7 Things To Do in Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu)

Wondering what to see and do while in Kanyakumari? Here is quick preview of the most important tourist attractions in Kanyakumari, check out some hot spots for dining and shopping and also see a few of the best hotels in Kanyakumari.

Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Kanyakumari

About Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari, also known as Cape Comorin, is a small but historic city located on the southern tip on India in the state of Tamil Nadu. Kanyakumari is an important place for pilgrimage in India, popular for its historic temples, monuments and its beaches. Its proximity to Trivandrum (85 kms) makes it a great pilgrimage and sightseeing destination.

7 things to do in Kanyakumari

Here are the top 7 things to do when you are in Kanyakumari:

1. Thiruvalluvar Statue - If you are looking for magnificence along with a monument that reams at you with cultural heritage and history then Thiruvalluvar Statue is definitely one of the best things that you must see in your visit to Kanyakumari. A symbol of greatness that stands 133 feet tall (38 feet is the height of the pedestal), Thiruvalluvar Statue weighs just a little bit more than 7000 tons. More than 500 craftsmen or workers have worked in its construction. Thiruvalluvar Statue was designed to be a beacon of art for the whole humanity. Thousands come every month to see this great work of art and culture.
2. Padmanabhapuram Palace - Padmanabhapuram Palace is one of these many palaces that symbolize the rich and diverse cultural heritage of India that has been around for many centuries. However, what is interesting about this palace is the fact that it is made entirely from wood. Kerala Government maintains this magnificent palace that draws thousands of visitors daily. 
3. Gandhi Mandapam - Gandhi Mandapam is a special temple built near the famous Anna University.  As the name suggests, this monument was erected to honor Mahatma Gandhi. 
4. Vivekananda Rock Memorial - Vivekananda Rock Memorial stands on top of two rocks that are situated approximately 500 meters off the island. The memorial is fairly recent and built around the 1970's while the two rocks have been there since the millennia. It is thought that the great philosopher Swami Vivekananda had meditated on the rock seeking enlightenment. It is open everyday and attracts many visitors constantly.
5. Kumari Amman Temple - Indians visit this temple for pilgrimage and to bathe in the Kumari Amman Temple pond. This magnificent temple is situated in the coast overlooking the beach. Only Hindus are permitted into the temple.
6. Thirparappu Falls -  The water here has healing powers and it is also a fun place to take a bath in under the fall. See photo below. 
7. Shopping in Kanyakumari - Tourists can buy a lot of interesting items ranging from straw hats, conchs, sea shells, etc. There are some small shops where one can get a customized conch with name or quotes inscribed. Hair bands and clips made of coconut shells are available for a modest price. Star fish shells (for decorating your indoors), sea shells of various sizes, kaleidoscopes, colourful sand packets collected from different parts of the beach, used specially for decorating your indoor showcases, are also available.

Hotels in Kanyakumari

Two of the top rated budget hotels in Kanyakumari hotels include Gopi Niwas Grand (from Rs. 1200) and Hotel Madhini (Rs. 1150). Both hotels enjoy high ratings and are on the East Car Street. Hotel New Cape (Rs. 800) is one of the most popular and fairly inexpensive hotels around Kanyakumari located on Cape Road. You can find a full list of hotels in Kanyakumari and view hotel rates, reviews and ratings at HotelPushpak.com!

How to reach Kanyakumari

By Air
The nearest airport is at Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) which is located at a distance of 80 km. Both domestic and international flights operate to and from Kanyakumari.

By Rail
The rail network is good and tourists can also access Kanyakumari by rail. The express and super fast trains operate to and from the various parts of the country.

By Bus
The well-maintained national highway networks connect the important metropolitans of India and the various south Indian cities such as Trivandrum (86 km), Nagarkoil (19 km), Tirunelvelli (91 km), Tiruchendur (89 km), Tuticorin (129 km), Rameshwaram (300 km), Courtallam (130 km), Cochin (309 km) and Coimbatore (478 km).

More resources:
7 Things to Do Series - See "7 Things to Do" in many other cities in India (Rameswaram, Goa, Rajasthan, Puri, etc.)
Kanyakumari - popular tourist attractions
Kanyakumari photos in google
About Kanyakumari & Tourist Attractions
Trains to Kanyakumari - Train names and schedules from various cities
Restaurants in Kanyakumari - Lonely Planet shows Hotel Seaview and Sangam Restaurant as two of the popular restaurants in Kanyakumari.

Kanyakumari Beach