular places to visit in Kanyakumari. This man-made waterfall is actually a collection of streams that cascade into a pool below. Apart from soaking in the beauty of the falls, you can take a refreshing dip in the pool, enjoy a picnic in the natural environs, take a boat ride in the area, and click beautiful photos. Devotees visiting the falls can also seek blessings at the small Shiva Temple at the entrance.
The best time to visit Kanyakumari’s Thirparappu Falls is during and after the monsoon season when the waterfall is in its full glory.
- Best Time to Visit: Monsoon and winter seasons
- Ideal Duration: 2-3 hours
- How to Reach: The waterfall is 54 km away from Kanyakumari, so you can book a cab or take the bus. The bus stand is 56 km away from the falls.
14. Padmanabhapuram Palace
Padmanabhapuram Palace, popular as Asia’s largest wooden palace, exhibits the brilliant craftsmanship of the local carpenters. It was constructed in the 16th century by Iravi Varma Kulasekhara Perumal of the Travancore dynasty and is nothing less than an architectural marvel. From murals, beautiful furniture and floor carvings to eye-catching antiques and unique artefacts, everything about the palace is exceptional. The palace’s various sections, like Mantrasala, Thaikottaram, Nataksala, Central Mansion and Thekeekottaram, are worth exploring.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Ideal Duration: 1-2 hours
- How to Reach: The palace is 35 km away from the bus stand and 34 km away from Kanyakumari centre. Buses and taxis are easily available.
15. Sunset Point
Sunset Point is a must-visit if you are looking to spend some quiet time in scenic surroundings. One of the best things to see in Kanyakumari is the surreal view of the setting sun amidst the evening sky and mighty ocean. If you go on or around the full moon, you can even witness the setting sun’s rays combining with the rising moonlight! What’s more, the point provides stunning views of Vivekananda Rock Memorial and other nearby attractions, and it is a popular spot for photographers.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Ideal Duration: 1 hour
- How to Reach: Sunset Point is only 2 km away from Kanyakumari centre, so you can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw.
16. View Tower
Surrounded by the ocean and boasting captivating views, the View Tower is among the most amazing tourist places in Kanyakumari. The tower has five storeys and is constructed in a circular shape. The scenic views of the surroundings, coupled with the soothing sea breeze, will fill you with unmatched energy and enthusiasm once you reach the top. You can also use the telescopes in the tower to enjoy breath-taking views of the sunrise, sunset, the massive ocean, Vivekananda Rock Memorial and other nearby attractions.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Ideal Duration: 30 to 45 minutes
- How to Reach: Take a taxi, bus or auto-rickshaw to reach View Tower from Kanyakumari centre (3 km away), bus stand (2 km away) or any other part of the town.
17. Gandhi Mandapam
#17 Places to Visit in Kanyakumari
Dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, this large memorial in Kanyakumari is where one of the 12 urns of Gandhiji’s ashes was kept for the public to pay homage. Later, the ashes were immersed in the Triveni Sangam. The Mandapam exhibits many photographs of Mahatma Gandhi with notable people. It also houses a library with a large collection of pre-independence books, magazines and other literature.
Gandhi Mandapam is built in the Orissa style. The ceiling is designed in such a way that on Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday, October 2, the sun rays fall directly on the place where his ashes are kept.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Ideal Duration: Less than an hour
- How to Reach: The Mandapam is 2 km away from Kanyakumari centre. Buses, taxis and auto-rickshaws are easily available for travel within the town.
18. Vattakottai Fort
Built in the 18th century by the Travancore Kings, Vattakottai Fort is a popular place to see in Kanyakumari for history buffs. This magnificent fort is built of granite blocks and spans 3.5 acres along the Bay of Bengal coast. A section of the fort has also been extended into the sea. The fort was constructed to safeguard the kingdom from enemies and includes army shacks, watchtowers, and other facilities for defence.
Vattakottai Fort has become a popular tourist destination due to its scenic location and peaceful surroundings. The place offers panoramic views of the Bay of Bengal and the majestic Western Ghats, as well as bright skies and glittering black sand beaches.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Ideal Duration: 1-2 hours
- How to Reach: The fort is about 8 km away from Kanyakumari centre, so you can take a bus or taxi to reach.
19. Lord Subramanya Temple
Lord Subramanya Temple, also known as Aruppai Veedu, is a major attraction for both devotees and tourists. The spectacular construction with countless towers and pillars is the first thing that grabs attention. The temple also has a 9-storey gopuram, which adds to its beauty and makes it a must-see attraction.
According to locals, the shrine was built in honour of Lord Subramanya or Murugan after he defeated the devil Surapadma. Those seeking peace and spirituality can visit the temple.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Ideal Duration: 1-2 hours
- How to Reach: Take an auto-rickshaw, bus or taxi from Kanyakumari centre (4 km away) or any other part of the town to reach the temple.
20. Chitharal Jain Monuments
#20 Places to Visit in Kanyakumari
Chitharal Jain Monuments are a popular destination for Jain pilgrims and architecture enthusiasts from all over the world. These historically significant monuments are also excellent examples of how different religions co-exist in the country.
Chitharal was once home to Digambara Jain monks, so there is a cave temple with rock-cut sculptures of Thirthankaras and other deities dating back to the 9th century. Apart from the spectacular monuments, the enticing aura and serenity of the place make it a must-visit.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Ideal Duration: 2-3 hours
- How to Reach: The monuments are 48 km away from Kanyakumari. You can book a cab or take the bus to cover the distance.
Kanyakumari, despite its small size, has many attractions and is a preferred destination for those looking to get away from busy cities. If you are planning a trip here, our list of places to visit in Kanyakumari will help you plan a memorable trip. Which of the following locations do you intend to include in your Kanyakumari itinerary? Do share your views with us in the comments section.
This post was last modified on 23-Aug-2023