This is the banner of my meet-up
Hello everyone,
Today I am going to share my Recap from 30th January. The Geo-walk was hosted as part celebrating the 10th anniversary LG activities, inspired by our amazing moderator, @NareshDarji.
Through I do live in kollam district but about 50 kms away from were the Geo walk was held. The aim of the Geo walk was to find the hidden gems and I would say I was amazed by what I found. The Geo walk started from the Chinnakada clock Tower. Inspired by @TusharSuradkar’s clock tower campaign
Clock Tower was constructed on 1944 and had a small police out post under it. In 1990s the outpost was converted to shops.
Here are some of the incredible places I explored during the walk:
. S.M.P Palace – The Oldest Movie Theatre in Kollam
Built in 1936, this is the oldest movie theatre in Kollam district. Though it has undergone minor renovations for fire safety and a new screen, the theatre still operates in an old-school manner. However, accessibility features are missing due to its 89-year-old structure.
. Kollam Head Post Office – A Legacy Since 1864
Established in 1864, this post office also housed the telegraph office in its early days. Unlike many other heritage buildings, it is wheelchair accessible and has accessible bathrooms, making it convenient for all visitors.
. Karbala Railway Gate – A Soon-to-Be Lost Landmark
At first glance, this railway gate may seem ordinary, but it holds historical significance as part of the Kollam railway station, which is currently under reconstruction. Within a year, this gate will be replaced by an underpass, making this one of the last chances to see it in its original form.
. Quilon Public Library – A 90s Vibe Frozen in Time
Built in 1979 and inaugurated by then Prime Minister Morarji Desai, this library still retains its classic wooden desks and benches in the reading room, transporting visitors to a 90s-era library. While the entrance and bathrooms are accessible, the reading room lacks accessibility features. Photography inside the library was not permitted.
. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Police Museum – A Hidden Treasure Under Renovation
This was a surprising discovery while browsing Google Maps. The museum, located near the railway station, was established in 1999. Unfortunately, it is currently under renovation, and most of the exhibits have been moved to the Trivandrum Police Museum. I had to convince the caretaker to let me take a peek inside.
One of the most intriguing finds was an Eco Park behind the museum, also opened in 1999 but shut down for over a decade. A constable requested not to take any photos of the abandoned park.
Contributions to Google Maps
During this Geo Walk, I also made several contributions to Google Maps, adding valuable updates to help fellow explorers navigate these historic sites.
| Contribution | Total Number |
|---|---|
| Photos | 47 |
| Captions | 15 |
| Answers | 90 |
| Edits | 78 |
| Reported incorrect | 2 |
| Roads added | 1 |
At the end of the walk I earned 866 points.
This experience was an amazing opportunity to connect with our community, share and gather knowledge, and contribute to Google Maps in a meaningful way.
