Category Archive

Kochi, June 12

If you have a penchant for driving and are planning to make the most of the monsoon season then geared up for a smooth drive to the sparkling hill station, Munnar. Now driving to Munnar will never be an uphill task for you, thanks for the well maintained roads which drive to Munnar from Kochi. This driver’s delight route is a bliss of nature, full of natural sceneries and pleasant sights.

The drive through the ghat road heading towards Munnar from Kochi is a great way to move out of the fast lane of town into a serene place without any sound or air pollution. Driving downhill will be a great experience for you with roads cutting through the canopy provided by trees and shrubs on either side.   

The twisty road climbing up the hill station is smooth till your nears the town, when you could encounter few potholes and patches. Meanwhile you could enjoy a picturesque and smooth drive to nearby attractions of the high-ranges of Pothamedu, Eravikulam National Park and other nearby locations.

With such an easy going the hill station has caught the attention of many city goers, who are flocking to this splendid town resting in the lap of nature for their weekends or short breaks. The good condition of roads has made driving to Munnar a real fun experience and moreover a relaxing trip for many. So folks if you are planning out for a weekend break then Munnar is all set to embrace you with its charm.

Kochi, June 7

World Environment was marked with great enthusiasm across the globe; the city too witnessed few of such events spreading a noble message to conserve our ecology. In the series of such events one of the leading city hotels Brunton Boatyard undertook a cycle rally around Fort Kochi.

During this rally they planted saplings and also undertook a cleanliness drive at the government hospital. This eco-friendly thought by the hotel was to spread the message among people about the need and importance of nature and keeping it clean. The hotel themselves believes and values environmental issues and took the initiative to spread the message to the public to keep the ecosystem clean and green.

Kochi, June 4

Akkulam tourist village in Thiruvananthapuram will soon get a new facet with the setting up of the Eco-Bio Park. This new project undertaken by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) will act as a pilot project for the lake front development in the state. This Eco-Bio Park will take shape on a huge land of over 5.5 acres, which will be a new addition to the state’s glory.

This new initiative will come up as a boon for the tourism industry of the state. The park will include a butterfly park, rock garden, freshwater lake, traffic park, island, geological museum, aqua garden, rock museum and many other attractions. The pilot project will be worked out under the combined efforts of Centre for Water Resources Development and Mangement, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Tropical Botonic Garden and Research Institute.

As soon as the plans will work out the project will start taking shape, the Eco-Bio Park will be an innovative project which will benefit the state a lot and would also boost the tourist influx in the state. All eyes are now on the day when this project finally gets the real shape. 

Kochi, May 27

The report of the Meteorological department suggests that monsoon will hit the southern state of Kerala by Thursday. Apart from Kerala the seasonal rainfall is also likely over Lakshadweep and coastal Karnataka.

Generally monsoon arrives in Kerala during the end of May and the reports of the Met department have hinted that the monsoon is right on schedule this year and will lash the state by Thursday. It is said that the cross equatorial wind flow over south Arabian Sea would be strengthening and deepening during the next 3-4 days. This will bring in heavy rainfall over Kerala and its adjoining areas of Karnataka and Lakshadweep.

 The meteorological data’s has shown that with the strengthening of westerly winds, the southwest monsoon has further advanced into some more parts of south, central and northeast Bay of Bengal. Last year Kerala experienced a very heavy monsoon and huge loss of life, agriculture and infrastructure was witnessed. Now with the onset of monsoon it is unpredictable whether this year too Kerala will face a massive monsoon period. 

Kochi, May 21

It seems these days tourists are on the look out for something more unique and different during their holidaying in Kerala. The tourists coming to the Wayanad district of Kerala are enjoying a cosy staying experience here in a different style. The tree houses perched well above ground on the tall trees have fascinated large numbers of tourists.  This new trend has shown how tourists are switching over their accommodation style and heading towards nature for a change.

It has largely been seen that more and more tourist are looking for tree houses these days to get close to the nature. The majority of the tourists flocking to Wayanad are preferring tree houses and other farm houses and resorts in spite of hotels. These accommodations not only boast a cosy staying experience, but also give them a real feel of the wilderness all around. 

The Wayanad district exhibits a wide selection of tree houses and farm houses which provides a serene accommodation amidst lush surroundings to the guests. These treetop houses are usually built 70 to 90 ft above the ground, these tree houses provides all amenities to complement your stay. So you can have an aerial view of the surroundings straight from your bedroom, or can beat the stress out and relax in the lap of nature.

Well you can expect a lot of facilities in these tree houses from water counter weightlift system, to solar powered light, comfy beds, verandah and many such different features. This primitive form of accommodation is attracting lots of tourists with its beauty. So next time you plan your trip to Wayanad do make sure to check out these modern tree huts.

Kochi, April 22

As we all know that plastic is one of the main pollutants to our ecology and we are battling out with this plastic menace from a long time. It has been a long time since the battle is going on to over throw plastic from Kerala. Coming up with a decisive step the Kerala government had finally decided to ban the use of all varieties of plastic materials which are below 50 microns in thickness.

This positive step will help a lot to protect the ecology of Kerala from the harmful effects of this growing plastic menace. The main thing to look out is to how effective this ban will be in the state, as it was known that the earlier ban on 30 micron failed to be effective. The government this time has come up with a hefty fine of Rs. one lakh and one-year imprisonment for those who violates this ban. Now it has to be looked for as to how this new ban will pan out in the state.

Apr, 3: Kerala with its diverse topography boasts tremendous scope for nature friendly tourism. Kerala flaunts several impressive landmarks including the Silent Valley, Munnar and Wayanad. As an initiative to promote eco-tourism in the state the Plantation Corporation of Kerala has put forth a new project named Nature Village to promote nature friendly tourism projects all over the state.

The enchanting eco-tourism spot that is located on the banks of Chalakudy River, nearThrissur, will definitely woo those adventure buffs. The Plantation Corporation expects the impressive Vadaamuri Lagoon that is created by the famous king Tipu Sultan as a defence against the enemies will be a centre of attraction. The water passage to this site is flanked by dense forest; it will offer an inimitable experience to both local and international tourists to an equal extent.

Owing to its location near the well known Athirapally water falls the visit to Vadaamuri Lagoon will offer the tourists a wonderful experience. The water falls is just 600 meters away from Vadaamuri lagoon. There are adequate numbers of ferry services available in the area to fulfil the requirement of the visitors. Earlier the District Tourism Promotion Council has allotted 55 lakhs for the beautification work of the Thumpoormuzhi dam and the surrounding areas; they also named it as Nature Village.

The second phase of the project includes constructing cottages and hanging bridges for the convenience of the tourists. The work has already begun as the state government is providing whole hearted support for the completion of this prestigious project. After completion this project will sure add a new gem in the cap of God’s own country.

Kochi, March 24

The rain fury which is continuing for the past one week in the state has turned out to be a nightmare for many. These heavy rains have so far claimed many lives and have incurred huge crop losses for the state. The unusual summer rains has resulted to be a deadly rain for many and a setback for the agriculture sector.

Creating a huge loss for the farmers these rains ruined the ready to harvest paddy in a stretch of 20,000 acres in different districts of the state. It was the poor farmers who suffered the fury of this sudden rain which paralysed their life. The damage does not end here, the cash crops of pepper and coffee in the Wayanad and Idukki districts have also been affected badly.

These un-seasonal rains may have created a huge destruction in the state with both lives and property. But it also affected many suburban areas in Kerala with complaints of water logging and flooded streets, creating huge problem for residents and commuters. This week long rains has raised an alarm for the administration to take some concrete measures to overcome such situations before the monsoon finally gets in to its climax.

The state government taking into account the losses which poor farmers faced due to these rains later announced a relief package of Rs 12 crore. Even reports are that the state government has also asked for help to the centre in this matter. Last year monsoon was the most furious monsoons Kerala had ever experienced, and till now people are still recovering from the huge losses those rains incurred to them. Amidst all this these sudden rains has created a state of fear in the minds of people as to what all is about to come in next.

Kochi, March 6

Kerala the state with a distinctive charm and elegance is very well known for its vast expanse of scenic beauty and traditions. But apart from all these features and attractions, these days Kerala is making news for the growing number of vehicles the state is adding to its traffic everyday. Daily about 1300 new vehicles join the busy roads of Kerala making the roads over crowded and congested.

With such a jump in the vehicle density in Kerala, the state has moved much further than other largely urbanised states. In Kerala 10,358 vehicles are there per sq km, and each day about 1276 new vehicles including 870 two-wheelers gets registered. Every year the number of vehicles on Kerala roads is increasing at a great pace.

In the growing vehicle density the major share is of the two wheelers which count for 2,418092, while car counts for 567294 and rest remains the public transport vehicles. Ernakulam the buzzing commercial hub of Kerala accounts the most number of vehicles which comes to 669509 vehicles. Meanwhile the capital of the State 

All these figures are a major concern for this heavenly abode, with such an increase in the vehicle density it is feared to cause great damage to the rich natural resource of Kerala. Even the emission of harmful gases from the vehicles can cause a serious threat for the natural beauty and charm of this gorgeous place.   

So who knows next time you visit Kerala you could find more vehicles than people on the busy roads.

Kochi, March 4

The city is all set to add a flowery treat to its warm ambiance, with the 26th Cochin Flower Show ready to start from tomorrow. This grand show will display over 8000 varieties of flowering and evergreen plants. The colourful presentation of flowers will be held in the Marine drive ground and is expected to rope in thousands of nature lovers. This six day flower show will include over 2500 species of roses and many other varieties of plants.

Being organized by the Ernakulam district Agri-Hoticultural Society the flower show will not only showcase flowers and plants, but will also display various agricultural produce of Kerala too. To give the show an international touch an Italian firm is all set to display its rich collection of ornamental plants in the show. Many types of plants including bonsai plants, herbs, indoor plants, flower plants and other varieties of plant will add to the glory of the show. Along with many nurseries and individuals, the Kerala Books and Publication Society, the Cochin port trust and the Cochin Shipyard will also participate in the show.

Like last year the organizers are looking forward for a huge crowd attendance and in order to maintain an organised arrangement at the venue proper plans are chalked out.  To get entry to the show an entry fees has been fixed. For elders, Rs 20, after 4pm Rs 30 and for children Rs 10. The show will start in the morning at 9am and will end at 9pm every day.

During this six day long flower show many cultural programmes will also be held each day giving visitors a variety of entertainment to enjoy. The flower show will not only attract the locals but also many foreign tourists are expected to visit the six day show. The foreign guests can get an in-depth knowledge of the varieties of flowers and plants of Kerala all in one place here.

Mar 3: Kerala has long been considered as the top priority tourist destination among the global tourists. The main reason for this is attributed to the tourists-friendly ambiance prevailing in the southern part of India. The backwaters, houseboats, ayurvedic treatment packages, verdant landscapes and lot more inimitable qualities perfectly blend together to make Kerala an ideal destination that offer both rural calm and urban charm.

In the health care sector Kerala is considered as the role model for the rest of the country. Personal and public hygiene are the hallmark of Kerala, the alertness of the government and its willingness to take appropriate measures to implement preventive strategies to get rid of major epidemics is appreciable. As part of the National Malaria Eradication Programme right from the year 1965, the Kerala government took comprehensive measures to drive Malaria out of the state.

An expert committee was appointed in 1995 to ensure that the state is well protected from the threat of Malaria. The state is completely free from Malaria and other outbreaks and it is very much hygienic that stands very close to the nature. So don’t waste time to take preventive health pills, just relish irresistible pleasure from your outing to God’s own country. Get ready with your backpacks enjoy the charm and cheer offered by enchanting Kerala.

Kochi, February 4

Massaging is a great way to relieve our stress and get a rejuvenating experience. You might have heard about massage treatments for women or men, but have you ever heard about a massage for animals. Well if no then this news will be an interesting thing to read for many of you animal lovers.

This woman believes that a gentle touch would make a world of difference for animals too, like it does for us humans. ‘Elke Riesterer’ is doing a study on the behavioural changes in Elephants of Kerala and Assam. To undertake her interesting study, the Wildlife Trust of India and one of the Elephant Care based in Kochi is supporting her to perform the massage therapy for the elephant. This researcher has come to Kochi, Kerala to do her research on the elephants.   

The massage therapy of the elephant started with the hinds and forelegs of the elephant; afterwards she applied pressure on the upper parts of the body of the animal. She then continued the process of massage on the elephant and also offered the elephant something to eat in between and even shared her lemon juice with the jumbo. To measure the changes before and after the therapy, blood pressure and pulse rate of the elephant was verified. It was surprising to see that the elephant responded in a very positive way to the message therapy, which was evident from the body moments of the animal, the moment of eyelids and shifting of weight to legs, tail moments all indicated that the animals enjoyed this pampering treat.

 Elke said, she is also willing to conduct a training programme for the elephant owners and mahouts and even veterinary doctors, so that they can treat and understand the elephant more closely. She said her aim is to make people understand the value of touch which can be useful even for the toughest animal like elephants.

Cochin, January 31

Adding another chapter to the vast spice resource of Kerala, scientists have discovered a rare wild pepper plants with pungent fruit and lemon-scented leaves. This unique variety of pepper was discovered from the Agasthyamala regions in the Western Ghats by the team of scientists from the Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute.

It was told that this rare pepper variety resembles same as normal pepper plant, but the lemony smell and pungency makes it unique. This kind of plant is very rare and also limited in number, and needs to be conserved. Scientist K.B Rameshkumar and P.J Mathews who discovered this new pepper variety also informed one of the essential features of this wild vine which holds a high level of oil content in them which the normal pepper plants doesn’t posses.

To make sure the plant has really some unique qualities from normal pepper plant these scientists performed test of the first generation seedlings and even the second generation seedling which both showed the lemony character in them. During the study of almost 64 morphological characters of the plant, none of the characters were found in the other pepper species which clearly highlighted the uniqueness of this plant. These finding are presented in the ongoing 20th Kerala science congress as reported by the New Indian Express daily.

The new variety of pepper with that lemon effect has added a new variant in the vast list of spices Kerala treasures in its heavenly abode.

Kerala the land of backwaters will host the second international conference on Responsible Tourism in Destinations. The conference will be held from 21 to 24^th of March 2008, at the Le Meridian International Convention Centre in Kochi. The first Responsible Tourism Conference was held at Cape Town in the year 2002. The second international conference focus on encouraging the eco friendly measures in tourism that aims to give equal benefit to the tourists and the ecology of the land.

The conference will be jointly organised by International Centre for Responsible Tourism and Incredible India and Kerala Tourism. The conference will also assess the existing standards of tourism practices prevailing across the world. It will also measure the growth achieved by India and other countries in Responsible Tourism. The main issue that will be put to discussion is the reports and ideas on emerging trend in the field. Other topics include regional marketing initiative, local economic development; wildlife and conservation and lot more related to tourism. In short the conference will provide a perfect platform for a global proposal to uplift the tourism industry to a new standard that will do less harm to the ecology of the area.

The conference will be presided over by Dr. Venu, Secretary of Kerala Tourism and Prof. Harold Goodwin Director of International Centre for Responsible Tourism of Leeds Metropolitan University. Participants of this conference include representatives from several countries, government agencies and NGO’s will attend this conference on Responsible Tourism. The outcome of the conference is expected to bring in effective changes in the global tourism sector and Kerala is all set to welcome this prestigious conference.