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Vivekananda Memorial – 1 km SE
The Vivekananda Rock Memorial is dedicated in honour of Swami Vivekananda’s visit to the rock in December 1892. Located about 500 metres off the mainland, the memorial was built in 1970. It has two main structures, the Vivekananda Mandapam and Sripada Mandapam with a Dhyana Mandapam (meditation hall) for visitors. There is a regular ferry service from the mainland to the island on all days of the week except Tuesdays.
Thiruvalluvar Statue – 1 km SE
The Thiruvalluvar statue is a tribute to the saint-poet Thiruvalluvar who was the author of ‘Thirukkural’, a treatise in Tamil on the Indian way of life. The 95 feet (29m) statue stands atop a pedestal measuring 38 feet (11.5m) and is located about 400 m from the shore on a minor rock formation adjoining the Vivekananda Rock Memorial.
Kumariamman Temple – 1 km SE
The Kumari Amman temple dedicated to Devi Kanya who was an avatar of Goddess Parvati overlooks the shoreline. Devi Kanya Kumari, the Virgin Goddess who guards the shores of the country against evils is the chief deity of the temple. The deity has a diamond on her nose ring which is supposed to be visible even from the sea.
Gandhi Mandapam - <1 km SE
The Gandhi Mandapam is built on the spot where the urn containing the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi was kept for public viewing before the ashes were immersed in the sea. Built in 1952, the memorial is designed such that on Gandhiji’s birthday, October 2nd, the first rays of the sun fall on the exact place where the ashes were kept.
Baywatch Water Theme Park – 2 kms NW
Baywatch Kanyakumari is a modern water theme amusement park with a range of joy rides that have water based themes as well as regular amusement joy rides. The theme park also has special swimming pools for children. One of the unique attractions of the park is the Wax museum with wax statues created by expert sculptors.
Suchindram Temple – 14 kms NW
The Suchindram temple dedicated to a deity who represents the three Gods, Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma has several attractions. These include the beautiful gopuram (tower), musical pillars and carvings which depict stories from the epics Ramyanam and Mahabharatam. The 1035 musical pillars which are cut out of a single rock create various musical notes when tapped.
Padmanabhapuram Palace – 40 kms NW
Padmanabhapuram Palace situated at Thuckalay is famous for its 17th and 18th century murals, carved mahogany ceiling, coloured mica windows and secret underground passages. The black shiny floors of the palace are made from a unique combination of egg white, jaggery, lime, burnt coconut, charcoal, and river sand. The majestic old palace is built in the Travancore style of architecture.
Thirparappu Water Falls – 60 kms NW
The Thirparappu waterfalls offer a spectacular view of water cascading down rocks and a wonderful option to unwind with the entire family. The falls descends from the Kodayar River and falls from a height of nearly 50 feet (15m) with the water flowing about seven months in a year. The District Administration has also recently constructed a swimming pool near the falls.
Mathur Aqueduct – 60 kms NW
The Mathur Aqueduct is built over the Pahrali River also known as Parazhiyar. Constructed in 1966, the aqueduct takes its name from Mathur which is a small hamlet near the aqueduct. It is one of the longest and highest aqueducts in South Asia with a height of 115 feet and about one kilometre in length. One can view the hills of the Western Ghats and the meandering Pahrali River from the centre of the aqueduct. |
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