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The city famous for being the southernmost point of the country is a fascinating trip for every visitor. A small coastal town of Tamil Nadu bordering the state of Kerala, this is where the deep waters of the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal meet. The city also holds special spiritual significance which has contributed to Kanyakumari tourism. Regarded as the abode of the virgin Goddess Kanya Kumari, it is a popular pilgrim destination. Along with that, the city has something for people with other beliefs too, making it an amazing place for your next trip.
| Kanyakumari Tourism: A Quick View of the City | |
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| Official Language | Tamil |
| Dial Code | 04652 |
| Population | 29,761 (as of 2011) |
| Currency | Indian Rupee (INR) |
| Time Zone | GMT +5:30 (IST) |
| Area | 30 metres |
As you explore Kanyakumari, make sure you do not miss out on these amazing locations.
Kanyakumari’s rich history has attracted great people and the people of the city have shown their love towards these people immensely. Swami Vivekanananda, the revered Indian poet and philosopher, visited the city at the end of an extensive trip across India. And his transformation into an influential leader has been attributed to the three days he spent meditating on a large offshore rock. A memorial was built on that rock in 1970 to honour him. Visitors can take a 15-minute ferry ride from the Kanyakumari beach and learn about Swami’s life. And on your way back, you will see the towering statue of the Thiruvalluvar. Built in honour of the Tamil poet and philosopher, the statue’s foundation stone was laid in 1979 and completed in 1999. Visitors enter the base of the statue and climb up the stairs to its feet to get a phenomenal view of the ocean.
Out of all the places to visit in Kanyakumari, the city’s monuments are a must visit. The Padmanabhapurum Palace is located an hour away in the town of the same name. Once the capital of the princely state, Travancore, a day trip to this town features on the itinerary of every visitor to Kanyakumari. The palace, which dates back to the 1600s, is a fine example of complex craftsmanship and architecture, with its detailed woodwork on the walls and ceilings. Then there is the Vattakottai Fort, a coastal fort built in the 18th century during the reign of the Travancore dynasty. A protected site under the Indian Archaeological Department, the fort is 7 km north from Kanyakumari. With a view of the Bay of Bengal on one side and the enchanting hills of the Western Ghats on the other, the fort proves to be a mesmerising experience for every visitor.
The city’s significance in Hindu mythology can be seen in its 3000-year-old Kumari Amman Temple. Also known as Arulmigu Bhagavathy Amman Temple, it is dedicated to Goddess Kanya Kumari. She is worshipped as the great protector of the city who destroyed the demon king Banasura. The temple has a magnificent black stone idol of the goddess with a sparkling bejewelled nose ring that stands out. The temple is open from 4:30am to noon and 4pm to 8pm and non-Hindus are also permitted inside.
When talking about Kanyakumari’s famous places, we cannot ignore the wonderful ocean. The Kanyakumari beach is one of the most pristine beaches of the town where visitors can enjoy a magnificent sunrise and sunset. The rocky shoreline of the beach prevents visitors from entering the sea but the lighthouse on the beach gives you the chance to enjoy a gorgeous view of its infiniteness. Then there is the Triveni Sangam, the remarkable spot where the oceans merge. Considered to be a powerful and sacred site, a dip in these waters is said to wash away all sins and provide liberation from the cycle of rebirth. And even if you do not wish to take part in this ancient ritual, this unique place is still worth a visit. In fact, if tide and weather permit, you might even be able to distinguish the oceans from each other with their different hues of blue.
Another reason for the popularity of tourism in Kanyakumari is its food. The city’s cuisine endorses the rich flavours of Kerala, evident in its use of coconut oil. One of its famous foods are the crispy banana chips. Made from ripe bananas, you might even get the chance to see them being freshly fried. Then there is the Kothu Parpotta, a unique take on the plain old parotta. A mixture of egg, meat and salna, each bite of the parotta is a burst of flavours for the palate. Another well-known dish is Appam, a pancake made of fermented rice batter and coconut milk. It is generally eaten for breakfast and is a popular South-Indian dish.
The southernmost tip of the Indian subcontinent is the city of Kanyakumari. It is on the confluence of the Western and Eastern Coastal Plains and bordered by the Laccadive Sea on three sides. It is 85 km away from Thiruvananthapuram and 22 km away from Nagercoil.
Click here to view Kanyakumari on Google Map
Winter (October to March) is the recommended season for travelling to Kanyakumari. With temperatures ranging between 15 o C and 30 o C, they can be a good time for indulging in sunbathing and swimming. Summers (April to May) range between 22 o C and 35 o C, and the weather may be humid. As these months tend to be hot, they are not recommended for travelling to this city. The monsoons (June to August) lower the temperatures however, the increased humidity may make for an uncomfortable experience.
By Air – The nearest airport is the Trivandrum International Airport, approximately 67 kilometres away. Along with being well-connected to major cities, it is also connected to quite a few Gulf countries.
By Rail – Trains from major cities of the country stop at the Kanyakumari Junction, and the Kanyakumari Express is well-connected to Mumbai and Bangalore. Other than this, the Trivandrum Central railway station is the second closest station which is connected to almost all Indian cities.
By Road – Kanyakumari is connected to Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka by its network of roads and highways going through its countryside.
The city’s history is steeped in Hindu mythology and has even inspired the city’s name. Devi Kanya Kumari, considered to be the sister of Krishna, is the goddess women pray to for marriage and the city is named after this lady. In 1656, the Dutch East India Company conquered the Portuguese and renamed it Comorin; it was called Cape Comorin under the British rule. The Government of India later renamed it Kanyakumari.
This is what Kanyakumari tourism is all about. So, don’t wait to make the most of it.
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