The East Fort is located at the heart of the city of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala. The East Fort area in the Capital City of Thiruvananthapuram bears a lot of historic significance. The East Fort has several magnificent palaces, palatial houses, and agraharams or simply known as Brahmin houses within itself. The East Fort is depicted as the Padmanabha Swamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The Fort has stood witness to many events in the annals of the one-time Travancore Kingdom, and also to the development of the Capital City of Thiruvananthapuram. East Fort got its name from the eastern gate to the fort built by the Kings of Travancore. The old city was all inside the fort on four sides locating the Sri Padmanabha Swamy temple at the middle. 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 emblem of the Royal Family of Travancore.
East Fort on Google Map
Through the entrance gates from side to side the East Fort gate, straight in line with the entrance is the Padmanabha Swamy Temple. Built in traditional Kerala and Dravidian style, the construction of this seven-storied temple-tower is a must to see. The idol of the temple is Lord Padmanabha, the avatar of Lord Vishnu, known as the preserver of life according to Hindu mythology. At this place, the 18 feet long deity is seen as lying on a serpent called Ananthanaga. The Kings of Travancore ruled the land as the servants of Lord Padmanabha. Inside the temple, a mandapam which is a platform with pillars carved out of a single piece of rock presents the magnificent idols.
Other notable fort gates include the Azheekotta located quarter of a kilometer from Padinjarekotta and the Aashupathrikotta situated near the Government Hospital. East Fort during the past few decades has transformed itself into one of the biggest commercial hubs of Trivandrum with majority of Branded Jewelry showrooms like Alukkas, Alappat, Josco, etc. Apart from that it also house the biggest textile shops of southern Kerala.
How to Reach East Fort
By Train– Trivandrum Central Railway Station is one of the important railway station of South India. It is very well connected with other railway lines of the state and rest of India.
By Air– Trivandrum International Airport is located about 4 km from the fort.
By Road– Being the state capital of Kerala State. The roads network of the city is very well maintained and have good network.
Add East Fort Feedback, Comments, Reviews