I made trip to Kanyakumari (’’KKfrom now) for a day in Dec 2003 and it was a profound experience. I travelled (alone) from Tirunelveli in TN which is around 150 km north of KK. As I was nearing KK, my excitement and nervousness grew more and more thinking I am closing in. The terrain too was such that everything seemed to converge at some ’’point’’ ahead as we were closing in. There were few mountains on both sides with few clouds and probably raining. It was so beautiful. Near Nagercoil there is huge project of windpower so one can see thousands of windmills which don’t corrupt the view atleast. When I got down from train my heart was throbbing to get a view of the vast endless sea and the statues there. I checked into a lodge and while climing the stairs, I got the first view and couldn’t wait to get closer. Soon, I was at there at the last few rocks of Indian Peninsula. I was so happy at that time that I called up home (in Delhi) to tell them. I simply sat there quitely for sometime sinking in the feeling.
After that I visited the Thiruvalluvar Statue who is a revered saint in TamilNadu and Vivekananda Rock Memorial which is just just few meters from the statue but no bridge. One has to get onto the boat again. The view from statue was breathtaking and probably from here only one could make out the three oceans, if at all as it is at slight elevation. I did not see any change in color of oceans which is generally said happens at some season. The statue itself is very grand and recently the statue saved lot of lives by shielding people when they got stuck on the statue during tsunami waves. Vivekananda rock memorial has a sanctorum and few temples and a meditation room. There is OM written at one of the walls and is very quite. Just sitting there for some time relaxes you a lot. For people in accord with Vivekananda Idelogy, this is a must visit. I too started formalizing my vision for truly great India as it as lying there in front of me and I was at the edge :-) Apart from this there is nothing much to do (I would say not required). There is a light house slightly away from tip which when in switched looks fabulous as it revolves. One more interesting this is to spot all the ’’last’’ things of indian peninsula like last house, last shop, last hotel and anything you fancy. I think last house is a ’’Kerala’’ Govt. guest house but not sure.
I could not witness surise because I had to catch a train at 6:40AM and sun was still not up and anyway to watch it there is a particular place which you will be able to located easily. For sunset huge crowds gather, probably ’’all’’ the tourist come out and place themselves strategically as I did by climbing View Point which is a circular tower with helix like ramp around it. You will be easily spot it. The view from there is unobstructed but mind you space is very limited. There are no words to describe the various hues of setting sun and the setting around. Surprisingly (though not 100% sure), there is no beach in KK even though surrounded by sea from three sides. Either it is the town or its the rocks sitting next water leaving no space for sand. Never mind, there are plenty of them littered around Kerala and TN and could fulfill it anywhere.
The accomodation is very limited in town so if you want a good accomodation book in advance which is still difficult to get in season Dec-Jan. There are various eateries providing all kinds of food. The place is really a mixture of all cultures and most of the localites understand hindi (!) due to constant interaction with people from all over India. KK is easily accessible from Trivandrum, Nagercoil and Tirunelveli by bus or train. There is Suchindram Fort which is an execursion point 10km from KK but I did not visit. There is one slight cons is that during season Dec-Jan its also the time for Sabrimala devotees to go on tour many of whom come to KK also all clad in black which makes the town more crowded and filthy as they stay in their transport vehicles and do ablutions in open.
Hope the review etices you to visit KK at the earliest. Thanks.