Friday, November 2, 2007
shopping
Crafted ivory products, like finely sculptured figurines, carved wooden containers handwoven cotton fabrics, rosewood and teak furniture, masks of characters from the classical dances, and coir handicrafts are but a few of the vast range of products. The Main shopping areas of the city are the stretch of M.G. Road between East Fort and Palayam, Chalai Bazar Connemara Market and Palayam. The S.M.S.M. Handicrafts Emporium, Tel.: 330625, is behind the Secretariat, and Kairali, Tel.: 75627 is opposite the Secretariat.
Travelling
Rail Thiruvananthapuram is an important railway terminus on the south-western coast with train services from all parts of the country. Within the region too Thiruvananthapuram is connected with express train services to all major centres. Chennai is only a little more than an overnight's train journey and to Kanniyakumari, the southern-most tip of mainland India, it takes just under two and half hours. Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station is close to downtown section of the city. Taxis, auto-rickshaws and buses are easily available at the railway station for transfer to different parts of the city. Thirunvanathapuram Central Railway Station, Enquiry Tel.: 131, 132, 133.
Bus Thirunvanathapuram is excellently connected by regular bus services to all major centres of south India. Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and some Transport Corporations of Tamil Nadu, like TTC, JJTC and Nesamony, operate regular services to/from Coimbatore, Cuddalore, Erode, Kanniyakumari, Chennai, Madurai, Nagapattinam, Nagarcoil, Tirunelveli, etc. To places within Kerala KSRTC provides an extensive network of services. The Central Bus Station is at Thampanoor and opposite the Central Railway Station. Taxis, Auto-rickshaws and city bus service are the main modes of transport to other parts of the city and surroundings. KSRTC, Central Bus Station, Thampanoor, Tel.: 63886. J. Jayalalitha Transport Corporation (JJTC), Tel.: 67756.
Road At the junction of four National Highways, Nos. 7, 17, 45 and 47 Thiruvananthapuram is covered by very good network of roads that links the city to all parts of the southern India. The State's own network of highways and other roads provide road communication to all parts of Kerala. Road distances to some important centres in the state and region are: Alleppey 155 km., Calicut 445 km., Kochi 219 km., Idukki 285 km., Kovalam 16 km., Thekkady (Periyar National Park) 271 km., Trichur 300 km., Coimbatore 410 km., Kanniyakumari 87 km., Chennai 784 km., and Bangalore 720 km.
Bus Thirunvanathapuram is excellently connected by regular bus services to all major centres of south India. Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and some Transport Corporations of Tamil Nadu, like TTC, JJTC and Nesamony, operate regular services to/from Coimbatore, Cuddalore, Erode, Kanniyakumari, Chennai, Madurai, Nagapattinam, Nagarcoil, Tirunelveli, etc. To places within Kerala KSRTC provides an extensive network of services. The Central Bus Station is at Thampanoor and opposite the Central Railway Station. Taxis, Auto-rickshaws and city bus service are the main modes of transport to other parts of the city and surroundings. KSRTC, Central Bus Station, Thampanoor, Tel.: 63886. J. Jayalalitha Transport Corporation (JJTC), Tel.: 67756.
Road At the junction of four National Highways, Nos. 7, 17, 45 and 47 Thiruvananthapuram is covered by very good network of roads that links the city to all parts of the southern India. The State's own network of highways and other roads provide road communication to all parts of Kerala. Road distances to some important centres in the state and region are: Alleppey 155 km., Calicut 445 km., Kochi 219 km., Idukki 285 km., Kovalam 16 km., Thekkady (Periyar National Park) 271 km., Trichur 300 km., Coimbatore 410 km., Kanniyakumari 87 km., Chennai 784 km., and Bangalore 720 km.
Getting-there
ACCESS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Air Thiruvananthapuram is an international airport and is connected to some of the important centres of the Gulf, Europe and the U.S.A. by direct flights of Air India and other airlines. On the national network, Indian Airlines connect the city with Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Kochi. Gulf Air, Air Maldives and domestic air carriers NEPC & East-West Airlines also link Thiruvananthapuram with major Indian cities. Thiruvananthapuram Airport is only 6 km. from the downtown. The airport is not very large but all important services needed by a tourist are readily available Tourist information office and hotel reservation counters are located in the Arrival Hall. For transfer to the city, taxis and auto-rickshaws are easily available and take about 20 minutes to cover the distance. Air India, VeIlayambalam, Tel.: 434837 Indian Airlines, Mascot Square, Tel.: 438288 Air Lanka, Vazhuthacaud Tel.: 68767 Gulf Air, Vellayambalam Tel.: 68003 East West Airlines, Overbridge Tel.: 77707 British Airways, Vellayambalam Tel.: 66604 Oman Airways, Sasthamangalam Tel.: 68950 Kuwait Airways, Panavila Jn. Tel.: 63436 KLM, Spencer Jn Tel.: 77531 NEPC Airlines, Medical College Tel.: 445333 Air Maldives, M. G. Road Tel.: 69557 Aviation Travels, Panvila Junction. GSA for Swissair and Singapore Airlines, Tel.: 330764
Air Thiruvananthapuram is an international airport and is connected to some of the important centres of the Gulf, Europe and the U.S.A. by direct flights of Air India and other airlines. On the national network, Indian Airlines connect the city with Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Kochi. Gulf Air, Air Maldives and domestic air carriers NEPC & East-West Airlines also link Thiruvananthapuram with major Indian cities. Thiruvananthapuram Airport is only 6 km. from the downtown. The airport is not very large but all important services needed by a tourist are readily available Tourist information office and hotel reservation counters are located in the Arrival Hall. For transfer to the city, taxis and auto-rickshaws are easily available and take about 20 minutes to cover the distance. Air India, VeIlayambalam, Tel.: 434837 Indian Airlines, Mascot Square, Tel.: 438288 Air Lanka, Vazhuthacaud Tel.: 68767 Gulf Air, Vellayambalam Tel.: 68003 East West Airlines, Overbridge Tel.: 77707 British Airways, Vellayambalam Tel.: 66604 Oman Airways, Sasthamangalam Tel.: 68950 Kuwait Airways, Panavila Jn. Tel.: 63436 KLM, Spencer Jn Tel.: 77531 NEPC Airlines, Medical College Tel.: 445333 Air Maldives, M. G. Road Tel.: 69557 Aviation Travels, Panvila Junction. GSA for Swissair and Singapore Airlines, Tel.: 330764
Local transport
The city has a well developed internal transport system. Taxis are available all over the city for local use and longer excursions. Since Thiruvanathapuram is not a very large city and distance are comparatively small, the auto-rickshaw, is the most popular transport for city commuting. The City, also, operates an efficient bus service that covers all parts of Thiruvanathapuram and its suburbs. The fares for the City Bus Service are very nominal.
Places
Sankumukham Beach : The long stretch of clean sand is located near the airport. The water here, however, is not suitable for bathing.
Veli Tourist Village : A large recreational centre located near the airport along a sheltered lagoon offers landscaped gardens and watersports facilities. It is a popular picnic spot. Accommodation facilities are available in the youth hostel.
Kovalam : Kovalam beach is only 16 km away from the city. This unique wonderful beach will get pride of place amongst the loveliest beaches in the world. It is a sheltered bay and is endowed with unusual natural beauty.
Aruvikkara : Aruvikkara 16 km. It is both a pilgrim centre and a picnic spot. On the banks of the Karamana river, this spot houses a Bhagavathy temple with a water fall nearby. A Stream with fishes which come up to be fed by visitors is another attraction.
Ponmudi : 61 km. A beautiful hill station away from the city. The natural scenery, salubrious climate and the scope of hiking in high trails make the visit an exhilarating experience.
Veli Tourist Village : A large recreational centre located near the airport along a sheltered lagoon offers landscaped gardens and watersports facilities. It is a popular picnic spot. Accommodation facilities are available in the youth hostel.
Kovalam : Kovalam beach is only 16 km away from the city. This unique wonderful beach will get pride of place amongst the loveliest beaches in the world. It is a sheltered bay and is endowed with unusual natural beauty.
Aruvikkara : Aruvikkara 16 km. It is both a pilgrim centre and a picnic spot. On the banks of the Karamana river, this spot houses a Bhagavathy temple with a water fall nearby. A Stream with fishes which come up to be fed by visitors is another attraction.
Ponmudi : 61 km. A beautiful hill station away from the city. The natural scenery, salubrious climate and the scope of hiking in high trails make the visit an exhilarating experience.
Sri. Ananthapadmanabhaswamy Temple
The ancient temple is the most dominating feature of Thiruvananthapuram. Overlooking the Padma Theertham Tank, the temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu who is depicted reclining on Sri Anantha, the hooded snake from which the city derives its name. Exquisite stone carvings and pavilions are worth admiring. The temple is open only to Hindus and dress regulations are strictly enforced.
Public Park : Truly a representative of the clean and verdant aspect of the city, the Public Park houses many important institutions, like Zoo and the Botanical Gardens. The Zoo is open from 09.00 hrs. to 17.00 hrs. The observatory on the Observatory Hill is also located in the Public Park.
Public Park : Truly a representative of the clean and verdant aspect of the city, the Public Park houses many important institutions, like Zoo and the Botanical Gardens. The Zoo is open from 09.00 hrs. to 17.00 hrs. The observatory on the Observatory Hill is also located in the Public Park.
Thiruvanathapuram-india
The city of the thousand-headed Anantha, the holy serpent on which Lord Vishnu reclines, Thiruvananthapuram is one of the most beautiful cities of India. Perched on undulating terrain of low coastal hills near the southern edge of the Indian mainland, clean and green, Thiruvananthapuram, which was previously called Trivandrum, is an ancient city with trading tradition dating back to 1000 BC
The city is also a welcome departure from other large cities of India in its spacious layout and regulated life. Now the Capital of one of the most fascinating states of India, Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram is an important entry point into India with communication links to Maldives, Sri Lanka and many countries to the West of Arabian Sea. It is also an excellent base to explore the interiors of Kerala, the southernmost region of India, and from Kochi, the Lakshadweep Islands. The city offers all modern facilities needed by a visitor and is a centre for cultural activities.
The city is also a welcome departure from other large cities of India in its spacious layout and regulated life. Now the Capital of one of the most fascinating states of India, Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram is an important entry point into India with communication links to Maldives, Sri Lanka and many countries to the West of Arabian Sea. It is also an excellent base to explore the interiors of Kerala, the southernmost region of India, and from Kochi, the Lakshadweep Islands. The city offers all modern facilities needed by a visitor and is a centre for cultural activities.
shopping
SHOPPING
Bangalore is a good place to shop for the various specialities of this state. Among these are Mysore silks, sandalwood items, inlay work with rose wood, brass and ivory artifacts, and lambani jewellery. Handicrafts may be purchased at: Cauvery Arts and Crafts Emporium, M.G. Road, Tel.: 5581118 CCIE (Central Cottage Industries Emporium), M.G. Road, Tel.: 5584083 Airport Sales Counter, KEB Complex, KG Road. For silk saris and cloth the Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation runs show rooms at M.G. Road and K.G. Road. Similarly, the KHDC showrooms called Priyadarshini Handloom House at various places is an ideal place to shop for handlooms of this state. The other main shopping areas of the city are at Kempe Gowda Road, Mahatma Gandhi Road Jayachamarajendra Road, Jayanagar Shopping Complex Russel Market and Commercial Street.
Bangalore is a good place to shop for the various specialities of this state. Among these are Mysore silks, sandalwood items, inlay work with rose wood, brass and ivory artifacts, and lambani jewellery. Handicrafts may be purchased at: Cauvery Arts and Crafts Emporium, M.G. Road, Tel.: 5581118 CCIE (Central Cottage Industries Emporium), M.G. Road, Tel.: 5584083 Airport Sales Counter, KEB Complex, KG Road. For silk saris and cloth the Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation runs show rooms at M.G. Road and K.G. Road. Similarly, the KHDC showrooms called Priyadarshini Handloom House at various places is an ideal place to shop for handlooms of this state. The other main shopping areas of the city are at Kempe Gowda Road, Mahatma Gandhi Road Jayachamarajendra Road, Jayanagar Shopping Complex Russel Market and Commercial Street.
shopping
SHOPPING
Bangalore is a good place to shop for the various specialities of this state. Among these are Mysore silks, sandalwood items, inlay work with rose wood, brass and ivory artifacts, and lambani jewellery. Handicrafts may be purchased at: Cauvery Arts and Crafts Emporium, M.G. Road, Tel.: 5581118 CCIE (Central Cottage Industries Emporium), M.G. Road, Tel.: 5584083 Airport Sales Counter, KEB Complex, KG Road. For silk saris and cloth the Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation runs show rooms at M.G. Road and K.G. Road. Similarly, the KHDC showrooms called Priyadarshini Handloom House at various places is an ideal place to shop for handlooms of this state. The other main shopping areas of the city are at Kempe Gowda Road, Mahatma Gandhi Road Jayachamarajendra Road, Jayanagar Shopping Complex Russel Market and Commercial Street.
Bangalore is a good place to shop for the various specialities of this state. Among these are Mysore silks, sandalwood items, inlay work with rose wood, brass and ivory artifacts, and lambani jewellery. Handicrafts may be purchased at: Cauvery Arts and Crafts Emporium, M.G. Road, Tel.: 5581118 CCIE (Central Cottage Industries Emporium), M.G. Road, Tel.: 5584083 Airport Sales Counter, KEB Complex, KG Road. For silk saris and cloth the Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation runs show rooms at M.G. Road and K.G. Road. Similarly, the KHDC showrooms called Priyadarshini Handloom House at various places is an ideal place to shop for handlooms of this state. The other main shopping areas of the city are at Kempe Gowda Road, Mahatma Gandhi Road Jayachamarajendra Road, Jayanagar Shopping Complex Russel Market and Commercial Street.
Way on road to bangalore
Road Bangalore is located at the junction of National. Highway 4, 7 and 48 which connect it to all parts of the country with good roads. All neighbouring State Road Transport Corporations, from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Goa, connect the city with their respective states. In addition the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation also runs reciprocal services to all parts of the state as well as inter-state services. KSRTC enquiries Tel.: 2873377, 2875235, JTTC, Tel,: 2876974, APSRTC, Tel.: 2873915. The Interstate Bus Terminus is located near the railway station.
Getting there-communication
Air Indian Airlines connects Bangalore by regular flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Calcutta, Hyderabad, Goa and Thiruvananthapuram among other cities. Indian Airlines, Cauvery Bhawan, Kempe Gowda Road, Tel.: 2211914; airport enquiries Tel.: 5266233; pre-recorded flight information Tel.:142.
Bangalore Airport is located about 8 km from the M.G. Road area in the city. Airport coach transfers run by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation, tourist taxis, prepaid taxi services and auto-rickshaws provide convenient and speedy transfers to and from the airport.
Rail Bangalore is connected to the rest of the country both by metre gauge and broad gauge rail services. lt is an important railway station on the southern railway network. On the broad gauge it is connected to New Delhi, Chennai-2639 Brindavan Express and 6007 Mail Mumbai-6529 Udyan Express, and to Calcutta by express services. Bangalore City Railway Station, enquiry Tel.: 131, Arr. & Dep.: 134, reservations Tel.: 132.
Bangalore Airport is located about 8 km from the M.G. Road area in the city. Airport coach transfers run by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation, tourist taxis, prepaid taxi services and auto-rickshaws provide convenient and speedy transfers to and from the airport.
Rail Bangalore is connected to the rest of the country both by metre gauge and broad gauge rail services. lt is an important railway station on the southern railway network. On the broad gauge it is connected to New Delhi, Chennai-2639 Brindavan Express and 6007 Mail Mumbai-6529 Udyan Express, and to Calcutta by express services. Bangalore City Railway Station, enquiry Tel.: 131, Arr. & Dep.: 134, reservations Tel.: 132.
other places
The Planetarium: It is located on Sankey Road and has shows on all days except Mondays from 6.15 hours. Tel.: 266084.
Aquarium: The Bangalore aquarium is the second largest in the country. It is an ideal place to see a large variety of aqua-fauna at close quarters. Aquarium, Kasturba Road, Tel.: 577440. Open 10.00 to 19.30 hours except on Thursdays.
Ulsoor Lake: Centrally located Ulsoor Lake is spread over an area of 1.5 sq. km. Dotted with picturesque tiny islands. An ideal place for sightseeing, boating and shopping. A centre of attraction during Ganesh festival in August-September.
Government Museum and Venkatappa Art Gallery: Established in 1886 it's one of the oldest in the country. The Government Museum displays a collection of archaeological artifacts and the art gallery has a collection of the works of the noted artist of the court of Mysore K. Venkatappa, Tel.: 564483. Open 10.00 to 17.00 hours except on Wednesdays.
Visveswariah Industrial and Technological Museum: Visveswariah Industrial and Technological Museum, Kasturba Road, Tel.: 5564563. Named after M. Vishveswariah, opens from 10.00 to 17.00 hours except on Mondays.
Aquarium: The Bangalore aquarium is the second largest in the country. It is an ideal place to see a large variety of aqua-fauna at close quarters. Aquarium, Kasturba Road, Tel.: 577440. Open 10.00 to 19.30 hours except on Thursdays.
Ulsoor Lake: Centrally located Ulsoor Lake is spread over an area of 1.5 sq. km. Dotted with picturesque tiny islands. An ideal place for sightseeing, boating and shopping. A centre of attraction during Ganesh festival in August-September.
Government Museum and Venkatappa Art Gallery: Established in 1886 it's one of the oldest in the country. The Government Museum displays a collection of archaeological artifacts and the art gallery has a collection of the works of the noted artist of the court of Mysore K. Venkatappa, Tel.: 564483. Open 10.00 to 17.00 hours except on Wednesdays.
Visveswariah Industrial and Technological Museum: Visveswariah Industrial and Technological Museum, Kasturba Road, Tel.: 5564563. Named after M. Vishveswariah, opens from 10.00 to 17.00 hours except on Mondays.
Temples
Sri Gavi Gangadhareswara Temple: On January 14th every year. Something extraordinary happens in Bangalore's Gavi Gangadhareswara Temple. On that day a ray of sunlight passes through an arch between the horns of stone bull that stands outside the temple and lights up the idol inside. It is a phenomenon that is proof of the technical excellence of ancient architects, of their knowledge of astronomy combined with great architectural skill. The temple itself is dedicated to Shiva and is a natural cave caved out of a monolithic stone.
Places in Bangalore
Lalbagh: This botanical garden, spread over 240 acres, was laid by Hyder Ali and developed by Tipu Sultan. It was originally called Lalbagh because the garden had a profusion of red roses. It also has a green house with a collection of various kinds of flora. The Glass House built on the lines of the Crystal Palace in London is the main attraction in this huge park.
Cubbon Park: In a city of gardens that Bangalore is, the Cubbon is a premier attraction for all those who seek some respite from the busy metropolitan life here. The 300-acre park was laid in 1864 by Lord Cubbon.
Bal Bhavan: Jawahar Balabhavana- Bal Bhavan whizzes you into Childhood. Skin along in a boat, trot up a pony ride. Chug around in a toy train, wander about in the foir ground, dress up your mind in the theatre. It's all there in Bal Bhavan - a bumper package of fun and entertainment. Toy Train Timings Sundays: 9.30 am to 6.00 pm, 9.30 am to 8.00 pm. Closed on Mondays and second Tuesdays of every month. Tel.: 564189, 561423.
Cubbon Park: In a city of gardens that Bangalore is, the Cubbon is a premier attraction for all those who seek some respite from the busy metropolitan life here. The 300-acre park was laid in 1864 by Lord Cubbon.
Bal Bhavan: Jawahar Balabhavana- Bal Bhavan whizzes you into Childhood. Skin along in a boat, trot up a pony ride. Chug around in a toy train, wander about in the foir ground, dress up your mind in the theatre. It's all there in Bal Bhavan - a bumper package of fun and entertainment. Toy Train Timings Sundays: 9.30 am to 6.00 pm, 9.30 am to 8.00 pm. Closed on Mondays and second Tuesdays of every month. Tel.: 564189, 561423.
Places of interest
The Vidhana Saudha: A four storeyed building made after the independence of the country, the Vidhana Soudha houses the State Legislative Assembly and part of the secretariat. The salient feature of the building is its architectural style which is a combination of ancient and modern styles blended into harmony. The building is illuminated on Sunday evenings.
Tipu Sultan's Palace: The Palace which is built of teakwood, was constructed between 1781-1791. Particularly noteworthy are the floral designs on the walls and ceilings, After Tipu's death the palace was used as a Secretariat by the British until 1867.
Tipu Sultan's Palace: The Palace which is built of teakwood, was constructed between 1781-1791. Particularly noteworthy are the floral designs on the walls and ceilings, After Tipu's death the palace was used as a Secretariat by the British until 1867.
Kempegowda
The Bull Temple (Basavanagudi): The temple is believed to have been constructed in the 16th century AD. The grey granite sacred bull, Nandi, is the main attraction after which the temple has been named. The sacred bull has been carved out of a single granite block. It measures 4.57 metres in height and 6.10 metres in length. It has been built by Kempegowda.
The Garden city
Often termed as a garden city, Bangalore's climate has also drawn towards itself a large number of industries like the HAL and the Indian Telephone Industry and has become a premier manufacturing and commercial centre since the 1950s.
Amidst all this hectic activity, the city offers itself as an ideal base to explore the fascinating and culturally rich state of Karnataka. Visitors will find the ruins of the once powerful Vijayanagar empire, the sculpted wonders of Belur and Halebid, the awesome mausoleum of Bijapur and much more within easy reach. The city by itself offers extensive shopping opportunities, a rich fanfare of cuisine, hotels to suit all pockets and much cultural and other entertainment.
Amidst all this hectic activity, the city offers itself as an ideal base to explore the fascinating and culturally rich state of Karnataka. Visitors will find the ruins of the once powerful Vijayanagar empire, the sculpted wonders of Belur and Halebid, the awesome mausoleum of Bijapur and much more within easy reach. The city by itself offers extensive shopping opportunities, a rich fanfare of cuisine, hotels to suit all pockets and much cultural and other entertainment.
Indian-tourism-bangalore
BANGALORE - THE GARDEN CITY
The founding of present day Bangalore is attributed to the Magadi Chieftain, Kempe Gowda, who laid its foundations in 1537. According to local folklore the present name Bangalore, derives from 'Bendakalooru' or the town of boiled beans, a name given by Veera Ballala, a king of the Vijayanagar dynasty, who having lost his way in the forests was given a bowl of boiled beans by a kindly woman here. However that may be, the founding of the city is traced back to 1537 and it has seen the rule of the maharajas of Mysore mainly. One of the factors that has gone in to make Bangalore the fifth largest city in India today is its mild and healthy climate. A large number of people, many from outside the region have thus made the city their permanent home. Thus the city has a fairly large number of people who are retired from active life and others who are here for exclusive pleasure seeking.
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