12 Best Things To Do In Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu

1. Experience the unique confluence of three seas at Kanyakumari Beach

Kanyakumari, situated in the southernmost part of India, is renowned for its captivating beaches. The Kanyakumari beach is particularly noteworthy for its soft golden sand and strong waves that frequently crash against the rocky shoreline. However, what sets this beach apart is the fascinating confluence of three water bodies - The Bay of Bengal, The Indian Ocean, and The Arabian Sea.

You can witness the unique phenomenon where the water from the three seas does not mix and can distinguish between the varying shades of turquoise blue, deep blue, and sea green waters. Although swimming is not recommended due to the rocky shore, the Triveni Sangam point and the renowned lighthouse watchtower offer the best views of this picturesque location.

Kanyakumari Beach

Address: Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, 629702, India

Opening hours: 24 hrs (daily)

2. Discover Kanyakumari's rich history at the Government Museum

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If you are a tourist seeking to learn more about Kanyakumari, there’s no better place than the Government Museum. The museum is truly a treasure trove, displaying a variety of artifacts such as coins, stone sculptures, and bronze idols that were discovered during the reigns of the different dynasties that once ruled over Kanyakumari. Most of the items on display are replicas, while the authentic articles are kept securely under lock and key.

Moreover, the museum’s galleries cover a wide range of fields, including biology, anthropology, zoology, botany, and archaeology. It’s no surprise that the museum is a popular choice among educational institutions since it offers a unique opportunity to teach students about Kanyakumari’s history and the dynasties that once governed the region.

Government Museum of Kanyakumari

Address: Beach Rd, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, 629702, India

Website: Government Museum of Kanyakumari

Opening hours: Sat - Thu: 9:30am - 5pm (closed on Fri)

Price: under 2 USD per person for foreigners; under 1 USD 5 per person for Indians

3. Take a ferry to witness the Vivekananda Rock Memorial

The picturesque and beautiful Vivekananda Rock Memorial is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kanyakumari, attracting thousands of visitors every year. Situated right in the Laccadive Sea, atop an island rock that belongs to the Lakshadweep Islands, it is truly a marvel to witness. You can take a ferry ride to get to the memorial. Built in honour of Swami Vivekananda in the 1970s, it is adjacent to something called the Dhyan Mandapam, which translates as Focus Structure, meant for anyone who wishes to meditate in peace. There is also a museum and library with books about the life of Swami Vivekananda.

Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Address: Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu 629702

Website: Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Opening hours: 8am - 4pm (daily)

4. Pay homage to the tsunami victims at the Tsunami Memorial Park

The Tsunami Memorial Park is a very significant monument in Kanyakumari as this place is one of the big cities hit by the December 2004 Tsunami disaster that took the lives of hundreds of locals. It is located right on the tip of the triangle of Kanyakumari, where the three seas meet. It isn’t very grand in stature, and you might have to look for it as there is a lot of architecture that has sprung up around the area in recent times. But, if you wish to pay homage to the victims of this natural disaster, check this place out.

Tsunami Memorial Park

Address: Near south shore, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, 629702, India

Opening hours: 6am - 7pm (daily)

5. Take a long walk at Kanyakumari Pier

This incredibly offbeat tourist spot looks like it is naturally jutting out of the land into the sea, but it is actually man-made. You can take a long walk along the waterfront out onto the pier, or even go biking on it, and it makes for a lovely evening activity watching the sunset. This is one of the most unexplored areas of Kanyakumari that isn’t overcrowded because of tourist activity, so you can be sure to find some quiet time here. Bring a book along to just relax by the sea if you are alone, or just watch the waves hit the rocks.

Kanyakumari Pier

Address: Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu 629702

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

6. Watch the serene sunset at Sunset Point, Kanyakumari

This is a must-visit activity that you simply cannot afford to miss when you are in Kanyakumari. The setting sun is an unparalleled view as it goes down over the Arabian Sea in the west, making for some truly Instagram-worthy snaps. The beach is extremely clean, and you can take a nice walk along the shores as you watch the beautiful sunset. Be sure to check the sunset time on the internet before you come, as it varies based on the time of the year. You can also find many street vendors selling roadside snacks, if you get hungry.

Sunset Point, Kanyakumari

Address: Sunset View Point, The Hidden Twin Beach, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu 629702

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

7. Marvel at the wax figures at Mayapuri Wonder Wax

This unique museum is a fun activity to enjoy with your loved ones or alone if the weather does not permit outdoor activities. This place features a variety of interesting three-dimensional paintings and wax figures of famous Indian celebrities and personas. It also features life-like wax figures international famous personalities such as Albert Einstein, Charlie Chaplin, Rabindranath Tagore, Michael Jackson, Mother Teresa, and more.

Mayapuri Wonder Wax

Address: Main Rd, near Railway Station, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu 629702

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 6:30pm (closed on Sun)

8. Enjoy a cool dip at Thirparappu Falls

This marvel is a great scenic attraction that is very popular among locals and tourists alike. This is a lovely waterfall, which is completely man-made, and you can find a variety of little shops set up around the area that sell souvenirs of the place and holiday apparels. You may have to pay an entrance fee to get in, but it is extremely economical and more than worth the view. However, the bathing area happens to be segregated for men and women.

Thirparappu Falls

Address: Thirparappu, Tamil Nadu 629161

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

9. Witness the magnificent Thiruvalluvar Statue

Situated right next to the Swami Vivekananda Memorial, you will find this huge statue that can be seen from miles away. This 40-metre (133-feet) high statue is that of a very famous Tamilian poet named Valluvar, who was a significant philosopher in the olden days. Unfortunately, the access to the statue itself has been cut off from the public, so you cannot go near it. However, it is so huge that it makes for an amazing backdrop for pictures nevertheless.

Thiruvalluvar Statue

Address: Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, India

Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)

10. Watch the three great seas converge at the Triveni Sangamam

This beautiful beach is a great place to visit when the weather is pleasant. This is the place where the three seas: the Bay of Bengal in the east, the Indian Ocean in the south and the Arabian Sea in the west converge together. Because of this, it is considered a holy place by locals and tourists alike, who come to take a dip here. There are also a variety of street food vendors selling snacks here, such as chaat and bhel. The sea here is very clean as well as this place isn’t too frequented by tourists, so you can easily go for a swim here.

Triveni Sangamam

Address: Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu 629702

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

11. Rise up early to catch the Kanyakumari sunrise view

Just like the sunset view, the sunrise view in Kanyakumari is equally spectacular on the east, and is often better as it is less crowded to visit during the wee hours of the morning. The sunrise point is near the Amman Temple. You might find a moderate crowd of morning walkers, pilgrims, vendors and tourists. The view itself, however, is truly beautiful. Juxtaposed against the angry waves hitting the rocks below, you can see the serene orange-red sky and the sun rising in the distance peacefully. From the beach, you will see the sun rising right between the Swami Vivekananda Memorial and the Thiruvalluvar statue.

Kanyakumari Sunrise View

Address: Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu

Opening hours: 4am - 8pm (daily)

12. Pay your respects at the Mahatma Gandhi Mandapam

The Mahatma Gandhi Memorial is dedicated to the world-famous leader M.K. Gandhi, known lovingly all over India as Mahatma (“great soul”). This memorial commemorates the life of this great man who was responsible for amassing millions of exploited Indians against the British regime, and spent his whole life upholding the two tenets of non-violence and truth. Completed in 1956, this memorial has a huge library showcasing books, videos and magazines from the pre-independence era to give you a glimpse of what exploited and colonized India looked like.

Mahatma Gandhi Mandapam

Address: NH44, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, 629702, India

Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)

Explore the southernmost city of India

Kanyakumari has a plethora of interesting activities and attractions that are sure to charm you. The locals are very friendly and welcoming, and it is safe for lone travellers, as well. We are sure that our list will help you find the right things to add to your itinerary, so you can make the most of your vacation.