Valluvar Kottam: Location, Timings, Ticket Price, Photos

Chennai, the vibrant capital of Tamil Nadu, is a city where tradition gracefully intertwines with modernity. Amidst its bustling streets and contemporary landmarks stands a monument that whispers tales of ancient wisdom and artistic grandeur: Valluvar Kottam. More than just a structure, it's a profound homage to Thiruvalluvar, the revered classical Tamil poet and philosopher whose immortal work, the Thirukkural, continues to illuminate paths of morality and ethics even after two millennia.

Valluvar Kottam

You'll Discover

A Vision Born From Reverence And Reborn With Grandeur

The genesis of Valluvar Kottam is rooted in a deep respect for Tamil literary heritage. Conceived and brought to life under the dynamic leadership of the then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M. Karunanidhi, the monument took shape between 1975 and 1976. What makes its location particularly remarkable is that the land it occupies was once a neglected part of Nungambakkam Lake, transformed and reclaimed to host this significant cultural landmark. It was inaugurated in April 1976 by the then President of India, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed.

Thiruvalluvar

Over the decades, while remaining a symbol of Tamil pride, the monument had gradually lost some of its original luster due to the passage of time and maintenance challenges. Recognizing its immense cultural significance, the Tamil Nadu government, under the leadership of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, undertook a massive and comprehensive renovation project. This ambitious endeavor, completed at an estimated cost of ₹80 crore, aimed to restore Valluvar Kottam's prestige and transform it into a state-of-the-art cultural and tourist destination. The newly renovated Valluvar Kottam was proudly inaugurated by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Saturday, June 21, 2025.

Plan Your Visit

Located conveniently in the heart of Chennai, at the intersection of Village Road and Kodambakkam High Road, Valluvar Kottam is easily accessible for both locals and tourists.

Valluvar Kottam Location 

Valluvar Kottam, Kodambakkam High Road, Chennai

Valluvar Kottam Timings 

Opening Hours: The monument is generally open daily from 9 AM to 8 PM.

Chariot Light Show: 7:20 PM

Musical Fountain Show: 7 PM

Valluvar Kottam Ticket Price 

The entry fee is absolutely free. (It's always advisable to check the most current information before visiting, as timings and fees can be subject to change.)

An Architectural Marvel: The Chariot Of Wisdom, Enhanced

The moment you set eyes on Valluvar Kottam, its distinctive design captivates you. The monument is ingeniously crafted to resemble a magnificent temple chariot (Ther), drawing inspiration from the iconic chariot found in the temple town of Thiruvarur.

Standing an impressive 39 meters (128 feet) tall, the main structure is a testament to traditional South Indian craftsmanship, built from an astounding 3000 blocks of granite stone. The most striking feature of this architectural wonder is the 33-foot-tall stone effigy of Saint Thiruvalluvar nestled within the chariot. Carved from a single block of black granite, the statue often depicts the sage in a serene, meditative posture, embodying the tranquility of his philosophical teachings.

One of the most remarkable feats of its original construction was its seemingly baseless nature, an illusion that adds to its mystical appeal. The chariot is adorned with intricate details, including powerful dual stone elephants at the front, giving the impression of pulling the grand structure, and four intricately carved wheels on either side. A five-foot-tall "Kalasam" (ornamental pot) elegantly crowns the top, completing its divine aesthetic. The entire monument was meticulously designed under the guidance of the renowned architect V. Ganapati Sthapati, whose artistic vision also shaped the iconic Thiruvalluvar statue in Kanyakumari.

With the recent ₹80 crore renovation, the iconic stone chariot has been further enhanced with audiovisual installations, including a stunning laser and light show, bringing Thiruvalluvar's teachings to life in an immersive experience.

The Thirukkural Unveiled: A Literary Journey In Stone And Digital Displays

Beyond its visual grandeur, Valluvar Kottam offers an immersive literary experience. The true essence of the monument lies in its dedication to the Thirukkural. Along the expansive corridors that enclose the vast auditorium, all 1330 verses of the Thirukkural are meticulously engraved on granite pillars. These inscriptions are thoughtfully segmented into three distinct parts, each highlighted in a unique color, representing the major sections of Thiruvalluvar's profound work on virtue, wealth, and love.

The renovation has given a significant facelift to the "Kural Manimandapam," where all 1,330 couplets are now displayed with an artistic touch, often accompanied by paraphrased explanations penned by former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. Additionally, new interactive digital kiosks and audio-visual panels explain Thiruvalluvar's life and his teachings, creating a more engaging and accessible learning experience for visitors.

More Than A Monument: A Dynamic Cultural Hub

Valluvar Kottam is far from a static display; it's a dynamic cultural hub pulsating with renewed life, thanks to the recent upgrades.

1) The Main Chariot and Statue: Ascend the steps to get a closer look at the intricate sculptures adorning the chariot and pay homage to the majestic statue of Thiruvalluvar, now complemented by captivating light and sound shows.

2) The Engraved Verses & Digital Displays: Dedicate time to absorb the wisdom of the Thirukkural through both the traditional stone inscriptions and the new digital presentations. These carved and displayed verses are not just decorative; they are lessons in stone, meant to inspire and enlighten.

3) The Ayyan Valluvar Cultural Hall: A major highlight of the renovation is the newly constructed, fully air-conditioned "Ayyan 

4) Valluvar Cultural Hall: Spanning 20,000 sq ft with a massive seating capacity of 1,548 people, this hall is designed to host a wide array of cultural and literary events, making it a premier venue for promoting Tamil arts and scholarship.

5) Thirukkural Auditorium and Research Library: A dedicated Thirukkural auditorium and research library, with a seating capacity for 100 persons, has been developed to support academic activities, literary discussions, and research initiatives.

6) Modern Amenities: The renovated complex boasts significantly improved visitor facilities, including a spacious 3,336 sq ft food court, an underground parking facility for up to 162 cars, and enhanced wheelchair-friendly ramps and pathways to ensure accessibility for all. New musical fountains at the entrance further elevate the visitor experience.

7) Dedicated Children's Learning Space: A special area has been created to introduce children to the values of the Thirukkural, fostering an early appreciation for Tamil heritage.

8) Cultural Shop: A store selling 133 types of items related to the Thirukkural is also available for visitors.

9) Serene Surroundings: The well-maintained green spaces and gardens with pools around the monument offer a peaceful respite, perfect for quiet contemplation after exploring the main structure. These gardens also commemorate Mother Teresa's visit in 1984, where she planted saplings.

Final Thoughts: A Beacon Of Tamil Pride, Renewed

Valluvar Kottam stands as an enduring symbol of Tamil culture, identity, and pride. Its recent, extensive renovation, backed by a substantial ₹80 crore investment, has not only restored its former glory but also enhanced its capabilities as a premier cultural hub. It now offers an even more immersive and engaging experience, honoring one of the greatest literary figures of the Tamil language and ensuring that his timeless wisdom, enshrined within the Thirukkural, continues to resonate and inspire generations. It is a place where history, art, and philosophy converge, inviting every visitor to delve deeper into the rich cultural tapestry of Tamil Nadu.