Friday, August 17, 2012

Sivagiri Mutt



Sivagiri Mutt is a famous ashram in Varkala, founded by the philosopher and social reformer Sree Narayana Guru. Sree Narayana Guru's tomb is also located here. The Samadhi (the final resting place) of the Guru here attracts thousands of devotees every year during the Sivagiri Pilgrimage days 30th December to 1st January. The Sivagiri Mutt, built in 1904, is situated at the top of the Sivagiri hill near Varkala. Even decades after the guru breathed his last here in 1928; his samadhi continues to be thronged by thousands of devotees, donned in yellow attire, from different parts of Kerala and outside every year during the Sivagiri Pilgrimage days - 30th December to 1st January. The Sivagiri Mutt is also the headquarters of the Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham, an organization of his disciples and saints, established by the Guru to propagate his concept of 'One Caste, One Religion, One God'. The Guru Deva Jayanti, the birthday of the Guru, and the samadhi day are celebrated in August and September respectively every year. Colourful processions, debates and seminars, public meetings, cultural shows, community feasts, group wedding and rituals mark the celebrations.

How to Reach: Nearest Railway Station: Varkala
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Thangasseri Fort


Thangasseri Fort is one of the important tourist attractions of Thangasseri and it is situated in Kollam district. The Thangasseri Fort is also called as 'Dutch Quilon'. Thangasseri literally means Gold village in Malayalam language. The place was named as Thangasseri because this was the place where trade was done using gold as the currency.Thangasseri was the favorite spot of the Dutch and the Portuguese. The Thangasseri Fort was constructed in the 16th century and right now only the ruins are left behind. The fort was about 20 feet tall.

The place remains today as an Anglo-Indian settlement, though few Anglo-Indians remain. Presently, the Thangasseri Fort is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India  the Thangasseri Fort.The famous lighthouse of Thangasseri which is 144 ft high, constructed in 1519 by the British is another important attraction of this place,is open to visitors from 1530 - 1730 hrs.

How to reach
Nearest Railway Station: Kollam railway station.
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport