Kanyakumari is a coastal destination in Tamil Nadu, India, at the country's southern tip. Its seafront draws people to viewpoints such as Kanniyakumari Sunrise View and Sunset Point. The meeting of the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal is a central feature of the coastal experience. Vivekananda Rock Memorial, built in honour of Swami Vivekananda, stands on a rock off Vavathurai and is reached by ferry. Religious places include Arulmigu Devi Kanyakumari Bhagavati Amman Temple, Kanniyakumari Shri Tirupathi Temple and several other Hindu shrines, along with churches, a cathedral and a mosque in the wider district. Vattakottai Fort adds a historic coastal site, while the Thiruvalluvar Statue and Kanyakumari Lighthouse are notable points of interest. Kanyakumari suits travellers interested in sea views, shorefront landmarks, temples, shrines and religious architecture, with options for those who also want a fort or a memorial.
Known for: Coastal viewpoints, Hindu temples, Sea meeting point, Vattakottai Fort, Rock memorial
Top things to do in Kanyakumari
Vivekananda Rock Memorial: A 1970 monument honouring Swami Vivekananda on a rock off Vavathurai, visited for its memorial and ocean views.
Sunset Point: A viewpoint for watching the sunset where the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal meet.
Arulmigu Devi Kanyakumari Bhagavati Amman Temple: Temple dedicated to the virgin goddess Kanyakumari, with stone carvings and a gopuram.
Kanyakumari Lighthouse: Sight
Thiruvalluvar Statue: Sight
Vattakottai Fort: A seaside fort built in the 18th century as a coastal defence fortification and barracks in the former Travancore kingdom.
Thanumalayan Temple: A Hindu temple associated with Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma, represented together as Thanumalayan.
View Tower | Kanniyakumari: A helical pedestrian ramp above the water, offering views of the rocky coastline and ocean sunsets.
When is the best time to visit Kanyakumari?
Best months: December to March
December to March is the usual time to visit, with February the driest month. October and November are the wettest.
January: 54 mm of rain, dry (good time to go)
February: 10 mm of rain, dry (good time to go)
March: 28 mm of rain, dry (good time to go)
April: 63 mm of rain, some rain
May: 119 mm of rain, some rain
June: 101 mm of rain, some rain
July: 79 mm of rain, some rain
August: 92 mm of rain, some rain
September: 117 mm of rain, some rain
October: 224 mm of rain, rainy
November: 258 mm of rain, rainy
December: 98 mm of rain, some rain (good time to go)
How to reach Kanyakumari
By air: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV), about 83 km from Kanyakumari in a straight line
By air: Tuticorin Airport (TCR), about 89 km from Kanyakumari in a straight line
By train: Kanniyakumari railway station, about 1 km from Kanyakumari in a straight line