Jalakanyaka Mermaid Statue — Attraction in Kerala

Jalakanya Mermaid Jalakanyaka (Mermaid) at Shankumugham Beach, Thiruvananthapuram. The granite sculptures along the beach are mostly popular for its innovative features. All the sculptures have been sculpted by the renowned artist Kanai Kunhiraman.

Kanayi Kunhiraman born 25 July 1937 is a sculptor from Kuttamath in Hosdurg Taluk in Kasaragod district of Kerala state, India. After completing his schooling, he passed the SSLC examination in 1957. By then he had already found his vocation. He ran away from home when he was barely seventeen because the elders strongly disapproved of his creative pursuits.

He felt stifled in the conservative atmosphere of the traditional joint family, where the primary role of the youth was to obey unquestioningly the instructions of the elders, predominantly the patriarch. He is the Former Chairman of the Lalit Kala Academy.

Kunhiraman is the first sculptor recipient of the Raja Ravi Varma Award, which includes 1 lakh in cash, a citation and a statue, sculptured by Kunhiraman himself.

Photos by Viswas Menon (c) Viswas Menon Write up compiled by...

The sculpture of Sagarakanyaka - Mermaid by Kanayi Kunhiraman is an added attraction.[6] This giant statue is more than 35 metres long. The 'Jawaharlal Nehru Park of Traffic signs for children' is situated here,[7] which is helpful for the children to understand the traffic rules while playing in the park. The park also provides cycling facilities for small children.

The military area of Southern Air Command of the Indian Air Force and part of the main airport are situated near Shankumugham Beach.[8]

Veli Tourist Village is near the beach. Boating facilities are offered at this picnic spot. Speed boats, restaurants and well-landscaped gardens...

The largest mermaid sculpture in the world, created by artist Kanayi Kunhiraman, was constructed at no cost. Despite facing numerous criticisms and a temporary halt ordered by the District Collector during its construction, the statue was eventually completed with the support of former Chief Minister, K. Karunakaran. This monumental work stands as a testament to Kanayi Kunhiraman's artistic perseverance. However, the maintenance of the statue and its surroundings has been very poor. The park and lawn are in a neglected state. Local authorities need to...