The best places to visit in Kanyakumari include gems like Kanyakumari Beach, Olakaruvi Falls, Vattakottai Fort, Padmanabhapuram Palace, and Vivekananda Rock Memorial. Located at the southernmost tip of India, Kanyakumari boasts a rich blend of natural beauty, golden shores, culture, and history packed in these amazing attractions in Kanyakumari!
The best time to visit Kanyakumari is October to March when the weather is comfortable and pleasantly cool for outdoor activities and exploring its beaches, temples, palaces, and other historical landmarks!
Best places to visit in Kanyakumari: Our top 10 picks!
Tucked in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Kanyakumari has a unique geography courtesy of the confluence of the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean here which create the most bizarre and wonderful spectacle!
It’s also famous for its magnificent sunsets and sunrises that cast golden hues on its ancient structures and colonial architecture steeped in history!
Add these famous places to visit in Kanyakumari for a unique travel experience!
ALSO SEE – Nearest Airport To Kanyakumari
1. Vivekananda Rock Memorial
Located on a rock island 500 meters off the Coromandel Coast, the famous Vivekananda Rock Memorial is one of the best places to visit in Kanyakumari.
This memorial was built in 1970 in honor of Swami Vivekananda and tops every list of the top Kanyakumari tourist places owing to its humble architecture and deep spiritual aura.
Among all its attributes, the fascinating meditation hall, or “Dhyana Mandapam, is its most well known attraction. People from different corners of the globe and walks of life visit this memorial and meditate in this very hall to instill inner peace.
Its Vivekananda Mandapam is equally popular among peace seekers and nature lovers for its stunning ocean panoramas and uninterrupted views of the memorial’s lush surroundings.
| Timings | 8 AM – 4 PM |
| Entry fee | INR 50/- (adults); INR 25/- (kids) |
| Ferry fare | INR 50/- (round trip) |
| Exploration time | 1-2 hours |
| Nearby attractions | Thiruvalluvar Statue, Our Lady of Ransom Church, Tsunami Monument, Mayapuri Wax Museum |
| Nearby restaurants | Mahadev Restaurant, Shyam Restaurant, Hotel Sun, Sridevi, Tiffin Corner |
Insider tip: Visit the memorial early in the morning to avoid crowds.
2. Thiruvalluvar Statue
This 133-foot-tall statue is an architectural marvel like no other!
The towering Thiruvalluvar Statue was built to pay tribute to the great Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar who shot to fame after his creation titled Thirukkural, a timeless masterpiece that talks about ethics and morality.
The statue is set on a massive rock island next to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and is considered a phenomenal feat of engineering!
The pedestal is inscribed with 38 “chapters of virtue” from the poet’s most famous work Thirukkural, another reason it’s one of the most famous places to visit in Kanyakumari!
| Timings | 8 AM – 4 PM |
| Entry fee | Nil |
| Ferry fare | INR 50/- (round trip) |
| Exploration time | 1 hour |
| Nearby attractions | Thiruvalluvar Statue, Our Lady of Ransom Church, Tsunami Monument, Baywatch Theme Park |
| Nearby restaurants | Hotel Saravana, Aswini Restaurant, Mahadev Restaurant, Tiffin Corner |
Insider tip: You can climb the statue’s pedestal to enjoy panoramic ocean views!
ALSO SEE – Trivandrum To Kanyakumari: A Scenic Journey To Land’s End!
3. Kanyakumari Beach
This beach is among the best places in Kanyakumari for its multicolored sands and stunning views of the confluence of the three seas – the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean.
It is often called the “tri-sea confluence point,” which makes it one of the most unique attractions in Kanyakumari and a great spot for some mind-blowing landscape photography!
But that’s not all that sets it apart! It’s among a handful of places in the entire world where you can watch the sunrise and sunset from the same spot!
ALSO SEE – 🏖️ 10 Best Beaches In Kerala To Visit this year (Updated)
While it holds many unique aspects that bring people here from near and far, the beach in itself isn’t considered ideal for swimming courtesy of strong currents.
| Timings | Open 24/7 |
| Entry fee | Nil |
| Exploration time | 1-2 hours |
| Nearby attractions | Vattakottai Fort, Sunset Point, Lemur Beach, Kanyakumari Lighthouse |
| Nearby restaurants | The Ocean Restaurant, Zam Zam Restaurant, Sea View Restaurant, The Curry, Beach Cafe |
Insider tip: Visit the beach during Chaitra Poornima (full moon) so that you can watch the sunset on one side and a full moon rising on the other simultaneously!
4. Kumari Amman Temple
Kumari Amman Temple is among the most revered holy shrines in Tamil Nadu and Kanyakumari tourist places. Dedicated to Goddess Kanya Kumari, Kumari Amman is among the 108 Shakti Peethas located in different regions of India.
Other than its intricately carved structure and ancient architecture that exudes peace and calm, this sanctum is also renowned for the beautiful deity of Kanya Kumari that sits in the interiors!
ALSO SEE – 20 Famous Temples In Kerala To Visit this year
A manifestation of a young Goddess Mahadevi, this deity of the virgin goddess, deep in meditation, symbolizes purity and divinity.
This ancient temple is over 3,000 years old and is among the most breathtaking places to visit in Kanyakumari. And the fact that it’s tucked right on the Kanyakumari Beach only adds to its charm!
| Timings | 4:30 AM – 12:30 PM; 4 PM – 8 PM |
| Entry fee | Nil |
| Exploration time | 1 hour |
| Nearby attractions | Kanyakumari Beach, Tsunami Memorial, Selfie Point, Our Lady of Ransom Shrine Church |
| Nearby restaurants | Sea View Restaurant, The Ocean Restaurant, Sree Punjabi Pure Veg Dhaba, The Curry |
Insider tip: Dress modestly, preferably in Indian wear that covers your shoulders and legs.
ALSO SEE – Veli Tourist Village Trivandrum
5. Padmanabhapuram Palace
One of the most popular Kanyakumari tourist places, the 16th-century Padmanabhapuram Palace, the erstwhile royal seat of the Travancore kings, lures history lovers with its beautiful Kerala-style architecture!
Ornamented with intricately carved rosewood ceilings, vivid 16th-century murals, as well as a vintage clock tower, this enormous granite fortress offers visitors glimpses into the royal lifestyle of the kings of old!
ALSO SEE – Famous Palaces in Kerala You Must Visit
You must also check out the magnificent King’s Council Chamber which has single-handedly made this palace one of the best places to visit in Kanyakumari!
Padmanabhapuram Palace is tucked about 35 km away from Kanyakumari town and can be covered in a half-day tour depending on your mode of transport and pace!
| Timings | 9 AM – 5 PM (Closed on Mondays) |
| Entry fee | INR 20/- (Indian nationals); INR 250/- (Foreign nationals) |
| Exploration time | 2-3 hours |
| Nearby attractions | Valli Chunai Waterfall, Mathur Aqueduct, Thirparappu Waterfalls, Udayagiri Fort |
| Nearby restaurants | Hotel Sree Padmanabha, Oottupura Homely Mess, Thuckalay Palace Hotel, Geetha Sree Hotel |
Insider tip: Don’t forget to visit the nearby Thirparappu Waterfalls, another enchanting place to visit in Kanyakumari for nature lovers, families, and couples!
6. Sunset Point
Sunset Point, located a short walk away from Kanyakumari Beach, is not only one of the most romantic places to visit in Kanyakumari but also the most bizarre!
Other than its magnificent vistas of the Tri-Sea Confluence of the Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean, it is among those very few spots in the world where you can see both the sunset and sunrise!
It also puts on a heavenly display of the rising full moon and setting sun in the same sky! And on clear nights, you and your beau can sit at this spot under a blanket of a million stars!
Whether you’re here for stargazing, watching the sunset, gorging on local snacks, buying souvenirs, or a romantic walk with your partner, you’ll be met with the most dramatic views of the ocean and the sky that change colors each season!
| Timings | Open 24/7 |
| Entry fee | Nil |
| Exploration time | 1 hour |
| Nearby attractions | Kanyakumari Beach, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Vivekananda Rock Memorial |
| Nearby restaurants | Wine & Dine, The Curry, Hotel Saravana, Sahana Multi Cuisine Restaurant, Triveni |
Insider tip: Secure a good spot to relax and watch the sunset or sunrise by arriving at least 30 minutes prior.
7. Gandhi Memorial
Built in the memory of Mahatma Gandhi, the Gandhi Memorial Mandapam is a humble establishment in the city where his ashes were kept before they were immersed in the sea on February 12, 1948.
As opposed to other Kanyakumari tourist places, this memorial’s structure resembles that of a Hindu temple, but with various modern elements integrated into it, like a massive golden lotus-shaped dome!
But what truly highlights this structure’s architectural ingenuity is the fact that every year on the Mahatma’s birthday, October 2, the first rays of the sun fall exactly on the spot where the urn containing his ashes was placed before immersion!
| Timings | 7 AM – 7 PM |
| Entry fee | Nil |
| Exploration time | 1 hour |
| Nearby attractions | Sanguthurai Beach, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Tsunami Memorial, Vivekananda Rock Memorial |
| Nearby restaurants | Maharaja Restaurant and Cafe, Hotel Saravana, The Curry, Viswa Restaurant, Le Arabia |
Insider tip: Visit early morning or late evening to avoid the crowds and explore in peace!
8. Suchindram Temple
Suchindram Temple located a mere 11 km from Kanyakumari city center, is among the best places to visit in Kanyakumari for its fascinating Dravidian architecture, artistic interiors, and profound spiritual atmosphere!
This temple is a remarkable feat of engineering and masonry as is reflected in its towering gopurams, intricately carved statues depicting mythological tales, a 22-foot tall idol of Hanuman molded out of a single stone, and “musical stone pillars” that produce distinct sounds when tapped!
Dedicated to the trinity of Hindu gods – Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva – this revered holy shrine is among the top attractions in Kanyakumari.
| Timings | 4:30 AM – 12:30 PM; 5 PM – 8:30 PM |
| Entry fee | Nil |
| Exploration time | 1 hour |
| Nearby attractions | Temple Chariot, Kanyakumari Wax Museum, Guganathaswamy Temple, Suchindram town |
| Nearby restaurants | Topi Vappa Biriyani, Hotel Maruthi Pure Veg, Makkal Restaurant, Arya Bhavan |
Insider tip: Arrive in time for the evening aarti, a vibrant and stimulating ritual at the Suchindram Temple.
ALSO SEE – 12 Best Beaches Near Trivandrum To Visit At Least Once!
9. Vattakottai Fort
If you want to witness the scenic Western Ghats on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other from the same place, you should head to Vattakottai Fort, one of the most interesting places to visit in Kanyakumari.
Once a defense post of the Travancore kingdom, this 18th-century seaside fortress features well-maintained grounds, granite walls, and vintage bastions reminding visitors of Kanyakumari’s skilled masons and military genius!
Though it’s rather offbeat as compared to other attractions in Kanyakumari, couples and nature enthusiasts love to visit this massive fortress for its secluded vibes, a walk on the black sand beach nearby, and grand views of the Western Ghats mountain range!
ALSO SEE – The Rich Culture Of Kerala: Art Forms, Dance, Festivals, Food & More
| Timings | 9 AM – 5 PM |
| Entry fee | Nil |
| Exploration time | 1.5 hours |
| Nearby attractions | Kanyakumari Beach, Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Baywatch Water Park |
| Nearby restaurants | Raja Restaurant, The Ocean, Arafa Restaurant, Indus Buffet |
Insider tip: Visit early morning to watch the sunrise cast beautiful colors over the fortress and the Western Ghats in the backdrop!
10. Olakaruvi Falls
Nestled amid lush greenery 35 km away from Kanyakumari city center, Olakaruvi Falls is a stunning two-tiered cascade and among the best places in Kanyakumari for nature lovers and adventure seekers!
It can be reached via a moderate 3 km trek through scenic and rather refreshing trails inside a sunlit forest.
While the serene surroundings and pleasingly cool waters of Olakaruvi make it a perfect weekend escape, this hidden gem can be a little trickier to locate than other Kanyakumari tourist places.
ALSO SEE – 20 Incredible Waterfalls In Kerala To See this year
To get here, you’ll need to drive towards Nagercoil before turning to Karungal on NH 66 and looking for signs pointing to “Olakaruvi Falls” unless you’re directly taking a bus to Karungal.
| Timings | 9 AM – 5 PM |
| Entry fee | Nil |
| Exploration time | 2-3 hours |
| Nearby attractions | Thirparappu Falls, Vattakottai Fort, Chitharal Jain Monuments |
| Nearby restaurants | Anandha Bhavan, Odel Digest, Hotel Aryaas, Sri Annapoorna Restaurant |
Insider tip: Wear comfortable and waterproof trekking shoes and carry non-plastic water bottles.
Need more places? – 10 Best Tourist Places Near Kanyakumari Within 150 KM
Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India, is a mesmerizing destination known for its unique blend of natural beauty, spirituality, and history. Tourists can marvel at the breathtaking sunrise and sunset views over the ocean, visit the iconic Vivekananda Rock Memorial, and explore the ancient Kumari Amman Temple. The Thiruvalluvar Statue, a symbol of Tamil culture, and the tranquil beaches add to its charm. With its confluence of three seas and rich cultural heritage, Kanyakumari offers a serene yet inspiring escape. This picturesque town remains a must-visit for travelers seeking scenic vistas, spiritual solace, and a glimpse into India’s diverse traditions.
Dive deep into a mix of rich cultural heritage, unique natural beauty, and spirituality at some of the best places to visit in Kanyakumari! Reach out to our team to book you a trip for a memorable experience!
