 |
| Pazhavangadi Sree Mahaganapathy Temple |
 |
| Vetti Muricha Kotta |
East Fort is the historical heart of Thiruvananthapuram. Nestled between Manacaud and Statue in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram, East Fort (Kizhakke Kotta) is a vibrant, bustling commercial hub and an iconic heritage district. Steeped in royal history, it serves as the historic core where the legacy of the Travancore Kingdom meets modern city life.
History
and Etymology
The origins of East Fort trace back
to AD 1747, when the massive fortification walls were commissioned by
King Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma, who famously dedicated the kingdom to
the presiding deity as a "servant of Lord Padmanabha" (Padmanabhadasa).
The district gets its name from the prominent eastern gateway (Kizhakkekotta)
of the old walled city. This monumental white-painted gateway, facing the
historic Chalai Bazaar, originally featured massive metal gates emblazoned with
the conch shell (shankhu) insignia of the Travancore Royal Family.
Architectural
and Spiritual Splendour
At the literal and spiritual center
of East Fort rests the majestic Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, dedicated
to Lord Vishnu. Built in a striking blend of indigenous Kerala and Dravidian
architectural styles, its towering seven-storeyed gopuram (temple tower)
dominates the skyline. Inside, the sanctum houses the awe-inspiring Ananthasayanam
posture of Lord Vishnu reclining on the serpent Anantha.
The complex and its surroundings are
home to several architectural and engineering marvels, including:
- Methan Mani:
A unique historical clock built in 1818 featuring a man’s face flanked by
two goats that move when the hours strike.
- Kuthiramalika Palace Museum (Horse Palace): Renowned for its unique Carnatic music heritage, royal
artifacts, and striking structural pillars shaped like horses.
- Historic Palaces:
Elegant residential structures of the royal family showcasing a mix of
traditional, Baroque, and Rococo architecture, such as the Ananthavilasam
and Krishnavilasom Palaces.
Landmarks
and Urban Landscape
Today, the district is surrounded by
a dense network of government offices, commercial complexes, traditional
markets, and parks. Major landmarks and facilities within or immediately
adjacent to East Fort include:
- Administrative & Civic Hubs: State Transport Commissioner Office, Revenue
Divisional Office, and the Taluk Office.
- Recreational & Public Spaces: Gandhi Park (offering a refreshing green space for
pedestrians) and Putharikandam Maidanam (a prominent venue for major
cultural events, exhibitions, and public rallies).
- Commercial Centers:
Chalai Bazar (one of the city’s oldest and busiest traditional markets)
and the Attukal Shopping Complex.
- Culture & Wellness: CVN Kalari Sangham (a renowned training center for
Kalaripayattu, Kerala’s indigenous martial art).
- Temples & Spiritual Spaces: The nearby Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple, which
draws devotees seeking tranquility, alongside the world-famous Sree
Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
Accessibility
and Infrastructure
East Fort is exceptionally
well-connected, making it a primary transit node for the city:
- Accommodation:
Hotel Saj Lucia provides comfortable lodging options for visitors and
tourists.
- Local Transport:
The City Bus Station (East Fort KSRTC Station) operates
heavy-volume local and regional services right from the neighborhood core.
- Rail Connectivity:
Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station is located approximately
1 km away.
- Air Connectivity: Trivandrum International Airport is situated at a convenient distance of about 5 km from East Fort
Online Train time in Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station
Online Railway Reservation
Location of East Fort (Satellite view)
BSNL Telephone Directory in Thiruvananthapuram
Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple
Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganapathy, is located at East Fort in Thiruvananthapuram. Deities of Goddess Durga, Lord Ayyappa and Nagaraja are also found in the temple complex. Pazhavangadi Mahaganapathy idol is entirely different from other Ganesh idols, as the right leg is in folded posture.
Breaking of coconut is the main nivedyam (offering) at the temple. The rituals conducted are nityanidaanam, masavisesham, and attaviseshams. A bhajana mandapam is also attached.
The famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple is at a walking distance. Sree Maha Ganapathy Temple is 1 km southwest of Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station and Thiruvananthapuram Central Bus Station, and 8 km east of Trivandrum International Airport.
Online Train time in Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station
Online Railway Reservation
Location of Pazhavangadi Ganapathi Temple (Satellite view)
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple was built by the Maharaja of Travancore in 1733. It is a splendid seven storied monument with numerous pillars, intricate carvings and mural paintings of natural pigments. This is the only place where Lord Vishnu (Padmanabha) is enshrined in the yoganidra posture. The Temple has been historically significant as the spiritual haven of Travancore kings.
The huge idol resides on the holy serpent Anantha, with the head on the southern side, the feet towards the north and the navel with Lord Brahma in the middle. The idol is viewed from three doorways. There is a big pool, Padma teertham, in front of the temple.
The Padmanabhaswamy Temple at Chennai is a replica of this temple.
The temple is located in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram at East Fort, 8 km from the airport and 1 km from the railway station at Thiruvananthapuram.
Phone numbers: 0471 - 2450233, 0471 - 2466830
Online Train time in Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station
Online Railway Reservation
Location of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple (Satellite view)
Chalai Bazaar (Chala Market)
Chalai Bazaar (Chala Market) is located between East Fort and Killipalam in Thiruvananthapuram. Chala Market is an old shopping area in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala , India
Most shops are open from 9 am to 8 pm daily except Sundays. The place gets very crowded in the evenings. A number of good eateries also dot the area.
Kanthalloor Shri Mahadevar Temple , Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple and Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
The City Bus Station (East Fort Station) in close vicinity provides easy access for the visitors to Chalai. Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station (1 km) at Thampanoor is the nearest railway station.Trivandrum International Airport
Online Train time in Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station
Online Railway Reservation
Gandhi Park
Gandhi Park is situated at East Fort, the vibrant place in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram. It is a 5,000 sq m landscaped recreational area built around the Chalai-East Fort corridor. The park features an exclusive senior citizens' zone, playing area for children, pedestrian plaza, snack bar and pathway for jogging.
An elevated pedestrian passage running along the middle of the park connecting the Fort Gate and the Chalai Bazaar gives the tourists an unrestricted view of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The fountains in the park, lit up at night, are very attractive. Gandhi statue at the southern end of the park captivates the eyes of the visitors.
Putharikandam Maidan, CVN Kalari Sangham, Attukal Shopping Complex and Kuthiramalika Palace Museum are some of the major landmarks nearby. Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple at East Fort is an important seat of faith and worship of Hindus. The City Bus Station (East Fort Station), which is situated in close vicinity, helps in the accessibility.
Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station is around 1 km away. Trivandrum International Airport (5 km) is the nearest airport.
Online Train time in Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station
Location of Gandhi Park (Satellite view)
Kuthiramalika Palace
Kuthiramalika Palace or Puthenmalika, built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal, the ruler of the erstwhile princely state of Travancore, is situated near Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram.
Kuthiramalika Palace is a fine spectacle of Travancore architecture. The carvings, paintings and other artwork that form part of the structure give a glimpse of the royal splendour of those days. The palace is called Kuthiramalika from the exquisite series of sculpted prancing horses (Kuthira) that line the first floor gallery. The palace is now open to public as a museum.
This museum has a wide range of priceless exhibits, mostly from the gifts curios that the royal family received from India and overseas. Paintings, wood carvings and personal collections of the royal family are main items on display. More than a dozen life-size figures of Kathakali characters and Kerala legends, magnificent ivory cots, royal thrones and a musical tree are a few of the attractions of the museum.
Online Train time in Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station
Location of Kuthiramalika (Satellite view)
Putharikandam Maidanam
Putharikandam Maidanam is a large open space situated opposite to the Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple, at East Fort, in Thiruvananthapuram. In early times, this ground was a large paddy field which served the needs of the Kowdiar Palace and the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. This large field came to be referred to as Putharikandam (‘Puthari’ means 'newly reaped rice' and ‘kandam’ means 'field') by the locals. It is said that the first harvest was offered to the presiding deity of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
Today, Putharikandam Maidan is the venue for numerous functions, fairs and exhibitions. Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, Gandhi Park and Kanthalloor Shri Mahadevar Temple are situated nearby.
The City Bus Station (East Fort Station) is just across the compound wall of Putharikandam. Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station is just a km away. Trivandrum International Airport (7 km) is the nearby airport.
Thiruvananthapuram City Bus Station
Operated by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation, Thiruvananthapuram City Bus Station is located at East Fort. It is 1 km from the Thiruvananthapuram Central Bus Station and is situated on the MG Road. Ordinary and fast passenger buses are available to various places in the district. The station offers services to Shanghumughom, Kovalam, Veli, Neyyattinkara, Kazhakuttam, Balaramapuram, Malayinkeezhu, Nedumangad, Venjaramoodu and Kattakada.
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple and Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple are right across the street. At a very short distance from the station, Hotel Saj Lucia provides comfortable accommodation.
Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station is the nearest railway station. Trivandrum International Airport is 7 km away.
Online Train time in Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station
Online Railway Reservation
Online Railway Reservation
Location of East Fort (Satellite view)
BSNL Telephone Directory in Thiruvananthapuram
Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple
 |
| Pazhavangadi Sree Mahaganapathy Temple |
Breaking of coconut is the main nivedyam (offering) at the temple. The rituals conducted are nityanidaanam, masavisesham, and attaviseshams. A bhajana mandapam is also attached.
The famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple is at a walking distance. Sree Maha Ganapathy Temple is 1 km southwest of Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station and Thiruvananthapuram Central Bus Station, and 8 km east of Trivandrum International Airport.
Online Train time in Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station
Online Railway Reservation
Location of Pazhavangadi Ganapathi Temple (Satellite view)
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
 |
| Sreepadmanabha Swamy Temple |
 |
| Sreepadmanabha Swamy Temple Pound |
 |
| Sreepadmanabha Swamy Temple West Nada |
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple was built by the Maharaja of Travancore in 1733. It is a splendid seven storied monument with numerous pillars, intricate carvings and mural paintings of natural pigments. This is the only place where Lord Vishnu (Padmanabha) is enshrined in the yoganidra posture. The Temple has been historically significant as the spiritual haven of Travancore kings.
The huge idol resides on the holy serpent Anantha, with the head on the southern side, the feet towards the north and the navel with Lord Brahma in the middle. The idol is viewed from three doorways. There is a big pool, Padma teertham, in front of the temple.
The Padmanabhaswamy Temple at Chennai is a replica of this temple.
The temple is located in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram at East Fort, 8 km from the airport and 1 km from the railway station at Thiruvananthapuram.
Phone numbers: 0471 - 2450233, 0471 - 2466830
Online Train time in Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station
Online Railway Reservation
Location of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple (Satellite view)
Chalai Bazaar (Chala Market)
Most shops are open from 9 am to 8 pm daily except Sundays. The place gets very crowded in the evenings. A number of good eateries also dot the area.
The City Bus Station (East Fort Station) in close vicinity provides easy access for the visitors to Chalai. Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station (1 km) at Thampanoor is the nearest railway station.
Online Train time in Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station
Online Railway Reservation
Gandhi Park
An elevated pedestrian passage running along the middle of the park connecting the Fort Gate and the Chalai Bazaar gives the tourists an unrestricted view of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The fountains in the park, lit up at night, are very attractive. Gandhi statue at the southern end of the park captivates the eyes of the visitors.
Putharikandam Maidan, CVN Kalari Sangham, Attukal Shopping Complex and Kuthiramalika Palace Museum are some of the major landmarks nearby. Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple at East Fort is an important seat of faith and worship of Hindus. The City Bus Station (East Fort Station), which is situated in close vicinity, helps in the accessibility.
Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station is around 1 km away. Trivandrum International Airport (5 km) is the nearest airport.
Online Train time in Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station
Location of Gandhi Park (Satellite view)
Kuthiramalika Palace
Kuthiramalika Palace is a fine spectacle of Travancore architecture. The carvings, paintings and other artwork that form part of the structure give a glimpse of the royal splendour of those days. The palace is called Kuthiramalika from the exquisite series of sculpted prancing horses (Kuthira) that line the first floor gallery. The palace is now open to public as a museum.
This museum has a wide range of priceless exhibits, mostly from the gifts curios that the royal family received from India and overseas. Paintings, wood carvings and personal collections of the royal family are main items on display. More than a dozen life-size figures of Kathakali characters and Kerala legends, magnificent ivory cots, royal thrones and a musical tree are a few of the attractions of the museum.
Online Train time in Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station
Location of Kuthiramalika (Satellite view)
Putharikandam Maidanam
Putharikandam Maidanam is a large open space situated opposite to the Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple, at East Fort, in Thiruvananthapuram. In early times, this ground was a large paddy field which served the needs of the Kowdiar Palace and the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. This large field came to be referred to as Putharikandam (‘Puthari’ means 'newly reaped rice' and ‘kandam’ means 'field') by the locals. It is said that the first harvest was offered to the presiding deity of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
Today, Putharikandam Maidan is the venue for numerous functions, fairs and exhibitions. Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, Gandhi Park and Kanthalloor Shri Mahadevar Temple are situated nearby.
The City Bus Station (East Fort Station) is just across the compound wall of Putharikandam. Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station is just a km away. Trivandrum International Airport (7 km) is the nearby airport.
Thiruvananthapuram City Bus Station
Operated by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation, Thiruvananthapuram City Bus Station is located at East Fort. It is 1 km from the Thiruvananthapuram Central Bus Station and is situated on the MG Road. Ordinary and fast passenger buses are available to various places in the district. The station offers services to Shanghumughom, Kovalam, Veli, Neyyattinkara, Kazhakuttam, Balaramapuram, Malayinkeezhu, Nedumangad, Venjaramoodu and Kattakada.
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple and Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple are right across the street. At a very short distance from the station, Hotel Saj Lucia provides comfortable accommodation.
Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station is the nearest railway station. Trivandrum International Airport is 7 km away.
Online Train time in Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station
Online Railway Reservation
