Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Vivekananda rock memorial attracts lots of tourists every year; this rock serves to be a best spot for taking photos and overlook at the vast blue ocean. After a great struggle this memorial has been erected and now it stands majestically. This rock is located 500 meters away from the main land and can be reached only through ferries.

History:

On this rock Swami Vivekananda indulged in meditation and even goddess Kumari performed her austerity. So in order to pay tribute to Swami Vivekananda this memorial was built. This grand rock memorial was inaugurated in 1970. In the beginning, this rock was a bone of contention between both Christians and Hindu, both of them claiming the rock as theirs. Then after undergoing many hardships, this spectacular building was erected. Men from different parts of India were brought to construct this memorial. And so it is built in a collage of all temples in India.

Architecture:

Architecture of this memorial is highly praised by many, there is a main hall consisting of Vivekananda statue and a smaller hall with the foot prints of Swami. Both the halls are adorned with the statues of elephant and flowers. There is also a meditation hall attached to the main sanctum. This meditation hall has the best atmosphere and can make even highly tensed mind to calm down. There is also a book stall, with all books of Vivekananda. This place is fully surrounded by deep Blue Ocean and is a perfect spot to relax oneself. The ferry trip from the land to this rock is quite refreshing one. Adjacent to this rock memorial is Thiruvalluvar statue standing atop a small boulder. After visiting Vivekananda rock, you may take a look at Thiruvalluvar statue.

Specialty:

The Vivekananda Rock memorial is situated offshore near the popular Thiruvalluvar statue. The monument is a mix of traditional and conventional architectural style and a blend of West Bengal and Tamil Nadu style. The design at the entrance of this monument features the architectural style of the Ajanta and Ellora caves. The monument houses a life sized image of Swami Vivekananda made out of bronze. The rock on which the monument is built is known as 'Sripada' as it is believed to be blessed by the Devi Kanyakumari and is in the shape of a feet. The monument houses a meditation hall where one can go to meditate.

How To Reach:

By Air - The nearest airport to the monument is situated at a distance of 67 kilometers at Trivandrum.

By Rail - The nearest railway station is at a distance of 1 kilometers from the rock monument.

By Road - A number of public transports and taxis are available which you can avail to reach the Vivekananda dock road after which a ferry can be taken to reach the monument.