Kanyakumari Travel Guide

Discover the top things to do, places to visit, where to stay, what to eat, and how to get around in Kanyakumari, India.


Introduction to Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari, also known as Cape Comorin, is a beautiful coastal town located at the southernmost tip of the Indian peninsula. Surrounded by the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean, it offers stunning views of the sun rising and setting over the water. Known for its rich cultural heritage, historic landmarks, beautiful beaches, and natural wonders, Kanyakumari is a must-visit destination for every traveler.

List of Places to Visit in Kanyakumari

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Kanyakumari has a rich history and is home to several museums and historic buildings that offer a glimpse into the past, including:

  • Vivekananda Rock Memorial: Located on a small island off the coast of Kanyakumari, the Vivekananda Rock Memorial is a popular tourist attraction dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, a famous Indian philosopher and social reformer. Visitors can take a ferry to the island and explore the memorial, which includes a meditation hall and a statue of Vivekananda.
  • Kumari Amman Temple: Dedicated to the Hindu goddess Devi Kanya Kumari, this ancient temple is a popular pilgrimage site and attracts thousands of devotees each year. The temple’s architecture is a blend of Dravidian and Kerala styles.
  • Padmanabhapuram Palace: Located in Thuckalay, about 20 km from Kanyakumari, this magnificent palace was the home of the Travancore royal family and dates back to the 16th century. The palace is known for its elaborate wooden carvings and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Gandhi Memorial: The Gandhi Memorial in Kanyakumari is a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the Indian nation. The memorial houses a collection of photographs, paintings, and books about Gandhi’s life and teachings.

Natural Attractions of Kanyakumari: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

In addition to its historic landmarks, Kanyakumari also has many natural wonders that are worth exploring, such as:

  • Kanyakumari Beach: This popular beach is known for its stunning sunsets and is a great place to relax and enjoy the sea breeze. Visitors can go for a swim, take a boat ride, or simply watch the waves.
  • Thiruvalluvar Statue: This massive statue of the Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar stands 133 feet tall and is the biggest statue in Asia. Visitors can take a boat to the statue and climb to the top for breathtaking views of the ocean.
  • Tsunami Monument: Dedicated to the victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, this monument is a reminder of the power of nature and the need to protect our planet. The monument is located on the beach and has a peaceful atmosphere.
  • Mathur Hanging Bridge: This pedestrian bridge is a marvel of engineering and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can walk across the bridge and experience the thrill of being suspended over the water.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts and has several hiking and biking trails that offer stunning views of the coastline and countryside. Some of the most popular routes are:

  • Vivekananda Rock Memorial to Thiruvalluvar Statue: This 1 km trail takes visitors along the coastline and offers breathtaking views of the ocean. The trail is easy to moderate and can be completed in around 30 minutes.
  • Kanyakumari to Vattakottai Fort: This 6 km trail takes visitors through scenic countryside and ends at the Vattakottai Fort, a historic fort built by the British in the 18th century.
  • Kanyakumari to Suchindrum Temple: This 10 km trail takes visitors through rural villages and ends at the Suchindrum Temple, a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Best Things to Do in Kanyakumari: Activities and Tours

In addition to its natural and cultural attractions, Kanyakumari also has many exciting activities and tours that visitors can enjoy, such as:

  • Sunset Viewing: Watching the sunset over the ocean is a highlight of any trip to Kanyakumari, and there are several places where visitors can enjoy this spectacle, including Kanyakumari Beach and the Thiruvalluvar Statue.
  • Boat Rides: Visitors can take a boat ride to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, the Thiruvalluvar Statue, and other nearby islands.
  • Ayurvedic Spa: Kanyakumari is known for its Ayurvedic spas, which offer a range of traditional healing therapies and massages.
  • Cultural Shows: There are several cultural shows in Kanyakumari that showcase the region’s music, dance, and theater traditions.

Week-Long Itinerary for Kanyakumari

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Kanyakumari, here’s an itinerary that covers all the must-visit attractions and activities:

Day 1: Arrive in Kanyakumari, visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue.

Day 2: Visit the Kumari Amman Temple and Gandhi Memorial, watch the sunset at Kanyakumari Beach.

Day 3: Take a boat ride to nearby islands, such as Poovar or Vizhinjam.

Day 4: Go hiking or biking in the countryside, visit the Mathur Hanging Bridge.

Day 5: Go on an Ayurvedic spa treatment, attend a cultural show.

Day 6: Visit the Padmanabhapuram Palace, go shopping for local souvenirs.

Day 7: Depart from Kanyakumari.

Food and Drink Scene of Kanyakumari

Must-Try Dishes

Kanyakumari is known for its spicy and flavorful cuisine, and there are several dishes that visitors must try, including:

  • Appam with Ishtu: Appam is a type of pancake made from fermented rice batter and coconut milk, and ishtu is a stew made with vegetables and coconut milk.
  • Fish Curry: Kanyakumari is a coastal town, so it’s no surprise that fish is a popular dish here. Fish curry is made with a variety of local fish and spices.
  • Kothu Parotta: Kothu Parotta is a popular street food in Kanyakumari and is made by shredding layers of parotta (a type of flatbread) and mixing them with vegetables, eggs, and spices.

Local Beverages

Kanyakumari is known for its delicious juices and refreshing beverages, such as:

  • Tender Coconut Water: This refreshing drink is made from the water inside a young coconut and is a popular way to cool down on a hot day.
  • Jigarthanda: Jigarthanda is a sweet and creamy beverage made with milk, almond gum, and ice cream, and is a popular drink in Kanyakumari.

Where to Stay in Kanyakumari: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Kanyakumari has a wide range of accommodation options that cater to all budgets and preferences, such as:

  • Hotel Seaview: This popular hotel is located right on Kanyakumari Beach and offers stunning views of the ocean. Rooms are clean and comfortable, and the hotel has a restaurant and bar.
  • Tri Sea Hotel: Located near the Kanyakumari Railway Station, Tri Sea Hotel offers comfortable rooms and is a good option for budget travelers.
  • Vedanta Wake Up: This hostel is located in the heart of Kanyakumari and offers dormitory-style accommodation as well as private rooms. The hostel has a common kitchen and lounge area, and is a great place to meet other travelers.

What to Buy in Kanyakumari: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Kanyakumari is known for its handicrafts and souvenirs, such as:

  • Seashells and Coral: With its location on the coast, Kanyakumari is a great place to buy seashells and corals, which make unique souvenirs.
  • Handicrafts: Kanyakumari is known for its traditional handicrafts, such as brass lamps, coconut shell carvings, and batik textiles.
  • Spices: Kanyakumari is a hub for spice trade, and visitors can buy a variety of spices, such as cardamom, pepper, and turmeric at local markets.

Local Culture and Customs of Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari has a rich culture and history, and visitors should be respectful of local customs and traditions, such as:

  • Dress Code: When visiting religious sites, it’s important to dress modestly and cover your head and shoulders. It’s also advisable to remove your shoes before entering.
  • Language: Tamil is the primary language in Kanyakumari, but English and Hindi are also widely spoken.
  • Festivals: Kanyakumari is known for its colorful festivals, such as the Cape Festival and Navratri, and visitors are welcome to participate in these celebrations.

Best Time to Visit Kanyakumari

The best time to visit Kanyakumari is between October and March, when the weather is dry and pleasant. The summer months from April to June can be hot and humid, while the monsoon season from July to September brings heavy rains.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kanyakumari

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Try the local cuisine.
  • Be mindful of your surroundings and belongings.

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing clothing in religious sites.
  • Take photographs of people without their permission.
  • Litter or pollute the environment.

Safety and Health

Safety in Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari is a safe destination, but visitors should take basic precautions, such as:

  • Avoiding solo travel at night.
  • Keeping valuables in a safe place.
  • Using licensed taxis and transportation.

Health in Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari has good medical facilities, but visitors should take precautions to stay healthy, such as:

  • Drinking only bottled water or boiled water.
  • Using insect repellent to avoid mosquito bites.
  • Avoiding street food and drinking juice from local vendors.

Getting to Kanyakumari: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Kanyakumari

The nearest airport to Kanyakumari is the Trivandrum International Airport, which is about 100 km away. From there, visitors can take a taxi or bus to Kanyakumari.

Bus Stations Near Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari has its own bus station, which is well-connected to nearby cities such as Trivandrum, Chennai, and Madurai.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach Kanyakumari by train, with the Kanyakumari Railway Station being the southernmost railway station in India.

How to Get Around in Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari is a small town, and most attractions are within walking distance of each other. However, visitors can also use local buses, taxis, or auto-rickshaws to get around.

Where to Go Next from Kanyakumari: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Kanyakumari is a great starting point for exploring the nearby destinations and attractions, such as:

  • Kovalam: This beautiful beach town is located about 80 km from Kanyakumari and is known for its clear waters and golden sand.
  • Rameswaram: Located about 300 km from Kanyakumari, Rameswaram is a popular pilgrimage site and is home to one of the 12 jyotirlingas in India.
  • Madurai: Known as the “Temple City” of India, Madurai is located about 240 km from Kanyakumari and is home to several impressive temples and historic landmarks.

Conclusion

Kanyakumari is a beautiful and fascinating destination that offers a unique blend of natural wonders, historic landmarks, and cultural traditions. Whether you’re interested in exploring the outdoors, learning about local history and customs, or simply relaxing on the beach, Kanyakumari has something to offer every traveler.

Tiruvalluvar monument in Kanniyakumari Tiruvalluvar monument in Kanniyakumari Vivekanand Rock Memorial Vivekanand Rock Memorial Sunrise from the beach road Sunrise from the beach road