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TRIVANDRUM

| At a Glance | History | Beaches | Picnic Spots | Hill Stations | Wildlife | Museums | Monuments | 
Pilgrim Centres | Places to Interest | Hotels | 

 

 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM- AT A GLANCE

The name ‘Thiruvananthapuram’ means the abode of the sacred snake-god Ananthan, on whom Vishnu, the God of Preservation, is believed to be reclining. The old name Trivandrum is the anglicized form of the word, Thiruvananthapuram.

District Head Querters:   Thiruvananthapuram.

A BRIEF HISTORY

In 1684, during the regency of Umayamma Rani, the English East India Company obtained a sandy spit of land at Anchuthengu (Anjengo) on the sea coast about 32 kms north of Thiruvananthapuram city, with a view to erecting a factory and fortifying it. The place had earlier been frequented by the Portuguese and later by the Dutch. It was from here that the English gradually extended their domain to other parts of Thiruvithamcore (Travancore).

Modern history begins with Marthanda Varma, who is generally regarded as the Father of modern Travancore (1729-1758 AD). Thiruvananthapuram was known as a great centre of intellectual and artistic activities in those days. The accession of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal (1829-1847 AD) ushered in an epoch of cultural progress and economic prosperity.

The beginning of English education was made in 1834 by opening an English school at Thiruvananthapuram. In 1836, an observatory and a charity hospital were established at Thiruvananthapuram. During the reign of Ayilyam Thirunal (1860-1880), a fully equipped Arts College was started besides the several English, Malayalam and Tamil schools. A large hospital with a lying-in-hospital and a lunatic asylum was also established. In 1873, the University College was opened. It was during the reign of Sri Moolam Thirunal (1885-1924), that the Sanskrit College, Ayurveda College, Law College and a second grade College for Women were started at Thiruvananthapuram. A department for the preservation and publication of oriental manuscripts was also established. One of the significant measures associated with Shri Moolam Thirunal’s reign was the inauguration of the Legislative Council in 1888. This was the first legislative chamber, instituted in an Indian State.

In 1904, the Shri Moolam Assembly came into being. The activities of the Indian National Congress echoed in Thiruvananthapuram and other parts of Kerala during the reign of Shri Moolam Thirunal. In 1938, a political conference of the Congress was held in the city under the presidency of Dr. Pattabi Sitaramaiah.

The period of Maharaja Shri Chithira Thirunal Bala Rama Varma who took the reigns of administration in 1931, witnessed many-sided progress. The promulgation of the Temple Entry Proclamation (1936) was an act that underlined social emancipation. In 1937, a separate University for Travancore was started. This was later redesigned as University of Kerala, following the formation of Kerala State in 1956.

With the accession of Travancore to the Indian Union after Independence, the policy of the State Government as well as the political atmosphere underwent radical changes. The first popular ministry headed by Sri.Pattom A.Thanu Pillai was installed in office on 24th March, 1948. Consequent on the recommendations of the State Reorganisation Commission, the four southern taluks of Thovala, Agasheeswaram, Kalkulam and Vilavancode were merged with Tamil Nadu. The State of Kerala came into being on November 1, 1956.

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Physiography

Thiruvananthapuram, the southern most district of Kerala State is situated between north latitudes 8° 17' and 8° 54' and east longitudes 76° 41' and 77° 17'. The southern most extremity, Parasala, is only 56 kms away from Kanyakumari, the "land’s end of India". The district stretches along the shores of the Arabian sea for a distance of 78 kms. Kollam district is on the north and Thirunelveli and Kanyakumari districts of Tamil Nadu are on the east and the south respectively.

The district can be divided into three geographical regions-highlands, midlands and lowlands. Chirayinkeezhu and Thiruvananthapuram taluks lie in midland and low land regions, while Nedumangad taluk lies in midland and highland regions and Neyyattinkara taluk stretch over all the three regions. The highland region comprises mainly of mountains. Bounded on the east and northeast by the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats, this area is ideal for major cash crop plantations like rubber, tea, cardamom and other spices. Timber trees like teak, rose wood, etc. are grown in this region. The midland region, lying between the Western Ghats and the lowlands, is made up of small and tiny hills and valleys. This is an area of intense agricultural activity. This region is rich in produces like paddy, tapioca, spices and cashew. The low land is comparatively narrow and comprises of rivers, deltas and seashore and is densely covered with coconut palms. The Ghats maintain an average elevation of 814 meters rising to peaks of 1219 to 1829 meters in certain places. The Agastyakoodam, the southern most peak in the Ghats, is 1869 meters above sea level and figures in the popular mythology connected with Agastyamuni, the sage. Mukkunnimala near Thiruvananthapuram (1074 meters) is an important health resort in the district.

Climate

The large forest reserves favourably affect the climate and induce more rain in the district. In the mountain ranges, chilling cold is experienced, whereas lower down the climate is bracing and in the plains, it is generally hot. Though the mean maximum temperature is only around 90 F, it is oppressive in the moisture-laden atmosphere of the plains. Humidity is high and rises to about 90 per cent during the southwest monsoon. The average rainfall is around 150 cms per annum. It is significant that the district gets rainfall both from the southwest and the northeast monsoons. The southwest monsoon starts by the end of May or from the beginning of June and fades out by September, while the northeast monsoon commences in October. Dry weather sets in by the end of December. December, January and February are the coolest months of the year. March, April and May are generally very hot. During the months of April and May, the mean daily maximum temperature rises upto 35 degree Celsius and in the days of December-January, it may go down to 20 degree Celsius.

Flora and Fauna

Thiruvananthapuram district is noted for its unique variety of flora and fauna. The district has a rich variety of plants ranging from rare orchids, medicinal plants and spices to hedge plants, tuber crops, plants yielding edible fruits and fibre yielding plants. Aromatic plants and spices such as pepper and ginger are cultivated on a large scale on the hilly tracts. The Nedumangadu taluk of the district is one of the biggest centres of cultivation and trade of pepper and other hill produces. A major portion of the district comes under the middle plain and the region is under the cultivation of coconut, paddy, tapioca, tuber crops, plantains and vegetables crops. The forests of the district abound in a variety of animals and birds and its adjacent areas are conducive to the growth of wild life. Elephants, bison, monkeys and rare species of reptiles have the place of distinction in them. The Neyyar reservoir and nearby areas abound in wild life. Nestled in the lap of Western Ghats, a wild life sanctuary is fastly growing over an area of nearly 777 sq. kms. around this reservoir. It preserves the scenic beauty of the area and provides a healthy holiday resort to the tourists. The forest under the Kulathupuzha range is the habitat of rare species of snakes and lizards. Mammals are well represented in the district. Nilgiri Langur (Kasi fohnii) the lion tailed Macaque (Macaca silenus), the Nilgiri brown mangoose (Herpestes fuscus) and the Malabar civet (Moschothere civettina) are characteristic to this region. The monkeys include macaques and langurs. Carnivores include tiger, jungle cat, toddy cat and leopard, though the tiger population has become considerably scarce. Jackal, wild dog, sloth bear, gaur (Kattupothu), a few species of deer, elephants etc. are also seen. The reptiles include the lizards, snakes, crocodiles and tortoises. There are about 75-80 species of snakes in this area. Some of them are very poisonous.

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Socio-Economic Conditions

More than 50 per cent of the total population depends on agriculture for their livelihood. Agricultural labourers constitute 42 per cent of the total labour class. Large scale industries are not established in the district. Most of the people are engaged in low remunerative pursuits which require very little capital. Political and social consciousness, coupled with the efforts of the social, religious and cultural leaders, have helped considerably pull down the age-old feudal order. Economic changes have also affected the social life and attitude of the people

Administration

The headquarters of the district administration is at Vanchiyoor, Thiruvananthapuram, just 1.5 kms away from the Government Secretariat and the Central Railway Station. The district administration is headed by the District Collector. He is assisted by six Deputy Collectors holding charges of general matters, land acquisition, revenue recovery, land reforms, housing and election. The District Collector also holds the charge of the District Magistrate and is assisted by the Additional District Magistrate (Deputy Collector, General) and the Revenue Divisional Officer. The district has only one revenue division, Thiruvananthapuram, headed by the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) and the office is located at East Fort, Thiruvananthapuram. He is also the Sub-divisional Magistrate. There are four taluks, namely, Neyyattinkara, Thiruvananthapuram, Nedumangad and Chirayinkeezhu (H.Q. at Attingal), each headed by a Tahsildar.

District Panchayath

As per the 73rd Amendment of the Constitution of India, the new Panchayat Raj-Nagarapalika Act came into force. In pursuance of related legislation in the State Legislative Assembly, the Kerala Panchayat Raj Act came into effect on 23rd April, 1994. The State Election Commission held elections to grama panchayats, block panchayats, district panchayats, municipalities and corporations in September, 1995. The elected representatives took over charge on the Gandhi Jayanthi day of 1995. Thiruvananthapuram district includes 84 grama panchayats,12 block panchayats, one district panchayat, four municipalities and one corporation

BEACHES

Shankhumugham Beach

Shankhumugham Beach is famous beach in the Thiruvananthapuram district. It is Just 8 km from the city, this is a favourite haunt of sunset watchers. The beach is adjacent to the Thiruvananthapuram Airport and Veli Tourist Village. An indoor recreation club, the matsya kanyaka (a gigantic, 35 m long sculpture of a mermaid) and a restaurant shaped like a starfish are some of the attractions here. Chacha Nehru Traffic Training Park here provides opportunity for children to learn the traffic rules.

Kovalam Beach

 

The leisure options at this beach are plenty and diverse-sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages, special cultural programmes, Catamaran cruising etc. The tropical sun acts so fast that one can see the faint blush of coppery tan on the skin in a matter of minutes. Life on the beach begins late in the day and carries on well into the night.

Papanasam Beach

Papanasam beach is situated in Varkala, Thrivananthapuram district. Papanasam beach is located 51 km north of Thiruvananthapuram city and 37 km south of Kollam district.

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PICNIC SPOTS

Akkulam Tourist Village

Akkulam is located about 10 km from Thiruvananthapuram city. It is a backwater destination and a beautiful picnic spot. A beautiful picnic spot developed on the banks of Akkulam lake, an extension of the Veli lake, the Akkulam Tourist Village has boating facilities, a well equipped children’s park and a paddle pool. There is also a swimming pool for adults. The calm and serene atmosphere at Akkulam and its unique beauty are a fascination for tourists.

Veli Tourist Village

Neyyar Reservoir

Neyyar Reservoir is located about 32km from Thiruvananthapuram city. Repository of some of the rarest medicinal herbs, the Neyyar Dam is a popular picnic spot with a lake and a picturesque dam site. The lake formed by the dam across the Neyyar river is the bluest of blue, making boating irresistible for tourists. The Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, of which the dam is a part, is the habitat of over a hundred rare species of fauna including elephants, wild buffaloes, wild boar, porcupines, tigers and a variety of snakes. A crocodile breeding centre and a lion safari park are also located in the dam site.

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HILL STATIONS

Ponmudi Hill Station

Ponmudi is located about 61 km from Thiruvananthapuram city at am altitude of 915m above sea level.

Agasthyarkoodam Hill Station

Agasthyarkoodam is located 70 km from Thiruvananthapuram. Bonacaud is the nearest village. The hill station features rare herbs and medicinal plants, thick forest and trekking trails.

Agasthyarkoodam, the spectacular peak in the Western Ghats rises to a majestic 1890 in the form of a sharp cone. A haven of rare herbs and medicinal plants, its slopes are a breathtaking sight when they transform into colourful glades of the Neelakurinji, a flower which blooms only once in twelve years.

Women are not allowed up the peak. The aborigins here believe that sage Agasthya, a mythological character who lived here was a confirmed bachelor, hence they dislike the presence of strange women. The season from December 2nd week to February is advocated for trekking for which a forest pass has to be obtained from the Wildlife Warden, Forest Department, P.T.P.Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram.

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WILDLIFE

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary About 50 km from Thiruvananthapuram city enroute to Ponmudi, Thiruvananthapuram district.

Lying on the outskirts of the capital city, the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of 53 sq. km. on the Western Ghats and was established in 1938. The place is fascinating for its damsite, thick forest areas, eucalyptus plantations, crystal clear streams and rocky terrains ideal for adventure expeditions.

The sanctuary has a rich population of mammalian fauna and is emerging as a big attraction to wildlife enthusiasts and ornithologists. Elephants, sambar, leopard, lion-tailed macaque and cormorant are commonly seen here.

Recently a joint effort has been made by Kerala Tourism with the State Forest Department and the Kerala Water Authority to beautify the damsite and provide more entertainment/leisure facilities here.

Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Neyyar Reservoir is located about 32km from Thiruvananthapuram city. Repository of some of the rarest medicinal herbs, the Neyyar Dam is a popular picnic spot with a lake and a picturesque dam site. The lake formed by the dam across the Neyyar river is the bluest of blue, making boating irresistible for tourists. The Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, of which the dam is a part, is the habitat of over a hundred rare species of fauna including elephants, wild buffaloes, wild boar, porcupines, tigers and a variety of snakes. A crocodile breeding centre and a lion safari park are also located in the dam site.

There is motorable road to the dam site which is well connected by regular bus services from Thiruvananthapuram city.

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MUSEUMS

Napier Museum & Art Gallery

Both Museum and Art Gallery are situated in the Napier Museum compound, right in the heart of the city, near the zoological park.
Visiting Hours : Open from 10:00 am t o 5:00 pm on all days except Mondays and Wednesday forenoon .

A veritable treasure house for connoisseurs of art, the intriguingly eclectic collection of bronzes, historic ornaments, ivory carvings and chariots, it is the pride of this place. The Sree Chitra Art Gallery features a rare collection of paintings by Raja Ravi Varma and Roerich among others, and fascinating works from the Mughal, Rajput and Tanjore schools of art. 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.

Museum Complex

The museum complex hosts many mesuems.

Sree Chithra Art Gallery

Open 1000 - 1700 hrs. Closed on Mondays & Wednesday forenoons)
Located near the Napier Museum, this art gallery displays select paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, Svetlova and Nicholas Roerich and exquisite works from the Rajput, Mughal and Tanjore schools of art in India. The collection also includes paintings from China, Japan, Tibet and Bali.

Chacha Nehru Children's Museum

Open 1000 - 1700 hrs. Closed on Mondays.
Children of all age groups will enjoy the vast collection of nearly 2000 dolls, stamps and masks displayed here.

The Zoological Park

Open 1000 - 1700 hrs. Closed on Mondays.
One of the first zoos in India, it is located in a well-planned botanical garden. With huge trees like frangipani and jacaranda dotting the sprawling lawns and wild fowl swimming in the lake, it is like a small jungle in the heart of the city. A reptile house with different species of snakes is also located in the premises.

Priyadarshini Planetarium

Show time: 1030, 1200, 1500 and 1700 hrs
Science and Technology Museum is open 1000 - 1700 hrs, and closed on Mondays. The exhibits here are related to science, technology and electronics.
Phone: (471) 230-6024

The Observatory is lcated at the highest point in the city, near the Museum complex 60 metres above sea level, one can have a bird's eye view of the city from here.

Kuthiramalika (Puthenmalika) Palace Museum

Kuthiramalika Palace Museum is adjacent to Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple at East Fort in Thiruvananthapuram City. It is open from 8.30 - 12.30 hrs. and 15.30 - 17.30 hrs. and closed on Mondays.

This architectural delight was built during the reign of Swathi Thirunal (1813-1834 AD). Himself a musician and composer of eminence and a great contributor to Carnatic and Hindustani classical music, he spent much of his time in this palace composing many of his musical pieces. He spent his last days in this rambling bungalow.

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MONUMENTS

Padmanabhapuram Palace, Travancore

Padmanabhapuram Palace is located in Thuckalay, 64 km from Thiruvananthapuram, situated in Kanyakumari district of Tamilnadu.
Visiting hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on all days except Mondays.

A magnificent wooden palace of the 16th century, Padmanabhapuram Palace lies at the land's end of mainland India. An enticing piece to any lover of art and architecture this old palace of the Rajas of the erstwhile Travancore (1550 to 1750 AD) is a fine specimen of Kerala's indigenous style of architecture. The antique interiors are replete with intricate rosewood carvings and sculptured decor.

The palace also contains 17th and 18th century murals. One can see: the musical bow in mahogany, windows with coloured mica, royal chairs with Chinese carvings, Thaikkottaram or the Queen Mother's palace with painted ceilings, rose wood and teak carved ceilings with 90 different floral designs. Durbar Hall with a shiny black floor specially made from a combination of egg white, jaggery lime, burnt coconut, charcoal and river sand, granite tubs to cool curd and buttermilk, secret underground passages, the King's bedroom with a four poster medicinal bed, mural paintings, pictures of Lord Krishna, hanging brass lanterns lit continuously since the 18th century, hanging cage through which eagles tore criminals to death, open air swimming bath, the King's sister's dressing room, granite dance hall, Saraswathi (goddess of knowledge) temple, large earthen urns, room for scribes and accountants, carved figures on columns holding oil lamps, pooja (worship) rooms with jackfruit tree columns, fish carvings on the ceilings, enormous teak beams, Belgian mirrors and an outer cyclopean stone wall fitted together without mortar.

The visitor is often overwhelmed by the royal splendour of erstwhile Travancore. Though the palace is situated in Kanyakumari district of Tamilnadu State, it comes under the purview of the Government of Kerala's administration.

Koyikkal Palace, Nedumangad

Koyikkal Palace is located in Nedumangadu, about 18km from Thiruvananthapuram city on the way to the Ponmudi hill station and the Courtalam waterfalls, Thiruvananthapuram district. Attractions in Koyikkal Palace are the Palace, folklore museum and numismatics museum. Visiting hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on all days, except Mondays.

The Koyikkal Palace, situated far of away from the city, was actually built for Umayamma Rani of the Venad royal family who ruled the land between 1677 and 1684. The palace is a double stroreyed traditional nalukettu with slanting gabled roofs and an inner courtyard. Today, the palace houses a Folklore Museum and a Numismatics Museum set up by the Department of Archaeology.

The Folklore Museum, a treasure house of quaint musical instruments, occupational implements, household utensils, models of folk arts etc, was set up in 1992. The exhibits here draw attention to the rich cultural background of the State. The exhibits include rare articles like Chandravalayam (not found in any other such museum in Kerala), a small percussion instrument used as an accompaniment while reciting the ballad Ramakathappattu (the story of Lord Sree Rama); and Nanthuni, a sweet sounding musical instrument made of wood and string used while singing the Onappattu and Nanthunippattu during Onam the harvest festival of Kerala.

The Folklore Museum housed on the first floor of the palace also has a wide range of household utensils including wooden kitchenware, brass/copperware etc. representing the lifestyle of the Keralites during different eras. Thaliyola (old manuscripts), Chilambu (a sort of anklet) used by Umayamma Rani and Maravuri (dress material made of the bark of trees) etc. are well preserved here.

Oorakkudukku, a device for intellectual exercise used by the Yogis as a pastime, Gajalekshmi - a lamp representing the goddess of prosperity - Lekshmi-seated on her elephant (this lamp is usually lighted at dusk and during the harvest season to welcome the goddess) are other interesting exhibits.

The Kettuvillakku - a ceremonial lamp (artistically made out of coloured paper and locally available light wood splits/rails), lit during festivals at the Bhagavathy temples of southern Kerala; a model of the most impressive of Theyyams - the Muthappan theyyam , a Patayani kolam model; the headgear and dress used by Ottanthulal artistes exhibited here give an insight into the performing as well as the ritual art forms of Kerala.

The Numismatics Museum at the Koyikkal Palace is the only one of its kind in the State. Occupying the ground floor of the palace, the coins here belong to different parts of the world as well as to different eras. This rare and historically valuable collection is a vestige of the trade relation of the State in the bygone ages.

Among the exhibits are some of the oldest coins of Kerala - Ottaputhen, Erattaputhen, Kaliyugarayan Panam etc. A Venetian coin named Amaida, believed to have been presented to Jesus Christ, is also a property of this museum. The most valuable among the Indian coins found here are 'Karsha'. These are nearly 2500 years old.

Rasi, the world's smallest coins are also on display here. Sreekrishna Rasi, one of the rasis (regional coins) issued by the local kings of Kerala around the 10th century, Anantharayan Panam - the first modern gold coin of Travancore in circulation in the 15th and 17th centuries, Kochi Puthen - one of the coins of the Kochi kingdom which also had variations like Indo-Dutch Puthen (1782 AD).

Lekshmi Varaham - the silver coins minted in Travancore, Rasi Palaka (the coin board) - a wooden board with small niches used to count small coins (counting up to 100 to 200 at a time), coin mints etc are preserved here. Nearly

374 Roman gold coins, each worth up to five hundred thousand rupees today, depicting Roman gods and goddesses like Venus, Hercules, Mars, Ceres, Genius, etc and rulers like Hardin (AD 117 - 138) are also among the collection. The museum also has coins used by various Indian dynasties - the Gwalior royal family, the Nizam of Hyderabad, Tipu Sultan, Hyder Ali, etc.

Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave

Vizhinjam is located 17 km south of Thiruvananthapuram city. There are rock cut sculptures of the 18th century in the cave temple at Vizhinjam. The granite cave here encloses a one-celled shrine with a loose sculpture of Vinandhara Dakshinamurthi. The outer wall of the cave depicts half complete reliefs of the Hindu God Shiva with Goddess Parvathi.

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PILGRIM CENTRES

Aruvikkara (Ancient Temple)

16 kms north of Thiruvananthapuram, is Aruikkara, which is gifted with lavish scenic beauty and it also has an ancient temple dedicated to goddess Durga, on the banks of the River Aruvikkara. The City of Thiruvananthapuram gets its water supply from Aruvikkara reservoir.

Padmanabha Swamy Temple

Sarkara Temple

35 kms north of Thiruvananthapuram and 6 kms west of Attingal, there is a famous temple in Sarkara, which is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathi. A grand festival, Sarkara Bharani, is conducted in this temple during March - April.

Thiruvallam Temple

About 6 kms South of the city, on the Thiruvananthapuram-Kovalam road is Thiruvallam. There is an ancient temple here on the banks of the River Karamana, which is dedicated to the Thrimurthis of the Hindu Pantheon. A shrine of Parasurama built entirely of granite stone is found in this temple.

Varkala

Varkala is an important Hindu centre of pilgrimage. The final resting place of the great social reformer, Sree Narayana Guru, is near Varkala, atop a hill called Sivagiri. High cliffs with mineral springs rise majestically from the coastline.

According to a myth, sage Narada was approached by a group of mendicants who confessed to having sinned. Narada threw his valkkalam (cloth made of the bark of a tree) into the air, and the place where it landed was subsequently named Varkala.The mendicants were directed by Narada to offer their prayers in the newly created place by the seashore. The place where they prayed for redemption, came to be known as the Papanasham Beach ( Papanasham means redemption from sins).The 2000 year old Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple and the Nature Care Centre are the two main attractions here.

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PLACES TO INTERESTS

Secretariat

Secretariat: Built in the Roman architectural style, this is the centre of government administration in Kerala and houses the offices of ministers and the bureaucracy.

Thiruvallam

Thiruvallam is located 10 km from the city. This serene backwater stretch, enroute to Kovalam, is famous for its canoe rides. Parasurama Temple in Thiruvallam attracts may Hindus.

Aruvikkara Dam

Aruvikkara Dam This picturesque picnic spot is on the banks of the Karamana river. Near the Durga Temple here is a stream full of fish that fearlessly come close to the shore to be fed by the visitors.

Boating facilities are available at the reservoir.

Sree Mahadeva Temple

Sree Mahadeva Temple is situated in Kazhakuttom, this ancient temple is believed to date back to the 14th century. Another old temple in the district is the Mitramandapuram Temple on the outskirts of the city.

The Indian School of Martial Arts

The Indian School of Martial Arts (ISMA) is located in Vazhuthacaud, in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram city. ISMA, established in 1983, is recognised by the Government of India and Sports Council as an ideal training centre for the 5000 year old martial art, Kalarippayattu. ISMA is also a place for healing and rejuvenation, since Mr.Balachandran Nair who set up the organisation hails from a family of warrior healers.

The Kalarichikitsa, an exclusive branch of medicine, he says has taken shape from Siddhavaidyam - a parallel science to Ayurveda, Dhanurveda - the mother of Ayurveda and a large collection of Olagranthas - manuscripts on dry palm leaves. This branch of medicine was developed for the students and practitioners of Kalarippayattu. Kalarichiktsa as well as Kalarippayattu are based on the 108 marmas (pressure points) in the human body. Certain marmas are so sensitive that attacking them may cause death or put the victim in a state of coma.

Unlike in Ayurveda, modern medical parameters are not used in Kalarichikitsa. Instead intuitions developed from years of meditation help the healer to diagnose and treat the cause of the ailment.

ISMA is housed in a three storyed building. It has a traditional Kalari - the arena for practising the art, built ten feet below ground level. The 600 year old massage table here was carved out of a single tree and was handed down generations. There is also a meditation hall that exudes an air of tranquility and serenity.

The roof garden is a treasure house of herbs used for the preparation of medicines. ISMA also offers simple accomodation and food for guests and visitors. But what attracts students of history to this place are the ancient palm leaf manuscripts (Olagranthas).

MARGI - Kerala's Classical Arts

Performances of Kathakali and other art forms of Kerala in an ethnic atmosphere. Here one can also watch Kathakali artistes in the process of making up their face.

Margi is one of the ideal destinations for art lovers. One can watch the performance of some of the major art forms of Kerala like Kootiyattam, Nangyarkoothu, Chakyarkoothu, Paatakom (all temple art forms) and ,b>Kathakali in an ethnic atmosphere. Nangyarkoothu, Chakkiarkoothu are female and male (respectively) versions of the satiric solo.

Margi has its activities at two places in Thiruvananthapuram, the first at Valiyasala (Margi - Valiyasala) where Kootiyattam, Nangyarkoothu, Chakyarkoothu and Paatakom are performed and aspiring artists trained.The other near East Fort (Margi - Fort) which is devoted exclusively to Kathakali. The institution was founded in 1970 by noted theatre enthusiast of the time the late D.Appukuttan Nair. He was also the architect of the Koothambalam at Kalamandalam at Cheruthuruthy in Kerala and Rukmini Arundale's dance school complex at Adayar in Chennai, the capital of the neigbhouring state of Tamilnadu.

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