Time for another city tour, this in the city of Trivandrum, almost to the southern tip of India. First stop was a small, roadside vendor with fish and coconuts.
From there we hit the royal art gallery, Chithralayam Museum (officially HH Uthradam Thirunal Marthanda Varma Chithralayam), exhibits portraits, photos and other art objects from the Tranvancore royal family. It is housed in the former royal palace.
Some of the many items on display.
There were a lot of elephant tusks mixed in among the various items.
Among the interesting items was a ivory throne made in the early 19th century for the Maharaja of Travancore. The throne was presented to Queen Victoria and was on display at the 1851 Great Exhibition. It was covered with over 120 carved ivory plaques. We did some Goggling and could not find out anything about how the throne ended up back in India.
There were a number of other ivory objects. Travancore was a major center for ivory carving.
They also had a throne made of Bohemian crystal. Rather sparkly.
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More Chithralayam Museum
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From there we saw the Padmanabhaswami Temple. As foreigners we weren't allowed inside. But the gate was similar to the vast gates that we have seen at other temples.
Some photos from our travels around town.
Most notable were the many murals seen around town.
We are check out tomorrow morning so the hotel restaurant staff brought us a lovely Bon Voyage dessert. Yummy.
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