7 Amazing Places to Visit Near Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari is a beautiful coastal town, but if you have extra time, why not explore the amazing places nearby? From historic temples to scenic beaches and offbeat road trips, there are plenty of incredible destinations just a short drive or train ride away.

If you're looking for a quick getaway, here are 7 best places to visit near Kanyakumari!

1️⃣ Rameshwaram – The Spiritual Island 🛕🌊

Why visit?

• Home to the famous Ramanathaswamy Temple with 1,000 intricately carved pillars.
• Known for the Pamban Bridge, India’s first sea bridge.
• The Dhanushkodi Ghost Town offers a mysterious and scenic adventure.

📍 Distance from Kanyakumari: 310 km
🚗 How to Reach: 6-hour drive or take a train from Kanyakumari to Rameshwaram.
⏳ Best Time to Visit: October – March

2️⃣ Madurai – The City of Temples 🏛️

Why visit?

• Famous for the Meenakshi Amman Temple, a stunning historic marvel.
• Rich in Tamil culture and heritage, with bustling markets and food streets.
• Visit the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace for its grand Indo-Saracenic architecture.

📍 Distance from Kanyakumari: 245 km
🚗 How to Reach: 4-hour drive or take a direct train from Kanyakumari.
⏳ Best Time to Visit: October – March

3️⃣ Trivandrum – The Capital of Kerala 🌴🏖️

Why visit?

• Explore the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of the richest temples in the world.
• Visit the Napier Museum and Shanghumugham Beach.
• Enjoy Kerala’s lush greenery and authentic South Indian cuisine.

📍 Distance from Kanyakumari: 95 km
🚗 How to Reach: 2-hour drive or take a train from Kanyakumari to Trivandrum.
⏳ Best Time to Visit: September – March

4️⃣ Kovalam – Kerala’s Beach Paradise 🏝️

Why visit?

• Home to Lighthouse Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in India.
• Perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
• Famous for Ayurvedic massage centers and luxury resorts.

📍 Distance from Kanyakumari: 80 km
🚗 How to Reach: 2-hour drive from Kanyakumari.
⏳ Best Time to Visit: October – April

5️⃣ Tiruchendur – A Temple by the Sea 🏖️🛕

Why visit?

• Home to the Tiruchendur Murugan Temple, one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan.
• Located right on the seashore, creating a unique and spiritual ambiance.
• A perfect destination for religious travelers and beach lovers.

📍 Distance from Kanyakumari: 90 km
🚗 How to Reach: 2-hour drive or take a train from Kanyakumari to Tiruchendur.
⏳ Best Time to Visit: November – March

6️⃣ Dhanushkodi – The Ghost Town by the Sea 🌊👻

Why visit?

• An abandoned town destroyed by a cyclone in 1964, now a mystical and scenic spot.
• Drive on the famous Dhanushkodi Beach Road, with the ocean on both sides.
• Visit Adam’s Bridge (Ram Setu), a legendary structure believed to be built by Lord Rama.

📍 Distance from Kanyakumari: 320 km
🚗 How to Reach: 7-hour drive from Kanyakumari, or take a train to Rameshwaram and then a cab to Dhanushkodi.
⏳ Best Time to Visit: October – March

7️⃣ Best Road Trips from Kanyakumari 🚗

If you love long drives, Kanyakumari is the perfect starting point for some scenic road trips.

🚗 Kanyakumari to Rameshwaram (310 km)

• Pass through coastal roads, scenic bridges, and small villages.
• Visit the Pamban Bridge and Dhanushkodi.

🚗 Kanyakumari to Madurai (245 km)

• A cultural road trip filled with temples, markets, and delicious Tamil cuisine.

🚗 Kanyakumari to Trivandrum & Kovalam (95 km)

• A short but beautiful drive along the Kerala coastline, ending at Kovalam Beach.

💡 Travel Tips for Exploring Places Near Kanyakumari

✅ Plan your transport – Some places are best reached by train, while others require a road trip.
✅ Book accommodation in advance – If you plan to stay overnight, book your hotels early to get the best deals.
✅ Start early for road trips – Enjoy the morning scenery and avoid traffic.
✅ Pack light & carry essentials – Keep water, snacks, and sunscreen handy, especially for long trips.

👉 Related Read: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Kanyakumari

🚀 Final Thoughts

If you're in Kanyakumari and have extra time, don’t miss out on these amazing destinations nearby! Whether you're visiting spiritual sites, relaxing on beaches, or going on scenic road trips, there’s something for every traveler.

📢 Which place near Kanyakumari are you excited to explore? Let us know in the comments! 😊

👉 Related Articles:

• The Ultimate Travel Guide to Kanyakumari
• Best Time to Visit Kanyakumari