Four hundred metres offshore is the rock where famous Hindu apostle Swami Vivekananda meditated from 25 to 27 December 1892, and decided to take his moral message beyond India’s shores. A two-mandapa 1970 memorial to Vivekananda reflects temple architectural styles from across India. The lower mandapa contains what's believed to be goddess Kumari's footprint. With the constant tourist crowds this brings, Vivekananda would no doubt choose somewhere else to meditate today. Ferries shuttle out to the rock (₹50 return).
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
19.65 MILES
With a forest’s worth of intricately carved rosewood ceilings and polished-teak beams, this labyrinthine palace, 35km northwest of Kanyakumari, near the…
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0.29 MILES
The legends say the kanya (virgin) goddess Kumari, a manifestation of the Great Goddess Devi, single-handedly conquered demons and secured freedom for the…
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1.04 MILES
Just 1km north of Kanyakumari, this peaceful ashram (offering a variety of yoga retreats) is the headquarters of spiritual organisation Vivekananda Kendra…
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0.08 MILES
Looking like an Indian Colossus of Rhodes, the towering statue on the smaller island next to the Vivekananda Memorial is of the ancient Tamil poet…
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Swami Vivekananda Wandering Monk Exhibition
0.41 MILES
In lovely leafy grounds, this excellent exhibition details Swami Vivekananda's wisdom, sayings, and encounters with the mighty and the lowly during his…
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1.04 MILES
In calming ashram grounds 1km north of town, this illustrated display takes you through major events in Vivekanada's life. It's included on your ticket to…
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1.04 MILES
This grand building with a golden roof houses an illustrated exhibit on the Ramayana, a room dedicated to Bharat Mata (India itself as the Mother Goddess)…
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0.28 MILES
Before visiting the Kumari Amman Temple, some worshippers immerse themselves in the bathing ghats that surround it.
Nearby Tamil Nadu attractions
0.08 MILES
Looking like an Indian Colossus of Rhodes, the towering statue on the smaller island next to the Vivekananda Memorial is of the ancient Tamil poet…
0.27 MILES
The shoreline around Kumari Amman Temple has a couple of bathing ghats where some worshippers immerse themselves.
0.28 MILES
Before visiting the Kumari Amman Temple, some worshippers immerse themselves in the bathing ghats that surround it.
0.29 MILES
The legends say the kanya (virgin) goddess Kumari, a manifestation of the Great Goddess Devi, single-handedly conquered demons and secured freedom for the…
0.36 MILES
Poignantly placed at the end of the nation that Gandhi fathered, this cream-coloured memorial takes the form of an Orissan (Odishan) temple. The central…
6. Swami Vivekananda Wandering Monk Exhibition
0.41 MILES
In lovely leafy grounds, this excellent exhibition details Swami Vivekananda's wisdom, sayings, and encounters with the mighty and the lowly during his…
0.41 MILES
This memorial near the shoreline commemorates K Kamaraj, the 'Gandhi of the South’. One of the most powerful and respected politicians of post…