East Fort

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
type = town
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district = Thiruvananthapuram
state_name = Kerala
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skyline = EastFort BusyLight.jpg
skyline_caption = Lit up, busy east fort
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locator_position = right
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The East Fort is located at the heart of the CBD of Thiruvananthapuram city, the capital city of Kerala- a South Indian state. [cite web
url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/2004/03/12/ft/20.asp
title=Kerala Tourism wins three 2004 PATA Gold Awards
publisher=www.dailymirror.lk
accessdate=2008-08-12
last=
first=]

History

East fort got its name from the eastern entrance to the fort built by the Kings of Travancore. The old city was all inside the fort on four sides with the Sri Padmanabha Swamy temple at the center. It is said that there were huge metal gates on this entrance to the Fort which was decorated with the symbol of a conch, which was the isignia of the Royal Family of Travancore.

ignificance

Sri Padmanabha swami temple is situated inside this fort.

Kuthiramalika Palace museum, built by His Highness Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma, Maharaja of erstwhile Travancore.

The central bus terminal of the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) at Trivandrum City is located at the East Fort. Putharikandam mithanam (ground) is near to this bus station.Bus terminals are divided in to three as per the destinations. Terminal 1 goes to Kannanmoola - Ulloor - Pattom - Mannanthala - Shanghumukhom (via Palayam) routes. Terminal 2 goes to Poojappura - Pappanamcode - Manacaud - Maruthoorkadavu routes. Terminal 3 goes to Shanghumukhom(via valiyathura) - Kovalam - Vizhinjam - Poovar route.

Gandhi Park is situated in front of the fort, which is famous for hosting socio-politico gatherings. "Gandhi Park" has been completely remodelled with modern urban landscaping, and is a popular spot for a relaxing stroll or time-out. The "Gandhi Park" provides a maginificient view of the entrance to the East Fort which is lit up.

The Ganesha temple, Pazhavangadi Ganapathi Temple, is also situated at the "East Fort".

It is from the East Fort that one enters the Chalai Bazaar (Market), which was the main business center of Travancore. Gold, Flowers, Iron and Steel, Fruits and Vegetables to Cars and Computers, this is one spot where you get everything. The central road is over 2 km long.

East fort fact file

The archeological department, cognizant of the great and long heritage of the East Fort, undertakes the maintenance and upkeep of the East Fort. It is a national monument and is flood lit in the evenings. The East Fort has it own Police Station and Post Office. A visit to the East Fort is a must for any tourist visiting Trivandrum.

Places of interest

Sri Padmanabha Swami Temple - 200 m, Pazhavangadi Ganapathi temple- 250 m, Chalai bazar- 100 m, Kuthiramalika Palace museum- 150 m, Padmatheerthakkulam Tank(the sacred pond), Abhedananda Ashram- 200 m

East Fort also hosts a large number of Gold and Textile Emporiums. A few of them:

Alukkas - 50 m, Josco - 300 m, Khazana - 300 m, Chemmannur - 100 m, Alappat - 200 m, Ramachandran Textiles- 250 m, Kerala Co-Operative Weavers.

References