INDEX

Ser No Topic Page No

1. Trivandrum in General 1 - 2

Temples 2.

(a) Sri Padmanabhaswamy Tempe. 3 - 4

(b) Pazvangadi Ganapathy Temple. 5 - 6

3. Museums & Art Gallery

(a) Napier Museum. 7- 8

(b) Sree Chitra Art Gallery 9 - 10

(c) Kanakakunnu Palace 11 - 12

(d) Padmanabhapuram Palace 13 - 14

(e) Trivandrum Golf Club 15 - 16

4. Beaches, Backwaters & Picnic Spots

(a) Shanghumugham Beach 17 - 18

(b) Kovalam Beach 19 - 20

(c) Varkala Beach 21 - 22

(d) Kollam Backwaters 23 - 24

(e) Neyyar Dam 25 - 26

(f) Poovar 27 - 28

(g) Ponmudi 29 - 30

(h) Veli Tourist Village 31 - 32

5. Ayurveda 33 - 34

6. Shopping 35 - 37

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THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

“ The World is

a book, and

those who do

not travel read

only a page”

Attractions

Temples

Museum &

Art Gallery

Beaches

Backwaters

Dams & Hills

Altitude : Sea level Area : 2192 sq. km

Population : 3,234,356 (2011 census)

Located in the Southwestern tip of India,

Thiruvananthapuram is bound by the Arabian

Sea in the West and Tamil Nadu in the East.

Named after Anantha Padmanabha or Lord

Vishnu, the city is home to many ancient

temples. But the landmark is the Sree

Padmanabha Swamy Temple around which the

city has been built on seven low hills. The

wooded highlands of the Western Ghats in the

eastern and northeastern borders give

Thiruvananthapuram some of the most

enchanting picnic spots. A long shoreline with

internationally renowned beaches, historic

monuments, backwater stretches and a rich

cultural heritage make this district a much

sought-after tourist destination. Clean and green,

Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala is one

of the most beautiful cities in the country.

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1. The Padmanabhaswamy temple is located in the centre of

Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala. Rather unusual for Kerala the

temple was built in the Dravidian style, mostly associated with the temples

located in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu, featuring high walls and a

16th-century Gopuram.

2. The principal deity Padmanabha is enshrined in the

"Anantha-Sayanam" posture – the eternal yogic sleep on the serpent

Anantha. The titular Maharaja of Travancore is the trustee of the

temple as Sree Padmanabhadasa, the "Servant of Lord Padmanabha". In

line with the Temple Entry Proclamation, only those who profess the

Hindu faith are permitted entry to the temple. Devotees have to strictly

follow the dress code.

3. In the sanctum sanctorum, Padmanabha reclines on the serpent Anantha or Adi Sesha. The serpent has five hoods facing inwards, signifying contemplation. The Lord's right hand is placed over a Shiva lingam. Sridevi, the Goddess of Prosperity and Bhudevi the Goddess of Earth, two consorts of Vishnu are by his side. Brahma emerges on a lotus, which emanates from the navel of the Lord. The deity is made from 12,000 saligramams. These saligrams are from the banks of the Gandaki River in Nepal, and to commemorate this certain rituals used to be performed at the Pashupatinath Temple. The deity of Padmanabha is covered with, "Katusarkara yogam", a special ayurvedic mix, which forms a plaster that keeps the deity clean. The daily worship is with flowers and for the

abhishekam, special deities are used.

4. The platforms in front of the vimanam and where the deity rests, are

both carved out of a single massive stone and hence called

"Ottakkal-mandapam." The Deity is visible through three doors – the

visage of the reclining Lord and Siva Linga underneath the hand is seen

through the first door; Sridevi and Divakara Muni in Katusarkara, Brahma

seated on a lotus emanating from the Lord's navel, hence the name,

"Padmanabha", gold abhisheka moorthies of Lord Padmanabha, Sridevi

and Bhudevi, and silver utsava moorthi of Padmanabha through the

second door; the Lord's feet, and Bhudevi and Kaundinya Muni in

Katusarkara through the third door. Only the King of Travancore is

permitted to perform sashtanga namaskaram, or prostrate on the

"Ottakkal Mandapam".

SRI PADMANABHASWAMY TEMPLE

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1. The Pazhavangadi Maha Ganapathy temple is situated at East Fort in

the heart of Thiruvananthapuram City. The main Deity of the temple is Sri

Mahaganapathy (Ganesha). The main idol is installed in a seated posture

with the right leg in a folded stance. The temple is situated in close

proximity to the Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple. Other Deities worshiped

at the temple include Dharmasasta, Goddess Durga and Nagaraja. The

temple sculptures include 32 different forms of Lord Ganesha.

2. The original Idol was maintained by The Nair Brigade initially at

Padmanabhapuram and later when they were shifted to

Thiruvananthapuram they installed the Idol and the current temple came

into being. After the integration of the Travancore army with the Indian

Forces, the temple is being maintained by the Indian Army

(MADRAS Regt).

3. The main Vazhipadu (Offering) is the breaking of coconuts at the

temple. Other Offerings associated with Lord Ganesha like Ganapathy

Homam, Appam, Modakam etc. are also performed here.

4. As with many prominent temples in Kerala, in order to enter the main

temple complex of the temple Men need to be wearing a Mundu and no

upper body clothing. Women are required to wear traditional attire like a

Sari.

5. Some of the major festivals celebrated at the temple are Vinayaka

Chathurthi, Ganesh Jayanthi, Virad Chathurthi and Sankashti Chathurthi.

Special Poojas are also performed on the occasion of Thiruonam,

Vijayadashami, Vishu & Maha Shivaratri.

PAZHAVANGADI GANAPATHY TEMPLE

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1. The Napier Museum is an art and natural history museum situated in

Thiruvananthapuram. The museum was established in 1855.

2. In 1874, the old Museum Building was demolished and foundation for the new building was laid. The new building was named after Lord

Napier, the Governor of Madras from 1866-1872.

3. The architectural masterpiece was designed by Robert Chisholm, the consulting Architect of the Madras Government and the construction

was completed in 1880.

4. Napier Museum is a landmark in the city with its unique ornamentation and architectural style with gothic roof and minarets. The

Indo-Saracenic structure also boasts a natural air conditioning system.

5. The museum houses a rare collection of archaeological and historic artefacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings. It also contains the Sri Chitra Art Gallery, which contains works from Raja Ravi Varma and Nicholas Roerich, as well as examples of

Mughal and Tanjore art.

6. The Museum grounds also hold a Zoological garden, which is one of

the oldest in India. This Zoo was established in 1857 and is spread

over 55 acres (220,000 m2) of land.

NAPIER MUSEUM

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1. Sree Chitra Art Gallery was established in 1935. It is located towards

the northern side of the Napier Museum. It was inaugurated by Chithira

Thirunal Balarama Varma. The gallery features a unique collection of

traditional and contemporary paintings, including the works of Raja Ravi

Varma, Nicholas Roerich, Svetoslav Roerich, Jamini Roy, Rabindranath

Tagore, V S Valiathan, C Raja Raja Varma and K C S Paniker. There are

approximately 1100 paintings at the gallery.

2. The art gallery has on display works from the Mughal, Rajput, Bengal,

Rajastani, and Tanjore schools of art. It also has an oriental collection of

Chinese, Japanese, and Balinese paintings, Tibetan Thangka, and unique

collections of Indian mural paintings from pre-historic times. Other items

of interest include miniatures from different parts of the world,

reproductions of murals of Ajanta, Bagh, Sigiriya, and Sittannavasal, and

manuscripts of archival importance. The gallery houses 400 years old

Tanjore miniature paintings.

3. The gallery has 15 original works by the Roerichs and 43 original

works by Raja Ravi Varma. Ravi Varma's rare pencil sketches are also

displayed at the gallery. The paintings of Ravi Varma which were earlier

kept at Chithralaya in Kilimanoor were given to the art gallery by the

Kilimanoor Palace in 1941. The palace originally handed over 70 Ravi

Varma paintings but some of them are not on display at the art gallery

due to space constraints. The Kerala government undertook the

restoration of Ravi Varma paintings in 2005. Ravi Varma's masterpiece

paintings Shakuntala and Damayanti Talking to a Swan are displayed at

the gallery.

SREE CHITRA ART GALLERY

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1. Located about 800 meters North East of the Napier Museum in the heart of Trivandrum city, Kanakakunnu Palace is one of the last architectural vestiges of the colonial era. Built during the reign of Travancore king Sree Moolam Thirunal (1885−1924), the palace served as the main venue for royal banquets. Later Swathi Thirunal, one of Travancore’s popular rulers, refurbished the palace and constructed tennis courts in the premises. He also did use it for a few years as a summer retreat. Boasting a Kerala style facade, the Travancore royal family used the house to entertain guests. Inside you will see massive crystal chandeliers and an array of exquisite pieces of royal furniture – a testimony to the lavish lifestyle of the Thirunal kings who had a penchant for music and art. Add to it a picturesque setting on the crest of a small

hill lush with meadows, grooves and flowering shrubs.

2. Now under the Kerala government’s wing, the palace complex

walls-in the Nishagandhi open-air auditorium and Sooryakanthi

auditorium. A popular haunt of culture vultures in the city, the auditoriums

are the venues for various cultural meets and programs. The prestigious

All India Dance Festival aka Nishagandhi festival is hosted annually by

the Department of Tourism at the Nishagandhi open-air auditorium. Indian

classical dance exponents from across the country come down to

participate in the festival.

3. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has

listed this place as a heritage monument.

KANAKAKUNNU PALACE

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1. Padmanabhapuram Palace is located in at Padmanabhapuram Fort, in

Padmanabhapuram, Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, India.

Padmanabhapuram is the former capital city of the erstwhile kingdom of

Travancore. It is about 20km from Nagercoil, and about 50km from

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The palace complex is made of old granite

stones and it lies within the Padmanabhapuram fortress which is

around four kilometers long. The palace is located on the foot of the Veli

Hills, which form a part of the Western Ghats. The river Velli flows nearby.

2. The palace was constructed around 1601 AD by Iravi Varma

Kulasekhara Perumal who ruled Venad between 1592 and 1609. The

founder of modern Travancore, King Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma

(1706–1758) who ruled Travancore from 1729 to 1758, rebuilt the palace at

around 1750. King Marthaanda Varma dedicated the kingdom to his

family deity Sree Padmanabha, a form of Lord Vishnu and ruled the

kingdom as Padmanabha dasa or servant of Lord Padmanabha. Hence

the name Padmanabhapuram or City of Lord Padmanabha. In the late

18th century, precisely in 1795 the capital of Travancore was shifted from

here to Thiruvananthapuram, and the place lost its former glory.

However, the palace complex continues to be one of the best examples of

traditional Kerala architecture, and some portions of the sprawling

complex are also the hallmark of traditional Kerala style architecture.

PADMANABHAPURAM PALACE

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1. The Trivandrum Golf club is a Nine hole layout with a history that goes back to the 1850. The golf course was part of the hunting lodge of the Maharaja’s of Travancore. Built by the late Maharaja Srimoolam Tirunal ,this was their private course . This would make it one of the oldest golf courses in India (Royal Calcutta circa 1829 & the Jorhat Club &

BGC circa 1876 are some of the old Golf clubs in India).

2. The Trivandrum Golf Course is situated in a 25.38 acre property in the heart of Trivandrum City, capital of Kerala & is owned by Government of Kerala. The unique clubhouse and the pavilion is over 100 years old. This is an archeological treasure of the state. This building is identified as a

heritage building by the Department of Archeology.

3. The course has a very mature tree line & some interesting holes that make up for its compact layout & relatively short yardage – its a 2645 yard ,Par 34 design . The very unique clubhouse – a heritage structure that is in a typical colonial era design with a pagoda shape & built of teak wood is about 7000 odd square foot large & was part of a restoration

project in the early 2000′s .

4. The course is open to visitors on days when there is NO tournament & between 0830 am to 3pm. It is open through the week . Golf clubs are available on hire . However there is NO pro shop & you need to buy Golf balls / Gloves etc at a retail outlet called STYLE PLUS that is located 1km

from the golf club.

TRIVIA : The golf course is possibly the OLDEST GOLF COURSE in India on the SAME SITE (The Royal Calcutta GC (RCGC) in Calcutta though an older golf course moved location. RCGC moved to its current location in

1910).

TRIVANDRUM GOLF CLUB

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1. Shanghumugham Beach is closer to Trivandrum International Airport. The vast stretch of white sand and the serene atmosphere, away from the crowd in the city, provide all the ingredients for relaxation and for spending an ideal evening. There is also a “Star Fish Restaurant” with eating kiosks and open air theatre with car parking facilities. Good food can be enjoyed at the Indian Coffee House, just across the beach, which is

also a vantage point for enjoying the sunset.

2. Shanghumugham beach is considered as the ‘Arattukadavu’ of Sri Ananthapadmanabhan - The presiding deity of the city. Thousands of Hindus perform ‘Bali Tharpanam’ during special occasions. Shanghu mugham is the prime location for Ganesh Nimarjan at the time of

Vinayaka Chathurthi.

3. On the Arattu day at Thiruvananthapuram, images of Lord

Padmanabhawamy, Lord Narasimha, and Lord Krishna are taken in

procession to the Laccadive Sea at Shanghumugham beach. His

Highness the Maharaja of Travancore leads the procession with the royal

sword in hand, who is escorted by members of the Royal family, armed

guards, temple authorities, mounted police, and officers. After the

ceremonial bath in Shanghumugham, images are taken back in

procession which marks the conclusion of the festival.

4. The sculpture of Jalakanyaka - Mermaid by Kanayi Kunhiraman is an

added attraction. This giant statue is more than 35m long. The 'Jawaharlal

Nehru Park of Traffic signs for children' is situated here, which is helpful

for the children to understand the traffic rules while playing in the park.

The park also provides cycling facilities for small children.

SHANGHUMUGHAM BEACH

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1. Kovalam beach is located around 20 km from Pangode Garrison.

Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and true to its name the village

offers an endless sight of coconut trees. It is also known as the paradise

of the south.

2. Kovalam first received attention when the Regent Maharani Sethu

Lakshmi Bayi of Travancore constructed her beach resort, Halcyon

Castle, here towards the end of the 1920s. Thereafter the place was

brought to the public eye by her nephew the Maharaja of Travancore.

The European guests of the then Travancore kingdom discovered the

potentiality of Kovalam beach as a tourist destination in the 1930s.

However, Kovalam shot into limelight in the early seventies with arrivals

of the masses of hippies on their way to Ceylon in the Hippie Trail. This

exodus started the transformation of a casual fishing village of Kerala into

one of the most important tourist destinations in all India

3. Beaches. Kovalam has three beaches separated by rocky

outcroppings in its 17 km coastline, the three together form the famous

crescent of the Kovalam beach:-

(a) Lighthouse Beach. The southernmost beach, the Lighthouse Beach is the one most frequented by tourists, Lighthouse Beach got its name due to the old Vizhinjam Lighthouse located on a rocky prom ontory here. Its intermittent beams at night render the beach with an unearthly charm. (b) Hawah Beach. Eve’s Beach, more commonly known as Hawa Beach, ranks second, in the early day, is a beehive of activities with fishermen setting out for sea. With a high rock promontory and a calm bay of blue waters, this beach paradise creates a unique aquarelle on moonlit nights. (c) Samudra Beach. A large promontory separates this part from the southern side. Samudra Beach doesn't have tourists thronging there or hectic business. The local fishermen ply their trade on this part.

KOVALAM BEACH

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1. Varkala Beach, also known as Papanasam beach is a beach in Varkala,

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, along the Arabian Sea, part of the

Indian Ocean. The word Papanasam means wash away sins. It is believed

that a dip in the waters of Papanasam Beach washes away all the sins in

one's life.

2. Varkala beach is the only place in southern Kerala where cliffs are

found adjacent to the Arabian Sea. These tertiary sedimentary formation

cliffs are a unique geological feature on the otherwise flat Kerala coast,

and is known among geologists as Varkala Formation and a geological

monument as declared by the Geological Survey of India. There are

numerous water spouts and spas on the sides of these cliffs. The beach

is a haven for sun-bathing and swimming. The evening views of the

sunset are worth lingering over. There are several small restaurants and

snack shops near and around Papasnanam beach, which attracts the

maximum visitors both for leisure as well as for religious reasons.

VARKALA BEACH

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1. Located at a distance of 70 kilometers from the capital city Trivandrum,

Kollam backwaters are one of the most beautiful destinations in Kerala to

visit and enjoy. Most tourists and visitors go on Kollam backwater tours

only to return with the most mesmerizing experience of their lives. Kollam

is situated near the famous Ashtamudi Lake and is one of the most scenic

landscapes that Kerala has to present. The lush green vegetation and

placid and crystal clear water makes the backwaters of Kollam the

gateway to the beautiful backwaters of Kerala.

2. The Kollam backwaters are best explored on traditional Kerala

houseboats known as "Kettuvalloms". These houseboats look traditional

but are equipped with all modern facilities and you can have freshly-

cooked, authentic Kerala cuisine as each houseboat has an on-board

cook. So just sit back and relax on a comfortable couch while relishing

exotic food and enjoying the sunset that paints the water golden.

3. The backwaters of Kollam are a great way to observe nature

flourishing in its best form here. The shores are lined with many trees and

provides shelter to many exotic birds like cuckoos, egrets & ducks. The

water is a natural habitat for water plants like water lilies and lotus that

add charm to the meandering waterways. There are small restaurants

lined up on the shores where one can stop and have a taste of local

cuisine.

KOLLAM BACKWATERS

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1. Neyyar dam is a gravity dam on the Neyyar River in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, South India, located on the foot of the Western Ghats about 30 km from Thiruvananthapuram. It was established in 1958 and is a popular picnic spot. Lying against the

southern low hills of the Western Ghats, Neyyar Dam has a scenic lake.

2. Neyyar dam is situated at Kallikkad Panchayath of Neyyattinkara Taluk of Trivandrum district. The peak Agasthya kooodam is very near to Neyyar dam. The dam was built in the land given by an agriculturist known as Karuvachiyil Krishan Panicker, Maruthummoottil family,and his other family members for irrigation purposes. One canal of Neyyar flows to western districts of Tamil Nadu. The main river Neyyar flows through Kallikkadu, Ottasekharamangalam, Aryancode, Kezharoor, Perumkadavila, Marayamuttom, Neyyattinkara and Poovar and ends at the Arabian Sea. Kallikkadu panchayath has more cultural and historic heritages. The Travancore King Marthanda Varma's footprints are here. He fought against Ettuveettil Pillais and he had to flee from his palace. He walked through the mountains of Kallikkadu such as Agasthakoodam with the Aborigins, Kanikkar. They saved the king and they were rewarded with 36,000 acres (150 km

2) of land. this is known as Kanipatt. After the

democratic reign Kanis lost the land and it came under the control of local

land lords.

3. The Neyyar Dam is a concrete gravity-type with a height of 56 m (184 ft) and length of 294 m (965 ft). Its structural volume is 105,000 m

3

(3,708,040 cu ft). The dam creates a reservoir of 1,060,000,000 m3

(859,356 acre·ft) of which 1,010,000,000 m3 (818,820 acre·ft) is active

(useful) capacity. The reservoir's surface area is 91 km2 (35 sq mi) and the

dam's spillway has a 809 m3/s (28,570 cu ft/s) maximum discharge

capacity.

4. The Kerala Tourism organises boating in the lake and the tourists

can also visit the crocodile park and Lion Safari.

NEYYAR DAM

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1. Poovar is a small coastal village in the Trivandrum district of Kerala state, South India. This village is almost at the southern tip of Trivandrum and there is only one last village Pozhiyoor which mark the end of kerala. Poovar is approximately 30 km from Pangode Garrison. This village has a beautiful beach which attracts tourists. There are also

some good tourist resorts.

2. Poovar lies very close to Vizhinjam, a natural harbor. Poovar has an estuary which connects with the sea during high tides. The 56 km Neyyar River passes through Neyyattinkara taluk into the Arabian Sea

near Poovar. Its natural beauty enables it to be a quiet tourist spot.

3. Poovar was a trading center of timber, sandalwood, ivory and spices. It is beleved that the ships of King Solomon landed here. Poovar has been one of the ancient Muslim settlements along the western coast of

India.

POOVAR

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1. Ponmudi (The Golden Peak) is a hill station in the

Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala in India. Its located 61 km North-East of Trivandrum city at an altitude of 1100 m. It is a part of the Western

Ghats mountain range that runs parallel to the Arabian Sea.

2. Ponmudi is blessed with scenic splendor and natural beauty. Ponmudi has a carpet of thick tropical forest that rolls down to the foot of

the hill range.

3. The landscape of Ponmudi is an interspersing of valleys and hills with forestland and tea plantations. Ponmudi is having an extensive importance of biodiversity, which plays a major role in maintaining the

ecological balance of the area.

4. Ponmudi is host to 283 species of birds, many of which are endangered and threatened. Birds endemic to this region include the Painted Bush Quail, the Malabar Grey Hornbill, the Wayanad Laughing Thrush, the Broad-tailed Grass Bird and the Nilgiri Pipit. The grasslands of Ponmudi are the breeding grounds of the Broad-tailed Grass Bird, a threatened species. "Fifty-nine per cent of the 483 bird species in Kerala are found at Ponmudi. Of the 16 species of birds endemic to the Western Ghats, 15 are at Ponmudi. Of the 332 species of butterflies in the Western Ghats, 195 are found here. Of the 37 butterfly species endemic to the Ghats, 24 are found at Ponmudi. Spot Puffin, a rare butterfly, has been sighted at the Kulachikarai-Panayam-Merchiston area. Similarly, Ponmudi is also host to many species of reptiles and amphibians, includ-ing the highly endangered Travancore Tortoise, the Malabar Flying Frog

and the Malabar Tree Toad.

PONMUDI

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1. Veli Tourist Village is located near Kochuveli approximately 15 km from Pangode Garrison. It is one of the picnic spots, in Trivandrum city. The spot is developed on the Veli lake. The calm and serene atmosphere

and its natural beauty are a fascination for tourists.

2. This picnic spot, where the Veli Lake meets the Arabian Sea, offers boating facilities. Pedalboats and paddleboats can be hired to explore the charms of the lagoon in a leisurely manner. For a quick ride over the waters, speedboats are available for hire. Children enjoy climbing over the huge sculptures which dot the landscape. Veli Tourist Village also has

a children's park and a Floating Cafe by KTDC Hotels & Resorts.

VELI TOURIST VILLAGE

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Abhyangam This relaxing and refreshing full body massage is a masterpiece of Kerala Ayurveda. It is done with medicated herbal oils by two therapists in a synchronized manner for 45 minutes. The number of strokes and pressure vary with the condition of the individual. This massage is indicated daily to prevent ageing and degeneration. This seven-position therapy will treat the whole body physically, mentally and emotionally while balancing the doshas. Its rhythmic motion helps to relieve joints and muscles from stiffness and helps

in freeing body movements.

Sirodhara Sirodhara is a luxuriant and easy way to achieve instant calm and rejuvenation. It derives from two Sanskrit words: shiro and dhara. Shiro means head and dhara means to flow. It involves the consistent flow of aromatic oils on the forehead, specifically on the 'third eye'. This is the chakra point just above and between the eyebrows. It is said to be the seat of human consciousness. As the oil strokes the third eye, it has a balancing effect on the deepest recesses of the brain, stimulating the endocrine system, the pitui-tary and pineal glands (for hormonal upsets) and pleasure neurotransmitters (for depres-sion or emotional insecurity). The lukewarm, medicated oils are allowed to flow over the scalp and through the hair for a defined period of time, creating a blissful sensation. Sirodhara is an effective therapy for mental relaxation and cures insomnia, stress,

depression, and decreased mental agility.

AYURVEDA

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Podikizhi

Podikizhi belongs to a group of Ayurvedic treatments of high repute called Sweda. Small linen bags filled with medicated powder made from the roots of 12 herbal plants are heated and applied all over the body to stimulate sweat. Two bundles, containing medicines as well as medicated powder, are applied simultaneously by separate therapists to different parts of the

body.

Podikizhi is an effective remedy that helps take care of many diseases caused by disrupted Vata and Kapha doshas like rheumatic disorder, arthritis and spondylosis. Muscular sprain and stiffness can also be

prevented using the therapy.

Udhwarthanam

The simple procedure of massaging the entire body below the neckline with a powder made of an assortment of herbs in the opposite direction of hair growth is called Udwartanam. Udwartanam opens the circulatory channels, facilitates metabolic activity and improves the complexion . It is extremely helpful in reduc-

ing excess fat from the body.

Kalari Massage

In Kalari massage the therapist or the kalari master uses his hand and feet to massage the recipient using medicated oils. The masseur uses nadisuthra kriya to apply pressure with the fingers, thumb or toe at certain points on the body. These pressure points (Marma points) are areas where there is a high con-

centration of Prana.

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1. Shree Mulam Thirunal Shashtiabda-poorthy Memorial (SMSM) Institute. This shop is very close to the secretariat building, Trivandrum, Kerala. Handicrafts, Artifacts made of coir, coconut shell, wood and also brass items are avaiable here. In addition wall hangings, enviroment friendly handbags, shopping bags too are available here.Small gift items like Katha-kali face made in wood\paper pulp are very good for taking as a reminder of visit

to Kerala.

2. Jayalakshmi Silks. It has set new standards in retailing. With time, the array on offer has grown to include eth-nic wear, western wear and branded wear. The ethnic collection for women include Lachas, Salwar-Kameez, Kutis, Shararas, Lehengas, Set mundu and sarees. For men the variegated bridegroom ensemble includes Sherwanis, Kurtas, Tunics and Pathani Suits. The kids also havean attractive collection to choose from. The western wear section for men and women has the latest trendy fashions and styles to

offer.

3. Pothys Trivandrum. Pothys Lifestyle in Trivandrum is a megastore with six floors of lifestyle collections and shopping including wedding sarees, silk sarees, boutique fashion collections

and a supermarket

SHOPPING

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4. Kalyan Silks. This Showroom was jointly inaugurated recently by Prithviraj and Dhanush, the young Indian super-stars and the brand ambassadors of Kal-yan Silks. A truly world-class shopping destination spanning over 50000 sq.ft of shopping space spread across 4 floors. It has one of the the biggest collection in ladies wear, Men’s wear, ethnic wear,

party wear and kid’s wear. In Trivandrum.

5. Bhima Jewellers. It is one of the big jewellery showrooms in Trivandrum. It is located in MG Road which is about 5 KM from Pangode Garrison. The following

jewellery are available :

(a) Gold Jewellery. (b) Diamond Jewellery. (c ) Platinum Jewellery. (d) Precious Stones. (e) Ruby Jewellery. (f) Silver Jewellery. (g) Pearl Jewellery. (h) Lightweight Collections.

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6. Maha Chips. It is located on Padmavilasam Road in East Fort is a place for those who enjoy ‘chips’ and ‘bites’ that are edible. Located in an area that has umpteen push cart sellers offering fresh snacks, this joint promises to be different with some not-so-common ‘upperis’ on its menu.Owned by V. Shivakumar, who is popularly known as ‘Chips Kumar,’ Maha Chips has different varieties of chips, mixtures and halwas.The outlet, which boasts of a regular stream of customers belonging to all walks of life, also offers eight varieties of mixtures and nearly a dozen halwas. ‘Special Mixture’, ‘Bombay Mixture’ and ‘Sada Mixture’ are some of the special mixtures that has customers making a beeline to this place. In addition, snacks such as onion pakodas and cashewnut

pakodas are also sold at Maha Chips.

7. Balaramapuram. It is a small town in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. Balaramapuram is famous as the centre for the production of traditional varieties of handloom textiles meant for the contemporary cloth wearing style of Kerala. Its unique craftsmanship makes it an ideal heirloom Balaramapuram is located on National Highway 47, 15 km South east of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) city in Kerala, India and 25 km North of Kaliyikkavila, the southern

boundary of the state.

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