Been contemplating and trying to collate an exclusive on the list of
things that we would want to do over and over in Trivandrum, without
the slightest unbearable ennui that is:-)
These are my personal picks, and if you have something that comes on
top of your minds, please write back!
@Those who are not familiar with the city, for your next agenda:-)
1. Mutton Omelette @ICH aka Indian Coffee House, Spencer Jn.
A gourmet's delight and a passerby's pleasure, this delectable dish
was an ever green hit (not sure whether we still have the ICH there
and the item figures in their display board; if not, pardon my
ignorance). An evening spent with your close pals, talking through the
day's rigours and fun@work, savoring the overly spicy omelette with
chopped and sauteed mutton filling was an experience in itself.
Washing it down with several cups of extra strong coffee indeed came
next to having a large Mojito on a rainy Friday evening, watching
Casablanca for the umpteenth time:-)
Reason enough to have this on the no 1 spot:-)
2. Parippu Vada@ the small time eatery - rear exit of C-DAC
A few yards from the Althara temple, this small time cafe used to be
an inseparable part of our end of the day agenda. The crispy,
irregularly circular, parippu vadas were so inviting! We were welcome
to pick as many as we wanted from the glass tumblers on the rickety
wooden patio. The owner used to keep tabs on everyone with his uncanny
math:-) Biting through the warm vadas rejuvenated the spirits, and was
usually an excuse to go back to work! Something that I can't miss
during my next vacation.
3. A walk along the Kowdiar stretch
My memories of this beautiful stretch of road from Vellayambalam to
the Palace Jn. have always been majestic. The traffic signal at the
fag end of the road seems to be a spoiler, but then this is part of
the inevitable urban developmental needs. Clearly marked and broad
pedestrian walk ways were real walkers' paradise. Several fruit
vendors beside the petrol station on the left sold fresh guava, orange
and other seasonal fruits.
4. Shankumukham Beach
One of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen, barring the
concrete walk ways that we see now. Being simple yet revealing the
charming beauty and innocence keeps a beach etched in your minds. And
truly, this one scores straight onto your heart any day. Watching the
sunset, holding hands with your loved ones.. or eating your favorite
Masala Dosa from the ICH overlooking the beach, watching the
catamarans way out into the ocean, the waves hitting hard on the shore
with an insatiable revenge, the snacks on the wheels, the kites aiming
high up in the sky, the adorable families out to enjoy a lazy week
end. You tend to get lost here, and wish the evenings would never end!
5. The Double Decker Rides from East Fort to Sasthamangalam!
Reminiscing my first double decker journery in the city 17years ago,
this one is a must do in my short list. This unusually pleasant public
transport, with several 'hard to find vacant seats' in the otherwise
crowded city buses was a breather for a casual traveller. Grabbing a
seat by the window on the upper deck, you could explore the streets
and window shop in your favourite outlets in the long stretch from
East Fort to Sasthamangalam. Or close your eyes and contemplate
future, a little bit of introspection or simply enjoy a siesta or
engage in an animated conversation with your fellow traveller!
Do we still have these double deckers on the road?
Best regards