Discover the essence of Kanyakumari in this travel guide designed for a memorable visit in less than two days. I was born in Kanyakumari and lived here for over two decades and this place continues to amaze me in every visit. From the spiritual allure of the Swami Vivekananda Rock Memorial to the panoramic views of Marunthuval Malai and the enchanting moments of sunrise and sunset at the southern tip of India, this curated list offers a blend of cultural richness and natural beauty.
***This list is suited for people visiting Kanyakumari for less than 2 days. If you have more time then this list covers Kanyakumari district and offers you a memorable experience of the Land's End. ***
- Swami Vivekananda Rock Memorial
- Marunthuval Malai Trek
- Sunrise and Sunset points in Kanyakumari
- Temples of Kanyakumari
- Lady of Ransom Church
- Swami Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Campus
- Vattakottai Fort
- Places to eat in Kanyakumari
- Must-try delicacies of Kanyakumari
Swami Vivekananda Rock Memorial
A 10-minute boat ride will take you to the Swami Vivekananda Memorial built in the year 1970. Earlier on 24 December 1892, Swami Vivekananda visited Kanyakumari and swam to a rock. There he meditated for 3 days and realised the purpose of his life. It was after this that Swami Vivekananda traveled to Chicago for the World Religious Parliament to spread India to the world.
Marunthuval Malai
Situated 8 km away from the southern tip of India, Marunthuvazh Malai translates to 'Medicine Living Mountain' and is the last hill of India. Hiking this hill will allow you to get a bird's eye view of almost 30% of Kanyakumari district. I am not exaggerating. You get to see at least 30% of the district from here. I have written a detailed blog about this trek here
Sunrise and Sunset points of Kanyakumari
When in Kanyakumari you cannot miss the sunrise and sunset. The secret is that you can also see the Moon rise from the ocean. On a specific day of the year, you can watch the sunset and moonrise at the same time. Yes, you read that right. Around 630pm of the April full moon (in Tamil referred to as Chitra Pournami), you can watch the sunset in the west and at the same time, the moon rises in the east like a red fireball.
On regular days, these are my two favorite places to catch the best sunrise and sunset.
Sunrise point - https://goo.gl/maps/1cBzMqv1Zo4GTtCL7
Sunset Point - https://goo.gl/maps/5THGybGF69SCe3SU9
Temples of Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari Devi Temple - The temple is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the region and draws devotees from all over the world. The temple's origins are shrouded in myth and legend, with some accounts suggesting that it was built by the legendary king of Travancore, while others believe that it was built by sage Parashurama. The temple's architecture blends traditional Dravidian and Kerala styles and features intricate carvings and sculptures depicting various scenes from Hindu mythology.
Sadhguru talks about the Kanyakumari Devi and the significance of the Suchindram temple. Link
Suchindram Sree Thanumalaiyan Temple - The Suchindram Temple is dedicated to the Hindu trinity of Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. The temple is known for its impressive 22-foot-tall statue of Hanuman, as well as its stunning architecture that features intricate carvings and sculptures.
Lady of Ransom church
Dating back to the 16th century, this church is a testament to centuries of cultural exchange. The original 18th-century Roman-style church, adorned with a 16th-century statue of Mother Mary and intricate wooden carvings, narrates a story of resilience and evolution. The Lady of Ransom Church's charm extends beyond its spiritual significance. A foreign ship's iron mast, abandoned in 1917, became the church's flagstaff, adding a touch of maritime history. The Gothic-styled new church, constructed in 1900, boasts symbolic dimensions representing the Holy Rosary and the twelve disciples. Visitors are captivated by pointed arches, seven doors symbolizing the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and imported Italian bells resonating through the towers.
Swami Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Campus
While the Swami Vivekananda rock memorial makes it to most lists. Not many people know about the Swami Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Campus. A 101-acre campus stretches for about a kilometer and ends at the beach.
Vattakottai Fort
Built during the 18th century by the Travancore kingdom's rulers, Vattakottai Fort, literally translating to "Circular Fort," is renowned for its unique circular structure, providing panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. The fort is constructed with granite blocks, showcasing the engineering prowess of its time. Visitors can wander through its well-preserved walls, bastions, and intricate arched entrances, soaking in the historical ambiance.
The fort served multiple purposes, acting as a defensive stronghold and a signaling station for maritime communication. Its strategic location on the coast allowed it to control sea trade routes and monitor potential invasions.
Places to Eat in Kanyakumari
Vegetarian Hotels in Kanyakumari
- Hotel Suchindram Maruti
- Hotel Chithra (inside the Vivekananda Kendra campus)
- Sree Punjabi Dhaba - North Indian food
Local Eateries that serve Veg and Non-veg in Kanyakumari
Upscale Restaurants in Kanyakumari
- Restaurant at the Seaview Hotel
- Restaurant at the Sparsa Hotel
Must Try delicacies in Kanyakumari
When in Kanyakumari these are the must-try foods.
- Over 10 different types of Banana
- Banana Bread
- Banana Chips
- Fruit Sarbath locally called Pala Sarbath
- Parotta & Chicken Fry
- Fish curry meals
What is the best way to travel to these places in Kanyakumari?
All the places in this blog post are within 15kms. TukTuk / Auto is a good mode of transport to all these places.
What is the best time to visit Kanyakumari?
May Mid to February mid is a good time to visit Kanyakumari. March and April are the hottest months. The weather is tropical with the sun shining bright throughout the year. Weekends are usually crowded and in December and January, Iyappa devotees visit Kanyakumari as a part of their pilgrimage.