Karicharakadavu - unspoilt nature

You may not find Karicharakadavu in any tourist literature or even in any blogs. It is small village not far from Kazhakuttam. On National highway, you turn left at Kaniyapuram after the bus stand (at Althara junction) to the Chirayinkeezh road and within a few kilometers, you are at Karicharakadavu.Another left turn and a brief ride you are reach the water's edge. The waterbody you see is an extension of Murukkampuzha. Kadinmkulam is on the opposite side.  One can see a few country boats and a lone cottage used by some  picnickers. 

Mohiniyattam at Vylopilli

Kalamandalam Sarawathi (not in the picture), and her disciples performed Mohiniyattam at he Vylopilli Samskriti Bhavan Koothambalam as part of the Mudra dance festival.

Jackfruit Mela in Thiruvananthapuram

Craft Exhibition

Collage of some exhibits at the Gandhi Shilp Exhibition at the Kanakunnu palace grounds.

Natural bird nests for sale

This is Kuttappan at his stall selling bamboo products.- bamboo ek tara, bamboo drums, lampshdes, wine mugs, penstands etc. Kuttappan comes from Ramakkalmedu in Idukky district. Legend has it that Lord Rama halted at Ramakkal medu in search of Sita as this place overlooks a vast valley and some towns of Tamil Nadu.

Hanuman in Lanka, Kathakali

The kathakali festival of Soorya continues at the Swathi Thirunal Music College. The above image shows the confrontation between Ravana and Hanuman after his visit to Ashoka vanam and before Lanka dahanam. The percussion ensemble of Maddalam, Chenda etc are seen in the background.

Ruined 500 year old palace at Eraniel - 1

Eraniel is situated about 50 Kms from Trivandrum and 15 Kms from Nagerkoil, in Tamil Nadu. The palace was believed to be built by Marthanada Varma of the Venad Dyansty ( precursor to Travancore) about 500 years ago. After the the consturction of the nearby (5 kms) Padmanabhapuram Palace the capital was shifted there, but Eraniel continued to be a sub capital. The structure is dilapidated and nearly completely ruined due to ignorance, indifference and vandalism. Peridiocally, one hears about restoration plans by different agencies but nothing has happened on the ground. Any further delay will mean complete loss of this piece of heritage.
What a shame!



Entrance to the Palace


The roof and rafters


Royal Bed


Crumbling woodworks