VIVEKANANDA
ROCK MEMORIAL:
Perched majestically on a rocky islet approximately 500 meters off the
coast of Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, the Vivekananda Rock Memorial stands as a
monumental tribute to Swami Vivekananda, one of India's most revered spiritual
leaders. Inaugurated in 1970, this memorial not only commemorates the swami's
profound meditative journey but also embodies the confluence of India's rich
cultural and architectural heritage. The genesis of this sacred edifice is
rooted in the belief that in December 1892, Swami Vivekananda swam across the
treacherous waters to this very rock, where he meditated intensely for three
days and nights. It is during this period of deep contemplation that he is said
to have envisioned a rejuvenated India, culminating in his resolve to participate
in the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago in 1893. This pivotal
moment not only marked a turning point in Vivekananda's life but also
positioned India on the global spiritual map. The rock itself holds deeper
historical and mythological significance; local legends purport that Goddess
Kanyakumari performed penance on this rock, further elevating its sanctity in
the Hindu tradition.
The architectural brilliance of the Vivekananda Rock Memorial is a
harmonious amalgamation of diverse Indian temple styles, symbolizing the unity
in diversity that India epitomizes. The complex comprises two primary
structures: the Vivekananda Mandapam and the Shripada Mandapam. The Vivekananda
Mandapam serves as a meditation hall (Dhyana Mandapam), inviting visitors into
a serene space designed for introspection and spiritual communion. Its design
intricately weaves elements from various Indian architectural schools, creating
a tapestry that reflects the nation's multifaceted heritage. Adjacent to it,
the Shripada Mandapam enshrines a revered footprint, believed to be that of the
Goddess Kanyakumari, further intertwining the memorial with the region's
mythological tapestry. The journey to this spiritual haven is facilitated by
regular ferry services that transport visitors across the shimmering waters,
offering panoramic vistas of the Laccadive Sea's embrace of the Bay of Bengal,
the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea. This geographical confluence mirrors the
memorial's philosophical essence of unity amidst diversity. The establishment
of the memorial was a monumental endeavor, championed by Eknath Ranade and
supported by a collective national effort, symbolizing a unified tribute to
Swami Vivekananda's enduring legacy and his vision for an awakened and
harmonious India.
OPENING AND CLOSING TIME:
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/LAST WEBSITE UPDATE 12/04/2025:
ADULT: ₹ 20
CHILD: ₹ 10
FERRY RIDE/PER PERSON: ₹34
SPECIAL FERRY TICKETS: ₹169
STILL CAMERA: ₹ 10
VIDEO CAMERA: ₹ 50
HOW TO REACH
VIVEKANANDA ROCK MEMORIAL IN KANYAKUMARI:
BY TRAIN: Kanyakumari
is well-connected by rail to major cities across India. The Kanyakumari Railway
Station is approximately 1 km from the ferry point.
BY AIR: The
nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, about 90 km away. You can hire a taxi or take a bus to Kanyakumari from there.
BY ROAD: Regular
bus services operate from nearby cities like Trivandrum, Madurai, and
Nagercoil.
REACHING THE
VIVEKANANDA ROCK MEMORIAL:
The Vivekananda Rock Memorial is situated on a rocky islet approximately
500 meters off the coast of Kanyakumari.
FERRY
SERVICES: Regular ferries operate from the mainland to the memorial between 8:00
AM and 4:00 PM. The standard ferry ticket costs ₹34 per person, with an
additional ₹20 entry fee to the memorial. Special tickets are available for
₹169 to avoid waiting in queues.
GLASS
BRIDGE: As of December 30, 2024, a glass bridge connects the Vivekananda Rock
Memorial to the Thiruvalluvar Statue, offering a unique pedestrian route between
the two landmarks.
VIVEKANANDA ROCK MEMORIAL & VIVEKANANDA KENDRA
JETTY, KANYAKUMARI, TAMIL NADU, 629702, INDIA
GENERAL INQUIRIES: +91 4652 247012
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