Carnatic vocal concert by Pattabhiram Pandit

Pattabhirama Pandit at the Swati Tirunal Sangita Sabha on Tyagaraja Day.

Russian Ballet

The Russian Ballet group Altai performed at the Tagore Auditorium, Trivandrum on Friday, 25th March 2010 to commemorate the 35th Anniversary of the inauguration of the Russian Cultural Centre in Trivandrum. The troupe of over 25 members performed a variety of dance forms to a rapt audience.

Senegalese Band

BBC Sound System, a Senegalese band based in France performed at the Nishagandhi open air theatre, Trivandrum. They played a blend of African melodies, hip hop and salsa. Their lively performance was appreciated by the goodly weekend crowd squatting in the amphitheatre galleries.

Kadinamkulam, poor man's Vembanad

Thanks to Google maps, I discovered Kadinamkulam on a Saturday evening. It is just 12Kms from Kazhakuttam, the seat of Technopark. You proceed on NH 47 and turn into Vettu road. It takes you to the junction at St. Andrews. Turn right (North) at St. Andrews and proceed for about 4-5 Kms to Mariyanad Kadinamkulam lake is just 1 km from this junction. For locals, this just an everyday sight, but to me it appeared like a poor man's Vembanad. A country boat can ferry you to the other bank (Mrukkampuzha) in about 15 minutes.On the way from Kazhakootam you can also enjoy the isolated beaches at St.Andrews, Vettiyathura and also some magnificent churches and one or two small temples.