Trivandrum diaries

As we left home, the weather was pleasant. We reached the bus stop and quickly boarded a bus. At first, we were in a hurry, worried we might miss our train. But to our surprise, we were actually quite early. So, we walked leisurely, bought our tickets, and took some time to rest our legs, preparing ourselves for the long journey ahead.

The train ride felt incredibly short and swift. I vividly remember getting on board, and before I knew it, the trip was over—like a blur. Time seemed to fly past, just like the greenery outside, with trees and plants zipping by the window.

Our first destination was the British Library in Kerala. Climbing the stairs to the reading area gave me a sense of calm and elegance. The seats were occupied by students and elderly readers, immersed in their worlds—people who clearly spend a lot of their time there. The place was so quiet that even the sound of footsteps echoed through the halls. As I entered the main reading section, I was amazed by the sight—rows upon rows of neatly arranged books. After spending some time exploring, we descended the steps and exited, only to be greeted by a grand banyan tree. Its roots hung beautifully, shaping the tree in a way that reminded me of how books shape and nurture our minds.

Next, we headed to Lulu Mall, known as the largest mall in Asia. The moment I saw it, I could tell it lived up to its reputation. We drove around for a while looking for a parking spot, and after a few laps, we finally found one. Since it was a weekday, the crowd was relatively light.

As we ascended via the elevator, the place grew brighter and more vibrant. A miniature installation caught our eye—it was an artistic representation raising awareness about waste disposal in water bodies. It was creatively designed and deserved genuine appreciation. There were also sculptures of plastic trees that added a unique, aesthetic touch.

Time flew by as we wandered from aisle to aisle, admiring the variety of beautiful items on display. I was particularly excited to try different kinds of refreshing drinks and snacks. I even tasted dragon fruit for the first time—it was nothing like what I had expected, but surprisingly enjoyable.

Eventually, our legs began to tire, and our stomachs growled in unison—clearly, it was lunchtime. We made our way to Mandi Manzil, a place that truly lived up to its name as our final stop of the day. The ambiance was lovely, and the food was absolutely mouthwatering.

Finally, we drove back home with soft music playing in the background and casual conversations filling the car. It was a memorable day—one more wish ticked off the list. It also reminded me how much the people we travel with matter—friends who match our vibe make the journey even more special.