Vivekananda Rock Memorial is situated on a small rocky island in the sea 500 m from the mainland of Vavathurai, Kanyakumari. The memorial can be reached by ferries that ply between the shore and the island. The ride along the high tides will be a new experience.
People who visit Kanyakumari make sure they visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial. The ferry tide to this place is a beautiful experience in itself. You will love the roaring of high tides while in the ferry and the silence of the crowd inside the meditation hall. It’s truly a holistic experience.
Vivekananda Rock Memorial Island is located in the sea at about 500 m from the mainland of Vavathurai in the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu. The nearest Railway Station is Nagercoil which is 16 kms away from the memorial. Buses, cabs and autos are available from the Railway Station to the Dock.
Vivekananda Rock Memorial was built in memory of Swami Vivekananda who attained enlightenment at this place. He is said to have meditated for around three years sitting on this rocky island. A small temple (Shree Paadham) is built at that spot and the footprint of goddess Parvathi (Hindu mythology) is worshipped by the visitors.
There is a boating dock for Vivekananda Memorial near Vavathurai Beach. To and fro tickets are available for INR 34 and INR 169. A Trip in the evening to view the sunset will be ideal. Since the boats are operated by the government, the rates for the ride are standard. The ferries pass through high tides and visitors get a different experience. There are two big rocks. The bigger rock houses the Vivekananda Memorial and Shree Paadham and the smaller one carries a huge Thiruvalluvar statue.
Ferries drop the visitors at the jetty of the Vivekananda Rock Memorial. Ferry ride is also available till Thiruvalluvar Statue. The memorial is a photographer’s delight. The view of the horizon is breathtaking. The mixing of Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean can be clearly seen from the Memorial Rock.