Nestled in Tamil Nadu, Kanyakumari aka Cape Comorin is the southern most tip of the main land of India. One of the popular spot of this coastal town is the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean. The sunrise and sunset of Kanyakumari are considered to be one of the most beautiful sights; nature lovers and photographers flock to this place to witness it.
1. Vivekananda Rock Memorial
About 500 meters east off Vavathurai, lies the impressive Vivekananda Rock Memorial. It was built in honour of Swami Vivekananda who meditated here and attained enlightenment. This colossal monument houses a Meditation Hall and an Assembly Hall with a statue of Swami Vivekananda. You can take a ferry to reach this memorial.
Opening hours: 7am to 5pm.
2. Statue of Thiruvalluvar
Statue of Thiruvalluvar is close to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial. Standing tall, this 133 feet stone
sculpture is dedicated to the renowned Tamil poet and philosopher, Tiruvalluvar. It was designed by temple architect, Dr. V. Ganapati Sthapati. This monument was completed in 9 years; it was open to the public in 2000. Ferry service is available to access this statue.
Opening hours: 9am to 4pm.
3. Mayapuri - Wonder Wax
Get your creative juices flowing at the Mayapuri - Wonder Wax. It will take you around 5 minutes to reach this place from the Statue of Thiruvalluvar. It entertains the visitors by the 3D Interactive Art Museum, Wax Gallery and 9D Dynamic Theatre. Click a selfie with the wax statues of various celebrities, take pictures by posing in front of 3D Drawings and have loads of fun at the 9D Dynamic Theatre.
Ticket price: Adults Rs 160, children Rs 150.
Opening hours: 8am to 8pm.
4. Gandhi Mandapam
Approximately 10 minutes from the Mayapuri - Wonder Wax lies the Gandhi Mandapam. This memorial building was constructed in honour of Mahatma Gandhi who visited this place in 1925 and 1937. It is built on the seashore where his ashes were kept before their immersion in the sea. Adorned with the Orrisa style of architecture, this mandapam is 79 feet high. Treat your eyes to the panoramic view of the ocean from the roof of this memorial.
Opening hours: 7am to 7pm.
5. Thanumalayan Temple
Located at a distance of around 30 minutes from Gandhi Mandapam, you can visit the Thanumalayan Temple aka Sthanumalayan Temple in Suchindram. Here, you’ll see the main deity in a single form called Sthanumalyam, believed to be the combination of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma. Popular for its architecture and musical pillars, this 17th-century temple is a crowd-puller. It attracts large number of devotees during the 10-day Car Festival which is celebrated between December and January. Temple cars are basically the wooden chariots which carry the idols of gods, similar to Odisha’s
Ratha Yatra.
Opening hours: 4am to 1pm, 4 pm to 8pm.
Best time to visit
October to February when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.
How to reach here
By flight: Nearest Airport, Trivandrum International Airport.
Author : Vijaylaxmi Thakur
