Vivekananda Memorial Rock To Thiruvalluvar Statue, Top Places To Visit In Kanyakumari

Kumari Amman Temple is another great place to visit in Kanyakumari.

Kanyakumari is the southernmost point of the Indian mainland. Belonging in the state of Tamil Nadu, the place holds a huge historical significance. The district got its official name from Kumari Amman temple, a 3,000-year-old temple devoted to Devi Kanya Kumari. Kanyakumari district is considered as the second most urbanised place in the southern state after Chennai. Let us look at the popular tourist places to visit in Kanyakumari.

Vivekananda Memorial Rock

In the 19th century, Swami Vivekananda showcased India’s spirituality in front of the world at the Parliament of World’s Religions held in Chicago. The memorial was built in 1970 to honour Swami Vivekananda for his works. It is believed that Swami Vivekananda attained enlightenment while meditating on this rock. Some experts also claim that goddess Kanyakumari prayed to lord shiva on this rock. The rock also has a preserved portion which is said to have the goddess’s feet imprinted on it. The rock is placed in a position where the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea meet making it a picturesque place for visitors.

Padmanabhapuram Palace

The palace is located in Padmanabhapuram of the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu. The palace tells the story of the great historical Travancore era, which is believed to be the oldest palace in India. This place was the ruling capital of the historical Hindu kingdom of Travancore. Named after the Lotus that comes out of the Naval of Lord Vishnu, this historical place was built by Ravipillai Ravivarma Kulasekhara Perumal of Travancore Kingdom. The place is maintained by the Government of Kerala.

Kumari Amman Temple

This temple is the house of Goddess Devi Kanya Kumari. Considered the most sacred place in Southern India, the temple was built during the reign of the Pandya dynasty. This place is regarded as one of the 108 Shakti Peethas. With a history of over 3000 years, this temple stands as an example of India’s rich culture and spirituality.

Gandhi Memorial Mandapam

The Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi visited the historical district of Kanyakumari, in 1925 and 1937. After his demise in 1948, the ashes were divided into 12 different urns and were transported to different parts of the country. One such urn is kept in this place, to pay homage to the great man for his sacrifices that brought Independence to the country. The main tower of the memorial has a height of 79 feet, which symbolically explains the age of Mahatma Gandhi at the time of his death.

Thiruvalluvar Statue

This statue in Kanyakumari has always been a must-see destination for all tourists. The statue stands at a height of 133 ft making it visible from kilometers away. The Thiruvalluvar Statue was built in remembrance of the great Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar. Built on, January 1, 2000, by the then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu M Karunanidhi this statue stands as a tall example of the state’s rich culture and literary heritage.