Location

This is the southernmost tip of mainland India, which is the meeting point of the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, and the Bay of Bengal. The three water bodies meeting at the place are the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean. This confluence makes it an important pilgrimage center for Hindus.

Historical significance

Kanyakumari is also called the Alexandria of the East. It was a part of an important trading route during the British rule. According to Hindus, Kanya means an incarnation of Sakthi, the Goddess who stays here as a virgin to protect mankind.

Tourist attractions

The Kanyakumari Beach is the pride of nature’s gift to mankind - fantastic views of the sunrise and sunset, and quite breathtaking on full moon days. The simultaneous setting of sun and the emerging of moon is awesome. The seashore formed by the merging of the three seas is rough. The waves hurtle against the shore with great velocity making it unsuitable for swimming and sea surfing, though it is delightful to see the roaring waves.

The nearby lighthouse offers a picturesque view of the seashore. The sand here is multicolored and though one cannot sunbathe here the sand has enough hidden mysteries in the form of shells to keep one fully occupied. The beach side shops sell souvenirs to the tourists.

Specialty

The world famous Vivekananda Rock Memorial, built on rocks in 1970, a short distance from the seashore, is the reminder of great Indian saint Swami Vivekananda who came here and meditated about 100 years ago. Local authorities offer the services of ferries for the transport to the memorial. Most of the tourists here are pilgrims visiting the temples.

The other big rock has a statue of the famous Tamil Poet Tiruvalluvar. The statue is 133 feet high, symbolizing the compilation of the verses of the poet in 133 chapters.

The Kanyakumari Amman Temple is the pilgrimage center for Hindus. Apart from this, the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial and the Guganathaswamy Temple are also star attractions.

If one is interested in swimming in sea, then one has to travel 6 kilometers from the beach to Vattakottai. It is an 18th century fort that has a beach suitable for swimming. The water around the beach here is calm. Some people can be seen bathing in the sea here.

Best period to visit

As Kanyakumari is surrounded by the three water bodies, it enjoys excellent climate throughout the year, hence tourists can visit at any time of the year though the October to March season is considered the best.

Access

The nearest airport is in Thiruvananthapuram at a distance of 87 km. Kanyakumari is linked with all the major cities of India by trains and buses. Several train routes and highways terminate here.

Emergency services

Lifeguards

One rarely comes across lifeguards here. Visitors don’t venture into the sea as the waves are rough and can throw swimmers on the rocks. Tourists are advised against swimming in the sea here.

Fire service

For fire emergencies dial 101 – Fire Control Room,
Phone number: (04652) – 270309,
Fire Tender, Kanniyakumari.

Police service

For police emergencies dial 100 – Police Control Room,
Phone number: (04652) – 246224,
Kanniyakumari Police Station.