Traveling is an experience that means different things to different people. While for some it’s all about sightseeing and constant exploration, for others it’s more about relaxing and spending time with their family and loved ones. There are some destinations, however, that allow you to do both in equal capacities, and one such destination is Kanyakumari.
The coastal town located in the southernmost tip of India has several surprises in store for the tourists who visit Kanyakumari from all over the world. Whether you’re hoping to catch a pretty sunset or learn further about the culture and heritage of the city, the popular spots in Kanyakumari have got you covered. In this article, we will be doing a deep dive into the subject of what to do in Kanyakumari so as to design an ideal itinerary for every traveler out there.
What are the Unique things to do in Kanyakumari?
When you sit down to craft your travel plans and think of the unique things to do in Kanyakumari, you might be overwhelmed by the numerous choices available. Well, if you’re pondering upon what to do in Kanyakumari, let us help you out by listing the places you must visit during your vacation:
Visit The Vivekananda Rock Memorial
The Vivekananda Rock Memorial was built in 1970 at Vavathurai, which is a small village in Kanyakumari. History suggests that it was at this spot that Swami Vivekananda attained enlightenment after meditating for three days in the year 1892.
A massive statue of Vivekananda with the Indian Ocean in the background serves as an astonishing sight for tourists worldwide. Visiting the Shripada Mandapam is one of the unique things to do in Kanyakumari as it has a museum and a study hall which you can explore to gain more insight regarding Vivekananda’s life.
Walk Around Kanyakumari Beach
Kanyakumari Beach, which is also known as Cape Comorin Beach, is where you can find the convergence of the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal, and the Arabian Sea. Although the beach is not an ideal spot for surfing or swimming, travelers can surely take in the mesmerizing beauty of the different hues displayed at the beach. With the sea green, deep blue, and turquoise blue waters existing simultaneously, this beach is definitely one of those Instagram worthy spots to pose at.
Explore The Padmanabhapuram Palace
Hailed as the largest wooden palace in Asia, the Padmanabhapuram Palace was built by Iravi Varma Kulasekhara Perumal of the Travancore dynasty in the 16th century. The structure stands as a testimony of exquisite craftmanship as well as the diverse cultural heritage of India.
From admiring the artifacts and wooden carvings to perusing through the unique items such as the weapons, old Chinese jars, paintings, and large mirrors, walking around the palace is indeed one of the most fun things to do in Kanyakumari. Some of the popular sections of the palace include the Thai Kottaram, Mantrasala, Central Mansion, Natakasala, and Thekkae Kottaram.
Witness The Thirparappu Falls and The Thiruvalluvar Statue
The Thirparappu Falls is a manmade waterfall that is surrounded by lush greenery and indigenous fauna that will leave you spellbound. Cascading from a height of 50 feet, the Falls are a combination of multiple streams that flow together, resulting in a splendid waterfall. The entrance to the waterfall has a small yet highly revered temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The Thiruvalluvar Statue was built in honor of Thiruvalluvar, a prominent Tamil poet and philosopher. Standing at a height of 133 feet on a 38-foot pedestal, the structure truly is awe-inspiring, with the height of the pedestal symbolic of the 38 chapters of virtue from his famous text, Thirukkural. When noticed closely, you can observe the three fingers of the statue pointing to the sky, signifying the three stanzas from his aforementioned literary creation.
Experience The Kumari Amman Temple
The Kumari Amman Temple or the Bhagavathy Amman Temple is dedicated to the Goddess Kanyakumari that was built over 3000 years ago. Swami Vivekananda is known to have visited the temple during his time to seek the blessings of the goddess as per the instructions of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa. The temple is one among the 51 Shakti Peethas and is believed to be one of the places where certain parts of Goddess Sati’s lifeless body fell while she was being carried by Lord Shiva.
Check Out The Wax Museum and Gandhi Mandapam
Checking out the Wax Museum is one of the most unique things to do in Kanyakumari, mainly because it’s the first of its kind in the country. The museum has wax statues of both Indian and international personalities, such as Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Indira Gandhi, Michael Jackson, Charlie Chaplin, and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The Gandhi Mandapam was home to one of the 12 urns that held Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes before they were immersed in the Triveni Sangam. Gandhiji had visited Kanyakumari twice during the course of his lifetime, in 1925 and 1937. Constructed in an Orissa style of architecture, the ceiling was built in a manner such that on his birthday, the rays of the sun fall directly at the spot where his ashes reside.
Planning Your Accommodation in Kanyakumari
For the travelers searching for accommodation in Kanyakumari, we at the Gopinivas Grand Hotel are here to provide you with exactly the kind of comfortable and luxurious experience you deserve. As we wait to welcome you to the peaceful ambience of our hotel, you will be met with the best of features and amenities, such as valet parking, express laundry, high-speed internet connection, and hospitality that you will remember for years to come.
Being one of the most respected and reputed hotels in Kanyakumari, our aim is to gift our guests with the ideal potpourri of convenience and rejuvenation. When you’re not busy trying out the many fun things to do in Kanyakumari, you can explore our hotel as you indulge in a refreshing massage or relish the scrumptious dishes prepared by our experienced chefs. Visit us or give us a call at +91-88254-66315 to book your stay with us.