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 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, 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 16

Kalarippayat is very well known as the traditional martial art form of Kerala. This art of physical culture is being practiced in Kerala from the time immemorial. The popularity of this martial art is not only restricted to India, but is known globally. This martial art form will soon be seen on the Discovery channel. In the latest series ‘Fight Quest’, to feature this traditional martial art form a team of Discovery is filming an episode on this traditional martial art form in Kerala. This Indian art of combat skills will now feature among the world’s oldest martial art forms in Discovery.

Kozhikode has been known for its vast number of kalari centres which made the team from Discovery to start their filming from here. The series Fight Quest will showcase all different hand-to-hand combat and martial art traditions. Kalarippayat is the only Indian martial art form which has been included in this series. Rest other forms of martial arts includes Wushu in China, Kali in Philippines, Krav Maga in Israel and Boxing in Mexico.

This unique series featuring the different fighting styles will be aired every Tuesday at 2100 hrs on the Discovery channel. The series will showcase a lot of information’s relating to hand-hand combating and martial art traditions across the world. Also the show will bring in the traditional culture and style of Kalarippayat at a global platform.

Kochi, May 5

Taking in to count the increasing cases of elephant fury in the state, Zachariah Mathew MD of Mumbai based Senzo Engineering has come up with a new device to rein jumbos. This innovative device is in the form of a nylon belt which has a remote control that can lock the legs of the elephant by the press of a button.

It is known that elephant getting violent is not an unusual scene for people of Kerala. This elephant fury has claimed many lives and huge loss of property so far. To make sure this series of elephant violence doesn’t continues so widely, Zachariah Mathew invented this unique device. The device will be placed at two sides of the elephant, with one of its legs connected to a belt. In case of animal turning violent the mammoth can activate the device with the help of the remote control.

As the remote is triggered the belt gets tightened around the legs of the elephant making it unable to move ahead. This visionary gadget can be operated from a distance of about 75 feet from the elephant. The new founding is still waiting for the day when it finally gets tested on the real jumbos.

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.

Kannur: Central Government might consider approving an integrated textile park in Kannur district if sufficient land is made available. Union Minister of Textiles Shankersinh Vaghela who was in Kannur to inaugurate the ninth centre of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) near here, said. The minister was speaking at the development seminar, Kannur Vision 2020, organized by the district committee of the Congress party here.

About 100 acres might be required for the project and the minister said that if the textile industry can forward a proposal through the ministry’s consultant for textile parks, Leasing and Financial Services Ltd, it would be given top most priority.

Kannur district is a major handloom textile centre in Kerala and with the opening of NIFT, a major spurt in the export of handloom textile products is expected. Though the classes will begin here in June, the permanent set up will be ready on in 3 years time in a 12 acre plot near the Kannur University campus.

The Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation is the nodal agency for setting up the NIFT centre at Kannur.

Kochi, April 17

The biggest temple festival of Kerala ‘Thrissur Pooram’ started off with a bang yesterday. The city was brimming with festivity and huge numbers of spectators congregated to witness this traditional fest. It all began with the procession from various temples which has its own traditional importance.

The main attraction in the procession was the brigade of caparisoned tuskers heading the procession from the front. The traditional ceremony like Madathil Varau and Kudamattom were much liked by the spectators. As the colourful umbrellas unfurled the spectators started waving and shouting with joy. This traditional ceremony of Kudamattom is one of the most attractive and essential part of Thrissur Pooram. Umbrellas of different shapes and sizes are unfurled in this ritual which is a great sight to watch.

Earlier the Panchavadyam and Ilanjithara Melam started at 11:30am which filled the atmosphere with the rhythm of chenda and clarinets. The pooram ground was filled to its maximum with huge number of spectators assembling from all over the country. Along with the locals many foreign tourists also have come to witness this grand festivity.

Like every year the main attraction of the festival remained with the highly decorated elephants, but after the directive of the high court this year these tuskers were made to stand on wet jute bags at the venues. It was also known that to make sure tight security arrangements at the venue about 2400 policemen were deployed keeping a check on the crowd.

The much hyped firework display began at 3am today with variety of sparkling and noisy fireworks, taking the crowd on their feet. This massive firework showcased a variety of colourful and dazzling display of fireworks lighting sky with sparkles. The pooram will wind up today afternoon with the traditional Pakal Pooram.

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, April 2

If you are a daily commuter in Kerala buses, then get ready for a new passenger information service provided in over 20,000 private buses operating in the state. This modern transport system is said to benefit travellers by providing them with instant information on location, arrival and departure timings of these buses on their finger tip.

It was informed that a Chennai based technology company ‘Dhanus’ has come up with this proposal which will be a landmark in the field of state transportation system. It will be the first of its kind initiative of connecting all buses with this new communication mode. In this initiative the consortium partners are the Chennai based Sobha Applied DSP Pvt Lmt, along with kochi based Kiran technologies. As per this new system commuters can assess all the information of these buses via internet and through SMS.

The passenger information system is said will include over 20,000 private buses across the state. It will be a great help to people to have a clear picture of the bus they wish to catch and will also help to save their time. Another key factor this new system would have is the information of vehicle breakdown or any untoward accidents and would also help to keep a check on the vehicle speed. This web interface will be available in Malayalam, Hindi and English languages which will give people a clear picture of the information they need.

Along with a useful feature for thousands of bus travellers this new system would also prove to be a great support for many tourists who find really hard to travel around the state. But through this mode they can get all information on their finger tip, that too without any hassles. 

So next time you board a bus you would be feeling more relaxed, carefree and satisfied. Now the real test is to when this new initiative is put into action and what effect it would have towards our traditional transport system.

Kochi, March 31

Air India strengthens its flight operation from Cochin International Airport by gifting five new flights to the Cochin airport. Out of these five new introductions, two daily flights will fly to Mumbai and Delhi, while the other three flights will fly to international destinations. These new flights were introduced under the Air India’s six month summer schedule from Cochin airport. This addition in Air India flights will bring in some relief to the passengers who are looking forward to fly to these destinations.

 It is evident that Cochin airport has soon become one of the busiest airports in Kerala and several passengers fly daily in and out from the Cochin airport. And these new flights will help travellers to some extent reducing their hassles. It is also planned to de-link Cochin airport from the Calicut airport for services to Sharjah by introducing new flights by both Cochin and Calicut to Sharjah.

The aircraft to Delhi (IC 446) is said to have a capacity of 145 seats and will depart from Cochin at 7:30am and will reach Delhi at 10:30am. Meanwhile the daily direct flight to Mumbai (IC 162) also boasts a seating capacity of 145 and will help passengers to catch the Mumbai-New York non-stop flights. These flights will benefit passengers a lot by offering an easy access to Delhi and Mumbai daily. The three new flights introduced for international operations are, one to Dubai and rest two to Doha. All these Air India flights are introduced to make sure passengers don’t face any hassles while traveling.

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 27

The much awaited annual railway budget for 2008-09 was finally presented on Tuesday by the Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav. At large the budget remains to be a people friendly budget, pleasing the ‘aam admi’. But still the new budget generated a mixed response here in Kerala with people applauding and also feeling for few more sops.

The budget has given some thing to cheer to every section, but the big gift which this budget offered to Kerala was the rail coach factory at the Kanjikode-Palakkad section. This coach factory will soon give a boost to the industrial sector of the state. Other than this, few new trains were added to upgrade the travel scenario and also to benefit the passengers. In this stride three new trains were added namely Kochu Veli- Dehradun, Kochu Veli-Amritsar and the Bangalore - Kochu-Veli Gharib Rath.

On the other hand the daily commuters shuttling between stations felt happy to get a new passenger train on the Shoranur-Nilambur route. But many daily commuters also expressed that there has not been anything to cheer for them other than the introduction of this new train. But for long distance travellers this budget has brought some respite, with cut in AC 1^st class fares by 7% and II and III tier by 4-3%.

Meanwhile this budget failed to act on some key sectors like railway zones and various other railway development projects. Though women passengers were gifted with concessions and girl students will be given free monthly season tickets up to graduation. Railway Minister has also shown keep interest to make the railway more hi-tech and traveler friendly. So many plans are lined up in the pipeline to facelift the railways.

Kochi, February 9

Its milk which is making the Keralities restless these days, with the continuous trend of increasing price of milk consumers are left with no other option but to bear the brunt of government. It is announced that milk will be dearer now, with Milma raising the price by Rs 2 per litre. Earlier it was known that to meet the demand of the state Milma was taking help of neighbouring Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, which was making they to bear a loss of Rs 6 lakhs.

After lot of discussions with milk authority and government finally the price hike alternative was taken. Meanwhile Milma suggested a hike of Rs 3 per litre to the government, which was later fixed at Rs 2 per litre. This price rise would not only affect the cost of milk, but also will have an impact on the various milk products. This announcement was came yesterday at the Milma director board meeting here.  

So now a litre of toned and double toned milk will cost you Rs 19, which was Rs 17 before. While price of rich milk will cost Rs 22. It is considered that this price rise will benefit farmers and would also motivate more farmers to get into the milk industry which is facing a scarcity of milk. From the hike of Rs 2, Rs 1.50 would go straight away to farmers.

It is thought that this price increase will some how help to reduce the huge loss Milma is bearing form a long time.

Kochi, January 29

The buzzing city of Kochi is moving at a great pace, this city has been living 24×7 with a commercial tag. This race has made this city to get as zippy as Mumbai to some extent. And when it comes to traffic well both the cities stand to the same ground for many reasons. Well amidst all the advancements there are few things which need a voice. So if you are a Kochite and travel by the local auto-rickshaws or you send your children to school in private cabs. Then beware, as there are many such vehicles running or your city roads using unscientific LPG.

In recent past many such instance were reported in various other cities too in which use of such unscientific LPG in vehicles and public transport has caused many accidents taking its toll on innocent people. All these accidents occurred with dislocation of the LPG kit fitted in the vehicle. With the jump in petrol and diesel prices the use of LPG has gained great pace and even in that, unauthorised use of LPG is much in number.

In the streets of Kochi daily we can spot many such public and private transport vehicles running using such unscientific LPG. These vehicles are used for many purposes, risking the life of people. So if you spot any of such vehicles rush past you in your city roads, do report the matter to the police and try to come forward to stop this illegal use of fuel for the sake of society.

Kottayam, January 25

Well do you have ever tried to run backward, no then please don’t it may be risky for any novice. But one lad of Kerala has decided to do so to enter his name in the Guinness Book of World Record. This athlete is on his way to get the name of this state for his feat registered in the record books. His brave attempt covers a distance of over 50 km from Kottayam to Alappuzha.

P.V.Shaji, 38 is an athlete has been in to this field since his school days, he has been associated with athletic since his school life and has won several prizes. But this time this determined youth is all set for a record performance to run backward. It was informed that his brave attempt has been started on last October and will cover up the final leg on the auspicious occasion of Republic Day on Jan 26.  His friends and family members are eagerly waiting for him to finish his brilliant act and get his name to be featured in the Guinness Book.

Best of Luck Shaji!

Cochin, January 24

In a move to curb the growing number of crime and terror threats, a new initiative was taken yesterday with the establishment of Southern India’s first dog training centre in Thrissur. Here these dogs will get all the skills and techniques to catch the thieves and also to detect various explosives. This initiative will help a lot to Kerala police to perform their duty in a far better manner.

These dogs are high pedigree dogs and they will go through a rigorous nine months training. To get these dogs the right kind of training each dog would have a handler and an assistant. It was learnt that there is huge demand for more dogs and this training centre will help a lot to fill in that requirement.

The dogs will be trained for many purposes, some will be trained to investigate crimes, some as tracker dogs and some will be trained as sniffer dogs. This new dog centre has come up as a new boon for the Kerala police force, as previously the dog training centre was only in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. But this new establishment in Thrissur, Kerala will be great help for Southern police.

Jan,2: Azadi express the lively train that is converted as the exhibition on wheels reached Ernakulam, it draws more visitors because of its huge collection left for display in it. The government of India as a remembrance to the 150 year old freedom struggle give shape to Azadi express. The train has beautifully painted exteriors that depict the national flag and freedom struggle. And the interiors includes eleven compartments that displays a rare collection of photographs, models, sculptures and video footages to give you a real ambiance of travelling in a time machine right from the pre-independence era. The displays re-enact the struggle and pain that the ancestors bear to get the freedom for the nation.

Not only freedom struggle the Azadi express also includes the post independent changes that happened in India, its evolutionary phases and the achievement in prominent fields like agriculture, industry, defence, science and technology and infrastructure. There are adequate numbers of volunteers in each compartment to clear the doubt of the visitors. The last compartment is left for display and sales of books related to freedom struggle, handlooms and handicrafts.

Each of the compartments has a theme they are Kompany Raj, the lightning, fire spreads, azadi, new dawn, India on the move and vibrant democracy respectively. This categorisation helps the visitors to get a clear picture about the highs and falls of the nation in various periods. The Azadi express starts its journey from Delhi on 28th September, 2007 and it is now halted in Ernakulam and will complete its journey on 11th May, 2008 by reaching Delhi. School children benefit a lot from Azadhi express as it brings the text book words to visuals that help them to feel close to the history of the vibrant democratic country like India.

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.

BSNL, the once state owned telco has launched a SIM card for tourists visiting Kerala which sells for Rs3000. Under the scheme, to be launched soon in Kerala, BSNL would offer special pre-paid SIMs to foreign tourists with a sale value of “Ts 5618″ and talk value of Rs 3000, BSNL’s CGM for Kerala, K S Sreenivasan, told reporters on 5th October. You should be able to order one from Karma Kerala in the near future.