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KERALA GOD'S OWN COUNTRY Page 1 |
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| TRIVANDRUM (or Thiruvananthapuram) | Images captured by Olympus CAMEDIA C-300 Zoom | |
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could only describe Kerala as magnificent and beautiful, in its own way.
See map of Kerala.
I've been to many parts of the world as far as remote Central America and Brazil, yet I am still astounded by its natural beauty. Along the roads, I admired breathtaking views of mountains and lands with lush green palm trees along the seas, canals, lakes and rivers. In fact, Kerala reminds me so much of home in some ways. Trivandrum is the state capital with less than 1 million population was our entry point to India and became our base for this trip. See map of Trivandrum. Kerala is perhaps, the best place on earth for all kinds of Ayurvedic treatments. Hotel Click for list of hotels in Kerala 1. Thamburu International. Tel. 2321974. On a hill, quite and has nice view of a small part of the city. We got a room with a balcony, there was construction going on when we were there. Nice restaurant. Rate for double A/C Rs 1100 plus 15% tax. A little too expensive. 2. Navaratna Southeast of Secretariate, YMCA Rd. TVM - 695 001. Tel: 231784, 2330473. Best for its location, close to MG Road and amenities. Go to the bar right across called Xavier's. Or on Press Rd, right behind to Highland Hotel to the A/C Bar. No restaurant at this hotel. There are many in the surrounding though. Rooms are OK though a little too pricey. Double non A/C Rs 350 and Double A/C Rs 800 plus 15% tax. Places to visit Sri Padhmanaba Swamy Temple, Beema Palli Mosque (also nearby a market), Kovalam Beach (about 12 km from the city), Palayam Market, SMSM Arts and Crafts, Zoo, Science & Technology Museum, Shankhumugam Beach, VeliTourist Village. For shopping, go to Parthas on Power House Rd. for ready-made fabrics and materials. You can withdraw cash from HSBC ATM on MG Rd. For 24-hr STD/ISD, go CTO on MG Rd. For excursion around Trivandrum and some spots in Kerala, check with Kerala Tourist Dept. Corp. (KTDC) office beside Hotel Chaitram on Thampanoor Rd. (near Main Railway Station & Bus Terminal). Rent a taxi to Kovalam beach for Rs 200 and Rs 50 extra hr, for seafood dinner and Ayurvedic massage (Rs 300 to 500). In Kovalam, contact Dr. Manoj Vijayan Tel: (0471) 486240 of Ayurvedic Beach Resort near German Bakery at the Lighthouse Beach. Note: as of Dec 20th 2002, there'll be a conversion of telephone numbers in Trivandrum (Area Code 471) to 7 digits. Just add "2" to the old numbers. Nos. indicated here have been changed accordingly. |
Author at Lighthouse Beach, Kovalam (12 km from Trivandrum)
Along MG Road in Trivandrum. From left author, VJ, Sara and Nel
Dusk at Eve Beach, Kovalam
Look at that seagull! Dusk at Samudra Beach, Kovalam
More pix at Kovalam's Samudra & Lighthouse Beach
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