Your trip to Kanyakumari is incomplete without visiting the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, the most famous tourist attraction of the city. You can spend a few moments surrounded by tranquillity and spiritual vibes.
The same place where Swami Vivekananda attained enlightenment back in the year 1892. The memorial also has a meditation hall, Dhyan Mandapam, where you can meditate and experience pure bliss. Sunrise and sunset are even more beautiful when viewed from the memorial.
This statue was built in the year 1970 on the island of Vavathurai. Built on the site where Vivekananda attained enlightenment. The Shripada Mandapam has a study hall and a museum, where you can explore Vivekananda’s life and work in depth.
About Vivekananda Rock Memorial
The magnificent Vivekananda Rock Memorial is located on a small island off Kanyakumari. It has the picturesque Indian Ocean as its backdrop. It is on one of the two adjacent rocks. Projecting out of the Lakshadweep Sea and comprises the ‘Shripada Mandapam’ and the ‘Vivekananda Mandapam’.
Vivekananda Rock Memorial is located about 500 meters east of the mainland of Vavathurai. The Rock memorial can be accessed by regular ferries.
History
Historically, it is believed that Goddess Kanyakumari, is an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. She prayed to Lord Shiva proposing marriage in this region. This is why the region was named in her honor. Keeping with the mythological traditions, women from all parts of the country flock here. They offer prayers to find a suitable groom.
While Kanyakumari is mostly known to be a destination for pilgrims. The city has a lot more to offer than just being a spiritual getaway. The city will enthrall you with breath-taking views of sunrises and sunsets, the finest in the entire country. This makes for a perfect vacation for the ones looking out for serenity. If you are the more adventurous kind who likes to delve deep into a city’s culture. There are a lot of historical monuments and beautiful temples to explore.
When and How to Get There:
Kanyakumari experiences pleasant weather between October to February. It is known to be the best time for tourists to visit the coastal city. Filled with fun, adventure, and spirituality, this city has something in store for everyone.
The Vivekananda Rock Memorial is located 500 meters off the mainland. To get there, you need to take a 15-minute ferry ride from Kanyakumari. It operates from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. depending on the season. Standard tickets usually cost Rs 35. However, if you want to avoid the queue, you can purchase a premium ticket of Rs 169.
How to Reach Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari has a strong connection to the rest of the country through all modes of transportation.
By Air – Located 67 kilometers away, the Trivandrum International Airport is the nearest airport to Kanyakumari. All the major cities serve the airport with regular flights. It also has a connection to some of the Gulf countries. Tourists can hire a taxi from the airport to the city, which usually costs between Rs 1000 – Rs 1500.
By Road – A fleet of buses operates to and from Kanyakumari. They work under the Tamil Nadu and Kanyakumari Road Transport Corporation. Tourists can choose from different buses to reach the city from all major cities of Southern India.
By Train – Kanyakumari has a good connection to the rest of India through railways. The city has its own railhead where trains from major cities of the country stop. Apart from the Kanyakumari junction, the nearest railway station is Trivandrum Central. It has trains running to and from all parts of the country. Visitors can board a train to Kanyakumari Junction from Trivandrum Central or hire a taxi instead.
Eating Out in Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari has an abundance of tourist attractions and activities; however, no visit to the city is ever complete without having a true taste of South Indian cuisine. The city has numerous restaurants and eating joints that offer authentic and traditional food.
While in Kanyakumari, do not miss trying out Banana Chips, Kothu, Appam, and Aval. And other authentic dishes from conventional restaurants in the city. Being located in a coastal region, Kanyakumari offers a large variety of seafood.
Considering the huge number of pilgrims visiting the city, there is also an abundance of pure-vegetarian restaurants lined up. If you are not a fan of South Indian dishes, you can find numerous multi-cuisine restaurants. You can tickle your taste buds with their delicious gourmet food.
Nearby Places to visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial
1. Kanyakumari Beach
The picturesque Kanyakumari beach is one of the most popular places in the city. The confluence of the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea makes this beach like no other in the world. Enjoy breath-taking views of sunrises and sunsets set against a backdrop of the Vivekananda Memorial and the majestic Tiruvallur statue.
2. Thiruvalluvar Statue
Adjacent to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial is majestic. It is 133 feet high statue of Thiruvalluvar, a famous Tamil philosopher, and poet. You can also climb up the stairs through the base of the statue. At the top, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the ocean merging.
3. Muttom Beach
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to Muttom beach. The rugged beach is located 32 kilometers away from Kanyakumari. It is perfect for families and couples seeking peace and serenity.
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