When you think of Kanyakumari tourist places, one of the landmarks that comes to mind is the majestic Thiruvalluvar Statue in Kanyakumari. Standing tall at the southernmost tip of India, this iconic structure is not just a symbol of Tamil heritage but also a beacon of knowledge and cultural pride. As one of the most visited Kanniyakumari tourist places, the statue attracts tourists, history enthusiasts, and spiritual seekers alike.
Who Was Ayyan Thiruvalluvar?
Ayyan Thiruvalluvar, the revered Tamil poet and philosopher, is the author of the Thirukkural, a classic Tamil text consisting of 1,330 couplets. These couplets cover various aspects of life, including ethics, governance, love, and spirituality. Thiruvalluvar is considered one of the greatest literary figures in Indian history, and his work transcends religion, time, and region. The Thiruvalluvar Statue in Kanyakumari is a tribute to his immense contribution to literature and moral philosophy.
பகவன் முதற்றே உலகு
Akara muthala ezhuththellaam Aadhi
bagavan mudhattre ulaku
எழுத்துக்கள் எல்லாம் அகரத்தை அடிப்படையாக கொண்டிருக்கின்றன. அதுபோல உலகம் கடவுளை அடிப்படையாக கொண்டிருக்கிறது.
Just as the letter “அ” (A) is the foundation of all letters in the alphabet, so too is the (God) divine being the foundation and origin of all creation. This Kural emphasizes the divine as the ultimate beginning and source of everything.
Architectural Marvel
The statue stands at a height of 133 feet, symbolizing the 133 chapters of the Thirukkural. Designed by Indian sculptor Dr. V. Ganapati Sthapati, the statue was inaugurated on January 1, 2000. The sculpture is made of stone and concrete and showcases traditional Tamil architectural elements.
The pedestal is 38 feet high and represents the virtues of wealth and pleasure, while the statue itself stands 95 feet tall, symbolizing virtue, the highest of the three aims of life mentioned in the Thirukkural. Together, they emphasize the holistic vision of life proposed by Thiruvalluvar.
Location and Accessibility of Thiruvalluvar Statue
The Thiruvalluvar Statue in Kanyakumari is located on a small island adjacent to another major attraction, the Vivekananda Rock Memorial. You can reach the statue via a short boating ride from the Kanyakumari shore. The ferry service is operated by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) , Poompukar Shipping Corporation and offers a scenic and enjoyable experience of boating in Kanyakumari.
Birthplace of Thiruvalluvar
As with most other details about Valluvar, the exact place of his birth remains uncertain. Valluvar is believed to have lived in Madurai and later in the town of Mayilapuram or Thirumayilai. In 2005, a three-member research team from the Kanyakumari Historical and Cultural Research Centre (KHCRC) claimed that Valluvar was born in Thirunayanarkurichi, a village in present-day Kanyakumari district.
What to Expect in Thiuvalluvar Statue Kanniyakumari
Once you arrive at the island, a short climb leads you to the base of the statue. Although visitors are not allowed to climb up to the top of the statue, the base offers panoramic views of the ocean and the coastline, making it one of the most picturesque places to visit in Kanyakumari.
The statue’s location at the confluence of the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean adds to its spiritual and symbolic importance. During sunrise and sunset, the monument appears even more magnificent, bathed in the golden hues of nature.
Nearby Attractions
Visiting the Thiruvalluvar Statue is often part of a larger itinerary of Kanyakumari tourist places. Here are a few nearby attractions you shouldn’t miss:
Just a stone’s throw away, this memorial is dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, who meditated here before his famous address at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago.
Kanyakumari Beach
Known for its spectacular sunrise and sunset views, this beach is one of the most relaxing places to visit in Kanyakumari.
Bhagavathy Amman Temple
This ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Kumari Amman is a spiritual haven and one of the most important Kanniyakumari tourist places.
A relatively new addition, the Glass Bridge in Kanyakumari offers a thrilling walking experience above the sea with transparent floors. It provides panoramic views and is a perfect spot for photography.
Significance in Tamil Culture
The statue serves as a reminder of the rich literary and philosophical traditions of Tamil Nadu. It also acts as a cultural bridge that connects modern-day visitors with ancient wisdom. The presence of Ayyan Thiruvalluvar at the very tip of India symbolizes the far-reaching influence of Tamil culture.
Each year, Tamil scholars, literary enthusiasts, and tourists gather here to celebrate Thiruvalluvar Day, usually observed in January, honoring the poet’s life and teachings.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: October to March offers pleasant weather for sightseeing.
- Ferry Timings: Typically from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, but may vary depending on the weather.
- Footwear: Footwear is not allowed inside the statue complex.
- Photography: Allowed outside and on the ferry; restricted in some areas.
- Local Guides: Available for hire at the boat dock for more insight into the monument and nearby Kanniyakumari tourist places.
How to Reach
- By Air: The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport (about 90 km).
- By Train: Kanyakumari Railway Station is well-connected to major cities.
- By Road: Easily accessible by buses and taxis from nearby cities like Nagercoil, Trivandrum, and Madurai.
FAQ
What is the Thiruvalluvar Statue and why should I visit it?
The Thiruvalluvar Statue is a towering tribute to the celebrated Tamil poet-saint Valluvar, standing at India’s southern tip. It rises on a rocky islet where the Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean meet, creating breathtaking ocean views. This iconic landmark is one of the top Kanyakumari tourist places, attracting millions of visitors as a “must-visit” highlight of any Tamil Nadu trip. The statue’s sheer size and seaside setting (especially at sunrise or sunset) make it a photographer’s dream and a truly unforgettable sightseeing spot.
How tall is the Thiruvalluvar Statue, and what does its design represent?
The statue soars 133 feet high (about 41 meters). It’s actually a 95-foot tall figure of Valluvar standing on a 38-foot pedestal. Those numbers aren’t random – they match the 133 chapters of the Thirukkural, Valluvar’s classic Tamil text. The pedestal’s 38 feet symbolize the first book of virtue, and the statue’s 95 feet cover the remaining sections. For perspective, visitors can climb the 140 steps up to the statue’s feet for a close-up look, which is a fun way to appreciate its colossal scale.
How do I reach the Thiruvalluvar Statue?
Reaching the Thiruvalluvar Statue is easy and scenic. Kanyakumari town is well-connected: you can take trains (Kanyakumari has its own station, with Nagercoil nearby) or buses from Chennai, Madurai, Thiruvananthapuram and other cities
. The nearest airport is Trivandrum (about 76 km away)
. Once in Kanyakumari, head to the Poompuhar Shipping ferry point. The statue sits 400 meters off the coast, and regular ferries shuttle tourists to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial (usually stopping at the Thiruvalluvar Statue)
. It’s a short, scenic 5–10 minute boat ride – part of the fun of visiting this iconic coastal landmark.
Can i walk through glass bridge in Kanyakumari to Thiruvalluvar Statue?
. Opened in late 2024, this 77-meter-long transparent walkway connects the Vivekananda Rock Memorial to the Thiruvalluvar Statue
. Walking on it feels like strolling on water, with the ocean far below your feet. It’s India’s first sea-side glass bridge and offers panoramic views of the three seas and surrounding landscape, adding an exciting twist to the visit
. This unique attraction is already a highlight among Kanyakumari’s sights.
What other attractions are near the Thiruvalluvar Statue?
Back on the mainland, the Gandhi Memorial Mandapam, Kanyakumari Beach and the colorful Kumari Amman Temple are all just a short stroll away. Don’t miss watching the sunrise or sunset at this southernmost point – it’s where three oceans meet, and the views are unforgettable. Together, these sites make visiting the Thiruvalluvar Statue a rich cultural and scenic experience – truly among the best places to visit in Kanyakumari
