Category Archive

Kochi, July 9

You all might have atleast for once travelled in trains, and if your journey is to the heavenly abode Kerala then the trip becomes more interesting and exciting for sure. It is said that you can find Cockroaches, mosquitoes and mallus anywhere and every where, and I think its true.

Where ever they are, but they visit to their motherland at-least once a year or two, they may travel to their native place with a pair of suitcase and bags, but watch out while they return; they have a new member in their luggage. Neatly tied and sealed this smart  cardboard box has been one of the most travel essentials of these Kerala born travellers, when they bid adieu to their mother land with a promise to come back again next year.

Well if you all are quizzing what’s in that cardboard box then, the list is long friends. The box has all the flavours of their hometown, from jack fruit, mangoes, bananas, coconuts and lots more typical Kerala stuffs. Well this treasured cardboard box connects them to Kerala every time they relish the things this box carried for them.

So next time you people make a visit to Kerala don’t get amazed finding this cardboard box with every two travellers.

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 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.

Apr 30: A latest archaeological excavation has added more value to the historical significance of kerala, even before 2000 years. The excavation is conducted as part of the Muzuis Heritage programme. The botanical remains were found near the water logged area of Pattanam.

Bollard, canoe, rope made from plant fibre, pepper, paddy, teak, coconut shell, frankincense and cardamom. They are believed to be 2000 years old. M.D.Kajale, Paleobotanist of Deccan College of Archaeology has collected the samples of these organic remains for further examination.

According to a statement released by the Kerala Council of Historical Research (KCHR), the samples will also be send to research laboratories in India and other countries for confirming the exact period the organic remains belongs to. The research work will get complete by April 30 and the trench is open to public on April 29 and April 30.

P.J.Cherian, director of the project said that the layer of clay covered the organic remains, prevented it from getting oxidised and allows it to withstand several years. The research led by KCHR is a joint effort of Southern Naval Command, State Department of Archaeology and Archaeological Survey of India. Under water excavation is also part of this research.

The excavation gives a clear indication that the area was inhibited continuously between 8th century BC and 10th century AD. Among the excavated findings are the pot shreds from Sassania and Parhia. Other things that are excavated were burnt bricks, glass beads, relics of wharf and clay utensils. Seven copper coins and a lead coin of the Chera period were also excavated.

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.

Apr 1: To add more attraction to the medical tourism sector in Kerala the Dubai based Dr. Moopen Group has announced its plan to begin a MedCity, which will be a complex of hospitals and other related services in over 30 acres in Kochi. This initiative is in the backdrop of the rapid increase in the number of medical tourists to the southern states of India.

“This is a 15bn project expected to complete within six months time. The anchor hospital of Medcity will be well equipped with 500 beds and will be surrounded by 10 small hospitals with a capacity of 100 to 200 beds. The availability of medical facilities with international quality with enhanced hi-tech treatment facilities will boost the health care sector in Kerala,” said the chairman of the group Dr Azad Moopen.

After the completion of the project patients from the US, the Middle East Europe and rest of the world will start flowing into Kerala as they can get quality treatment at an affordable cost.

The Dr Moopan’s Group has registered a turnover of Rs5bn last year and has a network of nearly 50 establishments in the Gulf region including two hospitals, clinics and pharmacies

Kochi, March 28

The world renowned temple festival of Kerala, Thrissur Pooram this year will not be so grand and vibrant as it has been since its past. This colourful temple festival is known to be one of the most traditional and famous festivals in this God’s Own Country. The main charm of the festival has always been the brigade of caparisoned elephants which will not take part in the festivity this year.

This shocking decision came out after the Kerala High court ordered a ban over the parading of elephants during ‘Thrissur Pooram’. It was learnt that one of the animal right group appealed for a ban of parading the elephant after the tragic incident of jumbo running amok occurred during the festival last year. Acting to this plea the court ordered a ban, shattering all preparations with only 20 day to go for the festival.

Thrissur Pooram has gained a huge recognition as an elephant festival with the tradition of so many caparisoned elephants as part of the festivity. The court also upheld the earlier ban on parading elephants between 1100 hrs and 1400 hrs (IST) during the festival. The main attraction of Thrissur pooram has been its beautifully decorated elephants, which attracted huge numbers of spectators. But this announcement came as a shocker for the devaswom authorities who think it will ruin the whole traditions of the festivals at large.

It was also known that the festival authorities are now seeking intervention from the government in this regard. But it seems that Thrissur Pooram is slowly loosing its colour, earlier it was the ban on high-intensity crackers and now it’s the jumbos turn. So all these factors are some how making the festivity a bit dull.

Kochi, March 20

Kerala the land of culture and traditions has always been known for its varied customs and rituals from the past. The ‘God’s Own Country’ is deeply rooted to its rich cultural diversity giving the state a multi facet look. So apart from all the attractions and unique feature this heavenly abode treasures in its vast stretch of greenery, it has a lot more to showcase. Well so if you wish to explore the varied cultural facet of Kerala, then this is the right time.

The state is buzzing with festivity these days; the temple festivals of Kerala have started with huge gaiety and fervour. Many temples across the state have decked up to embrace this colourful festivity. Meanwhile few temple festivals have been concluded amidst all traditions and rituals keeping the rich heritage of this divine land live.

During these festivals the temples are beautifully decorated with flowers and garlands. But the main attraction remains with the jumbo’s (elephants) who are especially caparisoned as a ritual. Many possessions are taken out in connection with this festivity adding more buzz to the cultural treat.

These temple festivals reflect the different cultural theme and traditions of Kerala. This cultural mix can also be seen in the different art forms of the state. So its all buzzing in Kerala these days, from the chanting of the mantras to the beats of the chenda, the whole air is spiritual these days with all the festivity.

Kerala, Mar 13: Sebastian P. Augustine a farmer from Kasargod, northern district of Kerala, has obtained patent for his invention of wine from tender coconut. He is credited as the first person to patent tender coconut wine. He got the Indian government patent on August last year and it is now processed by the patent officers of the European Union, the US, Canada, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Sebastine expressed hopes that the wine will benefit the coconut farmers in Kerala if the state government takes necessary steps to promote Maharastra model wine tourism. He termed the wine as a unique selling proportion to encourage more tourists to the state.

“Tender coconut wine has no artificial ingredients in it. Unlike other wines it doesn’t contain even natural water and is therefore considered as the purest drink. With the abundance of coconut trees, Kerala contributes 50 per cent of the tender coconuts produced in India. With the exclusive patented technology Kerala has the potential to convert itself as a perfect wine tourism destination,” said Sebastian.

The wine is brewed using coconut kernel and its milk. Other ingredients like grapes, pineapple, passion fruits and spices like cinnamon, clove and vanilla are also used to add more spice and flavour to the wine.

not yet, even if their jets are being powered by biofuel based on coconut oil which is super plentiful in Kerala - it is the land of coconuts. Suggestions or hints that it might be on the cards are just pure titillation on the part of the bearded marketing maestro. Thanks to Londonist for the clue.

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 29

Kerala the land of culture, tradition and festivals has remained the centre of attraction among people from across the world since past. This land of beauty has treasured many unsploit features in its natural charm. This time another unique feature of this ‘God’s Own Country’ has attracted many global tourists to explore this kerala treat. It’s the traditional Astrology of Kerala which enamoured several foreign tourist with its uniqueness.

This traditional wisdom of ancient science is the oldest method of delineation of horoscope using cowries (sea shells) which is known for its accuracy. In the recently ended ‘International conference on astrology’ in the city people from many foreign countries gathered in the city to participate in the conference.

The distinctive feature and style of the Kerala astrology is the main feature which makes it a unique and far more interesting branch of astrology. As per the Kerala style of astrology for doing any prediction one don’t require the time or place of birth of a person. Without these vital information the prediction can be made and that too accurately. All these interesting and unique methods have made many tourist fascinated towards this traditional method.

During this International astrology conference the city saw a huge number of astrology lovers and enthusiast from around the globe flocking in the city to attend this conference. In this conference many different astrological features where discussed, including the ancient ‘Prasnam Vekkal’ (suggesting the cause of certain events and its remedy) to ‘Vastu doshas’ (the ill-effects of construction style of buildings).  

The conference not only highlighted the Kerala astrology and its varied forms, but also along with that it included Sanskrit verses and yoga classes for people. The workshop was organised by UK based astrologer, Komilla Sutton, who has been into astrology in UK and US since 1995.  
In this conference it was clearly seen that apart form Indian tradition, culture and philosophy people are now slowly showing keen interest in Indian astrology too. The conference gave an in-depth study into the Kerala astrology and helped people to know and understand this unique traditional style of astrology.  

Kochi, February 25

Sunday came as bliss for all the food lovers with the food festival undertaken by Malabar Cultural Association. This delicious food treat attracted gourmets and food lovers to the EMS Memorial Town Hall where this tempting festival was held. The food festival showcased number of Malabar delicacies, from snacks to main cuisines all in one place.

It helped people to know more about Malabar food and its speciality, all these cuisines were prepared without adding any artificial preservatives or chemicals which itself is one of the uniqueness of Malabar food. The foods on display were all prepared maintain their original taste and are easy to make within few minutes without any hassles. People enjoyed the different varieties of cuisines presented at the fest, all with a different taste and aroma.

Malabar food is can not be over without the inclusion of biriyani, the festival too had some delicious varieties of Malabar style biriyanis. Other than that the food fest also included several traditional style cuisines and deserts. Well if you have not heard about Kaiveesal and Mutta mala, then you should better try it. Kaiveesal is some what like a jilibe which is prepared of egg and maida, it’s a type of snack which one can have any time. While Mutta mala is prepared of the egg yolk and is a fat free dish.

The grand display of such tempting food items made visitors amazed, not only with the unique style of preparation, but also with the way they were presented as if they were served to have. This food fest was organised to make people aware of the Malabar food and its different food varieties. Even there are plans to organise a special training sessions to get behind the art of making this colourful and scrumptious Malabar dishes.

There have been 80 of them in the last 18 months alone and they are the most visible manifestation of the political ferment never far from the surface of Kerala life.

The Hartal, or unofficial strike, seems to  be coming a part of Kerala life as theopposition Congress party tries to stir up opposotion to the ruling Communist Party of India regional government. Back in 1999 when the high court banned the “bundhh” or official strike it was soon replaced by the hartal or unofficial strike. However, there is nothing unofficial about hartal as people who try to work through them know. Often drunk party workers attack stalls and cars and generally cause a mayhem that the police do little to break or interrupt.

Tourists might expect to be ignored as this is, lets face it, a little local posturing, but tourists often find travel difficult and can even miss flights as taxis and cars refuse to drive across party picket lines.

So next time you visit Kerala, you may discover that hartal has joined the backwaters and Kalari and ayurveda as one of the local traditions

The number of foreigners visiting Kerala has grown again.  Up to November 2007, 443,594 foreign tourists visited Kerala, a new record. The total revenue generated also grew to a to a new record sum Rs.91.26 billion during 2006.

The tourism sector in Kerala appears to be doing well with 19.43 percent increase in foreign tourist arrivals and 18 percent growth in revenue from tourism.

Kochi, February 17

Kerala has marked its place among the global tourist destinations since a long time and this warm place continues to attract visitors to explore its vast bounty of nature. Meanwhile the wide scope for tourist the place offers gives them the chance to forget all the worries and unwind and relax in the lap of greenery and serene surroundings. But this tourist season was a bit special for Kerala, as the tourist attendance jumped over 20 per cent this year.

This jump in number of tourist shows clearly that this God’s Own Country has enamored the visitors with its pleasant attractions and warm hospitality. It was noticed that tourist opted for chartered flights and cruise ships to get into their dream destination, Kerala. Tourist showed huge interest to explore the backwaters, beaches and mist clad hills of this divine land. With such a huge inflow of tourist this season, all hotels and resorts enjoyed a good business with full occupancy and advance bookings. Even the contagious disease, extended monsoon and poor conditions of roads didn’t stopped visitors to come here.

The major areas which were highly on the must visit list of visitors were Thekkady, Kumarakom, Veli, Vembanad and Ashtamudi lakes, Munnar and few more places. The house boats also had a brisk business this year with such a huge tourist turn out. Many tourists have to go for home stays with shortage of hotel rooms. The Chairman of the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, Cherian Philip said it was a great season for Kerala tourism industry with such a huge number of visitors flocking here to explore this heavenly abode. He mentioned that with the strong presence in international tourism festival and road shows organized by Kerala Tourism Corporation in various countries and states has also contributed to this surge in tourist attendance.

Kochi, January 18

Now the people of Kannur have a reason to smile and fly, this fourth largest urban agglomeration in Kerala is going to be gifted with a Greenfield Airport soon. This landmark decision was taken by the Union Cabinet yesterday. It is for sure that this project would bring a new transformation to the development of this district. It was known that over ten years have been over since the proposal was first made to establish an airport in lush 2000 acres of land here.

The people of Kannur are very much excited and delighted about this project which will give a new height to this district. The project was first thought of, in 1996 when C.M Ibrahim has the Civil Aviation Ministry, and under the Prime Ministerial-ship of I.K Gujral, since then the project was in the pipeline and all were looking forward to the plan to finally get executed as soon as possible.

It is believed that if this project gets over, it would be a new chapter toward the tourism and economic sector of Kerala. It was also told that the airport would also act as a cargo hub for perishable goods like flowers, fruits and other sea-foods. This airport would benefit a lot of tourist and travellers coming from all over the world to explore the charm of Kannur and other adjoining areas. Now all eyes are on the day when this airport gets its final shape and starts operating in full swing.

Times Newspaper in the UK has reported on a growing number of incidents of western women being sexually assaulted and outright raped. Whilst most of the incidents seem to be centred in Goa, a security guard at a Kerala Hotel was implicated in an assault on two young women. One suspects that this trend will continue to grow and women, especially single travellers will be more on guard during their stay in India. In truth India much like everywhere else: most people are fabulous, but some men are not!

Jan 14:Kerala is renowned for its verdant natural landscape and a range of traditional art forms. These two qualities attract hoards of tourists from all over the world to the Gods own country. Kerala is not only leisurely destination its traditional art forms are capable of lingering in your mind for a lifetime of the global tourists.

Elena Koutoulidis is one such tourist who admires Kerala a lot for its uniqueness. She first visited Kerala in the year 2000 to learn Kathakali in Thiruvananthapuram with the scholarship provided by the French government that six months long stay allowed her to learn more about the Kerala history and tradition. Elena finds that there exists a void for western art forms in Kerala. As being a theatre artist herself she came back to Kerala two years ago and by the end of 2007 she gives shape to an artist residency named Villaveli in Fort Cochin.

Elena’s aim is to provide platform for the artists from western countries to showcase the European art forms for the people in Kerala. Her film maker husband Jean Marie Carrel is providing a whole hearted support to move this earnest initiative forward.

While commenting on the functioning of Villaveli Elena said: “There are several cultural centres in Kerala that displays Indian art forms for Indian public, but there is not much centres that provide facilities for western artists to perform for Indian public. So our aim is to furnish that need. The French government is providing scholarship for artists who are keen to study the other art forms Villaveli will function as a base for them and they will be asked to perform and teach the minute aspects of the art form they are representing. It is an earnest attempt for cultural exchange.”

She further added that: “The period of hosting the western performers ranges from three weeks to three months. We are conducting workshops, crash courses and art film festivals to peoples representing various age groups. People are showing lots of interest in learning the art forms more than what we expected. In future Villaveli will present artists who represent French visual drama, street plays, circus, puppetry, multimedia arts, video and web.”

Now a circus artist named Julien Delime is staying in Villaveli and he is giving classes to the local students. The classes deals with juggling, object manipulation, body movement, acrobatics, clowns, gags and drama. These classes will help the students to gain the ability of energy control, concentration, group exercise and self confidence.

What ever may be the form of art! It has the inherent ability to overcome geographical and linguistic barriers. Villaveli thus sans borders and is upholding the value of arts.

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.

Kerala Tourism have decided to refresh their award winning marketing with some new brochures built around the tagline “contentment”. As with the previous campaigns, production values are very high and the overall feel is good. However, this time the reuse of the expression contentment seems forced and a little staged and the word itself lacks force and impact.

Contentment has a “retired”, passing life quality which does not encapsulate  the Kerala experience. The new brochures have lost the witty connection of striking photographs with irony which so captivated in the previous commercial campaign. Now the internal design  is less thought through and the text more self-conscious and seeking for impact.

Not as good as before and unlikely to garner the praise of advertising professionals, but still pretty slick and driving the key messages.

The charter flights arrive in Trivandrum on 2nd November 2007 with three regular flights a week till the end of November: 2 from London Gatwick and 1 from Sweden.

The main My Travel flight is operated by Manos and arrives Saturday after leaving Gatwick on Friday afternoons offering a range of packages in Kovalam. There is also a 250 seater flight operated by First Choice and a final weekly flight from Sweden operated by Sol Resor.

Kerala’s tourism industry has seen the number of visitors grow by 105% in the last five year. 429000 foreign visitors arrived in Kerala during 2006 and this number is continuing to grow at 15 to 20% per year.

During the same period domestic tourists grew by 20% to 6300000 per year with many from Tamil Nadu on temple visits.

The growth of the foreign visitors and of north Indian visitors as well which is a key driver for the hospitality sector.