The statue was conceptualized and executed by Kanayi Kunhiraman, one of India's most celebrated modernist sculptors.
The structure is designed to blend into the shoreline, appearing as if the mermaid is emerging from the sand.
It is one of the largest public art installations of its kind in the state of Kerala.
The name 'Jalakanyaka' translates directly from Malayalam to 'Mermaid' or 'Water Maiden'.
The Jalakanyaka Statue, also known as the Mermaid Statue, is a prominent landmark located near the Shangumugham Beach area in Thiruvananthapuram. Sculpted by the renowned artist Kanayi Kunhiraman, the statue depicts a massive, reclining mermaid figure. It stands as a focal point of the coastline, reflecting the artist's signature style of integrating human figures into the natural coastal landscape. The sculpture is constructed from reinforced concrete and stands over 35 meters in length. It serves as a visual tribute to the maritime history and the aquatic environment of Kerala's capital city.
Position yourself at a slight distance from the statue to capture the full length of the figure against the backdrop of the Arabian Sea.
Visit during the early morning or late evening to avoid the intense midday coastal heat.
Combine your visit with a walk along the adjacent Shangumugham Beach promenade.
Use caution during monsoon season as the high tides can reach very close to the sculpture base.
Avoid climbing on the statue structure, as it is a protected public monument and the surfaces can be slippery.
