Vellayambalam, which forms the heart of
Thiruvananthapuram city, is situated on the Rajapatha (Royal Path) that stretches from
Kowdiar to
East Fort. It is an important center and holds a number of important government offices and buildings. Raj Bhavan, the house of the Governor of Kerala, is situated here and forms a major landmark. There are three palaces in and around this place namely
Kowdiar Palace,
Kanakakunnu Palace and Vellayambalm Palace. Vellayambalam Palace today houses one of the electronic companies named Keltron. Cliff House, the official residences of the ministers of the State Government, is situated about a kilometer away from here.
This place is an important junction where the road splits towards the four main directions of the city. Observatory, the highest point in the city, is near the Museum complex. One of the offices of Air India is also situated on the Rajapatha. The place has a number of banks, airways offices, shops, educational institutions and children’s parks. This busiest part of the city also has a number of residential areas and flats.
Bishop's House, which is the house of the Bishop of Latin Dioceses, is situated near the junction. Vellayambalam also holds a number of churches and temples. Other nearby places that are worth mentioning include the Jimmy George Indoor Stadium, the Swimming Pool,
Trivandrum Tennis Club and
Trivandrum Golf Club.
The place stands in its full beauty during Onam which is celebrated as tourism week. Kanakakunnu Palace is the main venue of the celebrations and the Rajapatha starting from Vellayambalam and the buildings here are beautifully illuminated with colorful lights. Museum complex, situated less that half a kilometer from the junction, holds
Napier Museum, Sree Chithra Art Gallery,
Zoo and Children’s Park.
Trivandrum International Airport is about 12 km and the
Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station is 5 km away from Vellayambalam.
[Source All India (77) 06-Dec-04]
