Connemara Market Palayam - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting
About Connemara Market Palayam
An old market that sells all household items- a backbone for the netizens and a colourful place for the visitors.Hotels near Connemara Market Palayam
Connemara market, also popularly known as Palayam market among the locals, is one of the oldest and major shopping hubs of Thiruvananthapuram city. In most of it’s aspects, the market resembles the Sweet Meat Street market in Kozhikode. Both these markets sell almost all household items and both are called Palayam Market by the locals.
A little bit of history about the market
The market was established in 1857 during the reign of King Uthradom Thirunal of then Travancore Kingdom to supply day-to-day commodities to the army members. The arched gate that leads to the interior of the marker was inaugurated by Sir Connemara, Governor of Madras presidency, on his visit to Thiruvananthapuram in 1888 during the British rule. The market was since known as Connemara market in honour of him.
Palayam junction, where the market is located gets its name from the military garrison that was situated there. Palayam means ‘cantonment’ in Malayalam - the local language. The military belonged to the Travancore Kings.
Exploring the market and its premises
The market is haven for household items that are sold at cheap prices. In addition to the shops that sell goods such as utensils, garments, jewellery etc., the market is filled with vendors selling meats, fresh fish, vegetables and fruits.
The market has not changed much over the last 40 years, apart from the addition of a few concrete structures from time to time, as the number of stalls increased. The vendors will compete for even the smallest business, which makes sure that the shoppers have a good bargaining experience.
Fish is caught daily and sold here, they also sell other meats such as beef and mutton which can be purchased fresh. The chicken is delivered extra fresh as you can choose the chicken you want to have and by the time you come back after exploring other shops, it will be packed and ready. For all its freshness, it can be a disastrous scene for animal lovers though.
Almost all kinds of vegetables can be found in the small shops. And in addition, over twenty varieties of bananas as well. The whole market used to sell organic vegetables till a couple of years ago but due to the increased demand, and import of vegetables from many other parts of the country, that has significantly changed.
The temple, the church and the mosque neighbouring each other
One of the finest examples of religious harmony in Kerala is also present near the market areas. Facing the market is a Ganapathi Temple, and on its side is the oldest mosque in Thirivananthapuram - the Juma Masjid that was built in the 1800’s. On the opposite side of the mosque is the beautiful St. Joseph’s cathedral which too was constructed in the 1800’s.
Getting to Connemara market
Connemara market is situated at Palayam junction in Thiruvananthapuram city. Located in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala State in Southern India, the place is at walk-able distance from the major railway station at Thiruvananthapuram which is connected to most parts of the country.