Grand Kerala Shopping Festival 2012 /12/15

"Over the years, Grand Kerala Shopping Festival (GKSF) has become yet another reason for travelers to visit Kerala. This annual event takes place at a time when Kerala goes through its peak tourism season. In a way, it is a double bonanza, especially for the visitors, who could enjoy the shopping festival as much as the delightful experiences of traveling in Kerala. For the visitors, GKSF is a big opportunity to explore and buy an array of traditional products of Kerala. Let us together make the sixth edition of GKSF a grand success."[Secretary, kerala tourism]

 "Kerala has made its mark as a well-known travel destination in the world. And we are now witnessing another phenomenon that is fast transforming Kerala into a shopper's destination. Grand Kerala Shopping Festival (GKSF) has become an event that is charting a new course for Kerala, since its launch in 2007. Looking forward to yet another successful edition of the event, I hope that travelers as well as the local people would have a great time during the sixth edition of GKSF, beginning in December 2012." [Minister of tourism, govt. of kerala]

For more click here

Vasudevam: Relax, Rejuvinate, Realize !!

Their mission:

"Provide guests a safe and hygienic stay experience along with traditional Travancore cuisine and hospitality."

Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam ("vasudha", the earth; "eva", emphasizer and "kutumbakam", family) is a Sanskrit phrase that means that the whole world is one single family. Vasudevam, situated in an exotic locale in Thiruvananthapuram referred to by Mahatma Gandhi as the "Evergreen city of India” has really imbibed this saying and have opened apartments to travelers from far and wide, extending them a hearty and warm welcome.

Being the capital of Kerala, often known as "God's own country", Thiruvananthapuram is also called as "God's own capital". The name literally splits into "Tiru","Anantha""puram" meaning "the town of Lord ANANTHA". This is really true since the temple is at the heart of the town and for generations, the kings have called themselves "Padmanabha-Dasa" or the "servants of Lord Ananthapadmanabha", and ruled the state as the representatives of Lord Anantha-Padmanabha. The cultural background of Thiruvananthapuram originates from the efforts of the rulers of erstwhile Travancore, who took an active interest in the development of arts and culture. Thiruvananthapuram has produced several great artists, the most famous ones being Maharaja Swathi Thirunal, Irayimman Thampi and Raja Ravi Varma. for more information click here

Silent Valley National Park !!

Bio geographically, "Silent Valley" and the adjacent forests of the Western Ghats represent “ecological islands” in which it is possible to observe the conditions that prevailed before modifications set in, in the humid tropical forests of peninsular India. Though the stability of these ecological islands is fast dwindling, these ecological products introduce an important factor in the bio geographical evolution, viz. isolation mostly due to physical barriers as a result of the Palakkad gap. Isolation, therefore, has had the effect of preserving the relict characters of the flora and fauna of Silent Valley and adjacent areas, as indicated by the presence of primitive groups of flora and fauna. The distribution range of these relict species had been considerably restricted, presenting an apparent picture of endemism. The intermingling of Indo-Malayan elements in the flora and fauna of the area is due to preservation of the once extensive tropical forests, which extended over the whole of the Peninsula. The concentration and isolation of these elements only in some areas of the Ghats, present precarious picture of survival of relicts of an otherwise impoverished flora and fauna. For more details click here

Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary !!

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is the most protected ecological piece of Anamalai sub unit of Western Ghats, surrounded on all sides by protected areas and sanctuaries of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the sanctuary is endowed with a peninsular flora and fauna which are excellently conserved due to total protection and minimal human interferences. The sanctuary being a major ecological continuum from Peechhi to Eravikulam through Anamalai aids the large viable populations of wildlife. It is the home ground for different races of indigenous people who are as well an integral part of the prevailing harmonious ecosystem. The thick, opulent habitat of the sanctuary with ample water supplys make it an abode for wildlife and there by for tourist who can have treasured memories of animal sightings and that of being in the lap of mother nature

Western Ghats is one of the world’s 34 bio diversity hotspots. While considering the abundance of Wildlife and the adorable beauty of Nature, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is perhaps the most attractive piece of wilderness in the entire stretch of Western Ghats. Thus it is popularly revered as ‘Nature’s own abode’. It has a total area of 285 Sq. Kms. for more click here 

Munnar - The paradise of keralam !!

Geography Of Munnar

The paradise of Kerala is blessed with 3 rivers and beautiful geography to enhance it's enchantment over the visitors.The region in and around Munnar varies in height from 1,450 meters (4,760 ft) to 2,695 meters (8,842 ft) above mean sea level. The temperature ranges between 5 °C (41 °F) and 25 °C (77 °F) in winter and 15 °C (59 °F) and 25 °C (77 °F) in summer. Temperatures as low as −4 °C (25 °F)have been recorded in the Sevenmallay region of Munnar. The mean maximum daily temperature is at its lowest during the monsoon months with the highest temperature being 19 C. for more information click here 

Ethnic food: Bittergourd Kichadi

Bitter gourd

Kichadi

2 cups chopped

bittergourd

oil to fry

one and a half cup curd

1 cup grated coconut

1/4 tsp cumin seedsss

2 green chillies

1 dried red chilli

1/2 tsp mustard seeds

1/4 tsp fenugreek seeds

Grind the green chillies,

cumin seeds, 1/4 tsp

mustard seeds and

coconut into a fine paste

and add this to the curd.

Add salt to this. Fry the

bittergourd in hot oil and

combine with the curdcoconut mixture. Heat oil

and add mustard

seeds(1/4 tsp), dried red

chilli and fenugreek

seeds . When the

mustard seeds splutters

pour the kichadi to this

and off the fire.

(Recipie courtesy;)

Future of farming in kerala !! (Kerala Agriculture)

Kerala, since its formation is earmarked as a food deficit stateproducing only 50% of its requirements of rice. Several rain packed monsoons though has blessed the state the rice culture in Kerala is seen dwindling year after year. The area now is less than 2.6lakhs hectors while the production is just six lakhs tones. Trade records reveal that

the state is producing only 15-20% of the rice required. When rice fields disappearour enchanting greenery is replaced by very ugly grey spots. The shining green

leaves and golden coloured earheads which dance to the tune of breeze is slowly disappearing from our rural life. A close examination of the situation reveals that the main reason for deserting the rice culture was the availability of quality rice in plenty in markets after the success of green revolution especially after 1977. It created a situation making

rice culture an unprofitable enterpris. The rise in the cost of production due to paucity of labour, huge wages, high cost of inputs, a rice culture slowly became a huge loss making job in the rural area,

which forced the farmers to gradually look out for more profit generating crops. This led to the expansion of cash crops like banana, rubber, spices and even

vegetables. Good price and generous assistance extended by the government motivated farmers give priority to cultivate cash crops ignoring rice, tapioca and even pulses. The attitude of the farmers slowly changed from producing rice to the promotion of the crops which give then better profit for a comparatively lesser quantum of job and attention. In this process another  crop which lost its glory

is coconut. The fall in the price of

coconut, import of cheap vegetable oils etc lead to a condition which made coconut farming also an unprofitable enterprise. Various new efforts like popularization of tender coconut, andproduction of value added products are expected to generate a new wave of enthusiasm for farm families for investing better care to the "tree of heaven". All problems especially emerging in the farmsector require quick solutions as thedelay will worsen the availability of farm produce which is a must to keep the hunger and poverty away.Farming and farm families require arefreshing new wave of modernization.It is required not only to preserve our

greenery without creating environmental hazards but also to attract the youth to the charming world of farming. Technology has made tremendous progress and the life style of the masses is changing fast. In this context unless farming is made more profit generating and a profession that make modern lifestyle, livelihood security, and above all social recognition the younger generation will not come towards this occupation. Another change is that the families will not allow this generation to take up the farming as an occupation since they themselves are not happy with their lifelong association with agriculture.The new steps introduced for providing pension for farmers, insurance cover for crops and domestic animals, modernization of farming, introduction of hitech farming, large scale mechanization, improving marketing structure, export promotion etc are steps in the right direction and need wider support from people belonging to all walk of life.

Paucity of funds for farm development schemes has become a story of the past. The allotment for

agriculture programs has been doubled in the stage budgets and central schemes are providing a challenge to the capacity of the state to collect and spend more money in the agriculture sector through commodity boards, horticulture mission and University. The real need of the hour is generating programs and implementing the same in a more farmer friendly manner recognizing the fact that the peasant is the real link between the soil and crop generation exercise. Stimulating his efforts and providing him modern livelihood security, social recognition and above all faith is sure to make Kerala a Holy land of green prosperity. for more regional language agriculture news, kerala agri sites available in this blog

              (courtesy: www.prd.kerala.gov.in) 

The writer is R. HELI,Rtd. Director of Agriculture

Tourism Keralam !

Alapuzha, the venice of the east !!

Acclaimed as the Venice of the East by Lord Curzon, the British Viceroy to India, Sandwiched between the Arabian Sea in the west and the Vembanadu lake in the east, welcomes you to the backwaters of Kerala. Alleppey is a district of Immense Natural beauty. By virtue of its proximity to the sea, the town has always enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala. Today Alleppey is grown in importance as a backwater tourist centre, attracting several thousands of foreign & domestic tourist each year. Alleppey is also famous for its snake boat races, house boat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. A singular characteristic of this land is the region called Kuttanad. The rice bowl of Kerala, Kuttandu is perhaps the only place in the world where faming is done below sea level.Alleppey offers enjoyable  boat cruises through the scenic Vembanadu lake. The never ending panorama of lush  green paddy fields, towering coconut trees, shimmering water and long canals around Alleppey make a delightful setting for the town.for more details click here 

Pizhala model pokkali tourism farm !!

"Boat tour, farm stay, rowing, marine foods, fish hunting, greener paddy field, natural islands."

Pizhala Model Pokkali Tourism Farm is an eco-friendly (no harmful to environment) tourism Farm scattered in the west part Pizhala Island ( one of the ten islands of Kadamakudy Panchayath) .Periyar River (250 kms long) forms four branches here runs along the border of these Islands and finally joins in the Vyppin backwater. These islands are the most tourist attractive plcaes in KOCHI Tourism. .Kadamakudy Islands are known as Kuttanad of Kochi , Another Alleppy of Kochi and Vennice of Kerala.

These tourist fishing agricutural greener Islands are famous for their natural beauty ,river-backwater ,paddy crops,prawns,fish and crab cultivations. Truly these Islands are God's Own Islands. Pokkali Crop was awarded The Geografical Indication certificate by The Government of India in 2007. This Pokkali is the only G.I certified organic paddy crop of KOCHI In International Rice Rearch Institute (IRRI) , Manila and Philippines,Pokkali genes are used to produce new paddy grains in coastal rice field. for more details click here 

Dream world: A water theme park in Kerala !!

The enchanting beauty of Athirappilly Water Falls, the scenic attraction of Vazhachal, Thumboormuzhy and Sholayar had fascinated the Tourist from time immemorial. Dream World, the most modern man made sophisticated Water Theme Park is situated on Athirappilly route very near to the magical natural beauty of Athirappilly.

Dream World Water Park has attracted thousands of tourists from all over India. The huge Dragons built at the main entrance on Athirappilly road will give a pleasant feeling to the tourists as if they are entering into a Jurassic Park. The layout of the park is designed in such a way that tourist belonging to any age group can effortlessly reach all the rides without much walking or climbing.

The visitors can go to any nook and corner of the park without foot protection as the whole area is either covered with paving tiles or lawn that can be seen rarely at any similar parks. Many of the tourists repeatedly visit our park, as there is no other park in Kerala with such unique water rides. At least 5numbers of water rides are newly introduced in Dream World that cannot be found in any other park in South India. for more click here 

Kallada tours: Largest bu operators in south india !!

Kallada Tours & Travels is a part of the Suresh Kallada Concern and is one of the largest bus operators in South India, operating bus services across the country, We connect communities in over most of the towns in South India.Our services play an important role in delivering social inclusion, helping people in rural and urban areas access work, education, health, shopping and leisure, with thousands of passengers travelling on Kallada every day. We always ensure that our passengers arrive at their destination on time.Putting customers first is our priority. We always innovate to increase the quality, reliability and frequency of bus services to offer car and train users a realistic transport alternative and help cut congestion. Bus priority measures are crucial to achieving this objective and our management team work closely with the passenger community to improve services. for more click here 

Grand Kerala Shopping festival; Asia's Largest Shopping..........

GKSF Season 6

The amazing success of the previous editions of Grand Kerala Shopping Festival has enhanced the anticipation for Season 6, which starts on15th December 2012 and concludes on 31stJan 2013. A 48 days shopping fiesta, the sixth edition of GKSF promises to be bigger, broader and better. A whopping 101 kg Gold and a host of attractive high value gifts are declared as the prizes of season 6. Besides, an array of rich and varied events including a 15 day trade fair at Cochin shall bring in more footfalls to Kerala. The government of Kerala is offering a 100% VAT refund to tourists from outside the state who visit and shop in Kerala during season 6. There are more facilities added for GKSF season 6, including Online Registration and registration through Akshaya Centers. Service of Akshaya centres and Trade Associations will be used for Registration under the supervision of a Logistic agency.

About GKSF

A unique shopping fiesta, the Grand Kerala Shopping Festival (GKSF) first started on 2007 Dec 1 to next year Jan 15 and since then it became an annual shopping festival in Kerala, the southernmost state in India, popularly known as 'Gods Own Country'. The ever-inviting borders of Kerala never leave you empty handed once you traverse them. The Grand Kerala Shopping Festival, the signature shopping festival of Kerala, is yet another fascinating event that stands testimony to this fact. for more details click here 

Kala keralam: the rhythm of art !!

Kerala has a rich cultural heritage and art forms. Unfortunately our art forms are alienating from our land, now some of them are only in memories… It is our moral responsibility to protect and preserve it for the coming generations. But we have failed to provide a website regarding our art and artists. Hence Mr.Razi Alappuzha, noted web designer and cartoonist developed www.Kalakeralam.com,an exquisite portal that showcase arts and culture of Kerala, a gateway to the myriad images of Kerala's artistry. It is an indispensable resource for any one interested in art and culture of Kerala in India and abroad. for more click here 

Keralas Leading Houseboat Operators !!

St. Mary House boats services is one of Kerala’s leading Houseboat cruises and vacation specialists since 2004. With over 11 Houseboats and 32 professionally-trained cruises Crew, we are committed to delivering you outstanding service and Houseboats cruise. Kerala houseboats are one of the leading attractions to most of the foreign and domestic tourists. Over the past years we developed strong preferred relationships with our guest. As a result, we get incredible Support from our Guest who used our service before. Our TOP Kerala Houseboats Cruise Collection features the most popular cruise destinations Like Alleppey Backwaters and Kumarakom Backwaters. we deliver the best itineraries in kerala houseboats We ensure the lowest prices available for kerala houseboats . These Kerala Houseboats cruises are in high demand but we can always offer them to you at exceptional value. Whether you're having your first Houseboats cruise vacation, or you're an experienced cruiser, our team of professionally trained Houseboat Cruise Crew will ensure you get the right Kerala Houseboat cruise at the best possible price. for more details click here 

India's first ISO: 90001:2000 CERTIFIED AYDA. HOSPITAL

In the back lash of Kerala, a small village started to radiate its native innocence, by using the nature's gifts by blending natural herbs and shrubs according to the vedic science of longevity 'Ayurveda' almost 175 years ago. The village traditionally known as lower illam of the illams known as 'KEEZHILLAM' of the Namboothiris. Here begins the saga of 'Parathuvayalil'. Last 175years saw four generations of dedicated, devoted and inborn spirit of serving the ailing humanity with a motto of nothing other than 'growing to serve and serving to grow'.

With authentic, completely dedicated treatments and state-of-the-art facilities, Parathuvayalil Ayurveda Hospital Kerala is one of the most trusted healthcare centres for effective treatments in Ayurveda as well as modern medicine in India. for more details click here 

Keralas Leading tour websites, holidays govt.,

www.incredibleindia.org

www.tourismofindia.com

www.indiatourism.com

www.northeastofindia.com

www.gnstours.com

www.tcindia.com

www.mtdcindia.com

www.jktourism.org

www.uttaranchaltourism.gov.in

www.tamilnadutourism.org

www.karnatakatourism.org

www.100percentholidays.net

TOURISM

www.incrediblekerala.com

www.grandkeralashoppingfestival.com

www.keralatourism.org  - tourism site

www.theyyam.org (eng. German)

(Ayurveda portal:  www.ayurveda portal .com 
(world ayurveda resorts, hospitals, hotels, homestay, 
18 items service section include by this portal;)

www.indiaboatshow.com

www.keralainteractive.com (use better for foreigners)

www.keralatourism.org

www.kalakeralam.com

www.ktdc.com

www.kfdc.gavi.com

www.akbartravelsonline.com

www.holylandktl.com

www.manthraholidays.com

www.namasthekerala.com

www.ethnictourism.com

www.indiatourism.com

www.kerala.gov.in/publications.htm    
(Kerala publication details)

www.thrissur.nic.in.  (trichur district website)

  

benzy leo holidays pvt ltd. Trichur.  0487-2336888

www.keralawebsites.com

www.keralatour.in -  rent  a cars

www.omaniatours.com – tour opertors.

www.windowsonourworld.com

www.new7wonders.com

www.godsowncrafts.com – Need to buy  a nettipattom ?

www.indraprasthaholidays.com – Need to buy a houseboat ?

WATER THEME PARK KERALA:

www.veegaland.com

www.dreamworldwaterpark.com

www.wonderla.com

(Kerala Tour Operators )Kashmir, Bharath darshan, ria holidays

Kashmir Group Tour by Holiday Planet tours !

To Earth paradise ! Train Flight Ticket. Food, Accommodation, guide include: Group Tour, started Holiday Planet Tours, 0484-2349700,  9961828324

Irctc "Bharath Darshan" Tour

Hyderabad, jaipur, delhi, agra, Allahabad, Varanasi, gaya, raily journey from kerala on June 30 (14 days) Rs. ......../- 0484-6464849, 0471- 2329339, 0495-2701510

Ria Holidays Far East

Singapore – Malaysia – 8days, Malaysia -5 days. Thailand 6 days, china-hongkong-makaou 11 days, June – July Month started journey. For more details: Ria Holidays Kochi; 9656010016 / 9656203991

Kerala touring with associated travels !!

South keralaa

 

South Kerala tour covers Cochin city, hills station Munnar and the wildlife of Periyar. It is followed by backwaters of Kumarakom & Alleppey. We then move to capital of Kerala - Trivandrum. 

 

Keralaa Arts

 

The story of kerala is mirrered in the evolution of irs arts and culture.Kerala's long and inviting coastline that witnessed the arrival of many foreign people and cultures and its backbone of hills that provided the State insularity from the rest of country.  FOR MORE DETAILS CLICK HERE

                             5/1032,Orient House, East Nadakkavu,
                             Calicut-6 Ph:+91 4952765784, +91 9495985668
                             +91 9447085668 , +91 9447185668
                             Fax: 0495-2768448
                             Email: info@associatedtravels.com
                             Website: www.associatedtravels.com

South indias largest bus operators !! "Kallada"

Kallada Tours & Travels is a part of the "Kallada" Concern and is one of the largest bus operators in South India, operating bus services across the country, We connect communities in over most of the towns in South India.

Our services play an important role in delivering social inclusion, helping people in rural and urban areas access work, education, health, shopping and leisure, with thousands of passengers travelling on Kallada every day. We always ensure that our passengers arrive at their destination on time.

Putting customers first is our priority. We always innovate to increase the quality, reliability and frequency of bus services to offer car and train users a realistic transport alternative and help cut congestion. Bus priority measures are crucial to achieving this objective and our management team work closely with the passenger community to improve services. for more details click here