Pre-Conference Workshop Venue(Aug 2)
Hotel Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel
Kovalam, Trivandrum
Venue Website
Location Map
Conference Venue(Aug 3,4)
Vivanta by Taj
Trivandrum, Kerala
Venue Website
Location Map
Joining Instructions
- The International Cyber security and Policing Conference 2012, jointly organizedby the Kerala Police & IT Mission & ISRA will be held in hotel Taj Vivanata, Kerala from 3rd August to 4th August 2012. Accommodations of participants are arranged at the Guest House and Hotels in Tvpm.
- Nominations of official participants for the conference are expected to be received before 20th of July from the concerned Unit Heads.
- Travel plans of Police officers may be intimated to Inspector General of Police, Headquarters at igphq@keralapolice.gov.in or
manojabraham05@gmail.com.
- Police Delegates may please inform whether the family members are accompanying them, if so how many, well in advance in order to make
accommodation arrangements. It may be please noted that the refreshment charges of family members will have to be borne by the concerned participant.
- The dress order for the delegates during the Conference is Formals or Business
suits. Casuals are strictly prohibited. After the sessions are over, they would be
dropped to the rooms to change and return for the cultural program and dinner.
For evening program, the dress order is Casuals.
- Individual vehicles with liaison officers will be arranged for senior officers. Other
officers may be asked to share vehicles. AC cars/ vans will be there for travel to
various places of all delegates.
- Sight-seeing at places of tourist/historical importance in and around Tvpm will
be arranged by the host State. If officers wish to visit places which are over 50
kms from the venue, they may please inform two weeks in advance where they
want to visit and on what dates. Arrangements would be made for transport on
discounted rates.
- No leave/ permission will be granted to any delegate to exempt from the
Conference except for genuine medical reasons. Participants are expected to
contribute whole heartedly to the success of this Conference.
Reception and Registration of Delegates
- Participants are expected to reach the Venue on 2nd August evening at 0700 pm for
Registration which will be followed by Welcome Dinner and Cultural Programme at the
Hotel Lawns.
- The nearest Airport is Thiruvananthapuram Airport, around 12 kms from the venue.
The nearest Railway Station is Thiruvananthapuram Railway Station, around 2 kms from
the Venue.
- There will be Reception Centres at both the Airport and Railway Stations with Officers
to receive the delegates and guide them to the vehicles, arranged for transportation to
the Venue.
Press Conference
- On 31.07.2012, there will be a Press Conference held at the Police Headquarters by the
Home Minister and DGP Kerala at 1100 hrs.
Places of Interest
Thiruvananthapuram is a historic city, dotted with many historical structures, parks, museums, tourist
centers and palaces. Its also famous for its distinctive greenery, present all over, a rare site in any
bustling Indian city. Visit the official website of Kerala Tourism.
Monuments and Museums
Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple
The icon of the city.The World's Richest Temple, The temple
has received world fame after the details of wealth of the temple was released after an order from
the supreme court of India. The Royal family has steadfastly guarded the wealth from raiders and
occupying British forces. There are many stories about how the Kingdom and its people protected the
lord's wealth. The temple itself has 1000's of stories to tell with immaculate sculptures and mandaps.
The entire Thiruvanathapuram city was built around this temple. Its an architectural wonder and
was nominated from India into last round of 7 Wonders of World. The building style is a mixture of
Kerala and Tamil architecture. The temple has many structures inside, like musical pillars, golden
mandap, 500 pillared corridor famous for its sculptures and large collection of temple mural paintings.
The temple has a large clear pond called Padmatheertham, which is also landmark. The deity is
Maha Vishnu in a rare reclining posture, called as "ananthasayanam" or the lord's sleep. The temple
has a huge role in history of Kerala, with the presiding deity even being crowned as Emperor of
Travancore in 18th century and all the rulers ruling the state in the name of the deity. The royal crown
of Travancore, is preserved inside the temple, though getting a glimpse of it is a rare. The temple
does not use any lighting generated by an electrical source and no light bulbs or tube-lights can be
seen inside. The only lighting is either natural or from oil lamps, which is quite minimal. The use of
electronic items is prohibited. This temple is open only for Hindus and others cannot enter inside.
Even the Hindus admitted to the temple have to follow rigorous dress code and customs. Dress code
for men is just Kerala Mundu (White Dhothi) with nothing on from the waist-up. It is available for one
time hire or for sale from the nearby shops. Women are required to wear a Indian Sari or Kerala
Mundu (The idea is that your legs must not be visible separately). This temple belongs to Travancore Royal Family and guarded by Palace Guards of Travancore.
The Napier Museum
Note that there is no sign saying 'Napier Museum', just 'Art Gallery' and it's
the big building in the park to the north of Museum Road) named after former Madras governor, Lord
Napier (Francis Napier, 10th Lord Napier and 1st Baron Ettrick), this museum is a beautiful building
in the museum (read: park) compound. This masterpiece was designed by Madras Government
architect Robert Chisholm in Indo-Saracenic style . This museum displays rare archaeological and
historical artifacts including bronze idols, ceramics, an impressive carved wooden cart, Buddhist
statues from various parts of the country and some neighbouring places, ivory carvings, chests,
Balinese shadow puppets, various old coins, Hindu puja items, etc. Quite a few of the objects are
foreign, and of those quite a∂ few are Chinese. Unfortunately most are lacking labels, have labels
only in Malayalam or are very vague. Look up at the impressive roof when you enter! (Open 10AM-
5PM, closed on Mondays and before noon Wednesday. No photography allowed, unfortunately. 5INR
for a ticket, and the same price for foreigners!!!)
Assembly Complex
The new Legislature Assembly Complex called as Niyamasabha (Law
House in Malayalam), is a super imposing modern structure located in heart of the city. Its famous
for its classical Kerala architecture with ornate teak works, a unique Kerala styled dome, exquisitely
designed interiors and a vast expanse of greenery around it. A photo shoot before this structure is a
favourite activity among tourists.
Kanaka Kunnu Palace
(Golden Hill Palace in malayalam) is a cultural hotspot of the town. The
large palace and its sprawling gardens was once the banquet palace for visiting State guests of
Travancore. Today its a famous for its galleries and the grand lawns serve as open air auditoriums for
regular concerts and evening dance programs.
Kowidar Palace
A super-imposing structure, located in Kowidar. This is the current official
residence of Travancore Maharajas and royal family and off-the-limits for public. However a friendly
guard may let you inside to have a glimpse of this large architectural wonder built in mixture of Saxon-
Travancore styles. The public however can enter into Panchavadi, the resting place of Late H.H
Maharaja Chitra Thirunal- the last King of Travancore who was very popular king.
Beaches and Nature
Shanghumukham Beach
This city beach is 8 km outside the city, adjacent to the airport. Local
people flock there to watch the sunset. Its a good well maintained safe beach. There is an indoor
recreation club nearby. Matsyakanyaka a gigantic sculpture of a mermaid by Kanai Kunjiraman
arouses mixed reaction. A small garden and star-fish shaped restaurant operates there, attracts large
crowds. There is also a peaceful temple nearby.
Veli Tourist Village.
A lake blending into the beach, almost as if it were teasing the sea. Boating,
Horse Riding on the beach, a floating bridge, a shallow pond where you can feed the fish, beautifully
maintained gardens. Very famous among tourists, especially those interested in water adventure
sports.
Kovalam Beach
17 km from Thiruvananthapuram City, is a world famous beach, noted being
one of the finest. There are 2 large beaches and highly safe for swimming. A visit to Kovalam is must
for Trivandrum. However the beach becomes too crowded during November-December time, when
foreign tourists flock in mass. Beware of local touts and beach-side restaurants/shops which sells
items nearly 3 to 4 times more than its normal price. Haggling is accepted as a form of trading with sellers.