The Vattakottai Fort, also known as the Circular Fort, is a majestic seaside fortress, with a panoramic view of the Bay of Bengal. It's perfect for your first day in Kaniyakumari, giving you a glimpse of the historical background of the place and a fantastic photo opportunity. Visit during the early morning or late afternoon, and take your time strolling around the ruins.
Begin day two by taking a ferry ride to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue. The Memorial is built on a solitary rock island and is a tribute to Swami Vivekananda, a great thinker, and philosopher who meditated here for two days in 1892. After that, the boat will take you to the Thiruvalluvar Statue for another once-in-a-lifetime panoramic view. The statue is an excellent piece of architecture and depicts the famous Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar.
Wrap up your trip by taking a romantic stroll into the sunset on the Kanyakumari Beach, enjoying the mesmerizing view of the sun dipping into the sea's horizon. Home to a few statues and memorials, you also have the opportunity to shop for souvenirs and watch the local fishermen at work. If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of dolphins playing in the water.
If you have more time, consider visiting the Padmanabhapuram Palace or the Suchindram Temple, both great examples of South Indian architecture. Alternatively, if you have less time, then consider spending half a day instead of a full day at one of the locations. Please do a quick check of opening and closing times before making your travel arrangements to avoid being disappointed.