Kumari Amman Temple
A temple of the virgin goddess at the shore. Men remove their shirts before entering. The diamond nose ring of the deity is said to be visible from the sea.
Local tip: Follow the dress rules.
Kanyakumari is home to Kumari Amman Temple, one of the Shakti Peeths, and the Vivekananda Rock Memorial. Sunrise and sunset over the meeting of the three seas are a highlight.
At a glance
| Place | Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu |
|---|---|
| Known as | Shakti Peeth · land's end |
| Best time | October to March. |
| Time needed | 1 day |
| Nearest railway | Kanyakumari |
| Nearest airport | Thiruvananthapuram |
Panchang at Kanyakumari today
- Date13 November 2026
- TithiShukla Chaturthi
- NakshatraMula
- Sunrise / Sunset06:11 AM / 05:57 PM
- Rahu Kaal10:36 AM – 12:04 PM
- Abhijit Muhurat11:41 AM – 12:28 PM
Kanyakumari yatra: what to know before you plan
Kanyakumari is the southern tip of mainland India, where the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean meet. The Kumari Amman Temple honours the goddess Devi Kanya Kumari, and the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the Thiruvalluvar Statue stand on rocks just offshore.
Sunrise and sunset over the sea are a major part of the visit.
Route and layout at a glance
The temple, the beach and the ferry point are within walking distance. Ferries to the Vivekananda Rock and the Thiruvalluvar Statue start near the main jetty.
Plan your Kanyakumari trip by days
How many days do you have? Pick one and the plan changes.
1 day in Kanyakumari
A day trip.
Day 1
- Dawn. Sunrise.
- Morning. Temple and ferry to the rock.
- Evening. Sunset.
2 days in Kanyakumari
A relaxed plan.
Day 1
- Daily. Sunrise, temple and ferry.
Day 2
- Daily. Suchindram and Padmanabhapuram Palace.
3 days: with Rameswaram
The southern tip.
Daily
- Daily. Kanyakumari, Madurai and Rameswaram.
5 days: Tamil Nadu and Kerala
A longer circuit.
Daily
- Daily. Add Thiruvananthapuram and Kovalam.
1 week: South India
A slower trip.
Daily
- Daily. Add Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
Darshan guide: what to see and why
Vivekananda Rock Memorial
A memorial on a rock where Swami Vivekananda meditated in 1892, reached by ferry.
Local tip: Ferry queues are long at sunrise. Go early.
Thiruvalluvar Statue
A 133-foot statue of the Tamil poet-saint Thiruvalluvar on a rock beside the memorial.
Local tip: It is reached by ferry as part of the same trip.
Sunrise and sunset point
The shore where on clear days one can see the sun rise and set over the sea, and on full moon days both the sun and moon at once.
Local tip: Be on the shore by 5:30 am.
Best time to go, season by season
| October to March | Pleasant. |
|---|---|
| Chaitra Purnima (April) | Sun and moon view. |
| Monsoon | Rain and rough sea. |
| Summer | Hot. |
How to reach and get around
- By rail: Kanyakumari station.
- By air: Thiruvananthapuram, about 90 km.
- By road: Nagercoil, 20 km.
Where to stay
Hotels along the sea front. Book early for winter.
What to eat
South Indian vegetarian meals and fresh seafood.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Missing the first ferry.
- Wearing the wrong clothes in the temple.
Etiquette
- Follow the dress code.
Day trips from Kanyakumari
- Suchindram: About 12 km.
- Padmanabhapuram Palace: About 35 km.
- Thiruvananthapuram: About 90 km.
Festivals and special days
- Chitra Pournami
- Navratri
Check the dates for this year on our festival calendar, and choose a shubh time using the muhurat pages.
Darshan timings, booking rules and road conditions change, so confirm them with the temple trust or local authority before you travel.
Questions people ask
How many days do I need for Kanyakumari?
One day, or two with the nearby sights.
What is special about sunrise here?
Three seas meet, and on full moon days the sun and moon can be seen together.
How do I reach the Vivekananda Rock?
By a short ferry from the main jetty.
What is the best time to visit Kanyakumari?
October to March.
How many days are needed for Kanyakumari?
Plan 1 day.
How do I reach Kanyakumari?
The nearest railway station is Kanyakumari. The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram. Check current road and train timings before you travel.
What are the main festivals at Kanyakumari?
Chitra Pournami; Navratri.
What is today's tithi and Rahu Kaal at Kanyakumari?
On 13 November 2026, the tithi is Shukla Chaturthi and Rahu Kaal is 10:36 AM to 12:04 PM, worked out for Kanyakumari's own sunrise.
Photo credits
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