Kanyakumari Beach is the southernmost tip of India, where the three seas – Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean – meet. It is a popular tourist destination that offers a spectacular view of the sunrise and sunset, as well as a glimpse of the rich cultural and religious heritage of Kanyakumari. The beach is also known for its multi-colored sand and its proximity to other attractions such as the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, the Thiruvalluvar Statue and the Kanyakumari Temple. Visit during Kanyakumari Local Sightseeing by cab
Location of Kanyakumari Beach
Kanyakumari Beach is located at Potoakhali, Bangladesh, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, India. It is about 1 km (0.6 miles) from the city center and 90 km (56 miles) from the nearest airport at Thiruvananthapuram. The beach is easily accessible by road, rail and sea from different parts of Kanyakumari and nearby areas.
Timing/Entry Fees Kanyakumari Beach
Kanyakumari Beach is open to the public daily, including Sundays (excluding public holidays) between 06:00 am and 06:00 pm. There is no entry fee for visiting the beach, but visitors are requested to follow the rules and regulations of the beach authorities and respect the local customs and traditions. Visitors are also advised to avoid littering and damaging the beach environment.
How to Reach Kanyakumari Beach
There are many ways to reach Kanyakumari Beach from different parts of Kanyakumari and nearby areas. Some of the common modes of transport are:
- By Road: Kanyakumari Beach is well-connected by road with various parts of the city and nearby towns. There are many buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws that ply to and from the beach. The beach road, also known as Vivekananda Kendra Road or Beach Road, runs parallel to the coast and has signboards indicating the direction to the beach.
- By Rail: Kanyakumari Beach can be reached by train from various railway stations in Kanyakumari and nearby areas. The nearest railway station is Kanyakumari, which is about 1 km (0.6 miles) away from the beach. Other nearby railway stations are Nagercoil, Tirunelveli and Thiruvananthapuram. From these stations, one can take an auto-rickshaw or cycle-rickshaw to reach the beach.
- By Sea: Kanyakumari Beach can also be reached by sea from Kanyakumari town. There are boat services that operate daily between 08:00 am and 04:00 pm, except during rough weather conditions. The boat ride takes about 15 minutes to reach the Vivekananda Rock Memorial or the Thiruvalluvar Statue, which are located near the beach.
Things to Do/Must See Kanyakumari Beach
Kanyakumari Beach offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors who want to enjoy the natural beauty of the sea and the sky, as well as explore the cultural and religious aspects of Kanyakumari. Some of the things to do and see at the beach are:
- Watching the sunrise and sunset: Kanyakumari Beach is one of the few places in India where one can witness both the sunrise and sunset over the sea on the same day. The sight of the sun rising or setting over the horizon, with its changing colors and reflections on the water, is a mesmerizing experience that attracts many visitors to the beach.
- Visiting the Vivekananda Rock Memorial: Vivekananda Rock Memorial is a monument that stands on one of the two rocks located about 500 meters off mainland of Vavathurai. It was built in 1970 in honour of Swami Vivekananda, who is said to have attained enlightenment on the rock. The memorial has a statue of Swami Vivekananda in a meditative posture, a meditation hall and a shrine dedicated to Goddess Kanyakumari.
- Visiting the Thiruvalluvar Statue: Thiruvalluvar Statue is a statue that stands on another rock near Vivekananda Rock Memorial. It was inaugurated in 2000 in honour of Thiruvalluvar, a renowned Tamil poet and philosopher who wrote Thirukkural, a classic work on ethics and morality. The statue is 133 feet tall, representing the 133 chapters of Thirukkural, and weighs 7000 tons.
- Visiting the Kanyakumari Temple: Kanyakumari Temple is an ancient temple that is dedicated to Goddess Kanyakumari, who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. The temple is located on the shore near the confluence of the three seas. The temple has a sanctum sanctorum that houses an idol of the goddess, which is adorned with a diamond nose ring that sparkles in the sea.
- Enjoying the beach activities: Kanyakumari Beach is a place where visitors can relax and have fun on the sand and in the water. The beach has various facilities and amenities such as toilets, drinking water, benches, parking, etc. The beach also offers various activities such as swimming, surfing, boating, fishing, etc. However, visitors are advised to be careful of the strong currents and waves that can be dangerous.
Significance of Kanyakumari Beach
Kanyakumari Beach is not only a tourist attraction but also a significant place for Kanyakumari and India. Some of the reasons why Kanyakumari Beach is important are:
- It is a natural site that showcases the confluence of the three seas – Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean – that surround India. It is also a place where one can see the sunrise and sunset over the sea on the same day, which is a rare phenomenon in the world.
- It is a cultural site that reflects the diversity and harmony of Kanyakumari and India. The beach is a place where people from different religions, languages, regions and backgrounds come together to enjoy the beauty of nature and celebrate their festivals and traditions.
- It is a spiritual site that connects with the legends and beliefs of Kanyakumari and India. The beach is a place where Goddess Kanyakumari performed penance to marry Lord Shiva, but was interrupted by the demon Banasura. The beach is also a place where Swami Vivekananda meditated and attained enlightenment on the rock.
FAQ’s
Q: Is photography allowed at Kanyakumari Beach?
A: Yes, photography is allowed at Kanyakumari Beach for personal use only. However, visitors are requested to be respectful and discreet while taking photographs and not to disturb or offend anyone.
Q: Are there any facilities or amenities at Kanyakumari Beach?
A: Yes, there are some facilities and amenities at Kanyakumari Beach, such as toilets, drinking water, benches, parking, etc. There is also a souvenir shop where visitors can buy books, photos, CDs, etc. related to Kanyakumari and the beach.
Q: Are there any other attractions or places near Kanyakumari Beach?
A: Yes, there are some other attractions or places near Kanyakumari Beach, such as Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Kanyakumari Temple, Gandhi Mandapam, etc.
Conclusion
Kanyakumari Beach is the southernmost tip of India, where the three seas – Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean – meet. It is a popular tourist destination that offers a spectacular view of the sunrise and sunset, as well as a glimpse of the rich cultural and religious heritage of Kanyakumari. The beach is also known for its multi-colored sand and its proximity to other attractions such as the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, the Thiruvalluvar Statue and the Kanyakumari Temple. Kanyakumari Beach is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the confluence of seas and cultures in Kanyakumari.
