Vivekananda Memorial celebrates the visit of the great social reformer, Swami Vivekananda, to Kanyakumari where he attained enlightenment. This beautiful and sacred memorial was built on one of the two rocks, which seem to rise out of the sea. Offering picturesque views of the sea, the memorial is visited by many a tourist every year. It was built in honor of Swami Vivekananda by the Vivekananda Rock Memorial Committee in 1970.

It is said that when in 1892 Swami Vivekananda came to Kanyakumari on a pilgrimage, he swam to this rock and sat in deep meditation. And it is said that it is at this rock where he attained enlightenment. He played a significant role in spreading the knowledge of Vedanta, thus awakening people to the truth.

There is a meditation hall at the memorial where visitors can meditate. The hall is called Dhyana Mandapam whose architectural style consists of different styles of temple architecture from all over India. The hall has a beautiful statue of Swami Vivekananda. Another structure at the memorial is the Shripada Mandapam.

Vivekananda Mandapam consists of the following structures:

• Dhyana Mandapam
• Sabha Mandapam
• Mukha Mandapam
• Front Entrance

Shripada Manapam

• Garbha Grahan(sanctum sanctorum)
• Inner Prakaram
• Outer Prakaram
• Outer Platform

Popular known as 'Sripada Parai', the rock is considered very sacred. According to the legend the rock has been blessed by the touch of the feet of the Devi Kanya Kumari. The rock also has the footprints of the goddess. There is also a museum near the rock where one can learn about the life and teachings of Swami Vivekananda. The name of the museum is the 'Wondering Monk'.