View Tower is a tourist attraction in Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India, where the three seas – Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean – meet. The tower is a tall structure that offers a panoramic view of the sea, the sky and the surrounding landscape. The tower also provides a clear view of the other attractions in Kanyakumari, such as Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Kanyakumari Temple etc. The views of the sunrise and sunset are especially breathtaking when seen from the tower, and this is why visitors flock to this destination in large numbers all year round. Visit during Kanyakumari Local Sightseeing by cab
Location of View Tower
View Tower is located at Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu 629702, India. It is about 2 km (1.2 miles) from the city center and 90 km (56 miles) from the nearest airport at Thiruvananthapuram. The tower is easily accessible by road, rail and sea from different parts of Kanyakumari and nearby areas.
Timing/Entry Fees View Tower
View Tower is open to the public daily, including Sundays (excluding public holidays) between 05:00 am and 07:00 pm. There is an entry fee of Rs. 3 for adults and Rs. 2 for children for visiting the tower, but visitors are requested to follow the rules and regulations of the tower authorities and respect the local customs and traditions. Visitors are also advised to avoid littering and damaging the tower environment.
How to Reach View Tower
There are many ways to reach View Tower from different parts of Kanyakumari and nearby areas. Some of the common modes of transport are:
- By Road: View Tower 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 tower. The tower road, also known as Beach Road or NH44, runs parallel to the coast and has signboards indicating the direction to the tower.
- By Rail: View Tower can be reached by train from various railway stations in Kanyakumari and nearby areas. The nearest railway station is Kanyakumari, which is about 2 km (1.2 miles) away from the tower. Other nearby railway stations are Nagercoil, Tirunelveli and Thiruvananthapuram. From these stations, one can take an auto-rickshaw or cycle-rickshaw to reach the tower.
- By Sea: View Tower 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 tower.
Things to Do/Must See View Tower
View Tower offers a spectacular experience for visitors who want to enjoy the panoramic views of Kanyakumari and its attractions. Some of the things to do and see at the tower are:
- Watching the sunrise and sunset: View Tower is one of the best places to watch the sunrise and sunset over the horizon, creating a riot of colours in the sky and the water. The sunrise and sunset are visible from October to March, when they occur exactly at the confluence point of the three seas. The sunrise and sunset are also visible from April to September, but at a different angle. The sunrise and sunset time varies according to the season and can be checked online or at local hotels.
- Visiting the other attractions: View Tower provides a clear view of other attractions in Kanyakumari, such as Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Kanyakumari Temple etc. Visitors can also take a boat ride to visit these attractions up close.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Enjoying the view: View Tower offers a scenic view of both the sea on one side and the hills on the other side. Visitors can also see the Marungoor Dam, which is a water reservoir that supplies water to the nearby villages.
Significance of View Tower
View Tower is not only a tourist attraction but also a significant place for Kanyakumari and India. Some of the reasons why View Tower is important are:
- It is a natural site that showcases the confluence of seas and the beauty of nature in Kanyakumari. The tower offers a stunning sight of the sunrise and sunset over the horizon, creating a riot of colours in the sky and the water. The tower also provides a clear view of other attractions in Kanyakumari, such as Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Kanyakumari Temple etc.
- It is a cultural site that reflects the influence and integration of different cultures and communities in Kanyakumari. The tower attracts visitors from different parts of India and the world, who come to enjoy the panoramic views of Kanyakumari and its attractions. The tower also celebrates various festivals and events, such as Chaitra Purnima, when thousands of devotees take a holy dip in the sea, or New Year’s Eve, when fireworks light up the sky.
- It is a historical site that showcases the history and heritage of Kanyakumari and Tamil Nadu. The tower was built in 1995 by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation to provide a better view of Kanyakumari and its attractions. The tower has a height of 46 meters and has 11 floors, with two lifts and two staircases.
FAQ’s
Q: Is photography allowed at View Tower?
A: Yes, photography is allowed at View Tower 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 View Tower?
A: Yes, there are some facilities and amenities at View Tower, such as toilets, drinking water, benches, parking etc. There is also a souvenir shop where visitors can buy books, photos, CDs etc related to View Tower and Kanyakumari.
Q: Are there any other attractions or places near View Tower?
A: Yes, there are some other attractions or places near View Tower, such as Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Kanyakumari Temple etc.
Conclusion
View Tower is a tourist attraction in Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India, where the three seas – Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean – meet. The tower is a tall structure that offers a panoramic view of the sea, the sky and the surrounding landscape. The tower also provides a clear view of other attractions in Kanyakumari, such as Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Kanyakumari Temple etc.
The views of the sunrise and sunset are especially breathtaking when seen from the tower, and this is why visitors flock to this destination in large numbers all year round. View Tower is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to enjoy the panoramic views of Kanyakumari and its attractions.