Kanyakumari Beach is the best place to start your Kanyakumari experience. Take a peaceful stroll, go for a swim, or enjoy a sunset view at this popular spot. The beach is surrounded by numerous street vendors, offering various food items and souvenirs for sale. You can also explore the Tsunami Memorial Park located nearby and pay your respects to the unfortunate victims of the 2004 Tsunami.
Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue are two of Kanyakumari's most remarkable landmarks. The former is dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, a spiritual guru, and philosopher, who meditated on the rock in the 19th century. The latter is a 133-feet-tall stone sculpture of the Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar. You can discover the rich heritage of Indian culture, spirituality, and architecture while enjoying the majestic views of the Indian Ocean.
The Padmanabhapuram Palace is a beautiful wooden palace that was once the residence of the erstwhile Travancore Royal Family. The palace is spread across a vast area, which includes a darbar hall, a royal courtyard, a temple, and a museum. The intricate wooden carvings, stunning architecture and design, and the beautiful gardens around the palace make it an essential attraction for history and architecture buffs.
The Mathur Hanging Bridge is a beautiful engineering masterpiece and the only one of its kind in South India. It is a great spot to witness panoramic views of the surrounding hills, villages and rivers below. Later, visit the Suchindram Temple, which showcases the ancient art of Indian mythology through its exquisite architecture. The architecture of the temple is a fusion of the three styles – Dravidian, Kerala, and Tamil, which makes it unique in its own way.
If you have some more time, you can consider adding a day trip to the Great Vedaranyam Swamp, which is a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Alternatively, you can enjoy a relaxing Ayurvedic massage or a rejuvenating yoga session at one of the many famous Ayurvedic centers in Kanyakumari. If you have less time, skip the Mathur Hanging Bridge or Suchindram Temple and consider spending more time exploring Kanyakumari's beaches, gardens, and bazaars.