Things to do in East Fort

East Fort, Kizhakkekotta in Malayalam, is the old walled quarter around the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple and the city's main stand for KSRTC city buses. Kuthiramalika palace beside the temple hosts the Swathi Sangeethotsavam every January, and the Navarathri Mandapam next door holds the nine-night Navaratri concert series. Chalai bazaar, once Travancore's main wholesale market, begins across the road, Gandhi Park is the usual spot for evening public meetings, and Putharikandam Maidanam takes trade fairs, exhibitions and political rallies. The streets fill completely during Attukal Pongala and on the two Arattu procession days each year, when traffic is diverted.