What do you think of when you think of the southern tip of India? Where the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean meet, a beguiling way to say? The towering Vivekananda Rock Memorial, tall and majestic against an azure backdrop? Or the scenic sunrises and sunsets that color the sky in ways you would have never believed possible?
Kanyakumari, a vibrant town on the coastal edge of India, where the imagination, the heritage, the traditions, the waves, and the glamorous sand beaches meet. It is a must see for any traveler at least once in a lifetime, for a unique experience, rich culture and placid views. Now, let’s start that journey and explore how to get to this magical city!
How to Reach Kanyakumari
By Air
If you’d rather zip through the air, flying is ideal. Kanyakumari doesn’t have an airport of its own, but fear not! Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) is the closest airport at a distance of under 90 kilometers. This airport is connected to most major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata.
– Delhi: Direct flight to Trivandrum (3-4 hours) You can find some great ticket deals for all these travel sites such as MakeMyTrip or ClearTrip
– From Mumbai: 1.5 to 2 hrs by a direct flight. You will then get a taxi or a bus from Trivandrum to Kanyakumari (around 2 hours drive).
– From Bangalore – You can take a flight of about 1.5 hours if you are flying from Bangalore and then you would have to drive down to Kanyakumari.
– ** From Chennai:** Flying from Chennai takes roughly 1 hour, one of the fastest ways you could visit this coastal jewel.
Once there, you can easily hit the roads north with abundant transport to choose from, from taxis to buses to even shared auto-rickshaws!
By Train
For those who are better suited to the rhythmic chugging of a train, Kanyakumari is well-connected by the Southern Railway network. There is good connectivity to major cities and towns in India, with the Kanyakumari Railway Station being a major junction, with trains running daily from multiple cities.
– From Chennai: Approximately 12-14 hours by train. Sleeper coaches are an ideal choice for a more comfortable experience!
– From Hyderabad: Depending on the train you can get to Chennai then to Kanyakumari by train: total 20-22 hours
– Kolkata: This takes longer, over 30 hours, but the countryside views are worth it.
– Bhubaneswar to Kolkata: Similar to above, you may have to change trains, it should take 27-29 hours.
However, for timings and bookings, sites like EaseMyTrip come in very handy.
By Road
And if you are one of those people who like to venture out for a road trip, Kanyakumari is well-connected through highways. Kanyakumari is connected to other major cities via National Highway 44 (NH44) and National Highway 66 (NH66).
– From Chennai: It’s about a 700 km drive that will take about 12-14 hours depending on traffic. The journey is embellished by lush green landscape and beautiful villages along the way.
– Distance from Bangalore – ~600 km | 10–11 hour drive Get ready for serpentine roads and stunning views!
– Thiruvanthapuram: Kanyakumari is some 90 km from and under 2 hours from the capital and a popular day trip for visitors.
Well, the real adventure begins when you reach Kanyakumari! Catch the sunrise at Kanyakumari Beach, where the sun rises on the horizon, showering golden rays on the waters. Visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and enjoy the peacefulness around this historic site. One more attraction is the Thiruvalluvar Statue which is built in honor of the ancient Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar and is 133 feet tall.
If you are looking for a spiritual experience, head to the ancient Kanyakumari temple dedicated to the goddess Kanyakumari. You will feel so much blissful here with the peaceful environment and waves hitting the rocks.
Maximum Your Kanyakumari Journey: Some Tips
- When to visit: The ideal time to visit Kanyakumari is between October to March, Its Climate is perfect for Sightseeing
- Pack Smart: Wear lightweight clothing and carry sunscreen and a hat. Kanyakumari has a torrid sun during the day.
- Stay Connected: A good internet connection is also crucial to threatening to do things in town and catching moments all over Instagram.
- Sample Local Food: Be sure to sample local specialties such as dosas, idlis, and seafood at local eateries. It’s a wild ride for your taste buds!
- Book in Advance: To prevent last-minute chaos, book your travel & accommodation using platforms like make my trip or clear trip.
For more specific information on how to travel to Kanyakumari and what to do there, great write-ups can be found on TripAdvisor and Thrillophilia.
So, what are you waiting for? So get ready for an amazing experience and pack your bags (and camera) to head on this memorable journey to Kanyakumari, where the land meets the sea and travelers to cliff diving!
For more Travel Guides, Stay Updated with Pathbeat.in
To explore audio tour guides and stories, visit the Pathbeat app
