THIRUVALLUVAR STATUE

The Thiruvalluvar Statue stands at the southern tip of India. It is a tribute to the Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar and his works. This impressive structure towers 133 feet high and is a sight to behold in Kanyakumari. The Statue was designed by Dr. V. Ganapati Sthapati and completed in 1999. It was unveiled to the public on the first day of the year 2000.

The Statue is a marvel made up of 3681 carved stones. It is also a symbol of the poet's teachings from the Tirukkural, his legendary work on life's virtues.Thiruvalluvar Statue is perched on a 38-foot pedestal. Each foot of the Statue symbolises the 133 chapters of the Tirukkural. They also reflect Thiruvalluvar's insights into ethical living. Surrounding the Statue, there are ten elephant sculptures. These sculptures represent the eight directions, along with the earth and space down. You can get to this iconic monument by a ferry ride, which offers a unique blend of cultural and scenic beauty. Located close to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, the Thiruvalluvar Statue is a must-visit attraction. It also offers beautiful views of the seas, along with a dive into Tamil literary heritage.

Highlights

• Take a ferry ride to the Thiruvalluvar Statue, located on a small island at the southernmost tip of the Indian Peninsula.
• Marvel at the 133-foot-tall Thiruvalluvar Statue, which honours Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar.
• Stand before the 38-foot pedestal that represents the foundational virtues in Thiruvalluvar's teachings.
• Admire the 10 elephant sculptures surrounding the Statue, representing the eight directions.
• Gaze upon the Statue's three fingers pointing skyward, signifying virtue, wealth, and love.

How To Reach

Gaze upon the Statue's three fingers pointing skyward, signifying virtue, wealth, and love.

• By Ferry: Take a ferry from Vivekananda Puram on the Kanyakumari mainland. It is around 400 metres away from the Statue. The ferry will stop at the Thiruvalluvar Statue on the way to Vivekananda Rock Memorial. The journey will take around 15 minutes.
• By Bus: You can also take a ride on state or private buses to the Kanyakumari Bus Stand in Puthugramam. It is located 2.2 kilometres from Vivekananda Puram, from where the ferry operates to the Statue. Buses operate from major cities like Madurai, Coimbatore, Chennai, Puducherry and Thiruvananthapuram.
• By Train: Take a train to the Kanyakumari Railway Station. Upon reaching, you can avail an auto or taxi ride, or walk to Vivekananda Puram, located 750 metres away. From there, you will have to get on a ferry to reach the Statue.

Best Time To Visit

The Thiruvalluvar Statue is a fantastic destination to visit year-round. It captivates visitors with its grandeur and historical significance all through the year.

• Best Season: The best season to visit the Thiruvalluvar Statue is between October to February. This is when the weather is most pleasant, making your visit comfortable.
• Best Day: Weekdays are preferable for a visit, as they tend to be less crowded than weekends. This allows for a more relaxed experience.
• Best Time of the Day: The best time to visit the Statue is early morning, between 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This is when the temperatures are cooler, making your visit comfortable.

Other Essential Information

1. Check the ferry's operating times before visiting since they tend to change from time to time. 

2. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes since you must climb numerous steps to get to the Statue.

3. Bringing along water and light snacks is advisable, as options on the island might be limited.

4. Don't forget to apply sunscreen and wear a hat or carry an umbrella to shield yourself from the sun's rays.

5. The Statue's visiting hours are from 08:00 a.m. to 04:00 p.m., so plan to arrive within this window to make the most of your visit.

6. Show respect during your visit, as the Statue is also a sacred site for many.