Kanyakumari Tourist Places: Captivating Sights Converge With The Historic Allure

The southernmost tip of the Indian peninsula, Kanyakumari is one of the best tourist places in Tamil Nadu. A simple search on Kanyakumari tourist places gives you a long list of top destinations to visit on your trip here. It is indeed the reason why innumerable history buffs who love to delve deep into the rich history of Kanyakumari and also admire the architectural beauty of the various temples and monuments dotting this city, flock here. Travel photographers and other leisure travellers also fancy a mini-vacation in Kanyakumari to enjoy and capture its raw and rustic beauty, witness the spectacular view of the various beaches and most importantly, enjoy the scintillating sunrise in Kanyakumari.    

Among the various Kanyakumari tourist places, one cannot miss the breathtakingly beautiful Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the amazing view of the Indian Ocean. Along with it, the towering idol of Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar built amidst the sea is also worth a watch. Kanyakumari is famous for this idol and its overwhelming presence amidst the other splendid attractions of the tourist destination. 

What makes Kanyakumari so special? Before asking this question, you must pose another one – ‘Where is Kanyakumari located?’. It is present on the southernmost end of India and is a holy land where the energy and atmosphere are very soothing. A one-time visit will make you want to come here again and again. 

The history of Kanyakumari can be dated back to the Sangam Period, and it is also a well-known fact that this city was ruled by mighty kings from the Chola Dynasty to the Pandya Dynasty. Today, Kanyakumari has developed into an attractive tourist centre but it also preserves its rich cultural heritage. 

If you are planning a trip to this immensely beautiful coastal city, we bring you an extensive list of the best Kanyakumari tourist places. So sit back and scroll through.

Top 20 Kanyakumari Tourist Places

1. Vivekananda Rock Memorial – Serene, Sublime Experience

Famously known as the place where Swami Vivekananda attained enlightenment, this rock memorial was built in the year 1970 to commemorate this saint and is among the well-known and popular Kanyakumari tourist places. It has a separate Dhyan Mandap (meditation hall) and the statue of Vivekananda in one of the inner chambers. The legend also has it that Goddess Kumari (Parvathi) performed austerity on this rock which is why a separate temple with the deity’s footprint is also created in the rock memorial.

• Visiting time: 8 AM to 4 PM
• Price: Rs 50 for regular tickets; Rs 200 to skip boat queue
• Where to stay: Hotels Near Vivekananda Rock Memorial Kanyakumari

2. Thiruvalluvar Statue – Tamil Literature Maestro in Stone

The imposing statue of the Tamil literary legend, Thrivalluvar stands tall and mighty adjacent to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial. This architectural masterpiece has a 38-feet tall pedestal representing the 38 chapters on virtue in his literary work – Thirukkural – and the 133-feet tall statue represents the 133 chapters in this book. This is one of the most wonderful Kanyakumari tourist places that also holds great historical and architectural significance.  It is hard to miss this attraction even from a distance.

• Visiting time: 8 AM to 4 PM
• Price: Rs 50 for regular tickets; Rs 200 to skip boat queue 

3. Bhagavathy Amman Temple – Immense Tranquillity, Beautiful Architecture

Kanyakumari gets its name from the deity Bhagavathy Amman, also called Devi Kanyakumari or Virgin Goddess, whose artistically built idol with a prominent nose pin sits in the sanctum santorum of this temple. The pilgrimage shrine is located just 1km from the Kanyakumari railway station and bus stand and is built just a few metres away from Kanyakumari Beach. Considered one of the 108 Shaktipeethas, this sacred temple holds great religious and historical significance and is one of the most important Kanyakumari tourist places as well.

• Visiting time: 4:30 AM to 12 PM; 4 PM to 8 PM
• Price: Free entry, but Rs 20 or Rs 50 can be paid for quick darshan

4. Our Lady of Ransom Church – Magnificent Gothic-Style Church

Our Lady of Ransom is a magnificent 15th-century church that boasts the Gothic-style architecture of that era. It is a great place to see in Kanyakumari. Standing tall and pristine amidst the blue sky and lashing waves, this white architectural marvel is dedicated to the Virgin Mary who is also called “Alangara Upkara Matha”, by the Tamil Christians residing here. The church houses a saree-clad idol of Mother Mary which makes it a must-visit Kanyakumari tourist place. At night the church is lit with colourful lights which also makes it a sight to behold.

• Time to visit: Anytime from morning to night
• Entry fee: None

5. Tsunami Monument – Reminder of the Natural Calamity

The Tsunami Monument was designed and built by the architect B. Kanagaraj Cangan to commemorate all those who lost their lives on 26th December 2004 in the earthquake and tsunami that affected multiple islands along with the southern state of Tamil Nadu. It is a 16-foot monument built near the shore in Kanyakumari and stands as a grim reminder of one of the biggest natural calamities. Truly one of the best places to see in Kanyakumari.

Also read: 16 Amazing Holiday Destinations in South India

6. Wax Museum – Wax Statues of Famous Personalities

Mayapuri Wonder Wax Museum is one of its kind which houses the wax statues of numerous national and international personalities of historic importance. It is conveniently located very close to the railway station and can be reached easily via local transport. An imitation of the wax museum in London, the Mayapuri Wonder Wax Museum is one of the interesting places to see in Kanyakumari that you can include in your Kanyakumari sightseeing itinerary.

• Visiting time: 8 AM to 6:30 PM
• Entry Fee: Rs 300

7. Bharatmata Temple – Palatial Temple Housing Bharat Mata’s Idol

Ramayan Darshan Temple or Bharat Mata Temple is an architectural and aesthetical wonder erected in Kanyakumari. The ground floor of this building is dedicated to the beautiful paintings of the Epic, Ramayana that are described chronologically along with a detailed description. On the first floor, there is a 12-foot-tall brass statue of Bharat Mata and paintings and statues of other deities including Devi Kanyakumari and Lord Vivekananda. The sheer magnificence of this building, the tale of Ramayana wonderfully depicted through paintings and the beautifully carved statues of various deities make this one of the best Kanyakumari tourist places.

• Visiting time: 9 AM to 1 PM; 5 PM to 8 PM
• Entry fee: Rs 30

8. Kanyakumari Beach – Picture-Perfect Beach

Kanyakumari Beach is a rocky beach that offers a mesmerising view of the blue waters splashing against the rocks. The golden sand drenched in multiple hues of the setting and the rising sun, the spectacular view of sunrise and sunset and the picturesque beauty of the rock memorial and the towering statue make it a must-visit Kanyakumari tourist place. People flock here from dawn to dusk to drench themselves in the splashing ocean or just sit by the shore and enjoy the beauty of the beach. This is one of the best places to see in Kanyakumari for couples who like to stroll hand-in-hand on the sandy shores. 

Also check: 22 Fabulous Places to Visit in South India in December

9. Sai Baba Temple – Pristine Temple of Sai Baba

Located at a distance of 8kms from Kanyakumari Railway Station, this Sai Baba temple is a symbol of faith, serenity and tranquillity. The aesthetic white structure of the temple gives a feeling of calm to the onlooker while the quiet prayer hall with the huge statue of Sai Baba connects you to the saint himself. Include this temple as part of your places to see in Kanyakumari if you wish to spend some time in a calm and quiet place. Note that Kanyakumari is famous for its temples and this humble abode of the Almighty is one of the reasons why people come here. 

• Visiting Time: 6 AM to 12 PM, 4 PM to 9 PM
• Entry fee: None

10. Triveni Sangam – Confluence of Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea & Bay of Bengal

Apart from the majestic rock memorial and the mammoth statue of the Tamil poet, Kanyakumari is famous for the Triveni Sangam – the confluence of the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. Deities visiting the Kanyakumari temple also visit this Sangam and dip their feet in the water as they consider it holy. At least, that is what the Hindu legends say. The Sangam offers a spectacular view of the sunset and also the rock memorial situated just 500m from the seashore.

11. Thanumalayan Temple – Pray to the Lord 

Thanumalayam Temple represents both Shaivite and Vaishnavite communities and is dedicated to the Trimurthis – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The intricately designed gopurams, the 22-foot-tall statue of Lord Anjaneya and the musical pillars built out of a single granite are some of the noteworthy aspects of the temple. Indeed this temple is thronged by devotees and tourists to admire its architectural beauty and to pay obeisance to Sthanumalayan – the three Lords enshrined as a single deity. It is one of the best Kanyakumari tourist places where the spiritual energy will send a rush of positivity through you. 

• Visiting time: 4:30 AM to 11:30 AM; 5 PM to 8:30 PM
• Entry fee: None

12. Guganathaswamy Temple – 1000-Year-Old Temple 

This 1000-year-old temple depicting the enchanting Dravidian-style architecture is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Deemed to have been built by Raja Raja Chola, the temple has a small Shivlinga in the sanctum santorum, which is the main deity, and it also has 16 inscriptions that date back to the 11th century. The temple is located on the main road, very close to the railway station and bus stop. In fact, if someone asks where Kanyakumari is located, people point to this temple as it is a major landmark for the place.

• Visiting time: 6 AM to 11:30 AM; 5 PM to 8:30 PM
• Entry fee: None

13. Thirparappu Falls – Impressive Waterfalls 

Fifty-feet tall man-made waterfalls, Thirparappu Waterfalls located around 55kms from Kanyakumari is a worth a visit. The water collects in a small pool below and the public is allowed to bathe in the cool waters of this falls. Separate changing rooms for men and women are also present, making it convenient for travellers who wish to take a dip in the waters. The surrounding area is also built like a park where tourists can sit and relax, watching the falls. A cool getaway from the city centre, Thirparappu Falls is one of the many popular Kanyakumari tourist places and also a must-visit destination for those who want to see what Kanyakumari is famous for – the ethereal natural beauty. 

• Visiting time: 7 AM to 6 PM
• Entry fee: Rs 5 per person; Rs 30 for camera

14. Padmanabhapuram Palace – Intricate Architecture

This notable palace is located 10 km from the city centre and is a charming beauty of the 16th century. This palace is intricately built with teakwood and is a classic example of Tacusastra (ancient art of carpentry). A rich heritage of the Kingdom of Travancore, this marvellous palace has everything from Brazilian mirrors, and beautifully carved columns to furniture designed with Chinese carvings. The two-storey palace is artistically interconnected through narrow paths from one unit to another and it also houses the paintings of all the Kings of Travancore. Indeed, Padmanabhapuram Palace is one of the most beautiful Kanyakumari tourist places.

• Visiting time: 9 AM to 1 Pm; 2 PM to 4:30 PM
• Entry fee: Rs 25

15. Sunset Point – To View the Perfect Sunset

Just like the sunrise in Kanyakumari, the sunset is also a spectacle to behold. Watching the gorgeous sunset at the backdrop of the clear blue sky and the blue ocean is a splendid experience every tourist must enjoy. The reflection of the setting sun on the sea changes from golden to crimson red and this alluring sight is sure to leave the onlooker awestruck. The Sunset Point is also the point where the 2 seas and the Indian Ocean meet and is one of the top places to visit in Kanyakumari to enjoy the amazing sunset.

16. View Tower – Breathtaking View of the Beach

For the best view of the sea and the rock memorial standing majestically amidst the sea, View Tower is the best choice to visit. It gives you ample opportunity to capture some picture-perfect moments and also enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful view. You get a panoramic view of the coastal city and can also watch the beautiful sunset and sunrise in Kanyakumari. One of the top places to visit in Kanyakumari, View Tower is something one cannot miss from their Kanyakumari sightseeing itinerary.

17. Gandhi Mandap – A Glimpse of the Life of Mahatma Gandhi

Apart from Vivekananda, Kanyakumari also boasts of the Gandhi Mandap which is dedicated to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi which is built quite close to the shore. This memorial is built in the exact same location where the urn with the ashes of this great soul placed for the public to pay their tribute, after which the ashes were dissolved in the Triveni Sangam. The memorial showcases some of the rarest of the rare pictures of the Mahatma with many prominent personalities from the West. The memorial also has a charkha inscribed on one of the domes, as a reminder of Gandhi’s protest for Swaraj.

• Visiting time: 7 AM to 7 PM
• Entry fee: None

18. Vattakotai Fort – Monumental Fort Overlooking the Sea

The splendid Vattakotai Fort is spread over an area of 3.5acres and is one of the fascinating places to visit in Kanyakumari. The fort which was built in the 18th century by the Travancore Dynasty, under the supervision of King Marthanda Verma, overlooks the might Bay of Bengal and gives a spectacular view of the sea. It was the last fort built by this dynasty after defeating Captain Eustachius De Lannoy’s army in the Battle of Colachel. This fort is now protected and maintained by the Archeological Department of India.

• Visiting time: 8 AM to 5 PM
• Entry fee: Rs 20

So, here’s the list of the best Kanyakumari tourist places that you must add to your itinerary if you haven’t already. If you are looking for comfortable stays, you can book budget hotels in Kanyakumari and have a great vacation. Do let us know about your experience of sightseeing in Kanyakumari in the comments below!