Vivekananda Rock Memorial is a popular tourist attraction located on a small island in the sea, about 500 meters from the Kanyakumari beach. The ferry service to the island starts at 8 AM. The memorial has a Shripada Mandapam and a Meditation Hall that features Vivekananda's teachings and works. It presents an outstanding architectural style that combines Indian, Islamic, and Buddhist elements. Don't forget to take a 360-degree view of the Indian Ocean from the viewing gallery.
Kanyakumari Beach is famous for its stunning sunrise and sunset views. The beach features multi-colored sand, clear waters, and beautiful sunrises. The beach faces the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea's confluence, offering different colored water views. While here, explore the nearby lighthouse, enjoy authentic Indian street food, and take a dip in the sea waters.
The Wax Museum showcases remarkable life-like wax statues of legendary Indian personalities, such as Mahatma Gandhi, Amitabh Bachchan, Mother Teresa, former Presidents, and Prime Ministers. The statues are divided into different sections, such as Freedom Fighters, Indian culture, and History, among others.
The Thiruvalluvar Statue is a 133-feet tall stone sculpture of the Tamilian poet and philosopher, Thiruvalluvar. The statue rests atop a small island that offers splendid views of the sea and the nearby Vivekananda Rock Memorial. The boat service to the statue starts at 8 AM and closes at 5 PM. The statue's 133 feet denote 133 chapters in Thirukkural, a Tamil literature masterpiece that holds every human value and ethics comprehensively.
Padmanabhapuram Palace is a stunning palace complex situated in Kanyakumari's nearby town. The palace served as the ruling seat of the erstwhile kingdom of Travancore. The palace complex encompasses a Durbar Hall, a Palace Museum, and a Heritage Museum that showcase intriguing artifacts. The palace displays Kerala's indigenous architectural style, with wooden carvings, murals, and granite-paved floors.
If you have more time, consider visiting the nearby Mathur Hanging Trough, Suchindram Temple, and the Kovalam Beach. Meanwhile, if you have less time, you can choose to skip the Wax Museum and explore Kanyakumari's other hidden beaches. Pack sunscreen, hats, and suitable beachwear as Kanyakumari has a tropical climate and can get pretty hot. Lastly, don't forget to carry water bottles to stay hydrated.