THIRUVALLUVAR
STATUE:
The
Thiruvalluvar Statue in Kanyakumari stands as a towering homage to the revered
Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar, author of the Thirukkural, an ancient
Tamil text on morality and ethics. This monumental statue, unveiled on January
1, 2000, was sculpted by the esteemed Indian sculptor V. Ganapati Sthapati, who
also designed the Iraivan Temple. The statue's impressive height of 133 feet
(41 meters) symbolizes the 133 chapters of the Thirukkural. Specifically, the
95-foot (29-meter) figure of Thiruvalluvar stands atop a 38-foot (12-meter)
pedestal, representing the 38 chapters dedicated to virtue in the Thirukkural.
The statue's right hand, with three fingers pointing skyward, signifies the
three themes of the Thirukkural: Aram (virtue), Porul (wealth), and Inbam
(love). This thoughtful design embodies the essence of Thiruvalluvar's
teachings, emphasizing that wealth and love should be pursued on the foundation
of virtue.
The construction of this
colossal statue was a significant engineering feat, involving the assembly of
numerous stone blocks weighing a total of 7,000 tons. Situated at the
southernmost tip of the Indian peninsula, where the Arabian Sea, the Bay of
Bengal, and the Indian Ocean converge, the statue's location adds to its
symbolic significance. Visitors can access the statue via ferry services, which
also provide passage to the nearby Vivekananda Rock Memorial. The Thiruvalluvar
Statue not only honors the legacy of a great Tamil scholar but also serves as a
beacon of Tamil culture and literature, attracting tourists and scholars from
around the world.
The Thiruvalluvar Statue
in Kanyakumari is open to visitors daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, including
Sundays and Mondays. There are no weekly off days; however, it's advisable to
check for any changes in timing during public holidays or special events.
OPENING AND CLOSING TIME/ LAST WEBSITE UPDATE
DETAILS 14/04/2025:
MONDAY 08:00 am -
04:00 pm
TUESDAY 08:00 am -
04:00 pm
WEDNESDAY 08:00 am - 04:00 pm
THURSDAY 08:00 am - 04:00
pm
FRIDAY 08:00 am -
04:00 pm
SATURDAY 08:00 am - 04:00
pm
Sunday 08:00 am - 04:00
pm
ENTRY TICKET
PRICING/TIME REQUIRED: 1-2 HRS.
ADULT: ₹ 20
CHILD: ₹ 10
FERRY RIDE/PER PERSON: ₹34
SPECIAL FERRY TICKETS: ₹169
STILL CAMERA: ₹ 10
VIDEO CAMERA: ₹ 50
HOW TO REACH
THIRUVALLUVAR STATUE, KANYAKUMARI:
BY AIR: The closest airport to Kanyakumari is
Trivandrum International Airport, approximately 90 kilometers away. From the
airport, visitors can either take a taxi directly to Kanyakumari or opt for a
train or bus to reach the town. The journey by road takes around 2 to 2.5
hours, offering scenic views of the southern coastline.
BY TRAIN: Kanyakumari is well-connected by railways
to major Indian cities like Chennai, Madurai, Trivandrum, and Bangalore. The
nearest railway station is Kanyakumari Railway Station, located just around 1.5
km from the ferry terminal. Upon arrival, you can easily hire an auto-rickshaw
or even walk to the ferry boarding point near the shore.
ROAD
CONNECTIVITY AND BUS OPTIONS: Kanyakumari
is well connected by road with all major cities in Tamil Nadu and neighboring
Kerala. Government and private bus services operate regularly from cities like
Madurai, Nagercoil, Tirunelveli, and Trivandrum. The Kanyakumari Bus Stand is
around 2.2 km from the ferry dock, with local autos available for the last
stretch.
FERRY
SERVICE TO THIRUVALLUVAR STATUE: To
reach the statue, you must take a ferry from the mainland jetty, which also
stops at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial. The ferry operates between 8:00 AM and
4:00 PM, depending on weather conditions. Standard and premium (queue-skip)
tickets are available. The short boat ride offers great views of the confluence
of the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean.
EXPLORING
THE STATUE AND SURROUNDINGS: Once
on the island, visitors can explore the towering 133-foot Thiruvalluvar Statue,
admire the ocean views, and walk over to the adjacent Vivekananda Rock
Memorial. As of late 2024, a glass bridge has been introduced, allowing
visitors to walk between the two monuments without needing to re-board the
ferry a new and exciting addition.
BEST TIME
AND TIPS FOR VISITING: The ideal time to visit is between
October and February when the weather is cooler and the sea is calmer. It’s
best to visit early in the morning to avoid long queues and crowds. Wear comfortable
shoes, carry water, and don’t forget your camera to capture the panoramic
seascape.
ADDRESS:
THIRUVALLUVAR STATUE
NEAR VIVEKANANDA PURAM
KANYAKUMARI, TAMIL NADU
– 629702
CONTACT: Tamil
Nadu Tourism Office Chennai: +91 44 2538 3333
Tamil Nadu Tourism
Office Kanyakumari: +91 4652 246276/+91 4652 246257
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