God's own country with its psychedelic sunsets complete with palm trees
swaying to whatever music the wind chooses to play, the wafting aromas of
the land of coffee, spices and coconuts, the bastion of communism, a
literate people whose friendliness is only surpassed by their curiosity for
more. A place that fiercely retains and respects the ancient traditions
while viewing the modern with tolerance and invitation - Thiruvananthapuram
or Trivandrum is Kerala incarnate.
There is beauty and intelligence, the exotic and the mundane, there are Ayurvedic
massages that elicit equal amounts of pain and pleasure, beaches and lagoons
with the best part being the preservation of it all the way Nature meant it
to be.
Trivandrum is also a bustling city, where
the business of life is carried out like it is around the world,
interspersed with everyday visits to the nearby temple or mosque. Myth has
it that the place derives its name from it being the city of Anantha, the
sacred serpent of Vishnu. History has it that Thiruvananthapuram had once
been the port of call for Romans and Jews, Arabs and Christians. Believable,
considering that it remains one of the biggest centres for sea-bound labour.
Population: Approx 3 million
Climate:
Pleasantly tropical throughout the year, Trivandrum's proximity to the
sea makes for weather that has its variations. Other than the monsoons
between May and October, which are long and heavy, summer temperature goes
up to 32°C while winters are a pleasant 29°C.
Best
time to visit: If you love the rains, anytime and if you don't,
September to May.
Government Art Museum This museum has much to impress
the visitor with. Built in an exquisite blend of Kerala, Mughal, Chinese and
Italian styles of architecture, the museum is also known as the Napier
Museum after the erstwhile Governor General of Madras John Napier. This 19th
century building boasts of a unique natural air-conditioning system and the
displays include exquisite bronzes, ancient ornaments and costumes, ivory
carvings and musical instruments, and a whole temple chariot.
Puttan Malika Palace Museum Built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal
Balrama Verma of Travancore, an accomplished poet and musician, the
traditional Travancore style museum is made better with its exquisite
woodcarvings. There is a priceless art collection among other exhibits and
the palace also hosts an annual classical music festival between 27th
January and 3rd February.
Sree Chitra Art Gallery Located
in the museum compound is this Art Gallery featuring an eclectic collection
of works by Roerich and Raja Ravi Verma. This of course is only among the
many other paintings from the Mughal, Rajput, Bengal and Tanjore schools of
art. There is also a fabulous collection of oriental art from the Far East
and Bali.
The Zoological Gardens With a setting that includes
woodlands and beautiful lakes, this is arguably one of Asia's best laid-out
zoos. Whether it is love for the animals or just a need for a good day out,
this is an excellent place to visit.
Indian School of
Martial Arts (ISMA)
A definite must see is the ISMA, which continues to preserve and impart training
in the 5,000-year-old martial art of Kerala - Kalarippayattu. Established in
1983 it is in Vazhuthacaud in the heart of the city. A three-storied building,
the main attraction is the traditional kalari - the arena for practising the
art, built 10 ft below ground level. ISMA is also a renowned healing centre
where the traditional kalarichikitsa - an exclusive branch of medicine - has
been practised for years. The rare collection of olagranthas - palm leaf manuscripts
also makes it a place with historical value.
Kovalam Beach This building, designed in the English
Gothic Style, was built in 1878. The main structure rises 54.2 m in height
and is surmounted by statues representing Justice and Mercy. Beautiful
Kovalam, endowed with a sheltered bay making it safe and pleasant to swim in
during the off-monsoon months is no doubt, one of the best places to be.
Food, rest, Ayurvedic massages and long walks with the inevitable shopping
will make your visit here memorable and a true vacation.
Onam:
Celebrated in August/September, Onam is one Kerala's most important
festivals. It generates a lot of excitement and the city wears its heart on
its sleeve during this time. Flowers are arranged in delightful patterns in
everyone's front yards and there are cultural programmes held all over the
place. Every local temple is lit up enhancing the beauty of already lovely
structure. The celebrations culminate in a colourful carnival that attracts
both locals and tourists alike.
Araat:Held twice a
year, the vetta and araat processions led by the members of the erstwhile
royal family of Travancore are taken out from the Padmanabhaswamy Temple to
the Shanghumugham Beach. The idols from the temple are ritually purified in
the sea and a host of cultural programmes, including Kathakali, are staged.
Nishagandhi Dance Festival: A platform for some of
India's traditional classical dance forms, the dance festival is annually
held from 21st to 27th February at the Nishagandhi Open Air Theatre in the
Kanakakunnu Palace grounds. From Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali,
Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniattam to Odissi, this festival is a unique
opportunity to be a part of grace and elegance in so many different forms.
Gramam: A lovely and unique idea, the Gramam is
held from 14th to 23rd January. An entire Kerala village is recreated on the
beach during this exotic 10-day long festival held at Kovalam. The premises
of the nalukettu (the traditional upper class house with a central open
courtyard) that spring up overnight become the venue of the fair, and
highlight the traditional arts and crafts of the state.
Flavour Food Festival:Held from 5th to 11th April on the
Kanakakunnu Palace grounds, famous hotels from all across Kerala take part
in this week long international festival. There is intense competition where
the participating hotels lay out a feast showcasing cuisine from all over
the world. If you are a foodie, this is your favourite fantasy come true.
HOW TO GET THERE:
By Road: Trivandrum is well connected by major state and national highways
to the rest of Southern India.
Cochin
is 220 kms away.
By Air: Trivandrum is an important International gateway of South India
with few direct flights from West Asia, Sri Lanka and Maldives. Indian Airlines,
and Jet Airways both connect Trivandrum with the rest of the country with frequent
flights from
Mumbai,
Delhi and
Chennai.
By
Rail: Well connected with major South Indian cities.
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India Travel Hotel.
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