Kanyakumari is celebrated for its magnificent views of sunrise and sunset. The town's location at the confluence of three bodies of water—the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean—allows for frequent sky transformations that produce mesmerizing spectacles. Its land area is covered in coconut groves, acres of paddy fields, and swaying palm trees, which contribute to the tranquil and blooming environment. It is well known for having extraordinary natural beauty, which is complemented by its special geographic location in the southernmost point of India, and here is the list of the best places to visit there.
Kanyakumari Beach
One of the kind phenomena of convergence of the three bodies of water surrounding the Indian subcontinent can be witnessed from Kanyakumari Beach. You can take a stroll along the shoreline of the beach and come to marvel at the sight of different-colored waves mixing. Tourists can simply lay on the sandy shores or indulge in water sports such as swimming and surfing, or try local snacks and street food from the vendors along the promenade.
Mahatma Gandhi Memorial
The Mahatma Gandhi Memorial, a monument honoring the Father of the Nation, is located close to the seashore. It displays different artifacts connected to Mahatma Gandhi's life and teachings and contains a memorial pillar with a bronze statue of him. It serves as a significant site to commemorate the martyrdom of Mahatma Gandhi. Every year on January 30th, the anniversary of his assassination, a ceremony is held to honor his memory and floral tributes are offered. The memorial is surrounded by perfectly maintained gardens, contributing to the calm atmosphere.
Vivekananda Rock Memorial
Vivekananda, a spiritual leader and disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa, is credited with bringing Hindu philosophy and the teachings of Vedanta to the West. About 500 meters off the coast of Kanyakumari, on a tiny island called Vivekananda Rock, is where the memorial is installed. The memorial is accessible to visitors by a ferry service that runs from the mainland. The view of the sunset from the rock is stunning.
Sripada Mandapam
Adjacent to the Vivekananda Memorial is the Sripada Mandapam which houses a foot-shaped rock called ‘Sripada’ that is believed to be a manifestation of Goddess Parvati. It is believed that Goddess Kanyakumari, an incarnation of the Hindu goddess Parvati, stood on this rock and blessed Swami Vivekananda.
Kanya Kumari Amman Temple
The Bhagavathy Amman Temple holds great religious and cultural significance, as it is considered one of the Shakti Peethas or abodes of the Goddess. The temple exhibits the Dravidian architectural style, which is distinguished by rich sculptures and finely carved gopurams or towers. The Rajagopuram, the temple's entry gate, is a notable building with intricate artwork.
Thiruvalluvar Statue
Near the Vivekananda memorial is this majestic monument of the Tamil Saint Thiruvalluvar which is a principal attraction with the statue measuring about 133 feet. He is revered as one of the greatest poets and philosophers in Tamil literature and wrote Thirukural. The statue itself is made of more than 1,500 individual granite blocks, which were sculpted and assembled to create the monumental structure.
Vattukottai Fort
also known as the Circular Fort is situated about 7 kilometers from the main town along the coastline of the Arabian Sea. It was constructed by the Travancore kingdom in the 18th century, during the rule of King Marthanda Varma. It is made out of granite blocks and has a distinctive circular shape. An arched gateway with elaborate carvings serves as the fort's entrance. The fort's interior can be accessed via a long passageway that branches off from the doorway. The open courtyard and the fort's interior chambers are among the areas that tourists can explore.
Padmanabhapuram Palace
The palace was constructed in the 16th century by Iravi Varma Kulasekhara Perumal, who was the ruler of Travancore at that time. It served as the capital of the Travancore Kingdom until the capital was shifted to Thiruvananthapuram. A section of the palace complex has been turned into a museum where a variety of historical artifacts, old weapons, paintings, antique furniture, and other royal relics are on show. The museum offers information about the location's rich cultural past.
Kanyakumari Wax Museum
The museum contains wax replicas of numerous prominent national and international characters who represent the history and cultures of India and the rest of the world. The famed Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in London served as inspiration for the creation of the wax statues.
Mathur Hanging Bridge
It is an essential link for the Pechiparai Dam, which delivers water to the area for irrigation and drinking. Given the difficult topography and the requirement to transfer water across a deep valley, it is regarded as an amazing feat of engineering. The stability and design of the bridge are outstanding undertakings. The panoramic views of the valley and the flowing water below are available to tourists as they stroll along the bridge.
