Introduction

Built in the memory of the ‘Father of the nation’ in 1956, the Gandhi Memorial or Gandhi Mandapam is a pink architectural building resembling an Orissa temple. Gandhiji was shot in 1948 and after cremation his ashes were to be sprinkled over different regions of the country. And the Gandhi Memorial at Kanyakumari was the place where the ashes were kept for public viewing before being immersed into the sea.

Interestingly, the height of the central dome of the memorial is 79 feet, the age of Gandhiji at the time of his assassination. But the most amusing part of the structure is the manner in which it is designed. On 2nd October every year at 12 noon sunlight beams in through a hole in the roof onto the urn that once contained his ashes. Pan through the hall for old photographs that speak volumes about the life and times of the Mahatma. Take the staircase to the terrace for a sweeping view of the sea and the town spanning the shores. Gandhiji had visited Kanyakumari in 1925 and 1937, and completely fell in love with it. Among others the mandapam also houses a few memorabilia that were with him in his last hours.

The memorial site lies in proximity to the famed Kumari Amman temple on the beach; it is a lovely walk from the temple through colorful bazaars. You can pay your tribute to the noble soul anytime between seven in the morning to seven in the evening, and no admission fee is charged by the memorial authority. There are ample buses and private cars plying on this route.

Special Attributes

This is the place where Gandhiji's ashes were kept for public viewing before being immersed into the sea.

Nuisance

The site is peaceful, and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress appropriately. Avoid wearing short or revealing clothes.

Connectivity

The memorial site is a stroll away from the Kanyakumari temple and the town centre.

Enjoyed by

Families, Backpackers, Senior Citizens

Exposure

You will mostly be indoors.

Avoidable Season

Open through the year

Facilities

After paying tribute to Gandhiji you can take a walk to the Kanyakumari temple and also see the beach bazaar.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

Maintain decorum. Turn your phone to silent mode.

Type of site

Memorial site