South India pilgrimage tour - Day two - Kanyakumari
Day 2
Sunrise @ Kanyakumari
Sunrise @ Kanyakumari
The sunrise point in Kanyakumari is the seashore! Can one ask for a better sunrise point? With the rise of the dawn, reddish orange hues line the skies above the sea making it a view to behold. The sun wakes up from his bed and gradually rises from behind the waters. The view is mesmerising, as it appears that the sun is virtually rising from the seabed. You are doused in a divine feeling.
Vivekananda Rock Memorial
After eating a scrumptious south Indian breakfast, we boarded a ferry to visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial. This is an iconic monument; built on a small rock island situated around 400 meters offshore. The geographic location of this monument and the beautiful architectural work that it ordains makes it a great tourist attraction. It was built in 1970 to commemorate Swami Vivekananda who is said to have attained enlightenment on the rock.
This monument is best visited in the morning to avoid long queues to board the ferry, the scorching heat and humid weather.
Swami Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue
Thiruvalluvar Statue
Standing not far from the Vivekananda Memorial, on another rock island is the 133 feet (40.6 m) tall humongous stone sculpture of the Tamil poet and philosopher Tiruvalluvar.
The entry to this monument is closed due to low tides but is clearly visible from Vivekananda Rock Memorial. You can take nice clicks of the statue from the ferry.
Suchindram Thanumalaya Swamy Temple
The Thanumalaya Temple, also called Sthanumalaya Temple is located in Suchindram, 11kms from Kanyakumari. The name Sthanumalaya denotes Trimurty. “Stanu” means Siva; “Mal” means Vishnu; “Aya” means Brahma. This place is a wonder as it enshrines Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh – the ‘Trimurty Swaroopam’ in one place.
This temple is also famous for Lord Anjaneya (Hanuman) statue, which is 22 feet (6.7 m) tall and is carved out of a single granite stone. It is one of the tallest statues of its type in India.
The dress code requires the men to enter the temple premises shirtless.
Wax Museum, 3D Art gallery and 9D movie
3D Art Gallery
The wax museum in Kanyakumari is worth a visit. The models here are artistically done. Though it cannot be compared to the standards of Madam Tussauds but is definitely praiseworthy.
The 3D art gallery is amazing. The 9D movie is a must watch. It is thrilling and is bound to leave you gasping for more.
The staffs are very helpful and polite. This place has not been advertised to its potential. If more weightage is laid on marketing, it is bound to draw a lot of crowd.
Post capturing the beauty of Kanyakumari, we were off to Rameswaram, by train.
P.S. Details of alluring temples of Rameswaram coming up next. Watch this space for more updates ☺
(Day 1 )
https://yourstory.com/read/cefef066e4-south-india-pilgrimage-tour-day-1-thiruvananthapuram
