Kanyakumari glass bridge: An incredible vibe that warrants a return to India’s southernmost tip

A month after the COVID lockdown was lifted in 2021, my first trip was to Kanyakumari, the ocean town in the southern tip of India. I had been to Kanyakumari, several times before on several occasions, on assignments, when natural disasters struck the coast—when the Tsunami hit the coast in 2004, when the Okhi cyclone wreaked havoc and later, in 2022, when Rahul Gandhi began his Bharat Jodo Yatra. But never did I ever set out on a sightseeing like in 2021.

 

The experience as a tourist in 2021 was rather amazing—the morning sunrise from the hotel room and then the sunset view in the evening were satisfying. But now, the one coastal town that is on my bucket list for travel is Kanyakumari again. The reason is the new glass bridge, which opened to the public in December 2024.

 

The new bridge is a groundbreaking marvel that has taken shape at India's southernmost tip connecting two landmarks—the Vivekananda rock memorial and the towering 133-foot high Thiruvallur statue.

 

India’s first-ever glass bridge constructed over the sea is an architectural marvel located in Tamil Nadu. Offering breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, this modern structure combines engineering excellence with cultural significance. 

 

This guide covers everything you need to know about this iconic landmark, including its design, significance, visitor tips, and much more.

 

Spanning 77 metres in length and 10 metres in width, the newly constructed glass bridge is an architectural marvel similar to the wonders built in different countries. This bridge offers a breathtaking view of the Arabian Sea as you walk from the Vivekananda rock to the Thiruvallur statue.

 

As you walk over the bridge it offers a thrilling sensation of walking on water. Designed like a bowstring arc the bridge reflects modern engineering tailored to reflect the coastal elements while offering the visitors and tourists an uninterrupted view of the ocean below.

 

But don't forget the summer vacation has already begun and there is a huge tourist crowd at Kanyakumari from across the globe. You can reach the glass bridge only via a boat. The boat ride opens at 8am and closes by 6pm. But the crowd at the ticket counter to book a boat ride starts coming in at 7.30am. 

 

During holidays, there is a very long queue at the ticket counter to book a boat ride and it takes a minimum of three hours for you to get on to the boat. The boat ride is just 10 minutes to reach the Vivekananda rock. The ticket price is ₹75, where the wait is long and the maximum is ₹300, for which the wait is a bit shorter. But both ticket queues lead to the same boat.

 

The boat drops you at the Vivekananda rock, where you alight and get enlightened with Vivekananda's thoughts and philosophy. From the rock, again at the ticket counter, get a ₹30 ticket to walk on the glass bridge.

 

The bridge takes you to the Thiruvalluvar statue. Get into the 133-foot-high statue, built 25 years ago by the then chief minister M. Karunanidhi. The 

Thiruvalluvar statue stands tall at a height of 133 feet, including the platform. There are three-level platforms which is called the Atharapeedam and it consists of the Alankara Mandapa. 

 

This mandapa is embellished with statues of elephants and the head of the statue is 200 meters above sea level. Built in the traditional Indian architectural style the statue is hollow from scalp to toe. The platform is 38 feet, and the rest of the statue stands at 95 feet. It weighs near about 14 million pounds.

 

Featuring a stunning bowstring-arch design the bridge is made of marine-grade steel and tempered glass in such a way that it is designed to withstand high winds, salty air, and the constant onslaught of waves. The glass panels are made of multiple layers of laminated glass, ensuring maximum safety and durability.

 

Embedded LED lights illuminate the glass bridge structure, creating a dazzling effect at night enhancing the beauty of the two monuments in Kanyakumari.

Tourism