Thengapattanam Beach, Kanyakumari

Thengapattanam Beach, Kanyakumari

Thengapattanam Beach is located in Thengapattanam, a coastal village in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu.  “Thengapattinam”, Thennaipattinam” and “Thenpattinam” are the other relevant names of this Village. It is called so because of the dense coconut groves found everywhere here, being located on the coast of Arabian sea, and sitting on the southern tip of India. The Valyar, a tributary of Kuzhithurai River known as Tamiraparani flows and merges with Arabian Sea here.

Thengapattanam has a long seashore with ferry services available. Thengapattanam is a major tourist attraction in the Kanyakumari district known for its sea, river, canal, paddy fields, Rocky Mountains and lush green groves. The merger of the Tamiraparani River here with the Arabian Sea is considered to be especially beautiful. This has also been used to describe the merger of the river with sea (estuary / firth) known as 'Pozhi" in local vernacular. As one of the few picnic spots in the district, the town contains tiny hill-tops where cool wind blows throughout the year.

It is one of the most fertile lands of the district with climatic conditions like the bordering state Kerala. With boat riding and backwater facilities, the beach serves as an important location for excursions and picnics. Situated on the west coast, Thengapattinam Beach has some historical relevance too. During ancient times, the coast was an important place for trade with foreign countries. Cargo services were available especially between Thengapattinam and Arabia. Dried coconut, dry fish, coir and shark fin were the main products that were exported.

The waters of the Thamiraparani River form an estuary in the sea here, adding to the scenic beauty of the place. At Thengapattinam Beach, you can take a catamaran or a boat ride in the waters of the estuary. This can be arranged through local fishermen. The shallow water of this beach is also ideal for swimming. There is a 1500 year old mosque in the vicinity of this beach, which is worth a visit. The beach with its white sand and calm waters is a perfect picnic spot with a backdrop of coconut trees that provides shade and comfort to visitors.

Thengapattanam Beach is located at about 14 Kms from Colachel, 21 Kms from Thuckalay, 12 Kms from Pariakal Beach, 14 Kms from Marthandam, 13 Kms from Kuzhithurai, 34 Kms from Nagercoil, 55 Kms from Kanyakumari and 52 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. This place is easily accessible by road. Buses travel from Thiruvananthapuram and Nagercoil to the beach frequently. Nearest Railway Station is located at Kuzhithurai (12 Kms) and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram (50 Kms).