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Vivekanand Rock Memorial: A synthesis of distinctive styles of temple architecture across the country, was erected on this rock in 1970 and is today a ten-minute ferry ride from Kanyakumari. It’s believed that during his travels across India after the death of his guru Sri Ramakrishna Paramhans, Swami Vivekananda had swam out to this huge half submerged rock 500 meters from the shore to meditate. It’s here, where Swami Vivekananda was inspired to start a mission to spread the message of Hinduism.

Kanyakumari Temple: The temple overlooks the shoreline. It is dedicated to Parvati as Devi Kanya, the Virgin Goddess who did penance to obtain the hand of Lord Shiva. Kanyakumari, derives its name from this Goddess Kanyakumari Amman (incarnation of Goddess Parvati). The deity, Devi Kanyakumari is' the protector of India's shores' has an exceptionally brilliant diamond on her nose ring which is supposed to shine out to sea. Non-Hindus are not allowed into the sanctuary. Men are required to remove their shirts prior to entering the temple.

Portuguese Church: The church with its beautiful archaic structure is a major monument of Christian influence. The massive towering spires and stained glass window panes contribute to the overall grandeur of the Church. The simplicity of the interiors is a sharp contrast to the ornate Gothic exteriors. A walk down to the fishing jetty behind the church is quite interesting especially if the boats have just come in with their catch.

Vattakottai Fort: It is one of the many forts erected a symbol of military history of India. This small yet charming circular fort on the seashore, 6 kms away from Kanyakumari is an 18th century fort. So, only the ramparts and a few broken down structures of this granite fort have withstood the ravages of time. The isolated beach lined with coconut groves and dense vegetation overlooking the blue waters makes it an idyllic hideaway.

Padmanabhapuram Palace: It’s a large mansion of the Travancore Kings, located around 40kms from Kanyakumari on the road to Thiruvananthapuram. Known for its natural splendor, the main attraction of the palace is its sheer aesthetic beauty, innovative designs and time tested wooden carvings. Known for its strategic planning and military architecture, the palace dates back to 17th or 18th century.  Unlike north Indian palaces, it’s made of granite and teakwood displaying a perfect combination of clean lines and gentle angles, sloping tiled roofs of various interconnecting buildings. And the Palace has a dining hall, which seated 2000 Brahmins at one time! The palace is excellently maintained by the Archeological Survey of India, which offers a guided tour through the labyrinth of 108 rooms that is expressive of sheer opulence.

Suchindram Temple: A small sleepy village Suchindram, located 12 kms from Kanyakumari, is profusely rich in art, culture and architectural heritage. The major spotlight of the place is the famous Sthanumalayan Temple, commonly known as Suchindram temple, which is notably marked for its artistic treasures. The temple is dedicated to a deity who is the representation of the combined forces of Siva, Vishnu and Brahma. It is one of the few temples in the country where the Trinities are worshipped. The temple has a beautiful 134ft tall gopuram, musical pillars and an excellent statue of the Hanuman, apart from valuable artifacts of different periods. The temple complex is open from 3 am to 1 pm and 4 pm to 8 pm.

By Air: The nearest airport is at Trivandrum, 80 kms away, with regular flights to Bangalore, Mumbai, Cochin, Delhi, Goa, and Madras.

By Rail: Kanyakumari is connected to Trivandrum, Delhi, and Mumbai by broad-gauge railway network.

By Road: It is connected by road to Nagarcoil 19 kms, Trivandrum 86 kms and Tirunelvelli 91 kms with frequent and regular bus service. Bus service to other major tourist destinations in Kerala and Tamil Nadu are available.

Best time to visit Kanyakumari: Throughout the year