Have you ever wondered what it would be like to stand at the southernmost tip of India, where three water bodies meet and create a spectacular sight? Have you ever dreamed of witnessing the sunrise and sunset over the horizon, from the same spot, on the same day? Have you ever imagined visiting a place where you can see the majestic monuments of Swami Vivekananda and Thiruvalluvar, rising from the sea, against the backdrop of the changing colors of the sky and the water?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should definitely visit Kanyakumari Beach, one of the most beautiful and unique beaches in India. Kanyakumari Beach is not just a beach, but a destination that offers a variety of attractions, activities, and experiences for all kinds of travelers. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, a cultural exploration, or an adventurous escapade, Kanyakumari Beach has something for you.
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about Kanyakumari Beach, including how to reach, where to stay, what to do, and what to see. You will also discover some of the best beaches in Kanyakumari that offer stunning scenery, diverse activities, and unique experiences. By the end of this article, you will be ready to plan your trip to Kanyakumari Beach and its nearby beaches, and enjoy the southernmost tip of India like never before.
How to Reach Kanyakumari Beach
Kanyakumari is well-connected to the rest of India by air, train, bus, and car. You can choose the mode of transportation that suits your budget, preference, and availability. Here are some of the options that you can consider:
By air:
The nearest airport to Kanyakumari is Trivandrum International Airport, which is about 90 km away. You can take a flight from any major city in India to Trivandrum, and then take a taxi, bus, or train to Kanyakumari. The flight duration varies depending on the city, but it usually takes around 2 to 4 hours. The taxi fare from Trivandrum to Kanyakumari is around Rs. 2000 to Rs. 3000, while the bus fare is around Rs. 100 to Rs. 200. The train fare is around Rs. 50 to Rs. 100, and the train journey takes around 2 to 3 hours.
By train:
Kanyakumari has its own railway station, which is connected to many major cities in India, such as Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Hyderabad. You can take a direct train to Kanyakumari, or a connecting train via Trivandrum, Madurai, or Tirunelveli. The train duration varies depending on the city, but it usually takes around 10 to 20 hours. The train fare ranges from Rs. 200 to Rs. 2000, depending on the class and the availability.
By bus:
Kanyakumari has a bus stand, which is connected to many major cities and towns in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. You can take a state-run or a private bus to Kanyakumari, or a connecting bus via Trivandrum, Nagercoil, or Tirunelveli. The bus duration varies depending on the city, but it usually takes around 8 to 16 hours. The bus fare ranges from Rs. 300 to Rs. 1000, depending on the type and the availability.
By car:
Kanyakumari is well-connected by road to the rest of India, and you can drive to Kanyakumari from any nearby city or town. You can take the National Highway 44, which runs from Srinagar to Kanyakumari, or the National Highway 66, which runs from Panvel to Kanyakumari. The road conditions are good, and the scenery is scenic. The driving duration varies depending on the city, but it usually takes around 6 to 12 hours. The driving cost depends on the fuel price and the toll charges, which are around Rs. 4 to Rs. 5 per liter and Rs. 100 to Rs. 200 per toll, respectively.
Where to Stay Near Kanyakumari Beach
Kanyakumari offers a range of accommodation options for all kinds of travelers, from budget to luxury. You can choose from hotels, resorts, homestays, and hostels near Kanyakumari Beach, depending on your comfort, convenience, and preference. Here are some of the best options that you can consider:
Hotel Sea View:
This is a 3-star hotel that offers a panoramic view of the sea, the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, and the Thiruvalluvar Statue. The hotel has 54 rooms, with amenities such as AC, TV, Wi-Fi, and attached bathroom. The hotel also has a restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool, a spa, and a conference hall. The price per night ranges from Rs. 2500 to Rs. 4000, depending on the season and the availability.
Hotel Temple Citi:
This is a 2-star hotel that offers a comfortable and cozy stay near Kanyakumari Beach. The hotel has 36 rooms, with amenities such as AC, TV, Wi-Fi, and attached bathroom. The hotel also has a restaurant, a coffee shop, a travel desk, and a car rental service. The price per night ranges from Rs. 1500 to Rs. 2500, depending on the season and the availability.
Hotel Ocean Heritage:
This is a 1-star hotel that offers a budget-friendly and convenient stay near Kanyakumari Beach. The hotel has 24 rooms, with amenities such as fan, TV, Wi-Fi, and attached bathroom. The hotel also has a restaurant, a terrace, and a laundry service. The price per night ranges from Rs. 800 to Rs. 1200, depending on the season and the availability.
Anantya Resorts:
This is a 4-star resort that offers a luxurious and serene stay near Kanyakumari Beach. The resort has 21 cottages, with amenities such as AC, TV, Wi-Fi, and attached bathroom. The resort also has a restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool, a spa, and a yoga center. The price per night ranges from Rs. 5000 to Rs. 8000, depending on the season and the availability.
Hotel Samudra:
This is a 3-star hotel that offers a spacious and elegant stay near Kanyakumari Beach. The hotel has 46 rooms, with amenities such as AC, TV, Wi-Fi, and attached bathroom. The hotel also has a restaurant, a coffee shop, a banquet hall, and a travel desk. The price per night ranges from Rs. 3000 to Rs. 5000, depending on the season and the availability.
Hotel Sun World:
This is a 2-star hotel that offers a modern and stylish stay near Kanyakumari Beach. The hotel has 60 rooms, with amenities such as AC, TV, Wi-Fi, and attached bathroom. The hotel also has a restaurant, a bar, a rooftop garden, and a conference hall. The price per night ranges from Rs. 2000 to Rs. 3500, depending on the season and the availability.
Hotel Singaar International:
This is a 3-star hotel that offers a classic and comfortable stay near Kanyakumari Beach. The hotel has 102 rooms, with amenities such as AC, TV, Wi-Fi, and attached bathroom. The hotel also has a restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool, a gym, and a business center. The price per night ranges from Rs. 2500 to Rs. 4500, depending on the season and the availability.
Hotel Melody Park:
This is a 1-star hotel that offers a simple and clean stay near Kanyakumari Beach. The hotel has 20 rooms, with amenities such as fan, TV, Wi-Fi, and attached bathroom. The hotel also has a restaurant, a parking lot, and a travel desk. The price per night ranges from Rs. 700 to Rs. 1000, depending on the season and the availability.
What to Do at Kanyakumari Beach
Kanyakumari Beach is not just a place to relax and enjoy the view, but also a place to explore and experience the culture, history, and spirituality of Kanyakumari. There are many things to do at Kanyakumari Beach that will make your trip memorable and worthwhile. Here are some of the best things to do at Kanyakumari Beach:
Watch the sunrise and sunset:
One of the most popular and amazing things to do at Kanyakumari Beach is to watch the sunrise and sunset over the horizon, from the same spot, on the same day. This is a rare phenomenon that occurs only at Kanyakumari, where the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean meet.
The sunrise and sunset are spectacular, as the sky and the water change colors, creating a mesmerizing sight. The best time to watch the sunrise and sunset is between October and March, when the weather is clear and pleasant. The sunrise usually occurs around 6 am, while the sunset usually occurs around 6 pm. You can also watch the moonrise and moonset, which occur around the same time as the sunrise and sunset, on full moon days.
Visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the Thiruvalluvar Statue:
Another popular and amazing thing to do at Kanyakumari Beach is to visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the Thiruvalluvar Statue, which are two of the most iconic and impressive monuments in Kanyakumari. The Vivekananda Rock Memorial is a tribute to Swami Vivekananda, a renowned spiritual leader and philosopher, who meditated on the rock in 1892, before his famous speech at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago.
The memorial consists of two structures, the Vivekananda Mandapam and the Shripada Mandapam, which house a statue of Swami Vivekananda, a meditation hall, a museum, and a book store. The Thiruvalluvar Statue is a tribute to Thiruvalluvar, a celebrated poet and philosopher, who wrote the Thirukkural, a classic Tamil text on ethics and morality.
The statue is 133 feet tall, representing the 133 chapters of the Thirukkural, and stands on a 38 feet pedestal, representing the 38 virtues of the Thirukkural. The statue depicts Thiruvalluvar holding a palm leaf manuscript, with three fingers pointing upwards, symbolizing the three themes of the Thirukkural: virtue, wealth, and love.
You can reach the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the Thiruvalluvar Statue by taking a ferry from the Kanyakumari Jetty, which operates from 8 am to 4 pm. The ferry fare is Rs. 50 per person, and the entry fee for the memorial is Rs. 20 per person.
Explore the Kanyakumari Temple and the Gandhi Memorial:
Another popular and amazing thing to do at Kanyakumari Beach is to explore the Kanyakumari Temple and the Gandhi Memorial, which are two of the most historic and sacred places in Kanyakumari. The Kanyakumari Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kanyakumari, who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva.
The temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, where the fragments of Goddess Sati’s body fell, according to Hindu mythology. The temple is also one of the 108 Divya Desams, where Lord Vishnu is worshipped, according to Vaishnavism. The temple has a sanctum sanctorum, where the idol of Goddess Kanyakumari is installed, and a shrine, where the footprints of the goddess are preserved. The temple also has a diamond nose ring, which is said to be visible from the sea, and a conch shell, which is said to be the weapon of the goddess. The temple is open from 4:30 am to 12:30 pm, and from 4 pm to 8:30 pm. The entry is free, but there is a special darshan fee of Rs. 20 per person.
The Gandhi Memorial is a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation, who visited Kanyakumari in 1925 and 1937. The memorial is built on the spot where his ashes were kept before being immersed in the sea, according to his wish. The memorial is designed in the shape of an urn, and has a central hall, where a life-size statue of Mahatma Gandhi is installed. The memorial also has a sun dial, which is aligned in such a way that the sun rays fall on the statue on October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The memorial is open from 7 am to 7 pm. The entry is free, but there is a camera fee of Rs. 10 per camera.
Enjoy the beach activities and water sports: Another popular and amazing thing to do at Kanyakumari Beach is to enjoy the beach activities and water sports that are available for all ages and skill levels. You can indulge in some fun and thrilling activities, such as swimming, surfing, boating, kayaking, jet skiing, parasailing, and scuba diving.
You can also relax and rejuvenate on the sandy shore, or take a stroll along the promenade. You can also shop for some souvenirs, such as shells, handicrafts, and jewelry, from the local vendors and stalls. The beach activities and water sports are usually available from 9 am to 6 pm, depending on the weather and the tide. The cost varies depending on the activity and the duration, but it usually ranges from Rs. 100 to Rs. 2000 per person.
What to See Near Kanyakumari Beach
Kanyakumari Beach is not the only beach in Kanyakumari that is worth visiting. There are many other beaches in Kanyakumari that offer stunning scenery, diverse activities, and unique experiences. Here are some of the best beaches in Kanyakumari that you should not miss:
Muttom Beach:
This is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches in Kanyakumari, located about 32 km away from Kanyakumari Beach. The beach is known for its large rocks, which form natural caves and pools, and its lighthouse, which offers a panoramic view of the sea. The beach is also a popular spot for fishing, birdwatching, and photography. The beach is open from 6 am to 6 pm, and the entry is free.
Sanguthurai Beach:
This is one of the most quiet and clean beaches in Kanyakumari, located about 10 km away from Kanyakumari Beach. The beach is known for its white sand, clear water, and coconut trees, which create a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The beach is also a popular spot for picnics, meditation, and yoga. The beach is open from 6 am to 6 pm, and the entry is free.
Sothavilai Beach:
This is one of the longest and widest beaches in Kanyakumari, located about 7 km away from Kanyakumari Beach. The beach is known for its golden sand, blue water, and green vegetation, which create a contrast and a harmony. The beach is also a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and playing. The beach is open from 6 am to 6 pm, and the entry is free.
Thengapattinam Beach:
This is one of the most historic and religious beaches in Kanyakumari, located about 54 km away from Kanyakumari Beach. The beach is known for its estuary, where the Thamirabarani River meets the Arabian Sea, and its mosque, which is one of the oldest and largest mosques in Tamil Nadu. The beach is also a popular spot for boating, fishing, and sightseeing. The beach is open from 6 am to 6 pm, and the entry is free.
Twin Beach:
This is one of the most hidden and secluded beaches in Kanyakumari, located about 12 km away from Kanyakumari Beach. The beach is known for its two adjacent beaches, which are separated by a small hill, and its rock formations, which create natural arches and bridges. The beach is also a popular spot for trekking, camping, and star gazing. The beach is open from 6 am to 6 pm, and the entry is free.
Kanyakumari Beach is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature, culture, and adventure. It is a place where you can witness the beauty and the diversity of India, and experience the thrill and the peace of the sea. It is a place where you can explore and learn about the history and the spirituality of Kanyakumari, and enjoy the fun and the excitement of the beach activities and water sports. It is a place where you can discover and appreciate the other beaches in Kanyakumari, which offer stunning scenery, diverse activities, and unique experiences.
If you are looking for a memorable and worthwhile trip, then you should definitely visit Kanyakumari Beach and its nearby beaches, and enjoy the southernmost tip of India like never before. You will not regret it, and you will want to come back again and again.
We hope this article has helped you with your travel planning and preparation. If you have any questions or feedback, please let us know in the comments section below. We would love to hear from you.
Thank you for reading this article, and happy traveling!
