LOVEly Thiruvananthapuram

[Sujatha]

Thiruvananthapuram-Kerala





One thing I am sure, by all comparisons kerala is the greenest state in India. I have travelled along the nook and corners of the state, along its forests, hills, beaches, all sorts of religious spots. Based on my recent journey to its capitol city none other than Trivandrum I would like to present some points here.



On Tourism point of view, Trivandrum is generally combined with Kanyakumari and Padmanabhapuram palace. (Golden triangle). This big town does not have any resemblance of a state capitol. We can claim this as small city, well connected from all places of India by train, especially by Sabari express from Hyderabad. We need to do reservation well in advance, because people from this part of the country plan and reserve at least one month in advance. The places of attraction here are Kovalam beach, the revolving café, and the Padmanabha swamy temple.



This trouble free little city has enormous budget accommodation around the main railway station. The central bus stand is just in front of the railway station.



Just after dropping down from the bus stand, get in to the Indian coffee house, resembling that of Leaning Tower of Pisa (Italy). I have never seen such peculiar restaurant in India. You can climb up to top portion of restaurant simply by walking anti clock wise through up going pathways. Along the sides of pathways, they have laid the tables. Through windows, you can get clear view of the city. No steps are present. I am sure the waiters here no need to do exercise daily.



You can settle down in any one of decent accommodation, which is available in starting range of Rs200/- per double-bedded room.



The next thing is, to get ready for going to the East fort, where the famous Padmanabha swamy temple is situated. The temple is at one km distance from the railway station. On that day, we reached the temple at 1935 hrs. The temple authorities always impose special curfews to enter inside the temple. The entry timings here are very strict. They chucked us out on that first day. With so much pull and push, I entered inside the temple at around 1945 hrs. Alas, the main sannithanam is closed. The next day morning we were ready to face the war (to enter inside). We reached the temple at 0700. On the way, the auto driver told us with little laughs that we cannot see the deity unless the King (MAHARAJA) sees the deity first. We got surprised.



The dress code in this temple is very strict. Male members should enter with dhoti only. No excuses. The females, even if they are in Chudi, they should cover the trunk with pure white clothing. I want to share another surprising point. Along with the strict Kerala Nambhoodri Brahmins, Kannada priests too perform the daily poojas. I forgot the name of those special priests. I think this system is followed as a tradition.



Finally, at 0830 hrs king’s sister entered inside the temple. The old woman was wearing the pure white mundu the traditional Kerala dress. After that came there the king of Travancore. The fair old man slowly entered inside. He finished darshan with traditional melas (sounds). Officially, the temple still belongs to the Travancore Royal family. I think the government has not taken over the temple. May be, on some good will gesture. Some north Indian pilgrims were in tight corners. I pacified them.

However, after seeing the wonderful sleeping deity, the lotus feet of Sri Padmanabha all our pains were reduced. Temple architecture in Kerala is always wonderful which you will realise and feel only when you see it personally.



The next spot in Trivandrum is to go to the Kovalam beach. Buses start from East Fort bus terminus at every 15 minutes. This time we had pleasant shock. In front of us, the bus conductor entered our data in a small calculator sort of a thing and gave the printed tickets instantly. Just like railway reservation. I do not know whether our Chandra ji has any idea about this matter.



I know this sandy beach since my childhood. In the year 1989, we as schoolgirls had visited this place with princely expenditure of Rs 280/- from Bangalore. In those days, we had seen lots and many foreigners in free sunbaths, and had shock by those sights. However, I think recently Kovalam has lost much of its charm that it had earlier. I think the place has too much police interference now a day.

We slowly walked down. I thought the coconut must be cheaper there. But I shocked to note the price of one coconut is Rs10/- I argued, with no response.

Over night, we had quiet dinner.

Next day we proceeded towards Kanyakumari and Padmanabhapuram palace at TN.



More places to get covered..........

I beleive this is tourist season.

[Sharjeel]

Roaming around Kerala, are you? And what about your patients?

[Reality,,its here.Accept it.]

Thiruvananthapuram-Kerala

Buses start from East Fort bus terminus at every 15 minutes. This time we had pleasant shock. In front of us, the bus conductor entered our data in a small calculator sort of a thing and gave the printed tickets instantly. Just like railway reservation. I do not know whether our Chandra ji has any idea about this matter.

Hmmm doc seems like its been a while since you got into any of the APSRTC buses that run intercity services. They too have the same instrument that prints tickets..Atleast we are not lagging back on that front.

Enjoy your vacation...

[mark]

Kerala is mind blowingly beautiful, i'm not crazy about Trivandrum though. it's ok as a base i suppose. Kerala's not really about cities anyway. I agree about Kovalam too, the place has seen better days. if you wander about a 2-3 miles over there's a lovely beach the other side, takes a while to get to but it's much nicer.

[Reality,,its here.Accept it.]

Kerala is mind blowingly beautiful, i'm not crazy about Trivandrum though. it's ok as a base i suppose. Kerala's not really about cities anyway. I agree about Kovalam too, the place has seen better days. if you wander about a 2-3 miles over there's a lovely beach the other side, takes a while to get to but it's much nicer.

I am going there in a weeks time so would like to know some more places to see which arent on the tourist map....

waiting for any kind of information.....

[mark]

was only there a month, and only managed to get about 4 days off in that time (mostly due to strikes) we managed to take a backwater cruise, which was really nice, and went to Kovalam. So i can't tell you much about getting off the tourist track. Best thing about Kerala is the atmosphere, really laid back. Hydi folks'd appreciate it.

[CtrlAltDel]

u can explore the backwaters as well as the hills in the interior: munnar-waynad belt in the western ghats

[Sujatha]

I am going there in a weeks time so would like to know some more places to see which arent on the tourist map....

1) Alapuzha back waters

2) Lake Kumarakom Kottayam FROM THIS PLACE YOU CAN GO TO THE NEXT ALAPUZHA DISTRICT BY GOVT RUN BOAT SERVICE BY JUST Rs5/-

3) Fort Cochin

4) Willington Island

5)Bolgotty Islands

6)Ernakulam All boat journeys between seriel no 3,4,5, and 6

7) Road journey from Cochin to Munnar

Kannur beach

9) Road journey between Kozhikode towads Sultan Battery via Wayanad

[Reality,,its here.Accept it.]

1) Alapuzha back waters
2) Lake Kumarakom Kottayam FROM THIS PLACE YOU CAN GO TO THE NEXT ALAPUZHA DISTRICT BY GOVT RUN BOAT SERVICE BY JUST Rs5/-
3) Fort Cochin
4) Willington Island
5)Bolgotty Islands
6)Ernakulam All boat journeys between seriel no 3,4,5, and 6
7) Road journey from Cochin to Munnar
Kannur beach
9) Road journey between Kozhikode towads Sultan Battery via Wayanad

Thanks doc,, will try to fit in as much as possible.