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See Three Oceans Unite at Thiruvalluvar Statue in Kanyakumari, India
The Experience
Kanyakumari, or Cape Comorin, as it was formerly known, is a quaint little town in the southernmost tip of the Indian sub-continent. The confluence of the three seas—the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean at Kanyakumari—make it a unique geographic location. The Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the gigantic Thiruvalluvar statue located on two rocky islets just off the shore are the major tourist spots in Kanyakumari.
Kanyakumari has been named after the virgin goddess, Kumari Amman. Legend has it that Lord Shiva did not turn up at his wedding with Kanya Devi, an avatar of Parvati. The grains kept for the wedding feast are supposed to have turned into stones over the years, and locals even believe that the small ricelike stones on the shore are indeed grains from this cancelled wedding. A temple dedicated to this virgin goddess is located on the sea shore, and while visiting this temple, you should keep in mind that males can enter the premises only with bare torsos as a mark of respect to the deity.
The Thiruvalluvar statue, situated on a rocky islet off the shore, is one of the biggest statues in Asia. Dedicated to the Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar, the 133- foot statue has been carved out of many rocks and then joined together, and its height corresponds to the 133 chapters of Thiruvalluvar’s epic: Thirukkural. A breathtaking view awaits the visitors of this islet.
Another popular location for pilgrims and tourists alike is the Vivekananda Rock. It is believed that Swami Vivekananda meditated on this rock for three days. Situated around 100 metres from the sea shore, this rock has two Mandaps (or halls) along with a tall statue of Swami Vivekananda. While one Mandap is dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, the second one contains a rock with a foot-shaped carving. According to Hindu mythology, this is the footprint of the virgin goddess. The adjoining meditation room allows visitors to meditate.
While at Kanyakumari, be sure to visit the Church of Our Lady of Ransom, dedicated to Mother Mary. This 100-year-old church is situated on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. Built in Gothic style, this church has three spires, stained-glass windowpanes and a 153-foot-high Central Tower, and the highlight is a cross made of pure gold atop the Central Tower.
A colourful 10-day carnival is held every year in the second week of December.
Another spot on the must-see list is The Gandhi Memorial, dedicated to the Father of the Nation. This memorial is built on the spot where Gandhiji’s ashes were kept for public viewing before being immersed in the sea. Specially engineered, the spot where Gandhiji’s ashes were kept will receive Sun’s rays through a hole in the roof only on his birthday, October 2nd every year.
Kanyakumari has been named after the virgin goddess, Kumari Amman. Legend has it that Lord Shiva did not turn up at his wedding with Kanya Devi, an avatar of Parvati. The grains kept for the wedding feast are supposed to have turned into stones over the years, and locals even believe that the small ricelike stones on the shore are indeed grains from this cancelled wedding. A temple dedicated to this virgin goddess is located on the sea shore, and while visiting this temple, you should keep in mind that males can enter the premises only with bare torsos as a mark of respect to the deity.
The Thiruvalluvar statue, situated on a rocky islet off the shore, is one of the biggest statues in Asia. Dedicated to the Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar, the 133- foot statue has been carved out of many rocks and then joined together, and its height corresponds to the 133 chapters of Thiruvalluvar’s epic: Thirukkural. A breathtaking view awaits the visitors of this islet.
Another popular location for pilgrims and tourists alike is the Vivekananda Rock. It is believed that Swami Vivekananda meditated on this rock for three days. Situated around 100 metres from the sea shore, this rock has two Mandaps (or halls) along with a tall statue of Swami Vivekananda. While one Mandap is dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, the second one contains a rock with a foot-shaped carving. According to Hindu mythology, this is the footprint of the virgin goddess. The adjoining meditation room allows visitors to meditate.
While at Kanyakumari, be sure to visit the Church of Our Lady of Ransom, dedicated to Mother Mary. This 100-year-old church is situated on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. Built in Gothic style, this church has three spires, stained-glass windowpanes and a 153-foot-high Central Tower, and the highlight is a cross made of pure gold atop the Central Tower.
A colourful 10-day carnival is held every year in the second week of December.
Another spot on the must-see list is The Gandhi Memorial, dedicated to the Father of the Nation. This memorial is built on the spot where Gandhiji’s ashes were kept for public viewing before being immersed in the sea. Specially engineered, the spot where Gandhiji’s ashes were kept will receive Sun’s rays through a hole in the roof only on his birthday, October 2nd every year.
When to Go to Thiruvalluvar Statue
The ferry service to the Thiruvalluvar statue starts at 7.30 a.m and ends at 4.00 p.m. as nobody is allowed on the rock after sunset. Due to its unique geographic location, Kanyakumari offers spectacular views of the sunrise and sunset together from October 15 to March 15. However, this phenomenon can be viewed throughout the year on full moon days from a nearby hill called Murugan Kundram.
The nearest international airport is at Thiruvananthapuram. From here, it will take around two hours to reach Kanyakumari by road. Taxi fares start as cheap as $22, and Kanyakumari is also well connected by rail from nearby cities; and auto rickshaws are available for sightseeing in and around Kanyakumari.
The nearest international airport is at Thiruvananthapuram. From here, it will take around two hours to reach Kanyakumari by road. Taxi fares start as cheap as $22, and Kanyakumari is also well connected by rail from nearby cities; and auto rickshaws are available for sightseeing in and around Kanyakumari.
Odds n' Ends
A number of small shops in and around Kanyakumari sell knickknacks ranging from straw hats, conches, sea shells and hair bands and clips made of coconut shells. It is even possible to get a customized conch with your name inscribed from these quaint little shops. However, steer clear of shops selling electronics items as their quality is questionable.
Kanyakumari will be heavily crowded during December and January, hence it is recommended not to visit during this period.
Bathing is not allowed in most parts of the beach on account of powerful ocean waves, and be sure to avoid the fresh juice stalls as these are not always clean and can cause water-borne diseases. Bottled drinks or tender coconut would be a safer option.
Kanyakumari will be heavily crowded during December and January, hence it is recommended not to visit during this period.
Bathing is not allowed in most parts of the beach on account of powerful ocean waves, and be sure to avoid the fresh juice stalls as these are not always clean and can cause water-borne diseases. Bottled drinks or tender coconut would be a safer option.
Places to Stay Nearby
Search over 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants. Book via Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline and the websites of popular hotel chains.
Established in 1992, Hotel Samudra is situated very close to Kanyakumari Bagavathy Amman temple, Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Tiruvalluvar statue . The specialty of Hotel ... 0 miles away
$950 INR+
Established in 2002. Hotel Seaview is the 3 Star Category hotel from the Sangam Group of Hotels. It is the only star hotel which functions ... 0 miles away
$4780 INR+
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