The southernmost tip of India, the confluence of 3 seas that you’ll only see here, a city with both religious and spiritual importance – this is Kanyakumari. Located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu in India, it is even very close to Kerala and a popular destination. The tip of the country from where you only see the vast expanse of water. So what are you waiting for? Head out to explore the best places to visit in Kanyakumari in one day.
Read more:
India itinerary ideas for spending 1 to 4 weeks
1-4 week South India itinerary ideas
A local’s guide to experiencing Indian culture
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Interesting Fact about Kanyakumari
The city Kanyakumari gets its name after Goddess Kanya Kumari, the adolescent form of Goddess Parvati.
It is believed that Lord Shiva did not turn up to marry Devi Kanya Kumari on the decided auspicious day which annoyed her a lot. She threw all the food and broke the bangles.
She remained unmarried and even killed the demon Banasura. The Devi is worshiped in Kanyakumari at the temple which is also one of the Shakti Peeths of India.
Best Places to Visit in Kanyakumari in One Day
A small city at the southernmost tip of India is a popular tourist destination for both spiritual and tourist reasons.
Most of the places to visit in Kanyakumari are within walking distance of each other and one day is good enough to explore this city.
So this list of Kanyakumari tourist places can help you plan a 1-day itinerary to Kanyakumari.
1. Vivekananda Rock Memorial
The most iconic building of Kanyakumari is the Vivekananda memorial built on a huge stone on an island that is a stone’s throw away from the shore.
It is believed that Swami Vivekananda attained enlightenment on this rock before visiting Chicago.
The temple also houses a meditation hall and bookstore that can be explored.
Note: Small kids are not allowed in the meditation hall.
The rock even holds religious significance as it is believed that Devi Kanyakumari had stepped on this rock and blessed the place.
The Sripada Mandapam is the temple within the complex where the rock is kept with the impressions of Devi footprints.
Note: Photography is prohibited inside the mandapams/halls.
There is a sun clock at one end of the complex that is interesting to see. It actually shows the time of sunrise throughout the year.
Standing tall amidst the ocean, it is a great place to witness the waves from the three seas crashing.
We would advise you to visit the memorial in the morning as the stone floors get burning hot during the afternoon and it becomes difficult to walk barefoot. Try and walk over the white paint to avoid sunburns.
The rock memorial can be reached by a small ferry ride from the shore. There might be a long line for the ferry, so better to take that into account.
There are ferry charges apart from the entrance fees to the Vivekananda memorial.
Timings: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Entrance fees – INR 10 per person
Ferry charges – INR 20 per person
2. Thiruvalluvar Statue
Near the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, you’ll find a towering 133-foot stone statue of the celebrated Tamil poet Valluvar. This statue is a well-known tourist attraction in Kanyakumari.
The statue can be accessed via the ferry. The ferry plying from the Vivekananda memorial halts at the Thiruvalluvar statue.
Unfortunately, during our visit, the statue was closed to public due to maintenance. But the giant structure cannot be missed.
3. Triveni Sangam
The only place in the world where the confluence of the three seas – the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal with the Indian ocean happens is at Kanyakumari, called the Triveni Sangam (Tri means three, Veni means a stream of water and Sangam means confluence).
Being famous among tourists for its spectacular sight, it is a very popular pilgrim spot as well. People believe that bathing in this holy water will wash away their sins.
I don’t know about washing away the sins, but it’s great to at least dip your feet on the hot day. There are a few steps that lead to a rocky beach.
Note: There aren’t clean changing rooms around.
4. Gandhi Memorial
A beautiful architectural building close to the Kanyakumari beach is the Gandhi memorial.
This is the place where Gandhiji’s ashes were kept for public viewing before immersing in the seas.
The architecture is special as on October 2nd (the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi), the sun’s rays fall from a hole in the roof at the place where the ashes were kept.
5. KanyaKumari Temple /Sri Bhagvathy Amman temple
The 3000-year-old Bhagvathy Amman temple dedicated to the Goddess Kanya Kumari is very popular and thronged by the disciples of the Devi, making it one of the most popular tourist places in Kanyakumari.
This temple is also significant as is one of the Shakti Peeths in Indian subcontinents. It is believed that out of all the body parts, the spine of Goddess Sati fell at this place.
The main sanctum is dimly lit with oil lamps and has a black stone idol of the goddess holding a rosary in one hand.
One thing that catches sight is the sparkling nose ring. There are some interesting stories associated with it as well.
Sitting by the sea, the temple can be viewed from the Vivekananda memorial and Thiruvallur statue.
The temple closes in the afternoon and can’t be visited until the evening.
Timings: 4 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Note: Men have to be a bare chest in order to enter the temple.
6. Kanyakumari Beach
Adjacent to the Bhagavathy Amman temple is the Kanyakumari beach. Not a very big beach though, is popular among tourists for both spiritual and pleasure reasons.
There were hawkers around and we did not find the beach very clean.
7. Kanyakumari Sunrise and Sunset
Kanyakumari, being the southernmost tip of the Indian peninsula, watching the sunrise or sunset is special.
Although sunrise can be watched from many places across the city, there is a Sunrise Point on the Kanyakumari beach.
With the sun rising from the horizon over the ocean behind the Vivekananda memorial and statue, it is a sight to behold.
The sunset can be watched from the Kanyakumari beach as well but there is a Sunset point about 3 km away from the sunrise point.
The sunset and sunrise at Kanyakumari can even be viewed from the View Tower which gives a 360-degree view of the landscape and the mesmerizing sun painting the sky.
8. Souvenir Shopping near Kanyakumari Temple
After exploring this small significant town it is time to indulge in some shopping of souvenirs. There are many small shops lined beside the beach and close to the Vivekananda memorial jetty point.
Right from stuff made of seashells to handicrafts to traditional clothes, there is a wide variety to shop for.
Remember: Don’t forget to bargain to get the best deal.
9. Bharat Mata Temple
Indians idolize their country not just as a piece of land, but as their mother, Bharat Mata, and treat her like a goddess.
Bharat ~ India and Mata ~ mother
To show gratitude and love, there is a Bharat Mata temple in the city. The first thing that catches the eye is the beautiful garden outside the temple.
The temple has a huge idol of Bharat Mata (Mother India). It even has the story of Ramayan beautifully depicted in pictures.
Ticket: INR 30
Timings: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.- 9 p.m.
Parking
There is public parking available close to the beach. All the major places are at walking distance from the spot.
Best time to visit Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari experiences a tropical climate with very hot summers. The best time to visit is winter from November to March. The weather becomes pleasant with maximum temperatures ranging from 20 – 28 degrees Celsius.
The monsoon time is beautiful to watch the confluence of the 3 seas but it gets humid around that time.
Things you Must Take Care of while visiting Kanyakumari
- Since it is very hot and humid, do wear caps and sunglasses.
- Apply sunscreen before stepping out in sun.
- Try to visit the Vivekanand memorial in the morning or evening as the floor gets very hot in the afternoon and you need to be barefoot.
- There can be a long queue for the ferry both ways, so keep that in mind while planning.
- Photography is strictly prohibited inside the Vivekananda memorial and Bhagvathy Amman temple. But I was saddened to see social media addicts clicking pictures inside the Vivekananda hall, in spite of the instructions.
Hotels in Kanyakumari
Wondering where to stay? Check out the best hotels in Kanyakumari.
Gopinivas Grand
Gopinivas Grand is a great option to stay on a budget in Kanyakumari with family. All the major attractions like Vivekananda Rock Memorial are 10 mins walk.
Read the reviews Book the hotel now
Sparsa Resort
Sparsa Resort is an ocean-facing hotel ideal for families seeking comfort. You can watch the sunset from the hotel room itself Or go to the beach. The hotel includes amenities like a swimming pool, free WiFi, parking, complimentary breakfast, a tennis court, and much more.
Read the reviews Book the hotel now
Annai Resorts and Spa
This luxury resort is the best property in Kanyakumari overlooking the ocean. There are rooms and villas adjoining the sea with comfort and ambiance. The stay includes free breakfast, parking, and WiFi.
Read all the positive reviews Book the hotel now
Travelling with kids and looking for a fun option. Visit Magic Planet Trivandrum – first of a kind magic theme park
Trivandrum to Kanyakumari
How to reach Kanyakumari?
Kanyakumari is a perfect day trip option or a 2-day trip from Trivandrum about 100 km far. Kanyakumari must be added to your Kerala itinerary if visiting South Kerala.
It is best to leave early in the morning from Trivandrum for the 2 1/2-hour rides.
Passing from small towns and villages along the coastline, it’s a great way to explore the countryside with sea views giving you company all along.
One thing that we noticed as we approached Kanyakumari was fish drying outside the houses, on roofs, and on empty lands.
Kanyakumari can also be reached by trains that ply regularly from Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) Central railway station in 2 1/2 – 3 1/2 hrs.
When in Trivandrum, do visit Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Kerala – World’s Richest Temple
Have you visited Kanyakumari, the southern tip of India? Are there any things to do in Kanyakumari that you loved and that I may have missed?
Do let me know in the comments and we’ll be happy to update you. We truly believe in helping fellow travelers in the best possible way.
Nice post
Thanks a lot for stopping by.
nice presentation, love to read this very much.
Thanks a lot for taking time and appreciating the post.
Nice explanation about the places and I loved the tips. After reading this I am willing to go there. Thank you