“In a conflict between the heart and the brain, follow your heart”, said Swami Vivekananda, one of the greatest spiritual leaders who ever lived. When you reach Kanyakumari, you can’t help but follow your heart and brain alike as the Vivekananda Rock Memorial will invite you with its stunning majesty. One of the most visited tourism attractions in India, the Vivekananda Rock Memorial is located on a rock in the sea, about 500 metres from the mainland.

A 19th century philosopher and author, Swami Vivekananda took India’s spiritual fame to the world at the Parliament of World’s Religions held in Chicago in 1893. It was in honour of the great monk that the memorial was erected in 1970. The rock on which the memorial is built is said to be where Vivekananda attained enlightenment. Legends also say that it was on this rock that goddess Kanyakumari prayed to lord Shiva, thus attaining an important place in India’s religious premises. There is a specially preserved portion in the rock which is believed to be the imprint of the goddess’s feet. The memorial showcases an elegant blend of different architectural genres. The Sripada Mandapam and Vivekananda Mandapam are two structures to be explored in the memorial. There is also a life-sized bronze statue of Swami Vivekananda in the premises.

The rock is surrounded by the Laccadive sea where the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea form a confluence. The location is absolutely picturesque and will leave you wondered.