5 Offbeat Places To Visit On Your Trip To Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari gets its name from one of the 108 shaktipeeths in India; the Bhagvathy AmmanTemple or the temple of Devi Kanyakumari. It is also the southernmost tip of the Indian mainland where one of the most famous attractions is the point where the Indian Ocean the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal meet.

Although the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, the towering statue of Saint Thiruvalluvar and the romantic sunset point have become more or less symbolic for the place, there are several off beat and lesser explored places in the district of Kanyakumari which are worth the visit!

Here is a list of 5 such places which promise to make your trip memorable...

Thanumalayan Temple

Located in Suchindram in the Kanyakumari district, this temple is about 11 km from Kanyakumari. The temple is dedicated to the holy Trinity of God, Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma. It is adorned by a 134 foot tall Gopuram which stands 7 storeys high and is truly an architectural marvel. The four musical pillars with a height of 18 feet, carved out of one single granite are simply exceptional. Another major attraction of the place is the 22 foot idol of Lord Hanuman, which is one of the largest statues in India

Just like any other ancient monument, the Thanumalayan temple also has its own share of rich history and legends. A visit here is like travelling into the rich cultural past of our people.

Padmanabhapuram Palace

This exquisite teakwood palace is from the Travancore era. A 1 hour journey from Kanyakumari brings you to the Padmanabhapuram Palace complex. This is a living proof of the architectural brilliance and finesse of carpentry which the erstwhile Kingdom of Travancore housed. This 16th century monument comprises of several sections; Mantrasala (The King’s council chamber), Thai Kottaram (mother’s palace), Nataksala (performance hall), a four-storeyed mansion and Thekee Kottaram (the southern palace). Even if you haven’t been a fan of history, you will definitely come to appreciate the rich heritage of southern India once you visit this palace complex.

Thirparappu Falls

History is not all that associates itself with Kanyakumari. The district is also blessed with the scenic beauty of nature. Located at a distance of 55 kilometres from Kanyakumari, this is a manmade waterfall where the Kodayar River cascades from a height of 50 feet. You can also enjoy a boat ride in Thirparappu and enjoy the natural fauna and foliage surrounding it. At the entrance of the falls is a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Sothavilai Beach

About 20-25 minutes’ drive from Kanyakumar, the Sothavilai beach is not a major tourist attraction. This makes this beach a tranquil retreat from the bustling city and tourists.
Stretching across 4 kilometres, this beach is one of the longest in Tamil Nadu. Although the waters are shallow and seem attractive for a swim, it is advisable to enjoy from a distance since the beach is rocky.

Tsunami Monument

While visiting Kanyakumari, one cannot ignore a beautiful tribute to the people who lost their lives during the Tsunami of 2004. This 16 foot monument is surrounded by the beautiful Tsunami Memorial Park. Although it hardly takes a couple of minutes to cover the place on foot, it leaves a lasting memory.