Tiruvananthapuram :
With over 2,00,000 members, Sanchari is an online community that encourages people to share travelogues, provide tips and find enjoyable-yet-pocket friendly touring destinations.
This weekend, the community’s Kochi faction is organising a boat tour centred around the 3,000-year-old port town of Muziris, which, prior to being destroyed in the 14th century by a flood, was India’s lifeline to over 30 countries. “This day-long tour will appeal to both history buffs and tourists. We’ve curated a list of 10 iconic places to visit (think Paravur Synagogue and Gothuruth), after consulting with popular blogger, Manoj Ravindran aka Niraksharan, who authored India’s first augmented reality travelogue (in Malayalam) titled Muzirisiloode,” explains Unni PG, one of the organisers.
Journey back
Hop on board to explore the relics of a bygone era—some still in ruins, while others are in the process of being restored by the Kerala Government. Spot the remains of the strategically significant 493-year-old Kottapuram Fort, where the Dutch, British, Portuguese and even Tipu Sultan waged war. Or walk through the ancient secular village of Kottayil Kovilakam where a Syrian church, mosque, temple and Jewish synagogue existed in close proximity. “It’s not just monuments and museums, we will also visit the home-turned-cultural centre of famed social reformer Sahodaran Ayyappan,” concludes Ravindran, who’s currently working on the English translation of his Muziris travelogue. I700 onwards. Sunday, from Paravur Synagogue, at 9 am.
Details: 9633801068.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Thiruvananthapuram / by Anoop Menon / August 05th, 2016