Trivandrum Buzz » Places

Illuminated – A Picture

saranjith — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:44:55 +0000

Guess the name of this place!

Can anyone guess this place?

Find more at: Perspecive: Saran’s Photography

Illuminated – A Picture is a post from: Trivandrum Buzz. Part of the Metrogeometry Network.

Trivandrum Zoo – A Must See Place in Trivandrum

rnairgokul — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 14:12:04 +0000

Standing as a heritage zone and the one next to the Napier Museum is the Trivandrum zoo which adds to the proud and prestige of Tvm city. One of the oldest in the country, was established as an adjunct to the Museum in 1857 by the erstwhile Maharaja of Travancore in order to attract more visitors. The typical iron barred, cement floored, dingy animal cages built in the past still stand as monuments of the royal style and architectural supremacy rather than being proper housing for animals. Spread over in 55 acres of land located in the heart of the temple city of Thiruvananathapuram, the Zoo offers a rare opportunity for the visitors to experience and enjoy unparalleled picturesque and panoramic sylvan surroundings besides vivid animal collections.

The Zoo has 82 different species of animals from all over India and abroad. It has several species of animals and birds from Ethiopian and Australian Zoo geographic regions. The Lion tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Nilgiri Tahr, One Horned Great Indian Rhino, Asiatic Lion, Royal Bengal Tiger are prominent among the indigenous endangered fauna whereas, Giraffe, Hippo, Zebra, Cape Buffalo are the guests from African region. It will usher in a new era with the completion of the ongoing modernization works in the Zoo.

It is one among the well designed in Asia and is set amidst woodland, lakes and lawns. The Trivandrum Zoo was originally set up for recreational purpose only. But with more and more loss of forest and wildlife in the process of human development, the goal of the Zoo changed from recreation to conservation. Today Zoos are seen as the last resort for endangered animals and birds. A trip to the Zoo is like taking an adventurous tour through a jungle in the heart of the city. A reptile house, with various species of poisonous and non-poisonous snakes, is also located in the premises. The recently-opened snake house ranks as one of the best in the world. The Zoo is undoubtedly a big attraction for children and the Zoological Garden makes for a perfect tourist destination. There was one boating facilities available in zoo but now due to some reasons that has stopped and the water is used for other purposes.

The Napier Museum is an art and natural history museum situated near the city zoo. Both are in same premises. The museum was established in 1855. 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.The architectural masterpiece was designed by Robert Chisholm, the consulting Architect of the Madras Government and the construction was completed in 1880. 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. The museum houses a rare collection of archaeological and historic artifacts, 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. There is also a children’s park inside the zoo premises. The museum will be opened from 10.00 am to 4.30 pm. It will be closed on Mondays, Wednesday forenoons, January 26th, August 15th, Thiruvonam and Mahanavami. A visit to the Napier Museum complex reveals a glimpse of Kerala. An oriental collection consisting of paintings from China, Japan, Tibet and Bali offers a visual treat and are a tribute to the art and culture of these countries rich cultural heritage.The museum displays a rare idol of Vishnu that dates back to the 8th century. The idol has been retrieved from the Ambalapuzha temple and is regarded as the oldest known metal image in Kerala. The stone sculptures in the museum too belong to the same time period. A prominent attraction is the sculpture called Shiva with Sati. A 400 year old clock and a herbal coat worn by the Maharajas of Travancore are some of the other fascinating attractions.

Trivandrum Zoo – A Must See Place in Trivandrum is a post from: Trivandrum Buzz. Part of the Metrogeometry Network.

Indian Coffee House with 60 years of excellence

rnairgokul — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 06:47:39 +0000

Many restaurants and coffee shops are owned or managed by the owners or partners but there is only one place where the ownership is with the Employees and that is none other than the Indian Coffee House. Starting from the 50′s itself they are making the keralites enjoy with the unblended rich coffee and food served by amiable waiters clad in stiffly – starched uniform in a unique classical ambiance.Over the years, the society has sticked on to the traditional values of good taste, courteous service and unmatched quality.These values were and still are what makes Indian Coffee House the biggest restaurant chain in Kerala. The society now has a chain with over 51 outlets and associate canteens operating in all major towns from Thrissur to Thiruvananthapuram. They proudly upholds the traditions of our pioneers that have earned us the love and loyalty of hundreds of customers. The society has received appreciation and support from Govt and public which is gratefully remembered.

With the name of “COFFEE BOARD” when started in 1940′s and during the time of British rule due to several reasons the board was subjected to close down and so many lost there jobs but with the courage and support of a strong and well known Communist Leader com. A.K.G ( Ayillyath Kuttiari Gopalan Nambiar ) took over the leadership of the said employees and organized Societies all over India in different states.That is “INDIA COFFEE BOARD WORKER’S CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY” . Later the Coffee Board came to be known as the “INDIAN COFFEE HOUSE”.

The jurisdiction of Indian Coffee House extends from Thrissur to Thiruvananthapuram.50 Indian Coffee Houses are running across Kerala from Thrissur to Trivandrum under the control of India Coffee Board Worker’s Co-operative Society Ltd. No.4227, Thrissur. The Society registered with District Industries Center, Thrissur. It is very cheerful to inform that its branches is functioning in Kerala Govt. Secretariat, M.L.A. Hostel, Legislature Secretariat, Govt. Medical Colleges, Cochin University Campus, N.T.P.C. and some other Pvt. Medical colleges, and institutions etc. With regard to Kerala this coffee house is considered as a big Restaurant chain.

The Indian Coffee House has got prestige and proud not only in Kerala but also in different parts of India.The first Indian Coffee House was opened in New Delhi on 27 October 1957. Gradually, the Indian Coffee House chain expanded across the country, with branches in Pondicherry, Thrissur, Lucknow, Nagpur, Jabalpur, Mumbai, Kolkata, Tellicherry and Pune by the end of 1958.But the Society was registered in Thrissur so the head office of Indian Coffee House is at Thrissur. Still with many support from the Employees the Indian Coffee House is running to achieve its pride and excellence and there support is there customers.

Indian Coffee House with 60 years of excellence is a post from: Trivandrum Buzz. Part of the Metrogeometry Network.

Trivandrum tennis club completes 72 years of glory

rnairgokul — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 15:34:18 +0000

Like wise the Golf club in Kowdiar at the heart of the Trivandrum city we have got a prestigious club that is none other than the Tennis Club or popularly known as TTC. Beginning of the 20th century this game was not at all a popular one in the erstwhile Travancore State. But the only person who thought or wished to start ,in other words it was in 1937 the idea of starting a tennis club in Trivandrum dawned upon Col. Goda Varma Raja (popularly known as ‘Thirumeni’), Prince Consort of Her Highness Karthika Thirunal Thampuratty, sister of His Highness Sri Chitra Tirunal, then Maharaja of Travancore. An All India Lawn Tennis Association was arranged by Henry Crochet (France), Burke and Ramillon to India. The proposed Tennis Club was formally inaugurated on 1st February 1938 at Sasthamangalam, Trivandrum, with Col Goda Varma Raja as President. the office of the Club was located in Radhapurakkunnu, at Sasthamangalam Junction. The Club premise with a small three room building was taken on lease from Captain VP Thampi on a lease rent of Rs.5/- per month. Two tennis courts were laid out and provision for wall practice was made by providing a cement wall at one end of the Club premises. On 1st February 1938, the opening day, there were eleven members. During 1938-39, nine more members joined the Club. His Highness, late Sri Chitra Thirunal, Maharaja of Travancore, graciously consented to be the patron-in chief of the Club. His Highness the Elayaraja and His Highness the first Princess of Travancore agreed to be Patrons. Later Princess Gouri Parvathy Bayi and Princess Gouri Laxmi Bayi also gave their consent to be patrons.

1950 -51 was a year of signal importance to the Club. The construction of the Club building was begun that year. The entire construction was carried out with the funds raised from prominent personalities in Quilon, Kottayam, Kanjirappally, Kayamkulam and Trivandrum who joined the Club as Life Members. Subscription for Life Membership then was Rs.10, 000/-. By 31-08-1953 the construction was completed for a total cost of Rs.1, 07,457/-. The entire construction cost of building was borne by Life Member subscription and donations. Another thing to note is that the both the Golf Club and Tennis Club is situated at the Kowdiar and was built up by the Travancore Maharajahs at that time. The Tennis Club is around 73 years old .

Altogether 9 tennis courts including 2 synthetic and 1 lighted court are available and members may reserve tennis courts for playing on any day between 9AM and 3.00PM for playing in court Nos 5& 6 and after 6.45 PM for Court No .1 with lights .Reservation Charges are Rs.100/- per hour per player. Cost of Electricity charges at the rate of Rs.120/hour will be charged extra for lighted courts.Full fledged tennis coaching is available for boys and girls below 15 years and private coaching for grown ups. There are Wall practice court for beginners. Indoor game zones are available in Tennis Club. Billiards and Snooker timing is from 6.30PM to 10.30PM on all days. There is a Lounge , well furnished for light refreshments, with Library, Reading Room and Television.There is also a lawn exclusively for family and members,Gymnasium ,a Jogging Track for use of members and trainees. Canteen-Food (on order) may be available right from 6.00AM to 11.00PM. Guests-Members have the liberty to introduce guests. The same person cannot be entertained as a guest for more than 10 days in a month. Credit Facility is also available for members .Maximum credit limit to use the Club facilities Rs.5000/-. The Club is open from 6.00AM to 11.00PM.

There is a Conference Room with cozy member lounge and charming outdoor services, Trivandrum Tennis Club is a wonderful place to hold a private function. They are successfully hosting company activity days, birthday parties, wedding rehearsal parties and charity fundraisers. The room can comfortably handle up to 50 people and have the option to arrange our own catering or use other catering services from outside . Tennis events, card games, billiards, shuttle and billiard games can also be conducted if there is a need to add a bit of physical activity to the function. All the club facilities are available on rent for its exclusive members and for their guest. Members receive a rental discount for any special events they hold at the Club.

With the Royal Patrons blessings and support, Col Goda Varma Raja placed Tennis in a Golden Bowl and installed it in the magnificent abode in Kowdiar Gardens, built with the help, encouragement and continued patronage of the Royal Family. The Trivandrum Tennis Club continues to basket under the glitter and glory of this Royal Patronage. It behaves on the members as well as those associated with the various activities of the Club, to remember, cherish and imbibe the grandeur as well as glamor the institution continues to enjoy owing to the Royal Patronage which gave impetus more than six decades ago to its establishment as well as continuing growth and fulfillment.

Trivandrum tennis club completes 72 years of glory is a post from: Trivandrum Buzz. Part of the Metrogeometry Network.

Dominos Trivandrum – Photo Gallery

Anand Subramanian — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 07:38:01 +0000

Back in 2009, I used to see these ads of Domino’s on television.

The cake caught the deepest carvings of the foodie in me and I wanted to taste it before the end of the world! When I saw the news on Dominos coming to Trivandrum yesterday, I was pretty much the first person to jump on my bike and go to the Dominos!

And I must say, I loved it!!! The feel of molten hot chocolate on your mouth is..well…heaven!! I totally recommend this place!

Dominos Trivandrum – Photo Gallery is a post from: Trivandrum Buzz. Part of the Metrogeometry Network.

Heritage zone adorns Trivandrum Landscape

rnairgokul — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 03:34:28 +0000

Trivandrum with a rich collection of heritage Zones dotting its landscape is a dream for any culture enthusiast. Temples, traditional styled buildings and other constructions of a bygone era is a window to the past. Prominent among the heritage zone is the Fort area with the Padmanabhapuram Temple located at an elevated point within the fort being the crowning glory. Palaces, quarters for the temple priests, ponds and other buildings stand testimony to the architectural skills of the craftsmen . Built in Dravidian and Kerala style they are splendid examples of architectural excellence. The temple is surrounded by Madoms which are the residing abode of the temple priests located at Mithrandapuram and Agraharams of Tulu and Tamil Brahmins.

Other structures around the area like the Vilwamangalam Samadhi, Nelpura (granary), Mithranandapuram pond, Fort School, Fort Hospital, old jail, Ramanamadhom complex, Saraswathi Vilasom palace, Valiya Koyikkal Palace reflect the cultural traditions, festivities offering us a peek into the lifestyles of the people of yesteryears.

Palayam laying at the heart of the city is another piece of heritage location and this place has some outstanding buildings. The buildings and premises of heritage significance in this area include: Kanakakkunnu Palace, Old PHED office, Waterworks Compound, Public office buildings, Napier Museum, Sreechitra Art Gallery, Museum Gates, Natural Museum building, University Men’s Hostel, Public Library, Fine Arts College, University College Compound, Linguistic Department Blocks, Kerala University old building and Science & Technology Museum old building.

Other buildings whicr are of historical importance in the city include Poojappura Mandapam, Vanchiyoor Court,Women and Childern Hospital, Thycaud , General Hospital main old building GH Jn, Vellayambalam palace, Old main building of Police HQ, Bank House Building, TRIDA main building, Parasurama Temple, Thiruvallam (Centrally Protected Monument). Churches and Mosques in the city stands testimony to the pluralistic values held the people of Trivandrum in the past. Churches in Thiruvananthapuram City including Palayam CSI Church, LMS Church etc. and Palayam Mosque are also splendid architectural specimen. Mandapams – wayside rest places – made of wood and granite at Mankattukadavu, Kaimanam, Karamana are worth the time and need to be preserved for the future generations.

With such an abundance of structures and monuments Trivandrum city offers a slice of the past for the enthralled visitor.

Heritage zone adorns Trivandrum Landscape is a post from: Trivandrum Buzz. Part of the Metrogeometry Network.

Pro Blogger at the age of 12

deepa129 — Sat, 22 May 2010 19:06:49 +0000

A young blogger, Soheb Vahab who studies in 7th grade, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Pattom has an unusual interest of a usual boy his age- history and blogging blended together to form blogging about Travancore legacies….we caught up with this bright talent at Cafe Coffee Day at Kowdiar…

So, Soheb….why and how blogging?

When I was a small kid, my grandfather used to get me tales of historic legends which I soon became fascinated about. My cousin Syed Shiyas introduced me to the world of blogging. He said that I needed to share the knowledge that I have to the world. I started blogging through Blogspot.

What caught your interest in the travancore legacy?

I happened to go to Wellington Works, an exhibition which had displayed portraits of Travancore dynasty, Kings,etc which fascinated me to learn about the legacies of Travancore…

Other than travancore history, what else captures you?

I love to know more about the freedom struggle, also interested in the Egyptian culture of mummification and the rituals they performed before mummification….

Hmmm…..travancore history, mummies,why the subject history?

History is something of our past, our existence of what we are and I strongly believe that one should have knowledge of it. It’s so fascinating to know of the rituals performed, to see the potraits of our forefathers….

You know there is a secret underground passage from the Kowdiar Palace to the Padmanabha swami temple.. knowing all these facts were amazing

How are you able to cope with studies and blogging?

I try to complete my part of studying the day’s portions regularly in school itself whenever I get free time or in the break. Homework is done at home and then after completing my studies, I sit down to blog…

What is your source of information?

I have good acquaintances who have a close relationship with royalty. They introduced me to the PR and was let into the palace to meet the Queen herself. We were waiting at the living room where 6 portraits where displayed. The Queen asked to identify the people in the portraits which I correctly did. She was so happy and welcomed me wholeheartedly. From then, on she tells me stories of her childhood and other royal secrets, which I blog about.

Picture credits are given to Manu, an artist Sharath Sundar Rajjev and Ms. Uma, for additional info; who writes for the royal palace.

Extra-curricular activities?

News-reading and quizzing. Soheb is also a avid Birdwatcher

Does you family support you?

My dad and my cousin Shiyas is my strongest supporters. Initially I used to use my dad’s mobile internet to upload blogs, but now my dad has got me a 2GB connection…

What is your ambition in life?

My greatest ambition is to become an IAS Officer (says the young blogger proudly!!!)

Soheb, with flowing enthusiasm shared with us all that he knew of royalty. Instead of playing cricket or rather playing video games, this young lad is out to do something unique which is truly to be appreciated….We bid adieos to Soheb and now penning down his words,sure makes me feel proud and a little inquisitive to know more about the kings, the pretty princesses….

Have a look at Soheb’s blog here

Pro Blogger at the age of 12 is a post from: Trivandrum Buzz. Part of the Metrogeometry Network.

Kerala Legislative Assembly Opened for public

jlusujith — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 16:42:28 +0000

Kerala Legislative assembly which is a high security area restricted for the public in normal days will be open for the public from 4pm – 9pm on the 25th,26th & 27th of April 2010 as part of the Kerala Legislative assembly day festival.Chief Minister Sri V.S. Achuthanathan will inaugurate the assembly day celebrations tomorrow (the 26th of April ) at the banquet hall in the assembly complex.

The Legislative assembly hall which is one of the landmark buildings in Trivandrum is made more attractive with dazzling electric decorations. The fountains in the assembly complex adds the beauty of the building. Public is taken to the visitors pavilion of the assembly hall where there are special staffs who will provide information about the building and the proceedings of the legislative assembly.

Cameras and mobile phones are not allowed inside the complex. Public can visit the assembly complex during normal days with the help of a recommendation letter from their MLA.

Kerala Legislative Assembly Opened for public is a post from: Trivandrum Buzz. Part of the Metrogeometry Network.

Know your Trivandrum 2

Prof.V.Harihara Subramanian — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 10:19:13 +0000

The building below has historical significance. It is not located in the city but in Trivandrum District. Guess.

In this series we will post some pictures taken in Trivandrum or surroundings. Will try to include some informative description. Your guesses may be included in the comments below.

If no correct guesses are received, answer will be posted next weekend.

Know your Trivandrum 2 is a post from: Trivandrum Buzz. Part of the Metrogeometry Network.

Billiards Cafe

Aswin — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:35:52 +0000

In a city with less number of places to indulge and lesser number of places to indulge in cue sports, the Billiards Café at Pallimukku, Pettah is a real breather. Already a popular hangout for many, BC was started in 2007. Run by Mr. Hency Jose in a three-storied building at Anjali Nagar in Pallimukku features various other facilities too.

In the GameZone at BC, you can play the Play Station 2 for Rs.50 per hour and X-Box 360 & Nintendo Wii at Rs.60 per hour. The constantly updated library of games contains all the popular titles. There is an internet browsing facility and a small refreshments counter too.

There are 2 Billiards tables and 3 Pool tables. The rent for a Pool table is Rs.60 per hour and for the Billiards table, it is Rs.70 per hour.

At least 50 to 75 people visit BC everyday. Mainly its youngsters, but senior enthusiasts and family crowds are also trying out this place. Mr. Hency, an enthusiast himself, plans to open a new branch within the City in the near future.

BC is a bit far off from the city centre, but it is an absolute icebreaker. It is open on all days from 10 am to 10 pm. So don’t wait to book your tables and grab your cue sticks.

Billiards Cafe is a post from: Trivandrum Buzz. Part of the Metrogeometry Network.