Latest news with #NapierMuseum
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Rampant illegal parking chokes Museum-Kanakakunnu stretch
Thiruvananthapuram: Museum–Kanakakunnu stretch, one of Thiruvananthapuram's busiest and most iconic corridors, is in the grip of a growing crisis triggered by illegal parking and severe traffic congestion. The issue, now drawing mounting criticism from commuters, local residents and civil society, has reached the office of city police. The prime area, which includes major public institutions like the Napier Museum, Kanakakunnu Palace, Sooryakanthi Exhibition Grounds and a cluster of govt offices, is a daily hub of activities. However, due to a lack of proper parking facilities and ineffective enforcement, vehicles are frequently parked illegally, even directly in front of the Museum police station, leading to serious bottlenecks and traffic snarls. A complaint submitted to the deputy commissioner of police (traffic), that was accessed by TOI, has outlined the gravity of the situation. It pointed out that vehicles are often left unattended in no-parking zones, obstructing the main roads and intersections leading to Kanakakunnu and Sooryakanthi. The complaint also highlighted the irony that such blatant violations are occurring right under the watch of the police. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 20 Effective Home Remedies to Relieve Your Lower Back Pain Learn More Undo by Taboola by Taboola The complaint further points to poor road planning, especially in the Smart City-designed stretches, which have narrowed critical corridors in the name of urban beautification. This has compounded the congestion and created a gridlock situation during peak hours. It also criticised Thiruvananthapuram corporation for what was described as a lack of long-term vision in managing traffic and urban mobility. The problem, according to the complaint, was not confined to the Museum area alone. Localities like Kowdiar, Ulloor, Vellayambalam and Attakulangara are reportedly grappling with similar issues, where illegal parking disrupts normal traffic flow and burdens local law enforcement. Police personnel themselves are reportedly affected, as their access routes are often blocked, and additional manpower is required just to manage these violations. A particularly serious concern raised in the petition is the danger posed during medical or fire emergencies. Narrow roads choked with unauthorised vehicles could make it impossible for ambulances and fire engines to pass. In response to the complaint, a senior officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged the concerns and said steps were already being taken. "We have received the complaint and have started a preliminary assessment. There will be increased patrolling and towing operations in the affected areas, particularly around the Museum stretch. We are also coordinating with the corporation authorities to identify permanent solutions, especially ahead of the festival season," the officer said. According to DCP T Farash, he would take prompt action soon. However, he has yet to see the complaint. The complaint has also requested the immediate removal of illegally parked vehicles near Museum police station and adjoining roads, sustained enforcement to deter repeat violations and the deployment of additional traffic personnel during peak hours and public events.
India.com
08-07-2025
- India.com
What's Hiding On The Walls Of Thiruvananthapuram? This Walk Left Us Speechless!
Thiruvananthapuram is the capital of Kerala, a popular emblazoned destination across the globe. Tourists are bound to visit this place for its road trips, beautiful beaches, and breathtaking natural beauty. Splendid architecture bursting with history, vibrant markets, a huge coastline, and temples, Thiruvananthapuram has it all. However, what makes it truly special? The walls. The walls of Town have a unique story to tell and whisper about its culture, art, and history in ways that are simply mesmerizing. As Ever Changing Canvas: While strolling down the picturesque Town, it is almost impossible to miss how the city is engulfed with art. As with any major city in India, Khadi is prominently featured, and balmy places are transformed with strokes of artistry. Vellayambalam to Kowdiar's murals depict scenes and myths illustrating a normal day. The beauty of these paintings is that they serve as a reminder of Kathakali dancers, traditional rice boat races, and the vibrant Onam festivities. One such extraordinary mural next to the Napier Museum depicts Mahatma Gandhi with local farmers which symbolizes simplicity and self-reliance during India's fight for independence. While another mural found in the eastern side of the city displays women working in paddy fields with waves of saris accompanied by a coastal background. The painting seems to capture the essence of living in Kerala and tells a resounding story portraying both history and modern life. is Everything Alongside traditional art, the red walls of Thiruvananthapuram speak the tale of centuries worth of events. The Jaganmohan Palace houses a museum that contains exquisite pieces captured by the kingdom's finest artists. Above all its most exquisite pieces is the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, an artistic and spiritual marvel. The large gopuram gateway tower is skillfully carved with scenes from religious epics and as one walks around the temple they feel as if they are captured into a completely different world. The Kuthira Malika Palace, which was constructed by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal, is not far from the city. The palace is called Kuthira Malika because of the 122 horses carved on the palace. Every horse is uniquely designed. The royal family highly valued strength, loyalty, and grace, which is represented by the sculptures. Kuthira Malika Palace's corridors give visitors the sensation of walking through the pages of a history book where every step taken reveals the tale of averted corners. History and Contemporary Life The history of Thiruvananthapuram holds remnants of colonial rule. The city was an administrative center during British rule which has led to the presence of multiple European structures. The impressive Secretariat building, decorated with red-brick and arched windows, is representative of European influence. Even though it is currently used as a government building, the structure still garners respect and admiration from the public. The 20th century also saw the development of the Trivandrum Observatory. The observatory is a notable construction of this period and is a blend of nature and technology. Even with these echoes of history, modern life flourishes. Restored heritage structures now host cafes, boutique shops, and co-working spaces, blurring the line between modernity and the past. The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple region is alive with activity during the annual Attukal Pongala festival that attracts millions of worshippers. At the same time, the city has adopted a cosmopolitan attitude with trendy cafes providing artisanal coffee and fusion fare, all just a short distance away. Of Day-To-Day Activities The most charming quality of the walls of Thiruvananthapuram is how beautifully they encapsulate the spirit of daily activities. Rangoli artists adorn the thresholds in houses within the residential areas which act as warm invitations. The streets are also dotted with small shrines of Ayyappa or Ganesha as a subtle reflection of the locals' strong faith. Even the graffiti sketched by school kids looks charming, innocent and creative. Pazhaya Sreekaryam Market's walls are painted pictures, thrumming with the animated voices of people advertising fruits, vegetables, spices, and other commodities. While the vendors shout prices and customers try to haggle, the air is deliciously filled with the aroma of freshly ground masalas. This is the life of Kerala. These walls might not have the intricate carvings of a temple shrine or the finesse of street art, but they do speak of the colorful traditions of the community. The market is chaotic, yet soothing. Journey as a Reflection When walking through Thiruvananthapuram, there is a sense of reflection. Every wall presents a story and every aspect around it summons you to take a break, enjoy, and listen to everything happening around you. The children playing in the narrow streets, the priests chanting from the temples, the cars whizzing past, and most importantly, the history here. It is captivating to notice how the faded poster, the cracked wall, or the old and rusty sign board all have an interesting story to tell. Thiruvananthapuram is a wonderful city for tourists who want a real experience. It is a city where innovation is blended with tradition, where spirituality is harmoniously held side by side with modernity, and where the walls are preserved as mute spectators of history. From the majestic historic buildings to the enchanting street art and the unparalleled energy of daily life, it is apparent that Thiruvananthapuram never fails to impress its visitors. Wrapping Up The next time you visit this beautiful city, make sure to look beyond the facade. Listen to the stories the walls whisper, to the breathtaking beauties they can inspire you, and remember that creativity resides everywhere, you simply need to pause and appreciate.
The Hindu
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Trivandrum Reads, an ardent group of bookworms in Thiruvananthapuram, celebrates reading and books
A weak, watery sunshine envelopes the green expanse of the Napier Museum grounds in Thiruvananthapuram. Raindrops twinkle on the damp grass and leaves. Occasionally a breeze showers a few raindrops. However, Vipin S is soaking in the rain that pours through the words of Gabriel Garcia Marquez' Love in the Time of Cholera, which narrates the romance of Florentino Ariza and Fermina Daza, protagonists of the grand novel. When Florentino is caught in a shower after attending his love Fermina's husband's funeral, Vipin is transported to that Columbian town where the story unfolds. In a quiet corner, outside the heritage building, oblivious to the rain or the picturesque greenery, a small group of youngsters are absorbed in their books. Sitting cross-legged on the steps leading to one of the entrances of the Museum, Vipin, a die-hard fan of Haruki Murakami and Gabriel Garcia Marquez, is romancing magical realism and Florentino's pursuit of Fermina. Besides him is Binny Baburaj, re-reading his favourite writer Vaikom Muhammad Basheer's endearing satire in Malayalam, Sthalathe Pradhana Divyan. Sandeep S Pradeep has his nose in Hermann Hesse's Siddartha. Divya Velayudhan, an author herself, is turning the leaves of her book. The readers are engrossed in their books even as some visitors rush in to take shelter from the sudden rain. On that rainy day, about 15 voracious readers have gathered for their weekly tryst with stories in the Museum grounds. By 11am, they get up, stretch themselves and are ready to return to the mundane material world. Binny, a content writer, says Trivandrum Reads, a community of bookworms, began in 2023, when he and a few like-minded friends were inspired by the reading community, Cubbon Reads, in Bengaluru. 'We reached out to the founder of the community in Bengaluru to understand how to go about it. It was such a good idea to connect with Nature and books, to disconnect from the screen,' recalls Binny. After learning how they went about spreading the word about the community through Instagram, Binny and some of his friends held their first reading session on June 10, 2023. Although they expected only a few readers, they were pleasantly surprised to see more than a dozen readers turn up with books, mats, water bottles and a fruit, all to catch up on their reading. Techie Bhageerathi Sreedevi, one of the regulars, says that it helped her connect with a community after she returned to her hometown after a stint in Bengaluru. 'We read from 8am to 11 am. There is no talking or book discussion. That silent bonding over reading is one of the attractions of the community. We are all on the same page,' she says. There is no advertisement other than a post on their Instagram account, @trivandrumreads. . 'If it rains, we shift to Kanakakunnu Palace or the portico of the Museum. Otherwise, we bring a mat and sprawl under the trees to enjoy our book,' says Vipin, a pharma employee. It could be a reader discovering a new author or enjoying another reading of a favourite book. Once the session is over, snaps are taken of the readers and the books read that day are arranged for a photograph, all of which are posted on their Instagram account. Binny asserts that the community is a self-sustaining one run by small group of volunteers. 'There is no admin taking decisions or vetting members. If you enjoy books, you are welcome to come and join us on Saturdays,' he adds. Over several Saturdays, some of them have formed a deeper connection and after the reading session is over, they go to a makeshift eatery in the vicinity for tea and small eats. 'That is when we might discuss the book we are reading or get introduced to a new author,' adds Vipin. Bhageerathi, for instance, recalls how she was introduced to Michelle Zauner's Crying in H Mart by a reader in the group. Vipin says almost sheepishly that he was more into the classics of English and Malayalam and it was only after he joined the group that he expanded his reading to include younger authors in Malayalam. Sandeep, a graphic artist, has been with the community from the first reading in 2023. He admits that he was not a regular reader and he joined the group to focus on his reading. 'It is a time to connect with books and readers and I have come to enjoy the silent sessions when all we do is read in the open. There is a charm that comes from being with Nature,' says Sandeep. On July 5, Trivandrum Reads will hit a century. They insist that there will be nothing official to mark the milestone. But they hope to cut a cake and invite an author to join them to read on that day. It is another chapter for the community, an endeavour they are confident will keep adding to the story of the community of bookworms.
India.com
24-06-2025
- India.com
Plan Your Trip: The Ultimate Guide To Visiting Thiruvananthapuram!
The capital of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram (or Trivandrum) is one of the cities in India that has historical as well as an architectural significance. This city has beaches, green landscapes, historical places, and a blend of culture which makes it beautiful in its own way. There is a rich culture that is preserved in this city, along with historical temples and the royal heritage of Travancore. However, visiting this city depends on the season. In order to enjoy your trip fully, it is wise to know when to go. Let us take a tour of Thiruvananthapuram along with its seasons and see when is the best time to go. (March – May) From March until May, the temperature of tha city gets progressively warmer and the humidity level also increases. Relatively to other regions of India that are warm during this time, Trivandrum ranges from 29 degrees celsius to 35. The city gets warm midday, though mornings and evenings are quite pleasant. The beaches of Kovalam and Shanghumugham are some of the famous beaches in India so they tend to get crowded during this season, the sea breeze and cool water is quite refreshing. If you are looking to spend some quiet time in nature, the Neyyar wildlife sanctuary is a great option. Early mornings are perfect for trekking at Agasthyakoodam Hills which is nearby. Nonetheless, exploring outdoors in the middle of the day can be strenuous. Be sure to drink plenty of water and have sunscreen on hand if you come at this time of year. This is the hottest season, therefore, there are fewer people, which is excellent for those who want to travel in peace. Key Highlights Visit less crowded beaches and historical places. Visit the nearby hill stations and wildlife research and rescue centers. Best for economical travelers as the prices of the lodgings are lesser. in Thiruvananthapuram (June to September) As the monsoon showers start in Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram appears as a beautiful green garden. The temperature ranging from 24°C to 30°C makes the city green and fresh in its beauty. Although the rains may at times be very strong, one can feel a pleasant coolness setting in the air. The monsoon season is ideal for Ayurvedic therapies, since it is cool and damp and is said to intensify the effects of such treatments. Go to a traditional Ayurvedic spa or wellness center to get your body and mind refreshed and rejuvenated. This period is ideal for visiting penetrating cultural sites such as temples and museums. Beach activities like visiting the beach or exploring outside may be challenging during this time due to the rains. In the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Napier Museum, and KuthiraMalika Palace Museum, these places are a must-see during your trip. Key Highlights Enjoy the beautiful greens of the city during the rain. Reap the rewards of Ayurvedic therapies and wellness programs. Wander through the indoors of museums, temples and other attractions. winter season (October – February) The best time to visit thrives around wintertime, as the weather is greatly enjoyed due to it being 20-30 degrees. The temperature invites tourism and exploration through the area. Start your day with a delightful visit to Padanamabhaswamy Temple, followed by a walk on Kanakakunnu Palace grounds. Enjoy winter afternoons at sun-drenched beaches, especially spectacular Kovalam known for its water activities at sunset. As well as winter being the best time to enjoy Varkala Cliffs which are only an hour away from the city. For nature lovers, Poovar Island is a stunning place to trek while enjoying sightseeing through backwaters, golden beaches, and special wildlife. While also taking in the cool weather ideal for winter trekking and other wildlife adventures. It becomes even more delightful with festivals such as the Onam celebration, if in Thiruvananthapuram in early October. The city is beautifully decorated with flowers, cultural dance, and mouth watering food. Important Points to Note Relaxing warm weather is a plus to any beachlover, woodlands lover or scenery lover. Join in on festivals like the Onam that are filled with color. Interact with charming shops and markets or take in local shows. When Should You Tour Thiruvananthapuram? The optimal period to visit is the Winter months ranging from October to February. The festivals celebrated in the winter add a cultural flavor to the city and the other aspects of tourism such as the weather, sightseeing, and nature's bounty are at their peak. There is a little bit of everything for everyone as history lovers, nature lovers and beach lovers can all make the most of the winter. If one does manage the quiet monsoons, there is the experience of a unique and more tranquil part of the city to be enjoyed. The summer months can be an attractive option for budget travelers too. Seasonal Summary Table Summer (March to May): A good time for budget travel and enjoying peaceful times at the beach. Make sure to have sunscreen. Monsoon (June to September): Lush scenery, good Ayurvedic treatment, and great for being indoors. Winter (October to February): Excess tourists, good time for cultural diving, sightseeing, and festival hopping. Travel Tips For Thiruvananthapuram The city has a unique cuisine and famed Kerala signature dishes like appam, banana chips, and fish curry must not be forgotten. The main language of the city is Malayalam. However, the use of English is quite a common occurrence in the city. Thiruvananthapuram is a city with timeless beauty that changes with the seasons. If you want to chase sunsets on the beach, indulge in culture, or immerse yourself in nature, this city is bound to provide awesome experiences for all its visitors. Choose your season, pack your bags, and let Thiruvananthapuram work its magic on you.
India.com
29-05-2025
- India.com
5 Locations That Enhance The Beauty Of Monsoon Season In Thiruvananthapuram
The capital city of Kerala which is Thiruvananthapuram stands out for its tropical trees and its enchanting lakes as well as its exciting traditions. During the monsoon season this coastal city embraces the absolute beauty of nature through which it becomes most vibrant. Between June and September the monsoon delivers Thiruvananthapuram into a breathtaking landscape which brings out both local residents and visitors. The monsoon period in Thiruvananthapuram brings five vital characteristics that create its aesthetic wonders. 1. Revitalizing Greenery Throughout the monsoon season Thiruvananthapuram reveals attractive landscape transformations as its main characteristic. The assortment of vegetation within the city expands in beauty through rainfall that sustains its natural growth. Periodic rain sustains the flourishing trees together with shrubs and grasslands which make the city shadily green. Nature lovers find perfect tranquility at Kanakakunnu Palace grounds and Napier Museum gardens during this season because their dewy fresh appearance invites gentle walking among the greenery. 2. Majestic Waterfalls in Full Flow Multiple exquisite waterfalls within Thiruvananthapurm receive their vital energy from the monsoon season. The Attukad Waterfall located near Ponmudi releases its forceful flow which produces a beautiful waterfall effect while surrounded by deep woods. Aruvikkara Dam along with its adjacent regions develops into a popular destination for individuals who want serenity and breathtaking scenery. The destinations present dual benefits of natural visual admiration as photographers find perfect outlets to record the thunderous elements of Mother Nature. 3. Backwaters Come Alive Backwaters throughout Kerala retain special character during monsoons because visitors from Thiruvananthapuram can access them easily. Houseboat exploration across joined water canals and lake systems becomes an extraordinary maritime adventure due to rising water levels. The continuous rain rhythms hitting the water surface merge with the mystical atmosphere formed by the mist-enshrouded horizons. Kovalam together with Veli Lake turn into tranquil sanctuary destinations during the month of July. 4. Cultural Festivals Amidst the Rains Various cultural gatherings happen during the Kerala monsoon season so the city transforms into an attraction where spiritual and festive attractions join its appeal. During August or September the yearly festival of Onam takes place. Throughout this harvest festival festival goers unite through their traditional performing arts as well as boat races and delicious Onasadya feasts. Every year the Aranmula Boat Race attracts big crowds as numerous snake boats sail through waters touched by rain. 5. Cooler Climate and Refreshing Atmosphere During the year Thiruvananthapuram maintains a tropical climate that becomes especially bearable during the monsoons when temperatures decrease. During this period the air temperature plunges providing relief to those who want to enjoy outdoor activities in the pleasant weather. The enjoyable climate creates an improved environment for visitors to observe both Padmanabhaswamy Temple and Kovalam Beach and Shankumugham. Conclusion The monsoon season in Thiruvananthapuram transforms into a mystical event that connects natural beauty and cultural heritage into an absolute masterpiece. The city provides numerous opportunities to welcome the rains because it blends revitalized green landscapes with roaring waterfall displays together with the serene backwater views and the joyful festival atmosphere. Travelers who choose Thiruvananthapurm as their destination during the rainy season will create memories that remain forever. Prepare your rain jacket together with your camera to surf through this southern gem that glows in the wet season.
