This treasure trove in the heart of Trivandrum is a reprieve from modernity

To explore a city littered with remnants of an era gone by, the 112-year-old Ambika Vilas in the heart of Trivandrum offers an ideal reprieve from modernity

Curiosity may truly kill the cat. Legend has it that anyone who tries to penetrate the hidden inner sanctum of Trivandrum's Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple, an architectural delight in the heart of the city, will meet a not-so-happy fate or even a catastrophic one. This has prevented priests, followers, caretakers, public functionaries and even the royal family from attempting to reach the much-talked-about treasure trove that many believe is held in this innermost chamber.

As I enter the inner sanctum of the 112-year-old Ambika Vilas, also in the heart of Trivandrum city, 20 minutes from the airport and not far from