Kanyakumari
How to Reach
Air
The nearest International / National airport is Thiruvananthapuram Airport. which is 110Km from Kanyakumari and 90Km from Nagercoil which is the Headquarters of Kanyakumari District. Another small airport with few flights is at Tuticorin which is is 105 Kms from Kanyakumari .
Train
Daily train connected to all cities from Kanyakumari and Nagercoil Junction . So it plays an important transit point in south India.
Road
National Highways NH7(North-South). and State highways intersect at Kanyakumari. Two major bus stands in Nagercoil – Vadachery and Anna Bus stand. Bus Terminus Mofussil Routes & Town Bus Stand – Local Routes. Kanyakumari Well connected with all important cities.
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Known for its stunning hills, serene rivers, unspoiled beaches, and vibrant blend of Tamil and Kerala cultures.
Kanyakumari attracts visitors year-round.
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The Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Padmanabhapuram Palace, Muttom Beach, and more without any hassle. Let us take care of your journey while you enjoy the beauty of Kanyakumari’s landmarks and heritage.
Tourism with I Square One Way Drop Taxi in Kanyakumari
At I Square Taxi, we proudly offer One-way Drop Taxi and Round Trip services
for travelers interested in exploring the historical district of Kanyakumari, now part of Tamil Nadu. Originally part of the Travancore state, this region became part of Tamil Nadu in 1956 after the States Reorganization Act. The district includes the taluks of Kalkulam, Agasteeswarem, Thovalai, and Vilavancode—all rich in Tamil heritage.
Whether you’re looking for an Outstation Taxi, Drop Taxi, Intercity Taxi, or a One-way Taxi. we guarantee a seamless journey through the historical and cultural landmarks of this region. Let us be your travel companion as you uncover the stories and significance of Kanyakumari’s past.
The ancient historical town Padmanabhapuram is one of the four municipalities in the district is 55 Km. south of Trivandrum, about two km. east of Thuckalay and 35 km. from Kanniyakumari on the Trivandrum-Cape Comerin road. This town is surrounded by a fort with an area of 187 acres.
The ancient capital of Travancore be constructed before AD 1601. The palace with an area of seven acres, is situated in the very centre on the Padmanabhapuram Fort. amidst hills, dales and rivers.
The palace which is situated in Kanyakumari District. is under the control of a Curator of the Archaeological Department of Kerala Government.
The fort which was built with mud originally was dismantled and reconstructed with granite by Maharaja Marthanda Varma. The height of the walls varies from 15’ to 24’ according to the inclination of the ground.
Entrance Hall:- The entrance to the main edifice is controlled by another ornamental gateway with retainers for watch and ward. The gabled entrance has wooden ceiling profusely ornamented with lotus medallions.
The most striking feature of the entrance is the clock-tower
which is one of the oldest in India erected in 1832 A.D. and still continues to be in working order.
The first floor the Poomuham has a council chamber or Mantrasala. which is meant for holding discussions with ministers and prominent citizens.
The floor off this hall, which is polished with the admixture of coconut shell ashes. eggs fermented in molasses and lime reflects the figure like a mirror.
Next to the Mantrasala is the Dancing Hall which was used exclusively for the members of the royal family.
Next to the Council Chamber and to the south of dancing hall is the dinning hall called “Uttupura”.
with two floors (the ground and the first) each measuring roughly 78 by 6 metres. and it would accommodate about 2000 people at a time. Feeding of about 2000 poor persons.
it is said, was done here every day and so the king was called ”Dharmaraja”.
Uppirika Malika : – The most attractive building in the whole palace is the ‘Uppirika Malika’. which consists of three storied. ‘Uppirika’ is the abbreviated term of ‘Muppirika’ which means the residence of the eldest member of the family. A wooden cot is erected on the top most floor in the belief that “Lord Vishnu” the chief deity.
The first floor has a wooden cot made of 64 medicinal plants, on which Maharaja used to sleep. The medicinal cot was presented to Maharaja “Marthanda Varma” by the Dutch East India Company in 1750. as a mark of friendship.
The Navarathri Mandapa: – To the west of the Zuppirika Mandapa is the Navarathri Mandapa. which is a spacious hall of exquisitely beautiful granite pillars. with drooping pendants reminiscent of the Nayakar style of architecture. In the Navarathri Mandapa, performances of Bharatha Natya and musical recitals took place in the royal presence.
Entrance Ticket Fare; Adult :Rs.35/-, Children Rs.10/-,camera fee.Rs.50/- Foreign Fee.Rs.300,
(Timing:9.00 am to 1.00 pm and 2.00pm to 4.30(All Mondays Holiday)
Kanyakumari derives its name from from Goddess Kanyakumari Amman, the presiding deity of the area. The most prominent temple, the Kumari Amman, is dedicated to the goddess Parvathi as a virgin. The temple situated at the edge of the ocean for Goddess Kanyakumari has the legendary account that once Banusura. the demon king got supremacy over Devas and meted out cruel punishment to them.
The Devas performed a Yagna pleading to annihilate the evils. Goddess Parasakthi came to Kumari in the form of a virgin girl and began her penance. Meanwhile Lord Shiva fell in love with her and arrangements for the marriage. were made in the midnight a particular day.
Now the Devine sage Narada realised that their marriage. would destroy the chances of annihilating Banusura because he be killed only by a virgin.
When Lord Shiva was on his way to Kanyakumari from Suchindram at Valukkuparai 5 kms south of Suchindram. Sage Narada assumed the form of a cock and crowed falsely heralding the break of dawn. Thinking that the auspicious time for the marriage was past, Lord Shiva returned disappointed. The Goddess too decided to stay virgin after that. Then, when Banasura attempted to win the Goddess by force. she killed him with her Chakra Gadha, and relieved the suffering s of Devas. Then she resumed her penance and remained virgin.
Timings from 4.30 AM to 12.15 PM & 4.PM to 8.15 PM.
Annual Festivals are Car festival (May / June) and Navaratri (Nine Days) Festival (September / October).
Guganathaswamy Temple is a 1000-year-old temple. The King Raja Raja Chola is said to have built it. The architectural style of the Cholas is quite obvious in this temple. It is located near Railway Station. There are 16 inscriptions found in this temple that date back to the years 1038 A.D., 1044 A.D., 1045 A.D.
Visiting hours are from 06.00 to 11.15 A.M and 05.00 P.M to 08.45 P.M
Thiruvattar is located about 60 kilometers away from kanniyakumari and boasts of a temple with fine architecture. The temple walls also feature paintings, which worth look.Thiruvattar,Sri Adikesava Perumal Temple, 108 Vaishnava temples is one of 13 mountain country in Tirupati Secondary Tirupati and vilankukiratutiruvanantapuram
Sree Padmanabha Swamy temple, Thiruvattar AdiKesavaPerumal temple appearance. structure orematiyanavaitiruvattar Sri atikecavap temple local myth ittiruttalattai “beginning anantapuram was”
the Thiruvattar spot time Thiruvananthapuram Sree Padmanabha was overtaken. after seeing terikiratutiruvattar atikecavap perumalait believed that cuvamiyaik want to go see.
Appearing in the ninth century, change Nammazlvar ippunniyat “vattaru rich as”
the highest court of the temple mankalacanam ceytullarkalsri AdiKesavaPerumal amaintullataip Nammazlvar praised “the mountain top matattaravanai vattarran” he sang.
Due to an error in the conduct of a yajna by Lord Brahmma. two demons appeared from the fire – Kesan and Kesi. They caused all troubles to Sages and Devas. They came to Lord Vishnu for protection. Lord killed Kesan and used Kesi as a pillow for his bed. The demon’s wife, to avenge the Lord, called Rivers Ganga and Tambiraparani to help her.
They came in spate to wash off the Lord. Mother Earth simply raised the ground level where Perumal was reclining. Both Rivers went round the Lord, prayed to Him and continued to flow round as two garlands. This event is mentioned in Nammalvar’s Mangalasasanam hymn.
As Perumal destroyed demon Kesan, He is named Kesava Perumal. Kesi tried his best to escape from the Lord with his 12 hands. Lord put 12 Rudrakshas in his hand and foiled his escape bid. 12 Shiva temples came into being through these Rudrakshas around Thiruvattar. During Shivratri, devotees run to cover all the 12 Siva temples. and end the prayer with Lord Shiva at the feet of Adikesava Perumal. The practice continues even today.
Sri Bhagavathi Amman Temple is an important temple situated near to Nagercoil – colachel State highway in Mandaikadu .This Temple was built in kerala tradition in very simple style. Holy trees for this temple are Bo Tree and Neem . Pujas is performed four times daily. Mandaikadu Bhagavathi Amman Temple is known as a Sabarimala for Women. The 15 feet tall anthill is the Bhagavathi amman. Women visit the temple with the Irumudi (a bundle containing puja items for the Goddess) as men go to Sabarimala.
His Holiness Sri Sankaracharya was performing Srichakra Puja with his Kerala disciples here. One day the Chakra did not turn back after the puja was over as usual. The Acharya stayed here itself and attained Samadhi. It is on this spot where the Srichakra existed, the anthill began to grow. Children playing this side and hitting the anthill were injured. Marthanda Varma, the king of Kerala came to know of these developments and built a temple and performed pujas regularly. Gradually, the temple assumed significance among the devotees. Today is a famous temple blessing the devotees.
Suchindrum is a small village about 12 km. from Kanyakumari and about seven kilometres from Nagercoil. This holy place is located on the bank of the river Pazhayar. adjoining fertile fields and coconut groves and the temple is dedicated to Sri Sthanumalayan. The word denotes Siva, Vishnu and Brahma as. Sthanu denotes Siva, Mal stands for Vishnu while Ayan indicates Brahma i.e. Siva, Vishnu and Brahma in “One Form”.
Suchindrum means the place where Indra attained ‘Suchi’ i.e., purification. The Sthalapurana has it that Indra suffered a curse from sage Gowthama. when he stealthily cast amorous glances at Ahalya the wife of Gowthama. Unable to bear the mortification brought about by the curse. Indra had to seek immediate redemption. He came to ‘Gnana Aranya’ as this place was then called and offered worship to Lord Shiva. Relieving Indra of his curse, Lord Shiva granted him of his wish that the place
where he attained purification should henceforth be called ‘Suchindrum’.
Another story goes to say that the Trimurthys i.e.
Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, cajoled by their divine consorts came down to the earth to test the chastity of Anusuya. wife of sage Athri at Gnana Aranya. The Gods for this misadventure had to suffer a surse form the Rishipatni
and to undergo the purification process, before they be restored to their former glory.
It is said that Thanumalaya Swamy temple is the only shrine dedicated to the Trinity in India. The current structure of the temple is the work of several persons spread over many centuries. It is a complex of many beautiful structures constructed at various times
and is one of the best specimens and a store house of the Dravidian style of art and architecture.
Visiting Hours : From 04.00 AM to 11.45 AM and 05.00 P.M to 08.00 PM
Arulmigu Nagaraja Thirukkoil is one of the temples of associated and unassociated temples of Suseendram. Nagercoil is located 19 milestone away from Kanyakumari. It is said that the place “Nagercoil” is named because of Nagaraja(five headed) Temple. The greenish area, the arduous coconut tree and flowered gardens surrounded by this temple attracts everyone’s heart.It is believed that the Naga Flower in this garden is worshiped as the symbol of Nagaraja image.
It is also believed that the snakes around this place is protecting the Temple and the garden. This is a proven one in World’s Religious encyclopedia that even though lots of snakes are found. no one is died because of snake-biting and this is the specialty of this temple.
Swamithoppu is a small village about 11 km. from Kanyakumari. Swamithoppu, formerly known as Poovandanthoppu, is situated in Thamarakulam village of Nanchi naadu in Kanyakumari District.This is the birth place of Ayya Vaikundar. After the enlightenment at Thiruchendur in March 3, 1833. at the age of 24, Ayya Vaikundar returned to this place where he started his social reformation. This can be considered as the first pathi. The successors of Ayya Vaikundar conduct the daily Pani Vidai and they administrate the activities.
The Kanyakumari Parish almost coincides with the civil village of Kanyakumari. Archeological evidences suggest that St. Thomas, a disciple of Jesus Christ visited this soil. In 1542 St. Francis Xavier came here. In 1862, Kanyakumari became a separate parish. In 1914 the church was constructed. The length of the Church is 153 feet, breath 53 feet and height is 153 feet. All these depict the breads of the Holy Rosary. The parish has nearly 13,000 people organized into 86 Basic Christian Communities.
St.Xavier an outstanding and dedicated priest visited the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu from Goa. he never missed the opportunity of visiting Kottar in Kanyakumari district which was a celebrated commercial centre at that time. During his stay at Kottar, he used to worship St. Mary in the small temple. He was popularly known as “Valiya Pandaram” among the people of Kottar.
While he was at Kottar, he averted the invasion of Padagas. on the people of Venad which was appreciated by the king. who became closer to the Priest. In recognition of Xavier’s services. the king allotted a land to him for the purpose of constructing a catholic church at Kottar. There was already a church in 1544 in the same place, where the St. Xavier’s church stands now.
The church records show that the church was built in the year 1600 A.D. In the year 1865, the Church was enlarged. and the shrine of our lady was also renovated and vaulted over. In 1930, the church was raised to the status of a Cathedral.
In 1942, in commemoration of the fourth centenary of the arrival of St.Xavier in India, a beautiful tower to the saint. a grotto to Out Blessed Mother and a small shrine to St.Ignatius who sent him to India were constructed in the Cathedral premises. In 1955, the church was further extended and the chapel of Our Lady was incorporated into the enlarged church.
The Church of St. Xavier enjoys a great fame as a place of miracles from early times. The annual festival is celebrated during the month of November December lasting for 10 days.
There is a durha named ‘Peer Mohamed Oliyullah Durha’ at Thuckalay named after the great philosopher Mohamed Appa,Z
who was born in Tenkasi of Tirunelveli District. After spending sometime in spiritual pursuits in Peerumedu of Kerala State he came and stayed at Thuckalay. Being a Tamil poet of great eminence, he wrote many books on philosophy. He had intimate relationship with the Kings of Chera dynasty. It is said that he laid foundation stone for the Padmanabhapuram Granite Fort.
The Anniversary of the great philosopher poet is celebrated every year on a grand scale on the full moon day. in the month of Rajap. Both the people of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. attend the celebrations on large numbers irrespective of their caste, creed and religion.
Chitharal is located about 45 kilometers away from Kanyakumari. It is famous for the Rock-cut temple. Hillock at Chitharal has a cave containing Rock-cut sculptures of Thirthankaras. and attendent deities carved inside and outside dating back to 9th Century A.D. King Mahendra Varman I was responsible for the Jainism influence in this region.
It was converted into Bagavathy Temple in the 13th Century A.D. Cars and Vans can go upto the foot of the hill. One has to walk for about 10 minutes to reach the temple. The Jain images have been preserved by the Central Archeological Survey of India. It comes under Vellankode panchayat.
The Mathoor Hanging Trough is the tallest as well as the longest trough bridge in Asia. having a height of 115 feet and a length of one kilometre. Constructed in 1966, this bridge has become a place of tourist importance and hundreds of tourists visit this place. This is situated in Mathoor, hamlet of Aruvikkarai revenue village in Thiruvattar Panchayat Union.
The bridge has been constructed at Mathoor across the river Parazhiyar at a cost of Rs. 12.90/- lakhs and the trough canal (Pattanamkal canal) on the bridge carries. water for irrigation from one side of a hill to the other side of a hill. The trough has a height of seven feet with a width of seven feet six inches.
The canal is being shouldered by 28 huge pillars. By the unrelented efforts of late Thiru. K. Kamaraj, the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, this canal was constructed. as a drought relief measure and for the development of agriculture in Vilavancode and Kalkulam Taluks.
The District Administration has put up a staircase from top to the bottom of the bridge. and also built a children’s park and bathing platforms over here.
Thiruparappu is located about 55 kilometers away from Kanyakumari. The Kodayar makes its descend at Tirparappu and the water fall at this place is about 13km. from Pechiparai dam. The river bed is rocky and about 300 feet in length. The water falls from a height of nearly 50 feet. and the water flows for about seven months in a year.
The whole bed above the falls is one rocky mass which extends up to. a distance of about quarter of a kilometer upstream where the famous Thirparappu. weir has been constructed for supplying water to the paddy fields. On either side of the river. on the left bank of the river in between the water falls and the weir. there is a temple dedicated to Siva enclosed by strong fortification. The District Administration has constructed a swimming pool for children over here which is very popular among the children.
Ticket Fare- Rs.5. Video and camera fees are Rs.75/- and Rs.5/- respectively.
Another monument Kamarajar Manimandapam was raised and dedicated to Late. Sri. Kamarajar, The freedom fighter, Former Chief minister of Tamil Nadu, President of Indian National Congress. He was popularly known as Black Gandhi among the masses and king maker during congress regime.
He is still called by all as “Perunthalaivar”. He played vital roles in the administration of TamilNadu. by introducing education for down trodden and also started the Noon Meal scheme for the students to encourage education. Development activities like Dams and Industries in Tamilnadu took place during his rule. This monument was constructed where his ashes were kept here for public to pay homage before immersion into the sea. Visiting Hours -7 AM To 7 PM . Entrance Free
The place has been connected to great men like Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi. in whose names memorials have been here. They are very beautiful and add to the attraction of this place. The beautiful Gandhi Memorial completed in 1956, is situated as a memorial to the Father of the Nation. An urn of Mahatma Gandhi was kept here for public to pay homage before immersion.
Mahatma Gandhi visited Kanyakumari twice in 1925 and 1937. Mahatma Gandhi visited Kanyakumari in January 1937. In 1948 his ashes were immersed in the sea waters in Kanyakumari. In commemoration of this event a beautiful monument has been constructed here. Its central shape is 79 feet high representing the age of the Mahatma at the time of the sun. at Mid day on 2nd October would fall on the peedam through a hole in the roof.
The memorial was transferred to the administrative control of the Public (Information and Public Relations). Department from Public Works Department of Government of TamilNadu in the year 1978. Visiting Hours -7 AM To 7 PM . Entrance Free
Vivekanandar rock memorial
Vivekananda Rock Memorial is another place in Kanyakumari which attracts large number of tourists. As its name implies, it is essentially a sacred monument. built by the Vivekananda Rock Memorial Committee to commemorate the visit of Swamy Vivekananda. to “Shripada Parai” during 24th, 25th and 26th December 1892 for deep meditation and enlightenment.
From very ancient times, the rock has been regarded as sacred place. In Puranic tradition, it has been known as “Sripada Parai: meaning the rock. that has been blessed by the touch of Shripada feet of the Goddess. On the rock, is a projection similar in form to a human fort and a little brownish in complexion. which has traditionally, been revered as a symbol of Shripadam. According to legend, it was on this rock that Goddess Kanyakumari did Tapas.
The memorial consists of two main structures, viz (i) Vivekananda Mandapam and (ii) Shripada Mandapam.
Thiruvalluvar Statue
Thiruvalluvar is the immortal poet of Tamil Nadu and has given to the world Thirukkural. The memorial statue of Thiruvalluvar is in Kanyakumari. The pedestal of the statue is of 38 feet height and the statue over it is 95 feet. tall with a grand total of 133 feet for the entire sculpture. The 3 tier pedestal known as Atharapeedam is surrounded by an artistic Mandapa. known as Alankara Mandapam with 38 feet height. Surrounding the Alankara Mandapa stand 10 elephant statues signifying 8 directions with earth and space down.
The father of Sri. Rama, the hero of Ramayana was called Dasaratha as he charioteer in ten directions. To help the tourists to worship the holy feet of Thiruvalluvar 140 steps are constructed inside the Mandapa. The pedestal with a height of 38 feet. shows the 38 chapters in the Book of Aram in Thirukural and the statue of 95 feet. on the pedestal signifies the total chapters in Porul (70 chapters) and Inbam (25 Chapters). Thus the statue symbolically, and artistically signifies that the theme of Porul and Inbam are based on Aram.
Visiting Hours -8 AM To 4 PM
Tourist – Events & Festivals
Pongal Festival
Pongal Festival celebration of Every year in Janaury 15th
Kumari Thiruvizha
The Kumari Thiruvizha held every year of the May. All residents and visitors take part in the festivities Various Cultural Activities were conducted. in this festival put up too and the festival draws many visitors from nearby places.
Vavubali Exhibition held at Kuzhithurai
Every Year Tourism Department a Tourism pavilion was set up with important Tourist Places of Tamilnadu. and Kanyakumari District Photographs were exhibited for promoting Tamilnadu Tourism.
- Kanniyakumari Bagavathiamman Festival
- Vaikasi Visagam – Vaikasi Visagam Festival is celebrated for 10 days.
- Navarathiri – Navarathiri festival is celebrated for 10 days.
- Thirukarthigai -Thirukarthigai Festival is celebrated for 1 day.
- Aadi Ammavasai -Aadi Ammavasai Festival is celebrated for 1 day.
- Thai Ammavasai -Thai Ammavasai Festival is celebrated for 1 day.
- Festival of Arulmigu Thanumalayan Temple, Suchindram
Month of March
Every year last Tuesday in the tamil month of “MASI” was celebrated as Masi Magam Festival.
Month of August
Every year in the tamil month of “AVANI” was celebrated as grand Festival.
Month of December
Margazhi Festival.
Month of April
Every year in the tamil month of “CHITHTHIRAI” was celebrated grand Festival.
Festival of Mandaikadu Temple
Masi Festival
- Every year last Tuesday in the tamil month of “MASI” was celebrated as Mandaikadu Kodai Festival. Festival will start ten days before this Tuesday.ie, Sunday with flag hoisting in flag mast of the temple.
- At the time of flag hoisting. morning priest along with devotees went for a holy bath and return with a pot of holy water. that holy water will sprayed all over the temple premises and cleaned. Then only the festival will start.
- In continuation with this throughout 10 days every day 8.30 pm after the poojas held over, the goddess will procession around the temple streets.
Valiya Padukkai
- It is a sixth day festival which held on Friday within the kodai festival. Even though poojas done for all 10 days.Pooja done at 8.30 pm in this sixth day has more importance and speciality.Lot of devotees will take part in this occasion.
Odukku Pooja
- Odukku Pooja was held on the tenth day night at 1am.this is the last pooja of mandaikadu kodai festival.
Ettam kodai
- Once the kodai festival was over , coming eighth day Tuesday will be called as Ettam Kodai. In the Ancient days , people around the nearby village peoples took part in this occasion. But nowadays people from all over district and nearby kerala state coming in large numbers to celebrate this festival.
- Special bus services are operated from nearby towns for the devotees transportation.
Bharani Kodai
- In the tamil month of panguni,star panguni will occur on one day. that day will be celebrated as bharani kodai. Peoples around the mandaikadu area believe that goddess mandaikadu Amman born in this day.
Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, Kottar, Nagercoil,
The annual festival is celebrated during November – December, lasting for 10 days.