Vivekanandapuram

Tamil Nadu


Just 1km north of Kanyakumari, this peaceful ashram (offering a variety of yoga retreats) is the headquarters of spiritual organisation Vivekananda Kendra, devoted to carrying out Vivekananda's teachings. Its Vivekananda-focused 'Arise! Awake!' exhibition is worth a visit, as is the Ramayana Darshanam, and you can stroll to the sea past a beautiful lotus-pool-lined memorial to the swami.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Tamil Nadu attractions

1. Ramayana Darshanam

This grand building with a golden roof houses an illustrated exhibit on the Ramayana, a room dedicated to Bharat Mata (India itself as the Mother Goddess)…

2. 'Arise! Awake!' Exhibition

In calming ashram grounds 1km north of town, this illustrated display takes you through major events in Vivekanada's life. It's included on your ticket to…

5. Ghat

0.88 MILES

The shoreline around Kumari Amman Temple has a couple of bathing ghats where some worshippers immerse themselves.

6. Kumari Amman Temple

0.91 MILES

The legends say the kanya (virgin) goddess Kumari, a manifestation of the Great Goddess Devi, single-handedly conquered demons and secured freedom for the…

7. Kamaraj Memorial

0.94 MILES

This memorial near the shoreline commemorates K Kamaraj, the 'Gandhi of the South’. One of the most powerful and respected politicians of post…

8. Gandhi Memorial

0.94 MILES

Poignantly placed at the end of the nation that Gandhi fathered, this cream-coloured memorial takes the form of an Orissan (Odishan) temple. The central…