Trivandrum: Life, Culture, History, Greenery & Cityscapes

[Rajith]

Here is the lush greenery of Trivandrum tourist spots..
This is the floating bridge in Veli Tourist Village



This is the view from the other side.. You can see the sand deposit which is the boundary line of the lake and Arabian Sea



Shell structures in Veli Tourist Village



Landscaping - Woman lying on back



Backwaters - Veli -Aakkulam Stretch



Veli - Aakkulam Stretch



Coconut Trees , Veli - Aakkulam Stretch

[Suncity]

Here'a a FAQ on how to post images...

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=194364

[Ajaypp]

@ Rajith - Welcome to SSC mon amie! Looking forward to a lot of great images of Trivandrum. Do get in touch with Sudheesh, me and the other forumers on the Trivandrum threads. Let's get all the lovely images of greenery together!

[Ajaypp]

With its radial arrangement, Trivandrum city offers plenty of space for its citizens to reside in individual houses. Thus, despite there being over a million inhabitants in the core urban area (from the 2005 Election data), there is comparitively lesser pressure to crowd into apartments. Still, there are dozens of apartments and other highrises poking their heads above the green carpet which hides the homes beneath. Stay tuned for more!

[Rajith]

Napier Museum - An architectural splendour; combines traditional Kerala style with the Chinese, Italian and Mughal influences



The 19th century English architect, Chisholm, designed the building, which houses a rare collection of archaoelogical and historical artifacts



The interiors of the Indo-Sarcenic structure are every bit as intriguing as the exterior with pink and blue stripes alternating with stripes of yellow and cherry red, scalloped arches of a banana yellow, interpreting elaborately carved balconies, the whole linked together with red and white lattice work and mock friezes.



The building boasts of a natural air conditioning system



The whimsical building dating from 1880, displays an assortment of bronzes, historical and contemporary ornaments, temples carts, ivory carvings and life size figures of Kathakali dancers in full costumes




Nearby, there is the Natural History Museum, first opened in 1857, that has a collection of ethnographic pieces, animal skeletons and stuffed animals and birds




An exceptional piece of architecture, the Museum is named after the former Madras Governor General John Napier

[Ajaypp]

Great pix mate, and kewl commentary. Keep going!

[rajkrish]

Great pics. Keep posting !!
Rajkrish

[Rajith]

The Oriental Research Institute & Manuscripts Library under University of Kerala, is one of the leading centres of Indological Studies in India. In this world recognised institute, research in the fields connected with Manuscriptology is happening. The dept is microfilming the manuscripts of certain technical subjects. Researchers from India and Abroad are doing intensive work here.





The genesis of this library (ORI & MSS) is to be traced to the orders of Ayilyam Tirunal Maharaja (King) of Travancore to collect all manuscripts in the state so as to be kept in the safe custody of the Palace Library. Considering the overwhelming enthusiasm from the Orientalists all over the world, during early nineteen hundred Swathi Thirunal Maharaja (the then King of Travancore) published many of the manuscripts in the Palace Library and the manuscripts collection of ancient families.

[sona]

GOOD WORK RAJITH.

[Rajith]

Kovalam, the International Beach is 15 kms from Trivandrum city. These pictures were taken on a rainy day. So the real beauty of the beaches could not be captured...




The crescent-shaped beach has three parts. The southern most beach, and the most popular, is light house beach




Ayurvedic massage parlours, yoga centers and water sport facilities, makes Kovalam a popular haven for tourists from all over the globe

[sudheeshnairs]

Rajith, how did u manage the take these shots without being booked by the Tourism Police?

BTW, Kerala beaches are rich in mineral deposits like illmenite, rutile etc, esp those of Kollam-Alapuzha stretch. Kovalam beaches too contain such minerals.

Originally Posted by Rajith

Kovalam, the International Beach is 15 kms from Trivandrum city. These pictures were taken on a rainy day. So the real beauty of the beaches could not be captured...

Ayurvedic massage parlours, yoga centers and water sport facilities, makes Kovalam a popular haven for tourists from all over the globe

[Rajith]

The century old castle (contructed in early 1900's) stands on an elevated ground and facing the calm blue waters, which was once the summer retreat of the Travancore royal family. This was built entirely from locally available granite stones.
The royal suites in the castle is the most luxurious accommodation available in the handful of five star hotels in the entire state.
I got this picture through a 'forward mail'. Hope the photographer wont mind in sharing this pic

[Rajith]

This is one of the old streets in Trivandrum which is still preserved




Government Fort Hospital - OP corridor.. You can see two OP counters.
This hospital is an old one started by the Royal Family.




and look at this ....




and this.... (this is inside Kuthiramalika Palace)

[Ajaypp]

Beautiful pics of the heritage buildings, Trivandrum has such a great collection of classic buildings... Keep going, Rajith!

[Rajith]

The mantapa in Waterworks Park.
I have heard that a statue of the Queen of Travancore was there in this mantapa. Not sure about the history.



The 8th century old temple was renovated by the King "Marthanda Varma" in 1733 A.D. The temple is a fine specimen of South Indian architecture. Lord Vishnu is the diety and He reclines here on the coils of Anantha the serpent.
The temple is in the heart of the city and is protected by Fortified walls and Fortified wall gates on four sides. The city bus stand is in the East Fort Area.
The magnificent temple tower rises in ten stories against the reflecting pool in front.

[Rajith]

His Highness Sri Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma, the then Maharaja of Travancore started a school to provide quality education in 1834

In 1866, the school was raised to the status of a College affiliated to the Madras University. It was named H.H The Maharaja's College.
Mr. John Ross was the first principal.

By 1870, a spacious two-storied building was constructed forming the central block, which has lasted to this day.

[manojp_mp]

Great pics Rajith....
Keep postin more......

[Ajaypp]

- Nice close up of the historic University College. Among its illustrious alumni are the likes of the Late K.R. Narayanan.

[rajkrish]

Superb pics.

Originally Posted by Rajith

[B]His Highness Sri Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma, the then Maharaja of Travancore started a school to provide quality education in 1834

[Ajaypp]

Originally posted by Rajith
The 8th century old temple was renovated by the King "Marthanda Varma" in 1733 A.D. The temple is a fine specimen of South Indian architecture. Lord Vishnu is the diety and He reclines here on the coils of Anantha the serpent.
The temple is in the heart of the city and is protected by Fortified walls and Fortified wall gates on four sides. The city bus stand is in the East Fort Area.
The magnificent temple tower rises in ten stories against the reflecting pool in front.

Bit more on the Padmanabha Swamy Temple - The most impressive temple complex in Kerala, it also has several other architechtural features -

- A thousand pillar hall
- "Singing pillars" - specially carved stone pillars which emit sounds according to the "Sapthaswaras" - the seven notes which are the basis of music. This is among only 2-3 such collections in India.
- The largest idol in any temple - the reclining Vishnu, which is made of a mix of rare metals, special woods and precious metals.
- The mandappam, in the sanctum santorum, is made of a single giant block of stone, weighing well over a 100 tons!
- The temple and its sprawling pond - the Padmatheertham - are reputed to be linked to the sea, which is 4-5 Kms away, as the bird flies.

This temple evokes a sense of awe in all the devotees who visit it. It is controlled by the Travancore Royal Family, and follows strict traditions, such as the fact that no western attire is allowed within its walls.