The Vivekananda Rock Memorial is a significant monument and a perfect location to begin your Kanyakumari journey. The memorial is situated on a rock island in the sea and houses a meditation room called Dhyana Mandapam. It is dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, and one can witness his life-sized bronze statue on the rock and the boundaries. You can take a ferry ride from the shore to reach there.
The Thiruvalluvar Statue stands 133 feet tall over the rocky coastline of the Arabian Sea. The statue is monumentalized by a 38-foot pedestal, symbolic of the 38 chapters of virtue in the poet Thirukkural. The architecture of the statue is unique and unmissable. A ferry ride takes you from Vivekananda Memoral to this statue, and the view of the Kanyakumari beach as seen from the ferry is an experience in itself.
The Kanyakumari Beach is famous for being the spot where three of India's major water bodies (the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal, and the Arabian Sea) converge. This sunset view on Kanyakumai Beach is magnificent.The beach offers attractions like sunrise and sunset views, water sports, and street food. If you love nature, you can watch seagulls flocking together for food. Alongside, there is Gandhi Memorial Mandapam and Kanyakumari Temple on the beach.
The Padmanabhapuram Palace is an old and historical palace located in Padmanabhapuram. The palace has several wooden carvings, murals, and traditional objects that offer a glimpse of ancient kingdoms and rules in South India. The palace is also known for its intricate wood-carved ceilings, and the king's council and the teak wood throne are must-sees here.
The Mathur Hanging Bridge is the only one of its kind in the state and is believed to sway at high wind speeds. The view from the bridge is enchanting, with the greenery surrounding the Western Ghats as a backdrop. The bridge enables you to witness the beautiful nature of Kanyakumari and includes a long walkway or trekking through small hills to get to the bridge.
Kanyakumari is a popular tourist destination with abundant places to visit. So, if you have more days in hand, do not forget to include other significant locations like Udayagiri Fort, Vattakottai Fort, and Suchindram Temple. Alternatively, if you have less time, you can skip Padmanabhapuram Palace or Mathur Hanging Bridge.