Swami Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue, two iconic monuments off the coast of Kanyakumari, the southernmost district in mainland India, are now connected by an architectural marvel – the country’s first glass bridge at sea. It is built at a cost of approximately USD 4.3 Million (Rs 37 crore).
Designed like a bowstring arch, the glass fibre bridge is said to be as durable as it is visually appealing. It is reportedly built to endure the region’s harsh marine environment. It is capable of resisting the corrosive effects of salty sea air and the potential impact of exposure to high humidity.
The newly inaugurated bridge is sure to offer a unique experience to visitors who can enjoy the feel of walking over the seawater and rocks, while also enjoying the breathtaking views of the area. Kanyakumari is also known as “The Land’s End” as it is the southernmost point of the Indian mainland.
The transparent glass surface provides breathtaking views of the sea, offering visitors a sense of walking above the ocean.
Tourists flock to the district to catch a glimpse of the sunsets and sunrises at the tip of the Indian peninsula, which is the meeting point of the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea.
The 77-metre-long, 10-metre-wide walkway is meant to help visitors walk from one monument to another, without availing of the boat service, which was the only option thus far connecting the at-sea monuments. Henceforth, visitors have to only avail the boat ride from the mainland to one of the monuments and the return ride to the mainland.
The bridge was inaugurated in December, aligning with the silver jubilee of the unveiling of the 133-foot-tall Thiruvalluvar statue by the late Chief Minister M Karunanidhi. Now, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has inaugurated this glass bridge. The Thiruvalluvar statue in Kanniyakumari, which completed 25 years of its existence on the last day of December, 2024), owes its genesis to the decision of the DMK regime on the same day exactly 49 years ago.
Poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar, who is believed to have lived more than two millennia ago, penned 1,330 Tamil couplets known as Thirukkural, which is a world-renowned literary work on morality. Thirukkural remains the most translated and the most cited among Tamil literary works. The couplets are considered a masterpiece and the text is one of the most important texts in Tamil literature.
Swami Vivekananda, born Narendranath Datta, was an Indian Hindu monk, philosopher, author, religious teacher, and the chief disciple of the Indian guru Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. He was a key figure in the introduction of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world. He is credited with raising interfaith awareness and bringing Hinduism to the status of a major world religion in the late nineteenth century.
In 1893, he travelled to the United States, where he participated in the Parliament of Religions in Chicago. There he delivered a famous speech beginning with the words: “Sisters and brothers of America…” introducing the ancient Hindu religious tradition to Americans and speaking about the essential unity of all spiritual paths.
In short, this 77-metre Glass bridge connects Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar statue; built under state government initiative for value addition to Kanyakumari’s tourism; and, expected to become landmark attraction drawing domestic and international tourists. Thus, it adds to the region’s tourism infrastructure, promising improved visual and travel experience for visitors.
The bridge has “Marine-Grade Durability”, as it is built using advanced construction technology. It is designed to resist harsh coastal conditions, including high humidity, salty sea air, and erosion, ensuring long-term structural integrity. By connecting two historic monuments, the bridge celebrates Tamil Nadu’s rich heritage while showcasing modern engineering prowess. The significant investment reflects government’s commitment to bolstering local tourism and associated industries.
There are many other Glass Bridges in the country but not at Sea. These are on valleys and land stretches.
Visitors looking for exciting new experiences must visit Nalanda in Bihar to witness the perilous glass bridge. This glass bridge is 85 feet long and 6 feet deep, hanging 200 feet above a narrow canyon. It is designed to draw both domestic and foreign tourists. The famous skywalk in China served as an inspiration for this Rajgir Glass Bridge. Landscapes of mountains and trees may be seen in all directions, and visitors can go on a local nature safari.
Similarly, one can enjoy bridge like this at Pelling, Sikkim’s first glass skywalk. The Sikkim Skywalk is located 7,200 foot above sea level and looks out over the majestic Chenrezig monument, which is 137 feet tall. The fourth-tallest statue in Sikkim is this one. The high walkway provides tourists with the opportunity to take in breathtaking bird’s-eye views of the Teesta and Rangit rivers while being encircled by the snow-capped Himalayas.
The Wayanad Glass Bridge, owned by an exclusive hotel called 900 Kandi, is positioned 100 feet above the earth in Thollayiram Kandi. It is made of fibreglass that cannot shatter and was imported from Italy. While getting to the picturesque glass walkway, one can enjoy the glass bridge’s stunning views of the mountains, clouds, and forests.
Another, Vagamon Glass Bridge in Kerala is a cantilever skywalk spanning a length of 40 metres. It was built at the Idukki District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) adventure park at an altitude of 3500 feet above sea level, offering scenic views.
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