| Page Views: 3,078 Last Visit to Thiruvananthapuram: January, 2004 | Thiru-Vananthapuram - Abode of the snake! by suvanki - last update: Jan 20, 2008 |
A bit about Thiruvananthapuram/Trivandrum | Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple |
Padmanahba, (the deity of this city) is a manifestation of Vishnu. Anantha is the serpent on which Padmanahba reclines, and gives its name to Thiruvananthapuram.
From early times, the city has been a place of spiritual importance, with festivals and rituals to honour the deity. From this, the Arts and literature grew.
Portuguese, Dutch and British occupation have left their mark here, as in other important Keralan cities.
The British diminutised the citys name to Trivandrum, although recently, its original name has been reclaimed. ( For the purpose of typing the name, I'll use Trivandrum on these pages)
Trivandrum is built on 7 hills, and although it is a busy working modern city, it has retained some of the 'old city' feel, and there are places to escape the heat and noise.
Trivandrum is well known through Kerala for its Trade Unions and Political power. Strikes occur with little or no notice, on a regular basis, often affecting the transport system!
The first legislative council in India was formed here in 1888. The Temple Entry Act further revolutionised India, when the council decreed that all castes be allowed to worship in the Hindu Temples.
In 1956, with the birth of the new state of Kerala (formed from the regions of Travancore, Cochin and Malabar) Trivandrum was appointed state capital, being unique as the first state capital to elect a communist government. |
| View from Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple |
Trivandrum- Getting Around Trivandrum Airport is the first contact lots of visitors to Kerala make. (The other airport being at Cochin) Although some will stay in Trivandrum, I guess the majority will be whisked away to the beach resorts or other towns of Kerala, probably not to return until they're heading back to the airport.
Trivandrum is easy to get to from Kovalam, by local bus or tuk tuk/taxi/hire car. Buses also run fairly regularly from other towns and cities in Kerala. There's also a rail service, connecting cities in Kerala and other areas of India.
However, I took the easy option and booked on a guided tour through my travel company (with the intention of returning later in my holiday independently)
In hindsight, this for me WAS the right option. I was part of a small group of 5, and our guide was excellent. I'm sure that I saw and learnt more than if I'd set off by myself.
However, it is quite easy to get around the city.
Mahatma Gandhi (MG) Road runs north to south for about 4km.
The northern end is where the museums, gardens and zoo are located. Along MG road are various shops, banks, post offices, book shops, craft centres etc to browse around before reaching the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple compound. Off MG Road at the north end is the bustling Connemara market. |
My Day in Trivandrum Our first destination was to a handicrafts centre (usually my heart sinks when I see this on an itinary- a rushed tour with little explained about the process, then an age spent hanging around sipping a 'local' drink while you're enticed to buy things you don't want.)
However, this was a welcome change, although we were handed over to the manager of the centre, he was very knowledgable, and we were first shown into a large area where wooden carvings of various ages and design were in varying degrees of restoration.
This was a sort of reclaimation yard, where ornate doors, canopies, boxes, furniture and even wooden swings had been rescued from derelict/deteriorating buildings and were painstakingly being restored. some being returned to their original building some being sold, usually to affluent foreigners!
I enjoyed the next part of the tour- watching the skilled craftsmen working on sandalwood etc to produce carvings of a very high standard.
to be continued- |
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| Pros: | "Main attractions are close together.Mix of old & New" | | Cons: | "Busy roads." |
suvanki's Thiruvananthapuram Travel Tips
 Comments for suvanki about Thiruvananthapuram | | | | |
songlines Sun Aug 20, 2006 15:01 UTC
Found your tips helpful as planning to visit Kerala and Tamil Nadu end next year. Great idea of the Salwar Kameez, it looks lovely and covers every bit that the mosqutoes would bite. Loved your homepage too. Thanks for sharing. | Justin_goa Sun Jun 19, 2005 11:41 UTC
I am proud to be from Trivandrum.. but the polititions make us all shameful!!! they are the contribution from Satan against the abundant blessing of God with resources!!!! | mtncorg Wed Jan 26, 2005 21:13 UTC
Say that name thrice in rapid succession ;-\ Nice pages and the doorway to so much more. | percy961 Tue Jul 13, 2004 09:11 UTC
You brought the place to Life, Great Job. |
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