| Indian City Information,
Travel to Indian Cities, City In India, Hotels in India, Tourism in
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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 times to visit : If you love the rains, anytime
and if you don't, September to May. |
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| Places of Interest |
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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. |
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| Special Festivals |
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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. |
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| How to get there |
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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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