Vivekananda Rock Memorial

The mesmerizing Sea and enchanting mountains make Kanyakumari the perfect place for a complete break from the rat race. Kanyakumari is one of the favourite tourists spot in Tamil Nadu with lots of places to see around.

Specialty Of Gandhi Memorial

The Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Mandapam is one of the most prominent attractions in the picturesque town of Kanyakumari. It is a monument built in memory of the nation's father, Mahatma Gandhi, who visited the place twice, in 1925 and 1937. The Mandapam stands as a tribute to his legacy and contributions to India's independence.

Following the assassination of Gandhi in 1948, his ashes were brought to this place and made open for viewing by the people. Later, in a poignant gesture, his ashes were immersed in the Arabian Sea waters in a symbolic act representing Mahatma's deep relation with the country and its rivers.

Architecturally, the Mandapam is known for its style of Oriya design, especially its beautiful pillars and carvings, surrounded by a serenity that defines the place for spiritual purposes. A very interesting feature of this memorial is a circular hole at the top from which the ashes of Gandhi had been kept and on October 2nd each year, at his birthdate, the rays of the sun fall through it, lighting the spot and doing an excellent job in paying tributes to this man's strong spirit.

This memorial is open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., seven days a week, which allows it to be open for visitors of the place by the locals as well as tourists. Astonishingly, there is no charge to enter this great historical place; this gives every kind of individual a chance to come and pay homage to these principles of peace and non-violence propagated by Gandhi.

Never shall you withhold in your eyes something more beautiful than the blissful sunrise. Arising as a ball of golden fire from the depths of the ocean, it puts the water on flame only to be vanquished by the sunset in the evening. The sunrise in the morning to the sunset in the evening can be witnessed in Kanyakumari, the southernmost point of Tamil Nadu and India.

Sunrise and Sunset - Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari got its name from the divine goddess Devi Kanyakumari. It was said that many eons ago the Rakshasa Bana gained a boon from Lord Brahma that he shall only be killed by the hands of a virgin adolescent girl. Hence, he began wreaking havoc in the lands and drove the Devas out of the heavens.

Meanwhile goddess Bhagavathy (also known as goddess Parvati or Shakti) manifested herself to kill the Rakshasa and restore balance to the world. She was an ardent devotee of lord Shiva and after she came of age the Lord decided to marry her.

On the day of marriage the gods fearing that if the Devi were to be married she would not be able to kill the Asura (Rakshasa).

So they devised a plan to stop the wedding and managed to do so. Hence, the marriage did not take place. The Devi was angry at the way she was treated and destroyed everything she saw. It was at that time Bana came to set his eyes upon her. He approached the Devi with lust and she in her anger slaughtered Bana. The place where she killed Bana was Kanyakumari.

Thus came to be born the temple of Kanyakumari where devotees flock throughout the year. This place is also the only location in India where you can find both the sunrise and sunset view. Kanyakumari is also the point where the three oceans/seas, the Indian ocean, the Arabian sea and the Bay of Bengal meet. Hence the water is bluish-green in color there. This point is called as the “Triveni Sangam”.

The sunrise and sunset can be viewed clearly and in all its splendor from the Swami Vivekananda rock memorial. You cannot drive a car there as it is in the sea, so a ferry is available frequently to carry the passengers to the rock. The sight of the sun falling on the bluish-green waters and illuminating the ocean all around you is a view you won’t forget.

Kanyakumari tip is one of the most popular tourist places in India as the spot is haunted both by local and overseas tourists. The places that can be visited in Kanyakumari includes the 133 feet tall Thiruvalluvar statue, the Bhagavathy Amman temple, Mathur Aqueduct and the Vivekananda Rock Memorial.

When you go to the sunset point at the beach make sure you take your camera with you as it is a favorite hub for photographers and tourists alike.

Behold the stunning 133 feet statue of Thiruvalluvar beaming with pride. The sculpture is meticulously done to the extent that each feet of the statue represent one chapter in Thirukkural. This art is submitted to the veteran Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar.

Thiruvalluvar Statue - Kanyakumari

Thiruvalluvar is an immortal poet of Tamil literature and is well known to have written Thirukural. A memorial statue has been built in commemoration of this great poet at Kanyakumari near Swami Vivekananda Memorial. Though the work for the construction in the late 70s, still the complete work was completed only in the year 2000 and was opened for public view from January 1st.

The total height from the pedestal to the head of the statue is about 133 foot, which represents the overall chapters in Thirukural and the statue alone is about 95 foot and stands on a pedestal of 38 foot, which represents the 38 sub - chapters of “Virtue” in the book. There are many sculptures carved on the pedestal and even a few verses from the book can also be seen.

The Thiruvalluvar Statue is in honour of the prolific Tamil poet and philosopher and it is one of the famous places in Kanyakumari. Thiruvalluvar is the author of the Thirukkural, a classic Tamil book on ethics, morality, and wisdom written by Thiruvalluvar. The statue is a pilgrimage site as well as a popular tourist destination since it symbolizes the worldwide message of the Tirukkural and the spiritual and cultural qualities of the Tamil people. A marvel of human knowledge, the Tirukkural imparts lessons on moral perfection and living virtuously. Kanyakumari is a city that boasts beautiful natural scenery in addition to its famous monuments.

The statue is not only a tourist attraction, but also a pilgrimage site, as it represents the spiritual and cultural values of the Tamil people, and the universal message of the Tirukkural.