Onam was all about sunny days and flowers. Not necessarily that way, anymore. Just like flowers fill all around during the day, blasting lights take on the night in charm. Electric bloom in the night complements the floral bloom during the day. This should be a very refreshing change from the very obvious and usual Onam pictures!
From the Thirunakkara Bus Terminal
The Thirunakkara Maidan lit by Josco
Central Junction
(Obvious!)
Logos Junction
Surprise Entry: Kairali Ford, S.H. Mount
Lap 11 Kottayam is an on-board lap at 11 in the night, on a 10km one-way circuit combining existing roads in town. Watch it and then scroll down for the details.
Is it something official?
No. It’s purely for fun. There’s no official ‘track’ or ‘circuit’.
Why a lap at 11 in the night?
Because it’s impossible during the day. You’d take hours to complete one.
Okay, give the circuit map.
Does all the traffic rules apply?
YES. ALL THE TRAFFIC RULES. Please DO NOT attempt violating any.
Anything to be cautious about, in particular?
Yes, a few.
The stretch from Rubber Board to NH 220 entry at Kanjikuzhy, is very narrow and winding.
Take good care while joining NH 220 and turning back, heading town. It’s often a confusion-point.
The Caesar Palace junction at M.C. Road (Nagampadom) too, can enjoy some extra care.
And the time being night, most one-way routes are considered and used as two-ways by some. It’s advised to stick to the left lane always, to account for this.
Final comment?
Shasthri Road is the real stunner.
Since the prime matches in the World Cup 2010 are late into nights, crowds at the home appliance shops are yet to be seen. The activity and noise is expected to grow as the tournament advances.
However, there is just no decline in the passion. Hoardings are planted at almost all junctions, mostly celebrating Brazil and Argentina.
Nagampadom Temple Junction
Jabulani replica on display at Sony Center, Logos Junction
Promotional stuff at Sony Center; Sony being a FIFA partner