Hello, my travel buddies, Amruta is here!!!
In India, Kanyakumari is a well-liked vacation spot and pilgrimage site. Among the popular tourist destinations are the different sunrise and sunset locations. I am going to share my lovely experience of visiting this place.
Route to Go:
We took the Kanyakumari Express for our beautiful journey to Kanyakumari. Opted for 2AC at ₹2,850/person for a comfortable ride with scenic views. Budget-friendly options included 3AC (₹1,970), 3rd AC economy (₹1,800), and non-AC sleeper berths (₹750).
Places to visit in Kanyakumari:
- Vivekananda Rock Memorial:
Our first stop was this iconic monument situated on a small island. We took a ferry ride and were captivated by the breathtaking views of the confluence of the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean.
- Thiruvalluvar Statue:
This colossal, 133-foot-tall statue of the famous Tamil poet stands tall on a rocky islet, and we marveled at the craftsmanship.
- Kanyakumari Beach:
We spent a leisurely evening there, watching the spectacular sunset and the vibrant markets along the shore.
- Kanyakumari Market:
The market in Kanyakumari was a real treasure trove of jewelry, seashells, South Indian saris, and home décor items.
- Kanyakumari Temple:
With a rich history, the Kanyakumari Temple offers a heavenly experience. Being the only temple where the goddess is thought to be single makes it special.
- Sunset and Sunrise Views:
We were enthralled with the beauty and peacefulness of the Kanyakumari sunset and dawn vistas, which were just breathtaking.
Hidden gems visited in Kanyakumari:
- Padmanabhapuram Palace
We visited Padmanabhapuram Palace, an hour’s drive from Kanyakumari. The detailed woodwork and amazing architecture inside were a pleasant surprise.
- Triveni Sangam
In Kanyakumari, we marveled at the Triveni Sangam, where the Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean converge. The point where the waters of these three seas unite is a holy site with great spiritual importance. We took a ₹75 ferry for a close view, experiencing the spiritual significance. The view of different shades of water merging is awe-inspiring and unforgettable.
Best Food and Accommodation in Kanyakumari:
- Stay in:
As for accommodation, we stayed at Hotel Sunrise, which offered comfortable rooms with a sea-facing view for ₹1,900.
- Food
- For authentic South Indian cuisine, we dined at “The Curry,” where we relished dosas, idlis, and local seafood delicacies.
- Lunch at Punjabi Dhaba, near Hotel Sunrise, cost us ₹300 for an unlimited authentic Punjabi meal.
- After Punjabi Dhaba, we had lassi at Lassi Kingdom, which was delicious.
Important Things to Consider When Visiting South Indian Temples:
1. Dress Codes in Temples:
It’s important to know the dress code when visiting South Indian temples. Most temples have regulations, like the requirement to wear traditional clothing that covers the knees and shoulders. Having a scarf or shawl on hand is a smart idea in case you need to cover up.
2. Timings of Temples:
South Indian temples have set hours for opening and closing, so make sure to schedule your visit appropriately. Morning and evening ritual routines vary throughout temples. To avoid disappointment, make sure to confirm the temple’s hours ahead of time.
3. Crowds:
In South India, temples can get very crowded, particularly on holidays and special occasions. If you want to have a quiet and contemplative visit, try to go off-peak. Weekdays and early mornings are typically less congested.
4. Darshan Ticket:
For devotees who want to skip the traditional queues and have a speedier, more private meeting with the deity, several temples provide special darshan tickets. These tickets are usually extra expensive, but they can save you time, particularly in temples that are often visited.
Travel Tip:
It’s essential to carry sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses while visiting Kanyakumari, as the sun can be quite intense. Also, don’t forget mosquito repellent, as the area is known for mosquitoes.
Necessary Things to Pack:
- Comfortable clothing, especially light cotton clothes, as the weather can be hot and humid.
- Scarf or shawl to cover up in temples.
- Walking shoes or sandals for exploring the sights.
- Camera or smartphone to capture the stunning views.
- A portable charger and adapter to keep your devices charged.
- Medications and a first aid kit.
The best time to visit Kanyakumari.
Winter, from October to March, is the ideal season to visit Kanyakumari. It’s a perfect time of year for outdoor activities and sightseeing because of the cool, pleasant weather and mild sun.
Overall, our journey to Kanyakumari was a remarkable experience that provided us with a glimpse into the rich culture, spiritual significance, and natural beauty of this enchanting place. We traveled from Kanyakumari to Madurai and the experience was unforgettable.
For such more spiritual travel tales do visit https://sowl.in/stories.
Happy Exploring!!!