I

 A TRIP TO TRIVANDRUM

All were excited and planning for this occasion.

We boarded Ananthapuri express at 5:15 pm. This journey was quite different. We had so many of our colleagues in the same train. Meeting friends outside office has a different vibe altogether. Fun and frolic was in the air. Next day morning we reached the cool capital of Kerala the erstwhile Trivandrum. The city wasn't much populated like Chennai or Bangalore. From there we set to The Residency Towers, where magnanimously our accommodation was booked. There again surprise awaited us-a lot of retired colleagues whom we never thought we would meet had come with their families. Many of the colleagues from other regions had also come. Celebration was in the air. We checked in at 11.00 a.m.

A smart colleague of mine immediately thought of a city tour and also arranged the same. He had the sublime way of addressing the tour operator as "Chetta ", or elder brother. This "Chetta Chetta" sounded like hymn to my ears.

Our trip started with a lunch at Aishwarya. The food was good. This again was a honor. From thereafter a drive of around one hour we reached Poovar backwaters .

Initially considering our itinerary, there was much of reluctance whether to go for boating or not, as time was inadequate.However, a few of us didn't want to miss the experience. Also, the boat agents out there had a unique way of convincing, probably we should learn this art for future negotiations on the table. Coming back this boat ride at Poovar amidst Mangroves were mind-blowing. Tender coconuts were sold en route boat journey. Due to paucity of time missed this beautiful experience of having tender coconut amidst Mangroves. The ride was too soothing to the soul. Content and satisfying we returned back. Next in the planner was Aayimala Shiva temple. Not really knowing what was awaiting us, went by, to another big surprise of a completely different kind of sculpture of Shiva which was beyond imagination. I salute the artist and the sculpturer who brought this beautiful creativity on the shores of Arabian sea. Not sure what is the material of sculpture. Nevertheless, too good to be described.

From there was the opportunity to see the Vizhinjam port in making. With great expectation and anticipation we await the completion and functioning of this natural port, which would put our country in a completely different pedestal. Our next short stop was at Kovalam. I wonder how universe knew my mind. Had visited Kovalam in 2016 and wanted to visit once again. Such a beautiful beach with shades of black and beige sand....the waves greeted us with all its prowess and brought smile to all our faces.

The visit to the majestic Anandapadmanabhan temple awaited us. The closing time was 7.20 P.M, and we reached at 6.50. Thought that if the blessings of the divinity decides we would definitely get a Darshan. AND YES we could get HIS Blessings 🙌

Final destination in our itinerary was Attukal amma temple. Quite sure that the temple would be closed,as it was almost half past eight, still having faith rushed to the spot and yes we had it...was a part of the shivali and the final darsan before the temple closure of the Beautiful Divine Amma.

It is only than we thought of the biological fire burning within us. We needed food and the famous India coffee house adjacent to the temple beckoned us. Here again they were closing when they got a swarm of visitors (us) and their hospitality was incomparable. They put back the chairs and treated us with Masala Dosa and a coffee that would remain with us for its incomparable taste and flavor.

It was all a touch and go but somehow made the best use of the time completely satisfied.

Next day was the beautiful wedding of Amrita and Vishnu for which we actually came.

This was yet again a Beautiful day and we witnessed happy union of two beautiful individuals and families accompanied by a sumptuous meal. Thereafter, we returned to the hotel and finally bid adieu to the Tantalizing Trivandrum.