Kani Kusruti is in a mood to tease when she is requested to name her favourite hangouts in Thiruvananthapuram. The talented actor is in the middle of a photo shoot for a popular women’s magazine and she promises to call back during the lunch break. Sure enough, at about noon, she calls and gets talking about her preferred haunt in Thiruvananthapuram.
She says: “It is a beautiful place. So I would like to keep it confidential. I would like to enjoy its peace and greenery for some more time.” Then she relents and says that what is special about the place is that other than those in the locality, not many people seem to know about it. “The authorities have constructed a small pavilion for people to sit and there are benches too to laze around and shoot the breeze. Since it is on the top of a small hill, there aren’t many trees around but the panoramic view is breathtaking and there is a strong breeze. It is best to go in the evening. One can get a 360-degree view of the whole city sprawling around the hill. I can spend hours there, enveloped in the serenity and sights. It is well-lit in the evening and there are steps to reach the top,” says Kani.
Kani Kusruti
When she is done with describing the place, she names it: “Shasthampara. Ever since people began frequenting the place, a chechi has begun a small shop at the foothills of the spot. We get lemon juice and eats there. The only disadvantage about Shasthanparta is the lack of rest rooms,” explains Kani.
Situated in Vilappilsala panchayat, Sasthampara, 400 m above sea level, is about 15 km from the city and visitors can catch a spectacular view of the Arabian sea and Agasthyamala.
Another place in the district is verdant Amboori, approximately 30 km from the city. “There isn’t much to do there. I love soaking in the greenery and watching the river go by. I don’t necessarily need a place with many activities to spent time there,” adds Kani.
In the city, Kani gives a thumbs up to several popular hangouts such as Shanghumugham beach, the space behind Nishagandhi auditorium and so on. She adds that she also has a soft corner for some eateries that are way off the main road but serve some of the best ethnic eats she has had.
A weekly series on people and their favourite places in their city and its suburbs
