Kanyakumari Places to Visit

Kanyakumari, the land where the Oceans meet, the Last Land of India and the Southernmost part of India, has some rich history hidden in the name. This was our next and final destination of our Bangalore-Rameswaram-Kanyakumari Road trip. Had heard a lot about Kanyakumari and to contain the level of excitement of exploring this beautiful place was difficult. Had a full list of Places to Visit in Kanyakumari, but with just about two days in hand, had to pick from the best.

Places to Visit in Kanyakumari

One can get spoiled by choices, if you look at Google for the places to visit in Kanyakumari. But most of these, if not all, are at walkable distances from each other. These can easily be covered by walk. Though, for other tourist places at far, you definitely either need your own Car or a Cab.

We travelled from Bangalore to Rameswaram, and after spending a good 4 days at Rameswaram, we finally made it to Kanyakumari. Before we get to the Places to visit in Kanyakumari, here is our Travel Video from our visit to Kanyakumari that Nutan shared at her YouTube Channel.

And if you need info on route from Bangalore to Rameswaram, check my blog “Bangalore to Rameswaram by Road“. And check the blog I did for info on “How to do Darshan in Rameswaram?”

Bhagavathy Amman Temple – Also known as Kanyakumari Temple

Set at the southern tip of the mainland India in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, Bhagavathy Amman Temple, definitely one of the most visited places. Dedicated to Devi Kanya Kumari, Bhagavathy Amman Temple, is a manifestation of Mahadevi in the form of adolescent girl.

We had a real hard time finding the entrance of this temple. This is located just next to the beach road but google map will definitely confuse you when you are on foot in the vicinity exploring places. Now, when I look at the maps in my laptop, it all makes sense. Just remember that when you visit, try and get to the beach road and take right at the junction to join the New Rd and further take left to reach the Temple Road.

A beautiful temple, with stories dating back to pre-Vedic Tamil period, is all that you need to spend some quality morning time with some mouthwatering Prasadam. The confluence of the Bay of Bengal, the Arbian Sea and the Indian Ocean and the presence of this temple at this location is quite fascinating.

• Bhagavathy Amman Temple Timings:
  • 1st Half- 04:30 AM to 12:30 PM
  • 2nd Half – 04:00 PM to 08:30 PM
  • Open on all 7 Days
  • Must visit place for sure.
• Entry Fee: None. There is no entry fee to enter the temple premises to have darshan.
• Google Map Location: Bhagavathy Amman Temple

Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Built in the memory of Swamy Vivekananda, one of the greatest saints, meditated here. This tops the list of places to visit in Kanyakumari. I am sure, those who are visiting Kanyakumari for the first time, this place must be at their top of the list for places to visit in Kanyakumari. Since, we were staying very close by, we chose to walk to the destination. Though, I did see parking option available at the port from where a ferry ship takes us to the memorial and also brings us back.

• Timings: 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM
• Entry Fee: 
  • There is no entry fee as such, however, one has to pay for the ferry charges.
  • Ferry Charges: Rs. 60/- for normal queue and Rs. 200/- for Special pass.
  • Depending upon the season/ Crowd, one can choose the desired option.

• Google Map Location: Vivekananda Rock Memorial
• Google Map for: Ferry Ticket Counter

Saint Thiruvalluvar Statue

Saint Thiruvalluvar Statue, dedicated to one of the famous Tamil poets, Thiruvalluvar is located at a rock next to Swamy Vivekananda Rock memorial. The same ferry which takes to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial stops here for the visitors to spend some time here. When we visited, there was some renovation work going on, so we did not get a chance to visit this marvelous spot.

Kanyakumari Pier

Kanyakumari Pier, also famous for stunning views one gets during the sunrise, is yet another famous tourist spots in Kanyakumari. It’s a slim long platform leading to the sea. Famous for Sunrise, but one can even spend a peaceful evening on a non-crowded day. Weekends are usually crowded. Very nearby to the ferry ticket point for Vivekananda Rock Memorial.

• Timings: No Restriction
• Fee: No Entry Fee
• Google Location: Kanyakumari Pier

Note: To experience the magical sunrise, one can try and reach the Sunrise point. From here one can witness the Sun rising from behind the Vivekananda Rock Memorial.

Gandhi Mandapam

Gandhi Mandapam, overlooking the sea, is a memorial in the honor of Mahatma Gandhi. He visited Kanyakumari twice. After his demise, his ashes were kept here at the spot where the memorial is built, before immersing in the sea. After visiting the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, we were super hungry and tired, so chose not to go inside.

• Timings: 07:00 AM to 06:00 PM
• Entry Fee: None
• Google Map: Mahatma Gandhi Memo

View Tower – Kanyakumari

This is something that should not be missed. Best time to visit though would be morning or Evening, but whatever time you visit, breathtaking panoramic view is guaranteed. The helical spiral ramp will take you to the top of the tower and continuous breeze of cold air will definitely make you fight the heat from the scorching sun. This is one place from where one can watch Sunrise in the morning and Sunset in the evening, that special this tower is. The infinity view from the top will surely give you a feeling of peace and calm, a must add place in your list.

• Timings: 05:30 AM to 06:30 PM
• Entry Fee: Rs 20/-
• Google Map: View Tower

Vattakottai Fort

Built in 18th Century during the Travancore Kingdom, Vattakottai Fort, is a seaside fort. It was built primarily for the purpose of coastal defense fortification and barracks. The architecture and the views from the fort, both, are something that will leave you admiring.

We visited here in the evening, and we felt it was the best time to visit. Sky reaching windmills and cragged hills contesting the thunderous clouds above and deep blue sea below gave a dramatic touch to the scene.

• Timings: 10:00 AM to 04:30 PM
• Entree Fee: Rs. 25/- per Vehicle + Additional Entry Fee of Rs. 25/- at the Fort, though no charges for Camera
• Google Map: Vattakottai Fort

The other marvelous attraction here is the beautiful less visited black sand beach. You can definitely have a good peaceful lone time with your family with not much crowd around.

Padmanabhapuram Palace

Nestled amidst the verdant foothills of the Veli Hills in Kanyakumari, Padmanabhapuram Palace whispers tales of a glorious past. This magnificent wooden marvel, dating back to the 16th century, is not just a monument, but a testament to the artistic genius and vibrant history of the erstwhile Travancore kingdom.

Step into the palace compound and prepare to be captivated by its intricate architecture. Built entirely of wood and devoid of nails, the palace stands as a stark contrast to the usual stone fortresses. Every inch showcases the masterful skills of Kerala’s artisans, with elaborate carvings adorning pillars, ceilings, and doors. Floral motifs dance across walls, while vibrant murals painted in natural pigments tell stories of gods and kings.

• Timings: The palace is open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, except on Mondays.
• Guided tours are available in English and Malayalam.
• Photography is allowed inside the palace.
• Google Map: Padmanabhapuram Palace

So, if you’re seeking a journey through time, a portal to a world of exquisite beauty and rich history, then Padmanabhapuram Palace awaits. Come, lose yourself in its enchanting aura, and let the whispers of the past guide you through a wonderland of wood, art, and forgotten dreams. Watch this space for a dedicated blog on Padmanabhapuram Palace.

Windmill Viewpoint

Now this is something that can be covered while you are either entering or exiting Kanyakumari. This is on NH44 set at just about 23 Kms from Sunset point in Kanyakumari. A must add stop for those who wants to capture some breathtaking shots of the Windmills with hills in the backdrop. Make sure, if you stop, you park your vehicle on the side without restricting the flowing traffic. A good place to have a quick break on the highway before continuing to drive to Bangalore or the place where you are headed. Mornings/ Evenings get magical here.

Conclusion

This sums up the spots we managed to cover in our short trip to Kanyakumari. But of course, there’s more to Kanyakumari than just the popular tourist spots that we managed to cover in our short trip. Kanyakumari boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in India. The soft sand, gentle waves, and stunning sunsets make it the perfect place to unwind and soak up the sun. Not to mention the other marvels that we couldn’t visit, due to paucity of time, but worth adding in Kanyakumari Itinerary. Our Lady of Ransom Shrine, Kanyakumari Shri Tirupathi Temple, Mangrove Forest and few other beaches that can be added in the list of places to visit in Kanyakumari.

We are taking home lots and lots of beautiful memories from Kanyakumari. Driving through this picturesque coastal town was an experience. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and time here and cannot wait for another trip to this wonderful place.

Places to Stay in Kanyakumari

There are numerous hotels available in Kanyakumari at prime locations offering breathtaking views from the room. But looking at the reviews from several guests, I got demotivated to go ahead and book online in advance. One thing to remember, once in Kanyakumari, your maximum time would be spent out exploring Kanyakumari and that view may not do proper justice on the selection of the property. What would matter though, some space with privacy and a homely touch, let that not be a 5 star hotel. For us, Joppa’s House offered exactly that. A decent stay, with open space at a prime location, though not fancy in terms of amenities but still good enough to have a pleasant stay. And for those who travel with Pets, this one is a pet friendly stay. Given the price range, it was value for money deal.

Hotels in Kanaykumari

Other Stay options that I would like to choose from for my next visit:

1. Indien Hermitage – A Resort -Kanyakumari – Breathtaking views from the resort, though, little pricy, but worth it.
2. Sparsa Resort Kanyakumari – Prime location with Ocean view located right at beach. Someday would personally like to experience this Resort.
3. Shell Park – Lot of Positive reviews.
4. The Coral Kanyakumari – Something one would fall in love with. Definitely worth considering.
5. Annai Resorts & Spa – A picturesque property, though a luxury one.
6. Hotel Ocean Heritage – A budget stay, not to expect much but at a prime location. Perhaps good for a quick one night stay.

Joppa’s House – We stayed here for two nights. A good property situated right next to beach. Overall, a good property, nothing fancy, but it is more of a Homestay touch.

Explore other properties in Kanyakumari here:

Other options during the peak season can be Nagercoil area, which is just about 20 Km from Kanyakumari famous spots:

1. Hotel Vashanth Krishna
2. PAARK
3. Explore other properties in Nagercoil here.

How to Reach:

By Air: Nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport which is just about 90 KM from Kanyakumari.

By Road: People travel by road from all across. We drove from Bangalore via Rameswaram. From Rameswaram it is just about 300 Km and takes about 6 easy hours of driving on the NH32.

Roads are in excellent conditions and gets extremely scenic at one particular point where you get to see hundreds of Windmills. Here is a pic from that spot.

To get to this spot, follow this google map link here.

Check my other blogs from our visit to Rameswaram:

Rameswaram Darshan Simplified

Bangalore to Rameswaram by Road

Hope you found this blog helpful. Don’t forget to bookmark/ share with your travel partner, so that you don’t miss all the important links/ recommendations when you need them the most.

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Rameswaram-Kanyakumari Trip

In this trip we covered Rameswaram and Kanyakumari. Listing the other blogs from the trip to help you access all the info that you would need for a good trip:

1. Bangalore-Rameswaram Road Trip
   1. YouTube Video – Bangalore to Rameswaram by Road
2. Rameswaram Darshan Simplified
   1. YouTube Video – Rameswaram Yatra
3. A dedicated video from our visit to Dhanushkodi
4. Places to visit in Kanyakumari –  You are already reading this blog
   1. YouTube Video – Places to see in Kanyakumari

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Check out our Travel experience to another JLR property, Kali Adventure Camp || Dandeli by my travel partner Nutan Singh.

Gears used in the Trip

Sony A7M3

Sony Fe 200-600Mm F/5.6-6.3 G OSS Telephoto Zoom Lens (White)

Canon EOS 80D

Sigma Sports 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Lens for Canon DSLR Cameras (Black)

Go-Pro Hero Black 7

Iphone 11 Pro and Iphone 13 for wide shots