Perettil Vazhiyambalam
Details: Perettil Vazhiyambalam is a historic structure that stands as a silent witness to the ancient trade routes of Kerala. A "Vazhiyambalam" is a traditional wayside rest house built by kings or wealthy patrons to provide shelter to weary travelers and merchants in the era before modern transpor tation. This particular one in Perettil is remarkably well-preserved and is under the protection of the Archaeology Department. Constructed primarily of stone and wood, it represents the humanitarian aspect of ancient Kerala governance, where providing water and shade to a stranger was considered a divine act. The structure is located on the old road connecting Varkala to the inland regions. It features a raised stone platform where travelers could sleep, and historically, it would have had a "Thanneerpandal" (water kiosk) nearby. Today, it serves as a fascinating heritage site for those interested in the architecture and social history of the Travancore kingdom. The atmosphere around the structure is nostalgic, taking you back to a time of bullock carts and foot-travelers. It is surrounded by large, old trees that have likely provided shade for centuries. Visiting this site is a quick but enriching experience that connects you with the roots of Malayalam hospitality and the architectural ingenuity of the past. It is a rare example of secular, functional architecture that has survived the test of time and urbanization.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
30 Minutes to 1 HourPlace Type:
Heritage / History / MonumentEntry Fees:
Entry: Access is completely Free as it is a public heritage monument.
Guides: No official guides; information boards are provided by the Archaeology Department. ...Entry: Access is completely Free as it is a public heritage monument.
Guides: No official guides; information boards are provided by the Archaeology Department.Special Events:
Heritage Day: Occasionally, local history enthusiasts organize small talks or cleaning drives at the site.
Temple Processions: The annual procession of nearby temples often passes by this historic landmark. ...Heritage Day: Occasionally, local history enthusiasts organize small talks or cleaning drives at the site.
Temple Processions: The annual procession of nearby temples often passes by this historic landmark.Best Photo Spots:
The Stone Pillars: A close-up shot of the carvings and the texture of the granite.
The Wide Angle: Capture the entire structure with the massive banyan tree in the frame.
The Interior Platform: A perspective...The Stone Pillars: A close-up shot of the carvings and the texture of the granite.
The Wide Angle: Capture the entire structure with the massive banyan tree in the frame.
The Interior Platform: A perspective shot from the inside looking out into the green village road.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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History Exploration: Study the layout and construction of an 18th-century rest house.
Architectural Photography: Capture the textures of the old stone and the play of shadows.
Heritage Walk: Include this as a stop while exploring the Moongode-Varkala heritage circuit.
Sketching: An excellent subject for artists interested in historical monuments.
Reading History: Sit on the stone platform and read about the Travancore kings who built these.
Local Interaction: Talk to the elders in the village to hear stories passed down about the old trade route.
Meditation: The quiet, shaded spot is ideal for a brief moment of reflection. ...
Information
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Why Famous:
Historical Rest House: It is one of the few surviving authentic Vazhiyambalams in the Thiruvananthapuram district.
Architectural Heritage: Famous for its simple yet sturdy stone joinery that has lasted for hundreds of years. ...Historical Rest House: It is one of the few surviving authentic Vazhiyambalams in the Thiruvananthapuram district.
Architectural Heritage: Famous for its simple yet sturdy stone joinery that has lasted for hundreds of years. -
Architecture:
Monolithic Stone Work: The base and pillars are made of solid granite blocks with traditional carvings.
Dimension: The structure measures approximately 20 feet by 15 feet with a height of 12 feet.
Roofing: O...Monolithic Stone Work: The base and pillars are made of solid granite blocks with traditional carvings.
Dimension: The structure measures approximately 20 feet by 15 feet with a height of 12 feet.
Roofing: Originally featured a thatched roof, now replaced with traditional terracotta tiles for preservation. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Trivandrum Airport (32 Kms).
By Train: Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station (8 Kms).
By Road: Located on the Varkala-Kavalayoor Road.
By Local Transport: Buses from Atti... -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Varkala Beach (10 Kms), 2. Sivagiri Mutt (8 Kms), 3. Kulamuttom Lake (3 Kms), 4. Janardanaswamy Temple (11 Kms), 5. Varkala Tunnel (9 Kms), 6. Kappil Beach (15 Kms), 7. Anchuthengu Fort (12 Kms), 8. Kilimanoor Palace (18 Kms), 9. Attingal Palace (10 Kms), 10. Sarkara Devi Temple (12 Kms)
Tourism Tips
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Safety: Be careful of the low ceiling beams if you are tall.
Connectivity: Good mobile signal; no Wi-Fi.
Cash: No money needed for the site; ATMs available in Moongode (2 Kms).
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