Kanyakumari is a coastal town in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is bordered by three seas- Arabian, Indian, and the Bay of Bengal. Earlier it was known as Cape Comorin. This beautiful place is an ideal destination for spending a vacation.
What is Kanyakumari famous for?
The stunning Kanyakumari is renowned for its serene beaches, majestic temples, marvellous monuments that attract several numbers of travellers throughout the year.
Places to visit in Kanyakumari
1. Thirparappu Falls
The stunning Thirparappu Falls, situated around 55kms from Kanyakumari. It is a perfect place and a stopover while one is travelling between Kanyakumari and Trivandrum. Enjoy boat rides in the pristine waters of Thirparappu.
2. Kanyakumari Beach
Kanyakumari Beach is situated in the southernmost part of India. Kanyakumari beach with its pretty hue-changing beaches, the confluence of three water bodies- Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea.
3. Courtallam Falls
The fabulous Courtallam Falls is set amid Panchayat town in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. It is popular as the award-winning movie Roja was filmed here along with several other South Indian movies. Visit this fall for the green surroundings and majestic hillside.
Things to do in Kanyakumari
Plan a trip to Kanyakumari and explore some astonishing places here. Head towards Thiruvalluvar Statue that is adjacent to the Vivekananda rock memorial. It is the stone statue of the popular Tamil poet and philosopher, Thiruvalluvar. It beautifully flaunts its cultural significance.
Visit the Vattakottai Fort that is an old fort located in a scenic spot. It is built out of stone and granite. Get fantastic views from the fort ramparts, the pristine waters of Bay of Bengal. Enjoy pretty sunset at sunset viewpoint. This point is the junction of Ocean bodies- the bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian sea. Stroll at the Sanguthurai Beach that is in the Sanguthurai village. It is one of the best beaches to spend some tranquil time.
Pay a visit to the most famous temples here like- Lord Subramanya temple that is renowned for its architecture. Another famous temple is the Sai Baba temple. Do not miss to visit this place and witness the pretty white architecture that appeals to the eyes.
Kanyakumari is blessed with pretty temples, historical monuments, and pristine beaches that attract travellers to spend their vacation amidst nature.
Major Markets
There are a lot of things one can purchase from Kanyakumari like- pretty handicrafts, artefacts made from seashells, silk sarees, and palm leaf drawings. Fish market and Kanyakumari Urban Haat is major markets here.
Where to stay in Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari is the aptest destination to escape for a rejuvenating vacation. One visiting can book hotels, resorts, and homestays on reaching the site of their visits. On other occasions, one can book online in advance which will make one escape from the anxiety of the travel tour.
How to reach Kanyakumari
Air
Trivandrum International airport is located at 67 km away from Kanyakumari and is connected with prominent cities like- Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Kochi, and Dehradun.
Rail
Kanyakumari has its railway station Kanyakumari railway station that is well connected from most of the prominent cities of India. Another nearest railway station to the city is Trivandrum railway station.
Road
Kanyakumari enjoys a good connection with prominent cities of South India by road. Tamil Nadu and Kanyakumari Road Transport Corporation offer regular buses to all the prominent cities of South India.
Distance from Major cities
Distance from Delhi- 2828.9km
Distance from Mumbai- 1654.6km
Distance from Hyderabad- 1234.1km
Distance from Chennai- 705.9km
Best time to visit Kanyakumari
The aptest time to explore Kanyakumari is from October till February when the weather is salubrious and very apt for sightseeing. Indulge in some adventure sports activity and attend the number of festivals at this time like Cape festival.
Summer
April to June are the summer months with the temperature ranging between 22 to 35°C. the weather remains humid at this time. Avoid these months for exploring.
Monsoon
The months from July to September are considered to be the monsoon time. The level of humidity keeps rising and makes it difficult to explore around.
Winter
The months from October to March are considered the most perfect months to explore Kanyakumari as the weather is quite pleasant with clear skies and less humidity with the temperature ranging between 15 to 35°C. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and surfing.
Kanyakumari, located at the southernmost tip of India, is famous for being the meeting point of the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean. It is also known for its spectacular sunrise and sunset views over the ocean, the iconic Vivekananda Rock Memorial, and the Kumari Amman Temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati. Its cultural, spiritual, and natural significance makes it one of India’s most visited tourist destinations.
The best time to visit Kanyakumari is from October to March, when the weather is cool and pleasant for sightseeing. Summers (April–June) can be hot and humid, while the monsoon season (July–September) brings heavy rainfall, which may limit outdoor activities. Winter is also the ideal time to enjoy clear sunrise and sunset views.
Kanyakumari offers a mix of heritage and natural wonders. Key attractions include the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Kumari Amman Temple, Gandhi Memorial Mandapam, and Kanyakumari Beach. Nearby places like Suchindram Temple, Padmanabhapuram Palace, and Vattakottai Fort also attract visitors. Each site reflects the region’s spiritual depth and historical legacy.
The Vivekananda Rock Memorial was built in 1970 to honor Swami Vivekananda, who meditated here in 1892 before embarking on his mission to spread spirituality worldwide. Situated on a rocky island about 500 meters off the coast, the memorial symbolizes India’s spiritual heritage and offers stunning panoramic views of the confluence of three seas.
Kanyakumari is well-connected by rail, road, and air. The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport (90 km away) with flights from major Indian cities. Kanyakumari has its own railway station linked to Chennai, Bangalore, and Mumbai. Regular bus and taxi services connect Kanyakumari to nearby towns like Nagercoil and Trivandrum, making it accessible for both pilgrims and tourists.
Kanyakumari is one of the few places in the world where visitors can witness both sunrise and sunset over the ocean. The view is particularly enchanting during full moon days when the moonrise and sunset happen simultaneously. The spectacle of the sun dipping into the ocean with waves crashing on the rocks is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for travelers.
The Kumari Amman Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Kanyakumari, believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. According to legend, she performed penance here to marry Lord Shiva. The temple is over 3,000 years old and holds great significance in Hindu mythology. It is also famous for its diamond nose ring, which is said to shine so brightly that sailors once mistook it for a lighthouse.
A 2-day trip is sufficient to cover the major attractions like the Rock Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue, temple, and Gandhi Memorial. If you want to explore nearby destinations such as Padmanabhapuram Palace, Poovar, or Trivandrum, then 3–4 days are ideal. The duration depends on whether you focus only on Kanyakumari or combine it with nearby sightseeing.
Kanyakumari celebrates several vibrant festivals, the most important being the Chaitra Purnima Festival at Kumari Amman Temple. Other major festivals include Navratri, Diwali, and Vaisakha festival, all celebrated with processions, traditional music, and dance. These events not only highlight the temple’s spiritual energy but also showcase Tamil Nadu’s rich cultural traditions.
Kanyakumari is famous for seashell products, handicrafts, palm-leaf items, traditional saris, and wooden souvenirs. Local shops near the beach and temple sell a variety of seashell jewelry and handicrafts unique to the region. Visitors also buy spices, coir products, and handicrafts from Tamil Nadu and Kerala, making shopping here a memorable part of the trip.