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In the coastal town of Kanyakumari, you might expect to find beaches and water-related activities but surprisingly, there are numerous Kanyakumari sightseeing spots as well that demand attention. Located at the very tip of the Indian subcontinent, often referred to as the other end of India, Kanyakumari is also well known for being the only place in India where you can watch the sunset and sunrise at the same beach.
Apart from these wonders, there are several monuments here that deserve to be seen, so among the numerous things to do in Kanyakumari, don’t forget to include a list of some excellent temples, caves, forts and museums as well. Tourists who are visiting the town for the first time might be confused about which things to see first. But there are some stand-out places like the Vivekananda Rock Memorial or the Thiruvalluvar Statue and visiting them comes under the best things to do in Kanyakumari. Nevertheless, here are some of the other things that you can do in Kanyakumari.
If you are looking for interesting things to do in Kanyakumari, then you simply must visit some of these monuments. Each of them has their own charms and can perfectly be considered as a Kanyakumari sightseeing spot on their own. The Padmanabhapuram Palace is a beautiful wooden palace that was built in the 16th century. It exemplifies the rich cultural heritage of India in a simple manner which does not reek of opulence.
The Vivekananda Rock Memorial is one of the most-visited monuments in Kanyakumari. People from all over the world come to see this structure that is built on two rocks. Made of red and blue granite, the monument is located on an island and reaching there on a ferry is quite thrilling. Another such monument on an island off Kanyakumari is the famed Thiruvalluvar Statue which weighs more than 7000 tons and is among the top-most Kanyakumari sightseeing spots.
There are also some interesting forts here such as the circular Vattakottai Fort. You can get some spectacular panoramas of the sea from the top of the fort that make for some majestic sights. The Udaigiri Fort is also massive and was built in the 18th century. Today, there’s an amusement park for children within the fort which also adds to its attraction.
Typically, people come to Kanyakumari as part of a religious pilgrimage but even if that is not the case, you should not miss out on visiting the Kumari Amman Temple which is one of the must-see places in the town. Located close to the sea shore, the temple has a beautiful aspect and there are thousands of tourists who come here to pay their respects. There are numerous myths and beliefs associated with the temple which have added to its allure. However, entry into the temple is only restricted to Hindus and people of other religions are not allowed inside.
The Lord Subramanya Temple has numerous pillars and towers and during festivals and other such events, the temple is quite crowded. In fact, during certain religious holidays it might well be impossible to enter the temple, although reaching it is quite easy, either by bus or train. The Thirunandhikarai Cave Temple is another prime example of magnificent temples that you can find in south India. This temple worships Lord Shiva and is built in the Kerala style.
Kanyakumari is known for its two beautiful churches as well. Our Lady of Ransom Church is a beautiful Catholic church built in the Gothic style of architecture. This 15th-century church is set against the backdrop of the ocean and looks spectacular. People come here from all over the country to marvel at this gorgeous church and they are not disappointed. The stained-glass windows of the church add a glorious touch during the day. During the evenings and at night, it is lit up completely. The statue of Virgin Mary in saree is also quite enthralling.
Another church that needs to be mentioned here is the St. Xavier Church which has historical as well as religious significance. The church has witnessed numerous miracles here which has granted it quite some fame. People from all faiths come here to witness the power and divinity of this church.
Being a coastal town, one of the popular things to do in Kanyakumari is to visit the beaches. The Thengapattinam Beach is one such which is great for a picnic or to simply spend the day. You can go for a swim or enjoy some water sports here as well and the water is crystal clear with white sands. It’s one of the most-visited beaches in Kanyakumari because of its proximity to Nagercoil.
Another popular beach is the Sothavilai Beach which has turquoise blue water and white sands. This is said to be one of the longest beaches of south India, but it is also quite calm and has a peaceful atmosphere. It is a good place for swimming because of its shallow waters. Lastly, the Muttom beach is where people come to see spectacular sunsets and watch the water froth over the rocky shore. There’s also a lighthouse here that was constructed by the British.
If you are planning to visit Kanyakumari, then do take a moment to visit the SOTC website for some exciting offers and deals on holiday packages.
