News from God's Own Country - KeralaNews from God's Own Country - KeralaNews, Events and Trends from God's Own Country - kerala, India Articles
Kovalam
2007-07-24 04:21:00 ; &nbs p; &nb sp; Famously known as the Paradise of the South, Kovalam in Kerala, India, is an alluring stretch of sandy beaches, laced with the rich greenery of coconut palms. A former fishing village, Kovalam is just 16 kms away from Trivandrum, Kerala's capital city. Many families from different countries and cultures travel to Kerala, India and get together in Kovalam to spend their leisure time on its beautiful beaches. A dreamy place for tourists, Kovalam is an evergreen and pleasant, tropical beach resort. Kovalam was brought to the public eye by the Maharaja of Travancore whose kingdom was included in the state of Kerala, India after the country gained independence in 1947. Over the past three decades, Kovalam in Kerala, India, has been well developed, and now figures prominently on the world tourism map. Tourists from across the world travel to Kerala,...
Fast Facts of God's Own Country - Kerala
2007-07-24 04:10:00 Kerala is a small state tucked away in the southwest corner of India. It represents only 1.18 per cent of the total area of India but 3.43 percent of the population of the country. Area: 38,863 sq kmPopulation: 31.8 million.Languages: Malayalam, Hindi, EnglishCapital: Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)Literacy Rate (2001): 90.92% About Kerala Crops: Kerala is a major producer of coconut, rubber, pepper, cardamom, ginger, cocoa, cashew, coffee, and tea. Tree spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves etc., are also cultivated. Rice and tapioca are important food crops. About Kerala Industries: Coir products, marine products, handloom industry, Khadi and village industry which produce Khadi, fiber, pottery, lime, paper, matches, cane and bamboo. About Kerala Tourism: Tourism is a very important industry in Kerala. Every year significant numbers of tourists travel to Kerala, to see its beautiful, beaches, backwaters, hills, wildlife and cultural attractions. Tourism provides employment for ... More About: Facts , Country , Kerala , Fast
Rs 1400 crore loss in monsoon disaster in Kerala
2007-07-23 05:37:00 Heavy rains that lashed Kerala in the last few days have caused a loss to property and crops worth Rs 1400 crores, state Revenue Minister KP Rajendran said in Palakkad on Sunday. Talking to reporters after reviewing the relief measures in the district, Rajendran said the government has asked the Centre an immediate financial assistance of Rs 250 crores. Central team to assess the damage of monsoon disaster would arrive in the state soon, he said. Nearly 2.11 lakh people were still living in 1,081 relief camps. They were given food, medicines, a bed sheet each and a woolen blanket, the minister said. He said the government would prepare a special package to rehabilitate those who lost their houses in rains and floods and an amount of Rs 25,000 would be given to them immediately as a relief measure. More About: Disaster , Loss , Monsoon , Aster
Phone Number's of Tourism Kozhikode / Calicut
2007-07-21 16:18:00 Joint Director, Dept of Tourism 2373862 KTDC 2722391 DTPC 2720012 Kappad Beach Resort 2688777 Yathri Nivas, West hill 2383920 Thusharagiri Fec Center 2236600 CMFRI Aquarium 2382033 Planatarium 2770571 More About: Phone , Number
Potter mania strikes at dawn in Kerala too
2007-07-21 14:04:00 Children dressed up as various characters of the Harry Potter series arrived on horsebacks at a bookshop here early Saturday morning for the release of 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows'. The children carried copies of the book to the Ravi bookstore here and a special function was held inside the shop during which the books was taken out from a box amidst huge applause from people who had arrived to buy J.K.Rowling's latest offering. 'The first Potter book sold was lesser copies compared to the approximate 250,000 that are expected to be sold in the country this time. I have taken 5000 copies this time and the response so far is the best we have had in recent times,' said D. C. Ravi of Ravi Books, who are distributing the books to all shops in the city. In Thiruvananthapuram, crowds began queuing up at the Modern Book Shop early morning. The book was officially released after a few sentences were read out from it. Many children were a bit upset when it was blurted out t... More About: Kerala , Dawn , Strike , Mania
God?s own country - Kerala
2007-07-21 08:25:00 With its postcard-pretty backwaters, lush mountains, sandy beaches, spice-rich cuisine and Ayurvedic culture, India?s Kerala excites the mind, body and soul. By LEONG SIOK HUI In India, I always head north to trek in the Himalayas. But when a friend invited me for an eight-day tour of Kerala, India?s fastest-growing destination, I couldn?t resist. What makes Kerala enthralling is its mélange of attractions that caters to even the most discernible traveller. The chilli-shaped state of Kerala is wedged between the Arabian Sea (to its west) and the Western Ghats range (to the east). This tiny land in the southwestern tip of India cradles a vibrant heritage ? a blend of South Indian, East Asian and European cultures due to its maritime history. You can take a crash course in history as you stroll around Kerala?s historic cities. Or, lounge in a houseboat and glide across the palm-fringed, tranquil backwaters. Rustic charm: A houseboat in Kerala?s ... More About: Country
Kerala To Promote Hydel Tourism
2007-07-19 14:20:00 Kerala Electricity Minister A.K. Balan Thursday informed the state assembly that steps have begun to promote hydel tourism in god's own country. 'There is huge potential for promotion of tourism at the Kerala State Electricity Board's various hydel project dams because of the lovely settings in which these dams are located. A society to promote hydel tourism has already been formed,' said Balan. The state's Wayanad district is set to become the hot spot for hydel tourism as it has a large number of dams in picturesque hilly areas. It is also close to Mysore and Bangalore. Balan said that tourism would be promoted in the 28 small islands of the Banasurasagar Lake in Wayanad. 'In the last fiscal Rs.1.49 million has already been spent on hydel tourism promotion at Banasurasagar. This fiscal year, projects to keep the environment intact at the lake cottages, tents and water sports activity would begin. We aim to turn this place into a premier tourism destination,' added Balan... More About: Tourism , Promote , Kerala , Romo , Mote
King Mahabali & Onam of Kerala
2007-07-19 10:40:00 ; &nbs p; The legend of King Mahabali is the most popular and the most fascinating of all legends behind Onam. Onam celebrates the visit of King Mahabali to the state of Kerala every year. The festival is celebrated with fervour as King Mahabali is greatly respected by his subjects. King Mahabali is also popularly called Maveli and Onathappan. Reign of King Mahabali &nb sp; &n bsp; The story goes that the beautiful state of Kerala was once ruled by an Asura (demon) king, Mahabali. The King was greatly respected in his kingdom and was considered to be wise, judicious and extremely generous. It is said that Kerala witnessed its golden era in the reign of King Mahabali. Everybody was happy in the kingdom, there was no discrimination on the basis of caste or class. Rich and poor were equally treated. There was neither crime, no...
When is Onam?
2007-07-19 10:19:00 ; Onam Festival is celebrated in the beginning of the first month of Malayalam Calendar (Kolla Varsham) called Chingam. This month corresponds to August-September in Gregorian Calendar and Bhadrapada or Bhadon in Indian (Hindu) Calendar. When is Thiru Onam? ; &nbs p; Onam carnival continues for ten days, starting from the day of Atham and culminating on Thiru Onam. Atham and Thiru Onam are the most important days for Onam festivities. The day of Atham is decided by the position of stars. Onam festival commences from lunar asterism (a cluster of stars smaller than a constellation) Atham (Hastha) that appears ten days before asterism Onam or Thiru Onam. Atham is regarded as auspicious and holy day by people of Kerala. Thiru Onam corresponds to the Shravan day in the month of August or September, hence it is also called Sra...
Onam
2007-07-19 09:59:00 ; &nbs p; &nb sp; Onam is an annual harvest festival, celebrated mainly in the Indian state of Kerala. It is the foremost festival among the cultural repertoire of Malayalees, and falls during the month of Chingam (August-September as per the Gregorian calendar), the first month of the Malayalam calendar and lasts for ten days. Though it is essentially a harvest festival of Malayalees, mythologically it is linked to Malayalee-Hindu folktales. Like many other religious festivals in India, Onam is celebrated by people of all religions . Significance ; &nbs p; Onam has been part of Malayalee psyche for centuries. There are records of Onam being celebrated during the Sangam Age. The earliest record of Onam is found during time of Kulasekhara Perumals a...
It's rest and rejuvenation month for Kerala's elephants
2007-07-18 16:33:00 Come monsoon and elephants in Kerala are provided with rest and rejuvenation therapy to enhance the well being of these beasts. The Vadakkunathan Temple at Thrissur gives a rest to its herd of elephants from their daily chores with a month-long restorative treatment called Aanayoottu. Aanayoottu literally means feeding the elephants with specially prepared food, which is valued for its high medicinal value. This medicinal concoction is regarded as vital for enhancing the well being of elephants. At this ceremony, around 45 elephants, small and large ones, are lined up on the first day of the Malayalam month of Karkidakam, which started on Tuesday and lasts till August 16. Sasi Kumar, a mahout, said: "Every year, this event is conducted in this temple during the Karkidakam month. It is a very good thing to keep our elephants healthy thoughtout the period." The medication will continue for the next 15-20 days for each of the pachyderms, depending on its health ... More About: Rest , Month , Rejuvenation , Mont
Kerala ready to invite WHO to study fever outbreak
2007-07-18 12:13:00 Kerala Health Minister P.K. Sreemathi Wednesday said the government was not averse to inviting the World Health Organisation - to study the outbreak of a mosquito borne fever in the state that has claimed 173 lives this year. 'Even though four different expert teams have arrived in the state since the outbreak of the fever, collected blood samples and given us reports, which have confirmed the fever as chikunguniya and nothing else, we have no problems in another study by WHO,' Sreemathi informed the Kerala assembly. She was replying to a calling attention motion moved by opposition legislator N. Jayraj, who demanded that a comprehensive study on the disease, which has affected thousands, be undertaken because there were conflicting reports about the illness. So far 173 people have died in the outbreak. Opposition leader Oommen Chandy claims 562 people have died. Last year, a similar outbreak claimed more than 150 lives. Sreemathi added that the director general of the Indian ... More About: Study , Kerala , Fever , Invite , Ready
Cookbook Sends A Love Letter To Kerala, India
2007-07-18 10:48:00 By Theresa Curry ; It would be hard to imagine a more exotic place than Kerala , an India n paradise on the southwestern tip of the country, overlooking the Arabian sea and welcoming travelers for as long as time. Christianity came here in 400 A.D.; there are Jewish, Arab and Hindu influences, and all have left their mark on the flavorful food. Ammini Ramachandran, a daughter of Kerala, has captured her home?s many flavors in "Grains, Greens, and Grated Coconuts: Recipes and Remembrances of a Vegetarian Legacy." Rachmandran self-published this beautiful, passionate book, bringing all the threads of geography, religion, tradition, and personal history together to present the food of this fertile region. ; It begins with the spices, with stories so rich and evocative they seem like fairy tales, tales of the ancient city of Malabar and the spice trade that mobiliz... More About: Love , Letter , Love Letter
Thripunithura Athachamayam
2007-07-16 11:59:00 Event Date : August 17, 2007 Venue: Thripunithura, Kochi, Ernakulam district The 10-day harvest festival of Onam is the most eagerly awaited festival of Kerala. For a taste of the spectacular events held across the State to mark the beginning of the Onam, known as the Athachamayam, we recommend Thripunithura in Kochi.These include a dazzling procession of caparisoned elephants, colourful floats, and the staging of some of the awesome art forms of Kerala that include the Theyyam, Panchavadyam, Chendamelam, Pambamelam, Karakattam, Mayilattom, Ammankudam, Aattakavadi, Pulikali, and so on. Floral carpets, a trademark of Onam, are also seen.Getting there:Nearest railway station: Thripunithura, about 1 km away.Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 30 km from Thripunithura. More About: Amaya , Maya , Cham , Unit
Nehru Trophy Boat Race
2007-07-16 11:54:00 IntroductionThe Nehru Trophy Boat Race on the Punnamda Lake, near Alappuzha, held on the second Saturday of August every year, is the most competitive and popular of the boat races. On the day of this fiercely fought boat race, the tranquil lake front is transformed into a sea of humanity with an estimated two lakh people, including tourists from abroad, coming to watch the event. For the people of each village in Kuttanad, a victory at this race for their village boat is something to be celebrated for months to come. The major attraction of the boat race is the competition of snake boats chundanvallams or snake boats.ChundansKnow more about Chundans. (snake boats) are an impressive sight, measuring over 100 feet in length, with a raised prow. They were called snake boats by the former colonial rulers, who based the name on a native boat found in Norway,although Kerala's ChundansKnow more about Chundans. bear little resemblance to their European namesakes.HistoryThe history of the ...
Nehru Trophy Boat Race
2007-07-16 11:46:00 Event Date : August 11, 2007 Venue: Punnamada Backwaters, Alappuzha district.The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is the greatest event on the backwaters of Kerala. The race is held on the second Saturday of August every year. Magnificent snakeboats compete for the prized trophy instituted by Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India. Apart from the races of chundanvalloms (snakeboats) and of smaller country crafts, the event offers many fascinating sights such as ceremonial water processions, spectacular floats and decorated boats.Getting there:Nearest railway station: Alappuzha, about 8 km away.Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 85 km from Alappuzha
Aanayoottu
2007-07-16 11:43:00 Venue: Vadakkumnatha Temple, ThrissurThe ritualistic annual Aanayoottu ceremony, which takes place at the Vadakkumnatha Temple in Thrissur is an interesting event. Aanayoottu literally means feeding the elephants with specially prepared food, which is valued for its high medicinal value. This medicinal concoction is regarded vital for enhancing the well being of the elephants. At this ceremony, elephants are lined up on the first day of the Malayalam month of Karkidakam (July-August). The month of Karkidakam is considered ideal for all kinds of rejuvenation therapies in Ayurveda, the Indian system of medicineGetting there:Nearest railway station: Thrissur, a few minutes drive from the Temple.Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 58 kms from Thrissur town
Kerala's boat race to be a sport
2007-07-16 11:22:00 The state government has taken a decision to grant it the status of a sports event, and a formal announcement in this regard would be made later in the year. "I have given due recognition and credit to the indigenous sports so that the youth will have an ample of opportunity to access this sport. We have taken a strong look on the fading arts of Kerala, especially the martial arts like Kalaripayattu, traditional races like these boat races," said G Kishore, state Spor t s Secretary. Boat races are an integral part of the traditional festivals in the state during the harvest season. They are held in seven districts of Kerala. The one held at Champakulam in Alappuzha District is the biggest, attracting thousands of people, including domestic and foreign tourists. "I've never seen so many people in one boat rowing at the same time. It looks like complete chaos but it seems to be doing all very well," says Randy Toms, a tourist from the UK. But the most popular boat race is Nehru Tro... More About: Race
SmartCity to go green
2007-07-16 11:18:00 SmartCity today announced plans to 'go green' by adopting globally-benchmarked environmentally-friendly practices that will make its developments highly energy and resource efficient. The company will design, construct and operate developments in each of its knowledge-based industry clusters according to the guidelines of 'Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design' (LEED®) - the world's premier certification programme for sustainable buildings. All the construction consultants for SmartCity's projects will be directed to incorporate LEED® guidelines in the design and construction of its buildings. SmartCity will partner with TECOM Investments' subsidiary company Sustainable Design Consultants (SDC) to implement sustainable development practices in a range of areas that will enable it to achieve LEED® certification. SmartCity, a joint venture between TECOM Investments and Sama Dubai, is seeking to create a large network of industry clusters that will support the growt... More About: Green
Taj Mahal among the 7 New Wonders of the World !!!!!
2007-07-08 01:41:00 Indians have a Great News to Rejoice ; The Great Wall of China, Rome's Colosseum, India's Taj Mahal and three architectural marvels from Latin America were among the new seven wonders of the world chosen in a global poll released on Saturday. Jordan's Petra was the seventh winner. Peru's Machu Picchu, Brazil's Statue of Christ Redeemer and Mexico's Chichen Itza pyramid also made the cut. About 100 million votes were cast by the Internet and cellphone text messages, said New7Wonders , the nonprofit organization that conducted the poll. The seven beat out 14 other nominated landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Easter Island in the Pacific, the Statue of Liberty, the Acropolis, Russia's Kremlin and Australia's Sydney Opera House. The pyramids of Giza, the only surviving structures from the original seven wonders of the ancient world, were assured of retaining their status in addi... More About: World , The World , Wonders of the World
Kerala seeks more flights to Gulf
2007-07-07 16:15:00 ; &nbs p; Kerala government has urged the Centre to operate more flights between the state and the Gulf countries during the coming Onam festival season, Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan said on Friday. The state had repeatedly asked the Centre to reduce the airfare between Kerala and the Gulf, Achuthanandan told the assembly during question hour. Government was considering to entrust local Sub-Inspectors for verifying passport applications, he said. Presently passport verification was carried out by Special Branch DYSPs and government was planning to give this job to local Sub-Inspectors, Achuthanandan said in a written reply. Steps would also be taken to avoid the delay in emigration clearance at airports, he said. Source More About: Flights , Flight , Seek
Kerala to be declared fully banking state
2007-07-07 12:32:00 ; &nbs p; Kerala is about to be declared a fully banking state soon. The campaign on ?total financial inclusion? by banks in the state is nearing successful completion with nearly 97.5 percent of achievement. The Stat e Level Banking Committee, in a statement issued after a meeting here, said it was resolved to declare ?total financial inclusion? in the state after validation of the same by the Reserve Bank of India. The total deposits of the commercial banking system in the state touched Rs 91,697 crore by March this year, of which NRE deposits accounted for Rs 33,304 crore, said the statistics released at the meet here on Friday. The annual credit plan for 2007-08 is launched with a target of Rs 30,017 crore for disbursement to priority sector out of which agriculture disbursement target is Rs 11,597 crore and SSI disbursement target is Rs 4,754 crore. Commercial banks have disbursed Rs 27,72... More About: Clar
Kovalam - Paradise of the South
2007-07-07 11:34:00 FACT FILE Altitude Sea level Latitude 8' 05' Longitude 77' 15" Rainfall 170 cm Season Throughout Tropical(Best September to May) Languages Malayalam, English, Hindi, Tamil Temperature Summer 20.6c(mean min) Winter 18.0c(mean min) Info ; &nbs p; This beach town is probably the most important tourist destination in the state. The good beaches and excellent hotels and resort make it a tourist favourite. The other attractions is the Ayurvedic health programmes offered by a various health centers and resort. Thirty years ago Kovalam was a hippy idyll : a picture-perfect beach; a traditional Keralan fishing and toddy (coconut beer); and about as far from decadent western civilization as you could get and still hear Jim, Janis, Jimi. ; Kovalam retains a certain char... More About: Paradise , South , Arad , Paradis
How to reach tourism destinations in Kerala
2007-07-06 09:02:00 BY AIR - There are three airports in the state-at Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Kozhikode. Thiruvananthapuram is also an international airport, connecting the state to many places in the Middle East. BY RAIL - There are around 200 railway stations in Kerala connecting most of the places in the state to places in the other parts of the country and inside the state. Long-distance express trains connect important places in the state to places outside the state like Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, and Calcutta. BY ROAD - An extensive network of metalled roads connects most of the places in the state. National highways 47, 17, and 49 connect the state with other parts of the country. BY WATER - Inland water navigation systems are available in many districts. Boats are extensively used to connect many places within the state. The state has major airports at Kochi and Vizhinjam. The minor ports in the state are Neendakara, Azheekkala and Beypore. More About: Tourism , Reach , Destinations
FACTS & FIGURES ON KERALA
2007-07-06 08:51:00 Area38,863 sq kmReligionHindus (57.28%), Muslims (23.32%), Christians (19.31%)Maximum Temperature 33°CMinimum Temperature22°CCapitalThiruvananthapuramL anguagesMalayalam, EnglishBest time to visitOctober to March. More About: Facts , Kerala , Figures , Figure
Kerala approves 15 MW wind farms
2007-07-06 04:51:00 ; &nbs p; In an effort to tap non-conventional energy sources, the Kerala government today gave technical approval for setting up wind farms at Agali in Palakkad and Ramakkalmedu in Idukki district, which would produce 15 MW of energy. Talking to newspersons here Kerala State Electricity Board Minister (KSEB) A K Balan said technical sanction to start a wind farm at Agali had given to Suzlon Energy Ltd and the Vestas India Ltd for Ramakkalmedu. Eight wind generators of 600 KW capacity would be installed at Agali and 13 generators of 750 KW capacity at Ramakkalmedu, he said and added 5 MW and 10 MW would be developed by Suzlon and Vestas respectively. Regarding the tariff, Mr Balan further said it would be decided by the State Electricity Regulatory Committee. Stating that the government had decided to go ahead with the pending small hydro-electric projects, for which the government had signed ... More About: Wind , Rove , Farms , Prove
Kerala's showdown with the Wal-Mart of India
2007-07-06 04:48:00 ; &nbs p; The Communist government of Kerala is threatening to ban "retail giants" from setting up shop in the India n state. The measure, which appears to be backed by all the major political parties in Kerala, is chiefly aimed at India's version of Wal-Mart , Reliance Industries. The concern is that a proliferation of large retail outlets would drive tens of thousands of mom-and-pop shop operators out of business. ; Kerala made headlines not so long ago for attempting to ban Coca-Cola; the state has a long history of pursuing its own unique path to development. Naturally, the more gung-ho-for-capitalism elements of Indian society aren't mincing their deprecating words: An editorial in the Indian Express made no attempt to restrain its sarcasm: ; Coke poisons p... More About: Wal-Mart , Wal Mart
Kerala The Land of Coconuts
2007-07-05 15:45:00 The land of Kerala is believed to be a gift of the Arabian Sea. Owing to its favourable location this land fostered trade and established contacts with Egypt, Assyria, Greeks, Romans and the Chinese. Kerala is a state on the Malabar Coast of southwestern India.To its east and northeast, Kerala borders Tamil Nadu and Karnataka respectively; to its west and south lie Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean with the islands of Lakshadweep and the Maldives, respectively. Kerala envelops Mahe, a coastal exclave of Pondicherry. With its evergreen mountains, dense forests stately palms, swift flowing rivers, extensive backwaters and blue lagoons, it looks like a fairyland. This atmosphere of beauty and peace has nurtured religion and art in Kerala and enabled her to become a precious gem in the necklace of Indian culture. Indian poets of eminence have showered their praises for the abundance of its peppers, the fragrance of its sandal and the wealth of its coconuts. No part of India is s... More About: Land , Nuts
Kerala House Boat - Kettuvallam House Boats
2007-07-05 15:10:00 ; &nbs p; Kettuvallams, the stitched boats provide the best way to experience the colourful backwaters of Kerala . The Kettuvalloms of Kerala are giant country crafts, measuring up to 80 feet in length. ; The traditional house boat, the indispensable part of the picturesque backwaters of Kerala, was mainly used in Travancore and Kochi and in the Minicoy Islands in olden times. ; The wood commonly used to make Kettuvalloms is 'Anhili', which is found in abundance in central Travancore area. Large planks are tied together using hand made coir ropes and beaten coconut fibres. ; This gives the Kettuvallams enough strength to withstand heavy waves in the sea. These long cargo boats are a familiar sight on... More About: House , Boats , Boat , Ouse
Old age home for captive elephants in Kerala
More articles from this author:2007-07-05 12:33:00 ; &nbs p; A rehabilitation centre for aged elephants has been planned in Kerala , state Forest Minister Binoy Viswam said Thursday. An ideal forest spot would be identified soon for, Viswam informed the state assembly today. ; Taking note of incidents of elephants turning violent during festivals, a scheme to impart scientific training to mahouts has been drawn up, Viswam said in a written reply. The wildlife department had taken steps for effective implementation of Kerala captive elephants (management and maintenance rules), which had laid down norms for the upkeep of the jumbos. The owners of elephants had been instructed to obtain health certificates from veterinarians before taking the animal for festival parades. As part of the elephant census, the owners had been asked to register their jumbos with the respective district ... More About: Home , Elephant , Old Age 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |
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