River Land Kerala

KOCHI -Great Cruise Destination & Turn around Port

2015-11-18T12:46:00.005+05:30

Kochi (Cochin) The Queen of the Arabian Sea in the State of Kerala (The God's Own contry ) is a wonderfull destinations for the Cruise Ships. The cruise ships for the season started calling to Cochin Port . The Cruise liner Aida Bella arrived cochin with more than 2000 passangers 1000 crew members. It was a maiden voyage of german cruise liner to cochin. The visitors toured various places in and around Kochi in different groups, including Fort Kochi, Mattancherry, Bolgatty Palace, Jew Town, Kumbalangi, Vaikom and Alappuzha.
Apart from the 34 groups that visited Kochi, two other groups joined with AIDAbella here in the evening, after visiting Delhi and Agra.

Among the passengers of the ship, 1,274 tourists embarked on sightseeing tours on Sunday morning and returned to the ship by noon. “As many as 1,370 of the passengers will return to their home countries from Kochi, while the remaining passengers will continue sailing to Colombo, the next destination.

In addition, 1,000 other passengers who have arrived in Kochi in three charted flights will also join the cruise,”

cruise Terminal @ cochin Port

Kochi port, which boasts of numerous advantages, has become a turnaround port for cruise ships to the country. Efficient customs and immigration clearance systems and good supplies of food and other commodities are among the highlights of the port. Also notable is the easy accessibility to tourist attractions like Fort Kochi, Mattancherry and Munnar. The port expects as many as 50 cruise ships this season considering its advantageous positioning near the international shipping route and International Airport for Turnaround for passengers

Cochin International Airport

BEAUTY OF KERALA -MULANTHURUTHY

2014-08-27T22:10:00.001+05:30

A VIEW OF KOLENCHERY KADAVU-MULANTHURUTHY

Mulanthuruthy is a small town in Ernakulam District of Kerala. It is about 21 km south-east of Ernakulam and 8 km east of Tripunithura.
The history of Mulanthuruthy, a little village in the former Princely State of Cochin, in the early centuries of the Christian era, is obscure. Geologists are of the view that when the western part of Mulanthuruthy, was not yet formed by the mud and sand brought down by the periyar, the waves of the Arabian Sea washed the shore of this village . At that time, this village was a “Thuruthu” (Island) surrounded by “Mula” trees (Bamboo) and the name “Mulanthuruthy” was derived from that. Gradualy, the sea receded surrendering large areas, now known as, Ernakulam, Mattanchery, Vypeen etc.

The Land of mulanthurthy is blessed with great natural beauty with paddy fields,Rubber plantations,small rivers with green effect.

This place is ideal for leisure activities. It was once know as the ” Nellara of Cochin Dynasty- because of the paddy cultivation there. It is an ideal place for hanging around. if you build a friend ship with the localites you can even try your hand in fishing. It is located 6 km away from mulanthuruthy town.

Christianity flurished in this village, immediatly after the arrival of St. Thomas. This has remained a centre of Christian culture ever since the Church was founded and established in the 11th Century A.D, under the Holy Apostolic See of Antioch, and the Church was consecrated on 3rd Karkkidakkam (July),in between 1100-1125 A.D. The Church was modified in the 16th Century A.D. The carvings on the main door of the Church, made of granite, on which is inscribed in Syrian script, read as ʹʹthe door of the Mar Thoman Church was re-erected on 9th Thulam 1575 A.D.ʹʹ It is one of the ancient Churches in Kerala.

Hinterland Village is a homestay in Mulanthuruthy, a village 20 km away from the city of Kochi in Kerala, India. It is located in an estate that spreads over 7 acres where time stands still is our heritage home, more than a century old. No loud neighbours, no polluted air and no noisy traffic. No deadlines, no targets and no pesky bosses. Amidst an ocean of lush greenery, this is the ideal place to unwind and take life at your own leisurely pace.

With a wide variety of amazing birds, numerous species of spectacular butterflies, schools of fish in their breathtaking hues, some beloved pets and a variety of frogs, bats, mongooses and the like, familiar to the Kerala countryside, this little piece of God's Own Country is a small universe in itself.

Fishing

2014-08-05T21:28:00.001+05:30

The trawling ban for fishing boat has been withdrawn in the costal belts of Kerala .fishing boats are kept ready for great caught this season

Monsoon in kerala

2014-08-05T17:12:00.001+05:30

The monsoon season is going on in the state of Kerala for the last two months and its being the high time now.

KOCHI METRO RAIL IN PROGRESS

2014-04-23T13:20:00.003+05:30

Kochi Metro is a proposed rapid transit system for the city of Kochi in Kerala, India. The 25.65km metro line will run from Aluva to Petta and will include 22 stations. The Kochi Metro Rail Project is also known as Komet or K-3C.

The $950m project will be operated by Kochi Metro Rail Ltd. (KMRL), a joint venture between the Central and State governments of India.

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and KMRL signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi for executing the first phase of the project from Aluva to Pettah in May 2013. According to the agreement, DMRC will manage the technical aspects, contract orders, supervision at the project site, procurement and construction on behalf of KMRL.

The Kochi Metro will be completed in phases. The first phase is set to begin in June 2013 and be complete by 2016. The project will be operated under a build, operate and transfer (BOT) basis for a 30-year concession period.

Kochi Metro purpose and benefits

Heavy traffic congestion has necessitated the development of a metro rail system in Kochi. Buses are currently the major public transportation system in Kochi.

The new metro system will reduce traffic congestion, while providing safe and rapid transportation to commuters. It will also reduce pollution and noise levels, as well as congestion on city roads. The project will create employment opportunities for the local people.
Kochi Metrorail project details

The Government of Kerala selected DMRC to prepare the detailed project report (DPR) for the project in December 2004. The project was initially expected to start by 2006 but was delayed due to poor economic conditions.

Kerala Government requested DMRC to extend the metro route to Nedumbaserry International Airport in February 2008. The proposal was approved in April 2008.

The project received Public Investment Board (PIB) clearance in March 2012 and Union Government clearance in July 2012.

DMRC began preliminary works for the project following the clearance. Preliminary work includes the widening of three arterial roads, Banerjee Road, MG Road and South Railway Station Road, as well as the construction of a new rail over-bridge (RoB) near KSRTC station and a foot over-bridge.

The Vyttila-Petta route was widened by 26m to facilitate the construction of the metro rail. KMRL resurfaced 21 roads in Kochi to reduce traffic congestion during the metro rail construction.
Construction of Kochi Metro

The foundation work for the much-delayed project started in September 2012. Construction work for the phase 1 began in June 2013. The Phase 1 includes construction of a 25.65km-long elevated route from Aluva to Petta. The route will include 22 stations.

Phase 2 received approval from KMRL in September 2012. It will include an extension from Aluva to Angamaly via Cochin International Airport, an extension from Petta to Tripunithura, and a branch line from Palarivattom to Infopark via Kakkanad.

Kochi Metro route

The Kochi metro will feature a single line route. It will start from Aluva and pass through stations such as Kalamassery, Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), Pathadippalam, Edappally Junction, Changampuzha Park, Palarivattom, Nehru Stadium, Kaloor, Town Hall, Madhava Pharmacy, Maharajas College and Ernakulam Junction.

The Metro line will be linked to Cochin International Airport via Aluva and Tripunithura via Pettah in the future.

ICTT VALLARPADAM READY FOR OPERATION

2011-01-30T18:29:00.003+05:30

The First International Container Transhipment Terminal , Vallarpadam sez,Cochin is ready for starting the Operation. Its also one on the Port based Special Economic zone. It is expected to be inagurated by the PM on 11th of February 2011

VAGAMON

2011-01-30T17:41:00.006+05:30

Kerala also known as 'God's own country' is the home to some of the most beautiful hill stations in the world. Vagamon ( വാഗമണ്‍) is a hill station located in Kottayam-Idukki border of Kerala, India. It has a cool climate with the temperature between 10-23°C during a summer midday. It is situated 1,100 metres above sea level.

Kurisumala monastery is a famous hill station and pilgrimage center for the Nazrani Catholics where cross put-up in each sub hill stations. The nearby Kurisumala Ashram is an abode of calm and spiritual delight. This hill area includes 12 sub mounds where pilgrims visit. Travelers can enjoy trekking and climbing this high hill. The area is fully surrounded with Tea estates and lakes. Indo-Swiss Project dairy farms is situated on the hill. The hill dairy farm, managed by the Kurisumala monks. Vagamon is surrounded by three hills namely, 'Thangal hill', 'Murugan hill' and 'Kurisumala'.

Other attractions include Tea estates, pine forests, grass lands, meadows, mist and shola forests, the famous suicide point of ‘Thangal hill’, a peculiar rock formation at Thangal Para, a dairy farm in Kurisumala and the Live Stock Board. Vagamon is at the fringe of the Western Ghats and the foot hills on its lower side reach up to Teekoy with a gradual descent. Traveling by the hill highway in this section is an exhilarating experience with deep valleys and magnificent views all around. Vagamon presents very spectacular views with an ethereal touch. Rolling meadows of Vagamon, Idukki, Kerala, India. Vagamon's charm is worth experiencing and is indeed one of the must see places for tourists.

<----PINE FOREST

One speciality of Vagamon is that you will never get tired of Vagamon as each day or visit will display the varied moods of nature and climatic differences; the mist you can touch, the rain drops, the gentle breeze or the golden hue in December-January which will be greatly rewarding and soothing for you and that can romanticize your mind and thoughts. You can easily be humbled by nature and its a not -so- completely -lost pristine condition here. The trees and shrubs in Vagamon give it an added attraction. Vagamon is located 39 Kilometers from Thodupuzha ,33 Kilometers away from Palai and about 65 KM from Kottayam. Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport while the closest railway station is Kottayam. There are many fine resorts available in the surrounding areas with affordable cost for trekkers. This beautiful hill area is located in Idukki district. For local Tourist its better to carry food and enjoy the same in the pine forest and thereby have fun on the other small hills

Willingdon Island

2010-11-17T17:40:00.007+05:30

Willingdon Island is a man-made island located in Kochi, Kerala, South India. The Island was created during construction of modern Kochi Port in 1936 with the soil dredged out while deepening the Vembanad Lake to accommodate the new Kochi Port. The idea of a new Island in Kochi, was first felt by Sir Robert Bristow, who was appointed by Lord Willingdon, then-the Governor of Madras Presidency for commissioning a new modern port in West coast of India at Kochi.It is an artificial island created from It's named after Lord Willingdon Robert Bristow, the chief protagonist and engineer for the project owned the first building on the island. Today the entire land belongs to Cochin Port Trust and Indian Navy. It is Now one of the Island which has access by Air,Road,Rail and Sea.

The first liner, which belonged to the Bibby Line, arrived at the island on the 9 March 1935. A port hostel had been purposely built to accommodate any passengers who wished to rest for a few nights. The hostel was soon afterwards named the Malabar Hotel. All the pre-planned basic port structure was completed in 1939, just in time for the Second World War. A deep wharf, a rail bridge and a road bridge to the mainland provided valuable infrastructure for the local war effort. A naval works was also constructed on the adjacent Venduruthy Island to the south, where by the end of the war they were busily constructing landing craft for the presumed invasion of Japan. In 1940 a passenger jetty and customs house were built adjoining the hotel, together with a passenger platform and rail siding. The Royal Air Force quickly found use for this flat expanse of conveniently located virgin territory, and constructed a large aerodrome. The artificial isle thus became a thriving military base.

The Malabar Hotel provided quarters for all the wartime staff and the building gained a new administrative block next door to it. A new post office, an open-air swimming-bath between the hotel and offices, and a branch bank adjoining both, completed the amenities. When the British withdrew in 1947 they left behind an indispensable and significant transport hub. During its short colonial tenure the island had handled at most one million tons of freight, by 1960 this had almost doubled.

The island aerodrome was extensively developed and became the city’s modern airport. Nowadays Cochin has an international Airport at Nedumbassery, 30km north-east of the twin-city Cochin/Ernakulam. The remaining space on the island was quickly utilized in the 1950s, and far from being an unnatural appendage of the picturesque and ancient city, the isle, left behind by the British so soon after its completion, became the commercial heart of the ancient metropolis of Cochin. It is a major port in India, and a landmark in the city of Kochi, Kerala. It serves as a link between the other sea ports of the world. Willingdon Island is connected to the mainland by the road and railway Venduruthy Bridge. Southern Naval headquarters is located at this charming island. Cochin shipyard is also located near this island. It is also a major tourist center.

Willingdon Island today plays an important role in the city of Kochi and houses some of the district's best hotels, commercial and industrial offices.The island has Two Wharfs (Ernakulam Wharf and Mattanchery Wharf and a container Terminal Operated by DpWorld.The shipbuilding yard, wharf, the Southern Naval Command Headquarters and the customs house. Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industries has been strategically placed here, as is the Government of India Tourist Information Office in the vicinity of the airport.

The Island is an important Tourist destinations. Willingdon island has now become one of the important Cruise Vessel destinations in the world.
This island is a hub of activity with a number of offices, branches of national and international banks, travel agencies and souvenir shop warehouses and one cannot possibly miss visiting the place while being in the city of Kochi.

KOCHI -TRAVEL FACILITIES

2010-10-17T22:04:00.006+05:30

Kochi is well connected by air, road, rail and ferry from others parts of India, and to some international destinations by plane

Cochin International Airport

Cochin International Airport (IATA: COK, ICAO: VOCI) [1], General tel: +91-484-305-3000, Flight status and Airline desk transfer: +91-484-261-0115/261-1322/261-0033. Located in Nedumbassery, 29 km from the city center, this is the largest airport in Kerala and one of major gateway to India.

Regular flights to the Middle East and elsewhere in Asia. There are regular direct chartered services from Europe and the USA during tourist season, with scheduled connections there planned by 2011.

There is a duty free area at the international terminal, which has a good collection of international premium brands liquors, perfumes, chocolates and other items, at competitive prices. The domestic terminal has a good shopping arcade selling mainly Kerala-unique items.

Formalities and paperwork are quite straightforward, and one can get out easily, although recently security was heightened after the Mumbai terror attacks.
Facilities in and around the airport

Transit and early passengers can use the airport bedrooms on hourly as well as per night basis for Rs 750-2,000. Transit visas are available for selected nationalities and a short trip to nearby Kalady or Kodanadu or even the city is possible. The international terminal has good multi-cuisine restaurant which is reasonably priced as well as many cafes and snack corners in the waiting area. There is free Wi-Fi network, a small business center, free public telephones for local calls and large plasma televisions in the waiting lounge area. Premium lounges are available for first and business class passengers.

The airport has a good 18 hole golf course nearby. Golfers can register at the Airport Golf counter and pay green fees to use the facility. There is a small recreational center as well as bar lounge at the golf club.

There are four major airport hotels, all located opposite to the airport terminal. These offer rooms on an hourly basis. There are also many budget hotels and restaurants near to the terminal.
Getting to and from the airport
By bus

KSRTC operates four classes of bus service from the airport: regular, fast passenger, super fast express (operate every 10-20 minutes to most of the nearby towns and places), Orange-Bus A/C Volvo service (operates every 30-40 minutes only to Kochi City via Aluva, Kalamassery, Vytilla and terminates at Fort Cochin). The charge from the airport to city (Vytilla Junction- interchange for red/orange lines for entering into CBD) is around Rs 60, and around Rs 80 to Fort Cochin when using orange bus. All the bus services stop only at the bus point located near departure gate of the international terminal (city-side).

By taxi

There are regular and prepaid white taxis with no signs. Regular taxis can be caught from the taxi stand on the right side of the departure gate of the international terminal. Pre-paid taxis need to be booked at the counter in the arrival hall of either terminal. Take a receipt and walk to the prepaid taxi stand to catch your taxi. For transfers to Kochi city or airport transfers, the standard charge is Rs 510 for non air-conditioned cab or Rs 650 for A/C Cab, with an additional premium of 15-25% as night charges (7PM-6AM), while it costs only Rs 250 for a trip to Aluva. Cochin Airport recently started pre-paid airport cab services using its own fleet of various segments for short tours, city tours and transfers to other airports which is priced at standard govt rates.

By car

Many car rental companies operates counters in the arrival area of both terminals. Many hotels and travel agents provide free pick-up/drop-off services in their cars.

By copter/ Heli Taxi service

Pawan Hans, located in departure gate of domestic terminal, operates a wide range of helicopter services to almost all parts of city as well as state, which requires a prior booking. K-Air also operates air-taxi and private jets.

By train

Kochi is well connected by train from all parts of India. Most Kerala-bound trains have a major stop here. There are two major rail terminals inside the city limits.

* Ernakulam Town Station (North Station), (IR Code : ERN), +91-484-2395198, is mainly for Inter City trains and a few long distance trains.

* Ernakulam Junction Station (South Station), (IR Code : ERS) +91-484-2353751 (service inquiries 131, 133, reservations 132, 1361) is a major Indian railways station. Most of the long distance trains to and from Kerala pass through here. There is a good food court, large waiting areas, book shops, a medical shop and a few retiring rooms along with a dorm. Some of the major trains that pass through this station are:

Train Number Train Name From
2431 Rajdhani Express (Luxury) Nizammudin(Delhi), Bhopal, Pune, Mumbai, Goa
2284 Duronto Express (Non-Stop) Nizammudin(Delhi)
2623 Madras Mail Chennai, Salem, Erode, Coimbatore, Palakkad, Thrissur
3351 Dhanbad Express Dhanbad, Ranchi, Vizag, Chennai, Salem, Erode, Coimbatore
6324 Shalimar Express Calcutta, Bhubaneswar, Vizag, Chennai, Salem, Erode, Coimbatore
2511 RaptiSagar Express Lucknow, Kanpur, Bhopal, Nagpur, Pune, Vijayawada, Chennai, Coimbatore
7230 Sabari Express Hyderabad, Tirupati, Erode, Salem, Coimbatore
2625 Kerala Express New Delhi, Agra, Bhopal, Nagpur, Vijayawada, Thirupathi, Salem, Coimbatore
2643 SwarnaJayanti Express New Delhi
2653 Kerala Samparkranti Express Chandigarh
6346 Netravati Express Mumbai, Goa, Mangalore
1098 Poorna Express Pune
6309 Patna Express Patna, Gwalior, Nagpur, Pune, Hubli, Mangalore
2683 Bangalore Super-fast Express Bangalore, Salem, Coimbatore, Palakkad
2977 Marusagar Express Jaipur, Ajmer, Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Goa, Mangalore
2507 Guwahati Express Guwahati (Assam), Calcutta, Bhuvaneswar, Hyderabad, Salem, Coimbatore

Kochi has many suburban railway stations where long distance trains stop, such as Aluva, Thripunithara and Angamally. Book in advance, as trains are usually crowded and reservations close 14 days before departure with all remaining travellers going onto a waiting list. You can also try using Tatkal which is an emergency booking system costing double the normal rate, opening only two days before the departure of the train.

One of the best ways to get to Kochi is to take the Konkan Railway train from Mumbai. The train ride is renowned for the breathtaking scenery and the natural beauty of the terrain.

By bus

Kochi is accessible from all parts of the country as well as other parts of the state, through the extensive state run Kerala Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus service, as well as those run by other states. Most inter-state buses start and end their journey from KSRTC Central & Inter-state Bus Station (CBS), located in the heart of the city at Rajaji Rd. To reduce congestion at CBS, some KSRTC buses start/end their services at KSRTC Boat Jetty Stand located in Park Avenue.

KSRTC operates six type of service; Ordinary (no frills), Limited Ordinary (limited stop), Fast Passenger(point-to-point), Super Fast(Regular and A/C services), Deluxe(premium A/C) and Garuda (luxury Volvo). Sleeper Buses also ply overnight routes. Karnataka State buses run daily services from Bangalore, Mysore and Mangalore with two type of services, the Rajahamsa (executive push-back service) and Airavat (A/c Sleeper service). Tamil Nadu SETC operates superfast and executive services to many destinations like Madurai, Palani, Ooty, Coimbatore, Salem, Erode and Trichy.

Daily services to and from other major cities in South India such as Mumbai, Bangalore(12 hrs), Mangalore (12 hrs), Coimbatore (4.5 hrs) and Chennai (14 hrs), are operated by national players mostly based in MG Road, where almost all services start and end. All these buses are executive or premium services offering air-conditioned travel with good facilities and higher prices to match.

There are also numerous private buses connecting almost every district, city and town in Kerala. All private buses start/stop their journey at the Private Bus Terminal (PBT) in Kaloor. These offer very basic comforts and are rarely air-conditioned.

By car

Kochi is well connected by road from all parts of the state as well as other major cities. Three major national highways connect Kochi with other parts of country.

* NH 17, the 7th longest highway in India, connects Kochi with Mumbai via most of major towns in Malabar, Mangalore, Goa.
* The heavily congested NH 47 connects Thiruvananthapuram with Kochi and continues on to Coimbatore and Salem in Tamil Nadu via Palakkad and Thrissur.
* NH 49 connects Kochi with Ramaeswaram in Tamil Nadu which passes through Madurai via Munnar.

Kochi is well connected to other parts of state through various state highways.

By boat

Kochi can be reached by sea in yachts or the occasional cruise ship from Goa, Mumbai, Lakshadweep, Colombo and Male. Almost all leading international cruises on global voyages operate to Kochi from the US and Europe, but there is no booking office or boarding point in Kochi. There is a direct ferry service between Kochi and Colombo.

Get around

Getting around Kochi is not difficult. City transportation is not expensive even by Indian standards.

Orientation

The main city arterial road is Mahatma Gandhi Road. Travelling inside the city at peak times (8AM-10AM, 1:30PM-2:30PM; 5:30PM-7:00PM) takes a lot of time, with frequent road blocks and traffic congestion. North and South Overbridges are two of the major bottlenecks. Knowledge of side roads and crossroads is very useful to avoid traffic blocks.

Kochi has a typical Indian-style address system which is a bit confusing, as there is no sector or house numbering system. Most buildings have their own name which are commonly used along with the road name for the address, eg: Alappatt House, Diwans Road, Near Lakshmi Hospital.

Some up-market areas have their own house numbering system. Panampally Nagar and Giri Nagar are divided into various zones and each house has its own zone number followed by a house number. Many residential areas have formed their own associations and established their own addressing system. In most of the residential colonies or areas, a map sign is located at the entrance. Fort Kochi has a more western-style numbering system, yet still locals use the nearby landmarks for addressing, rather than house numbers.

Kochi has an excellent public bus network with four types of buses operated by Govt-run KSRTC and private operators. The most common option is privately operated Red buses which provides a cheap no-frills journey. Using these is not that difficult as many destination boards have English lettering in small and most bus conductors can provide assistance in basic English, though route numbers exists only on papers. Peak hours on weekdays can lead to overcrowded buses, particularly Route 1. Recently Govt-operated KSRTC launched no-frills city services Thiru-Kochi which also ply in same Red-Bus routes. Thirukochi buses can be distinguished from other buses with its blue-white livery. Most of Red and Thirukochi buses run primarily on the Big 4 Routes. These cover virtually all parts of the city. There are other feeder routes, which interconnect places between these Big 4 Routes.The fares for all city buses are Rs 4 for the first km and 55p for every additional km. The average waiting time is 1-10 mins.

Apart from regular city services, KSRTC under JnNURM's funding operates 2 class of bus services which can be distinguished from other city buses with its distinctive livery and JnNURM logo.

For premium travel low-floor air-conditioned Volvo services known as Orange buses, connects many important destinations. The rates are Rs 10 for first 5 km and Rs 2 for every km thereafter. The average waiting time is 10-30 mins. These buses do stop anywhere on the route, as per passenger's request.
Kochi Orange Bus Line- Premium Low-floor Volvo A/c Bus services

For standard travel, Yellow bus, which is non air-conditioned low floor services which virtually links all suburbs to city center. This is very ideal for budget tourists as connects to many far away tourist attractions while maintaining excellent standards. The rates are Rs 5 for first 5 kms and 75p for every km thereafter. Currently only 3 lines are served, which would be increased soon. Like Orange Bus, these bus also stops anywhere on the route, as per passenger's request. Timetable for Orange/Yellow available at KSRTC site [2].
Kochi Yellow Bus Line- Standard Low-floor Non-A/c services

All city bus services start at 6AM and end by 9PM. A certain number of seats are allocated for women in the forward portion of each bus, and men must vacate them when a woman wishes to sit there.

It must be noted that different bus shelters/stops are used for bus plying different routes. Though route notices are put before each stop, it will be in Malayalam. Route notices for Orange bus lines are now recently posted in English also. A query with locals or bus conductors helps a lot. The important city bus stations where all services touch are:

* Kaloor Bus Stand - a major city bus station and interchange for long distance private buses
* Aluva Rajiv Gandhi Bus Station - large bus station nearest to Airport and interchange for long distance services
* Fort Kochi Beach Road Bus Stand- is the major terminus, near to most of tourist attractions
* Thoppumpaddy Bus Stand- major junction for Mattencherry
* Marine Drive-Menaka Bus Stands- The heart of Ernakulam shopping with Broadway market nearby.
* Vytilla Bus Stands- major interchange for intercity and city bus/premium services
* South Girls High School Stand- nearest to South Railway station (ERS)
* Thripunithara Terminus
* Palarivattom-Padivattom Bus Stand
* Kakkanad Civil Station Bus Stand

By train

Kochi does not have any local intra-city train service. However, many suburban areas are well connected via regular passenger and long distance express trains. The most used route is between Ernakulam -Tripunithura-Mulanthuruthy ,Ernakulam -Aluva-Angamaly. Almost all regular passenger, express and intercity trains have a stop at Aluva. Regular passenger trains have 1 minute stops at Edapally, Kumbalangi, Angamally, and Aroor stations. Many long distance trains operate between Thripunithara and Kochi North station.

It is a good idea to take the rail during busy peak hours when buses are overcrowded. Equally good idea, to take rail to Aluva from city center which is the nearest point to Airport (12 km) from where a cab or Orange Route A bus can taken to avoid city congested traffic.

By autorickshaw

This is a cheap method of transport between attractions. You can find an auto stand at almost every bus stop, and at important places near junctions and residential areas. Make sure you agree on a fare with the driver before the journey. The govt fixed rates starts at Rs 10 for the first 1.25 km and Rs 6 per km thereafter with a premium of 15% at night (7PM-6AM). Pre-paid auto stands are available only in railway stations.

By taxi

Taxis are convenient, comfortable, and safer than auto rickshaws. If you are alone or going to an unknown destination, this is a good option, even though the rates will be double that of an auto. Unlike in most western countries, taxis are not usually marked with signs on the top, and do not have taxi meters inside the cab.

There are two type of taxi services, regular and call taxis. Regular taxis are normally available at designated taxi stands located at places such as railway stations, the airport, boat jetties, major bus stations and in front of important hotels.

There is no need to negotiate prices, as most of them follow fixed rates. Regular taxis have tariff cards displayed on the dashboard. Call taxis have charges fixed by their respective companies (although they are normally uniform). The standard tariffs are Rs 50 for first 3 km and Rs 8 per km thereafter. Add 10% for a cab with AC, and 15-20% at night.

Many cab companies offer full or half day services. Most of them are fixed on ad-hoc basis, based on the negotiating skills of the passenger. Typical rates are Rs 1,100/1,500 for standard/AC cabs for a full day and Rs 500/750 for a half day. These rates are not available after 7PM.

By private car

Unless you are into adventure seeking, self drive in Kochi is not recommended as driving discipline is almost non-existent. There are long stretches of roads passing through heavily populated areas that have no median breaks and most of them being bi-lane roads which are mostly congested. A few major roads like MG Rd, NH Bypass Rd and Marine Drive are two lane-dual carriageways with good medians. The speed limit inside city zone is 30 km/hr. Driving is on the left, and all foreign drivers need a valid International Driving Licence attested by the Road Transport Office (RTO). Driving outside the city limits is a fine experience with good scenery and far less traffic. Most of the bridges and few roads carry toll charges collected at manned toll plazas or checkpoints. Almost all tolls are uniformly charged separately for one/two way; 2 wheelers- Rs 3/5, 4 wheelers- Rs 5/10 and bus/minivans - Rs 15/25. Almost all the toll pass is valid for unlimited travel for a period of 24 hours, though a few bridges allow one time validity.

Car rental is not so popular among foreign visitors. Many car rental companies refuse to provide self-drive cars to Westerners. Normally a bank guarantee letter or security cheque/traveller's cheque to the value of the car or a passport are taken as security for renting the car. No security deposit is needed if the car is chauffeur-driven.

Most hotels with three stars or more provide private cars for their guests at rates slightly higher than elsewhere.

Kochi has an excellent system of cheap inter-island ferries. The Ro-Ro ferry service called Junkar between Fort Kochi and Vypeen is very popular. There are regular boat services operated by KSINC and other private operators, every 20-30 minutes, from Ernakulam to Mattancherry, Fort Kochi, Vypeen and Willingdon Island which are cheaper and in many cases faster, than buses. All services operates from 4:40AM-6:30PM with an exception to Fort Kochi-Vypin Junkar service which operates from 4AM-10:30PM. The major boat jetties are Ernakulam Main Jetty (located in Marine drive near High Court), Park Jetty (in Park Avenue next to KSRTC Bus station), Customs Embarkation Jetty in Willingdon Island, Fort Kochi Jetties. A few tourist oriented private ferries ply in non-scheduled routes during tourist seasons connecting mainly to Kumbalangi Tourist village from Ernakulam Main Jetty as well as from Aroor.

By foot

Kochi is traditionally not a pedestrian friendly city, considering the humid tropical climate, poor state of pedestrian walkways and reckless traffic. Fort Kochi is one of the better places to walk, with elaborate colonial-style stone pavements. There are many attractions in Fort Kochi which you can walk between.

By cycle

Fort Kochi is a perfect place for cycling with dedicated tracks and walkways. There are several tourist firms that offers cycles and bikes on hourly basis. A popular option is Vasco Information Center in Fort Kochi (+91-484-221-6215), which rents cycles for Rs 7 on hourly basis. However, there is no separate cycling tracks on mainland city roads. Motor-Bikes are getting popular option for tourists to take a ride in other parts of city, to avoid congestion in city roads. Take extra care while biking in Kochi roads, considering the reckless traffic.

KOCHI

2010-10-16T12:59:00.004+05:30

History of Kochi

Kochi merchants began trading in spices such as black pepper and cardamom with the Arabs, Dutch, Phoenicians, Portuguese, and Chinese more than 600 years ago. This helped Kochi to prosper and to become the gateway to old India. It was from Kochi that the colonization of India started. Portugal was first to establish its base in Kochi, followed by the Dutch and English. The Anglo-Dutch treaty of 1814, compelled the Dutch to hand over Kochi to the British in exchange for Bangka Island in Indonesia. The British managed to establish their influence over Kochi, limiting their direct administration to a small enclave of Fort Kochi and British Ernakulam with their capital at Bolgatty Island. The rest of the Kochi Kingdom was administered by Kochi Maharajas from their capital at Thripunithara. However the real administration was done by Diwans (Prime Ministers), leaving the Maharajas to patronize culture, arts and focus heavily on public health and education areas.

The foundations of modern Kochi city started when Sir Robert Bristow, a senior Royal Navy Engineer felt need of a modern large port after the opening of Suez Canal. This made creation of largest man-made island of the country, the Willingdon Island to house new Kochi Port.

In the 1930s, the Kochi Maharaja joined the public outcry to form a common state of Malayalam-speaking people by merging with the Kingdom of Travancore and British Malabar. Kochi Maharaja Kerala Varma Raja was at the forefront of this agitation, and passed the Aykiakerala Resolution in the Kochi Parliament. In 1947, the Kingdom of Kochi and Travancore merged to form the Royal State of Travancore-Kochi. The Kochi Maharaja was amongst the first to advocate the state joining the newly formed Indian Union. Finally in 1948, the state of Travancore-Kochi merged with India.

The modern skyline of Kochi at Marine Drive

Since the formation of Kerala in 1957, Kochi has been the commercial capital of Kerala as well as the seat of the Kerala High Court. Since 2000, Kochi has revitalized its economy, with a focus on tourism, information technology and the port.

Kochi has a cosmopolitian culture, highly influenced by historical trading partners, Portuguese, Dutch, Arab, Chinese, and Japanese. Kochi is the seat of the Latin church of Kerala and has many Catholic churches and followers.

Kochi was traditionally a potpourri of various Indian and international communities. Syrian Christians started the first wave of immigration, followed by Jews between the 7th and 10th centuries. Arab merchants also made a strong settlement in Kochi. In the 15th century, Gujaratis settled in Kochi, especially on Mattencherry Island, where they played a strong role in spice trading and other areas.

Later, at the beginning of the colonial era, the Portuguese, Dutch, French, and British all made their settlements in Kochi. The Portuguese had a strong influence in Fort Cochin. British culture was strongly felt, lending Kochi a strong community of Anglo-Indians.

In the early 1970s, Punjabis settled here, focusing their strong presence on the local automobile industry. Tamilians, Telugus, Kannadigas have all formed small settlements since the days of royalty. Recently, students from Cambodia, Thailand, Korea, and Indonesia have settled down in Kochi for studies and research activities. Kochi has a sizeable expatriate population mainly from European countries who have settled in Fort Kochi. Most of them are senior citizens who settled down to enjoy retirement life and many run boutique hotels and restaurants in that area. Due to the rapid growth of the city, a majority of the local population are now immigrants.

Generally, Kochinites are modern and fashionable. Being a city that has a tradition of various cultures being given equal respect, a high level of tolerance exists. The city has a modern attitude, but some basic social modesty still prevails, especially in villages and rural areas.

KOCHI-QUEEN OF ARABIAN SEA

2010-08-19T21:29:00.008+05:30

Kochi (formerly Cochin; Malayalam: കൊച്ചി) is a cosmopolitan city in Kerala with a bustling commercial port. Kochi is the financial capital of Kerala and, with a population of more than 2 million, the biggest urban agglomeration in the state

After rapid growth during the two last decades, Kochi is now one of the most densely populated town areas in India.
Kochi city consists of:

* Ernakulam Mainland City — the heart and transport hub of Kochi with three distinct parts: the Central Business District (CBD) which has Mahatma Gandhi Road (MG Road) as the main arterial road along with Marine Drive and Chitoor Road; Downtown with upscale residential areas and the business district at SA Road and Vytilla Junction and the Suburb which has many business and commercial areas.

* Willingdon Island — large man-made island made from sand dredged from the backwaters to deepen the Kochi Port. Named after Long Willingdon, then-the reigning Viceroy of India, it houses the Kochi Port, Southern Naval Command Headquarters of Indian Navy and many five star hotels.

* Islands of Mattencherry and Fort Kochi (Old Kochi) — primarily a tourist enclave. Fort Kochi forms the upper part of the Island with neatly arranged colonial buildings, narrow well-paved roads, Anglo-Dutch influenced structures and large antiques shops. Mattancherry is primarily a trading city, famous for its thriving Gujarati settlement brought to the city in the 16th and 17th centuries by the spice trade.

* Bolgatty Island — the island where the British established a Royal Residency, which is now converted into a five star hotel.

Famous for its large golf course, horse riding tracks, marina and boatyards.

* Vallarpadom Island

where the International Container Transhipment Terminal (ICTT) by Dubai Port is under construction.

LONGEST RAILWAY BRIDGE IN INDIA(8KMS) TO VALLARPADAM CONTAINER TERMINAL

* Vypin Island — one of the most densely populated islands in world with numerous fishing villages, tourist villages and the popular Cherai Beach.

* Aluva — the second largest town in Kochi U/A, famous for its Periyar river banks. Kochi International Airport is nearby.

* Thrikakara Town — famous for the large Vamana Temple, the focal centre of Onam, the national festival of Kerala. Also the home of Cochin University and other educational institutes.

* Thripunithara — the erstwhile capital of the Kingdom of Kochi is famous for various historical palaces, museums and
temples, and as a centre of the arts.

* Maradu — next door to Kochi city; an upcoming business district with numerous high-end hotels.

ENJOY THIS MONSOON IN KERALA

2009-07-17T21:51:00.006+05:30

Monsoon has arrived in Kerala. Every time heavy rain and water water every where. Enjoy & visit kerala this monsoon season. Monsoon Tourism packages are available during this season.Here are some pictures of the Monsoon in kerala

Athirapally Water falls

2009-07-10T17:07:00.005+05:30

IDDUKKI ARCH DAM

2009-06-05T22:09:00.008+05:30

IDDUKKI DAM Is one of the Largest Dam in the Gods own country Kerala. The 'IDUKKI DAM' - Asia's biggest Arch Dam of 555 feet height proudly standing between the two mountains - 'Kuravanmala' (839 meters) and 'Kurathimala' (925 meters ). This prestigeous project of is situated in Idukki District and its underground Power House is located at Moolamattom which is about 19 kms from Thodupuzha. Idukki Dam is 43 kms away from Moolamattom

The construction of this Dam commenced on 30 April 1969. Storage of water in idukki reservoir commenced in February,1973. The inauguration of trial run of the first machine was celebrated on 4th October,1975. Commercial operation of the Power Station was Commissioned on 12 February 1976 by the then Hon. Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi.

Construction of this Arch Dam and two other dams at Cheruthony and Kulamavu has created an artificial lake of 60 sq. kms. width and the water stored, is utilised for production of electricity at the unique Moolamattom Power house, which is located inside the rocky caves.

The Project harnesses a major portion of the power potential of Periyar, the largest river in Kerala State, by the creation of a reservoir of 2,000 M.cum (2 Billion Tonnes) capacity, diversion of waters thus impounded through a water conductor system consisting of a power tunnel and two underground pressure shafts to an underground power house situated in Muvattupuzha Valley. The installed capacity of the Power House is 780MW consisting of 6 Units of 180 MW each.The regulated waters of Periyar falls through a drop of about 669.2 metres (2195 feet) while generating power in the underground power house.

The tail waters flowing to Kudayathurpuzha through tunnel and open channel will later be diverted for irrigation purposes in the Muvattupuzha Valley.

After 34 years , now the government of Kerala has decided to the maintenance of the Dam and the tunnel to the Moolamattom Power house for two weeks starting from 07.06.2009. During this period the Electricity generation will be stopped till the maintenace is over. Goverment has declared a load shedding from 07.06.2009 during the peak hours.

Reaching There:

From Cochin in Kerala we can fetch many buses going to Kattapana or idukki. You can also hire a tourist vechicle to reach here.one of the important tourist destination of Kerala. Being surrounded by Hills and Green woods Kattappana is a worthy place to stay before we reaching the Idukki Dam. It is the beautiful town noted for cleanliness and attractive shoppings.

A FLOWER IN MY GARDEN

2009-06-02T18:58:00.005+05:30

This is a plant that has flowered yesterday in my garden area. It looks very beautiful with white and rose lines . Can you identify the flower.

VAZHACHAL WATER FALLS

2009-05-30T17:55:00.006+05:30

VAZHACHAL WATER FALLS is another wonderful water falls in the land of kerala. Its also
one of the dangerous water falls. The flowing of water seems to be a milky way which makes the tourist's intrested to have a feel of the same. The area is covered with rocks and there is gap in between to stand on in flowing water. Earlier there are people who go in between for thrill, which took the life of many. Now the area is protected by Dept of Forest (Govt of Kerala).Its is in the same route on Athirapally in chalakuddy river. There are three dams through this route, One is sholayar dam, where Hydel power is generated. If you would like to visit kerala, dont forget to visit Athirapally & Vazhachal water falls.

Bridge on the way to Athirappally & Vazhachal

Athirapally water Falls, kerala

2009-05-30T14:07:00.011+05:30

Athirapally Water Falls from Kerala 'Gods own Country'

Athirapally Water Falls, One of the important tourist destinations in kerala. Very good natural beauty and wildlife can be seen on this route. If you want enjoy the good scene on water fall , you have to visit the season between june to October.

I had a visit to this place recently. I enjoyed my travel in my Renault Logan, through the lushly green forest route with small rain showers.
There is a lot of water falls, Greenary & forest, Palm cultivations can be seen on this route. Very good amusement parks are available on this area.

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Route to Athirapally Water falls

Water falls on the routes

RAMBOOTAN

2009-05-19T15:45:00.008+05:30

This a fruit called Rambootan, usally found in tropicall climate areas. It tastes sweet and little sour. I have a dozen of Rambootan trees cultivated in my farm area . but only one gave the fruit ,others had flowers .Whats the reason is that there is Males & females for this tree. Males will only flower ,females will flower and bear fruit. The fruit can be harvested when it has become reddish color.

VANILLA The Taste Maker

2009-05-07T20:56:00.008+05:30

VANILLA: The taste maker is also one of the cultivation in the land of Kerala. Today I bring you a brief topic on Vanila.

Any member of a group of tropical climbing ORCHIDS that make up the genus Vanilla,and the floavoring agent exacted from its seedpods. The Plant has a long,fleshy climbing stem that attaches itself by aerial rootlets to trees; roots also penetrate the soil. Numerous flowers open a few at a times every morning and last only a day.
But polymerization should be done manually to develop the bean every day .

The fruit, a bean pod 8 in.(20cm) long at maturity is harvested as soon as it turn golden green at the base.

Curing and processing turn the pods deep choclate brown. Vanilla is used in a variety of sweet foods and bevarages as well as in perfumery. It is really a taste if you mix it with tea which is called Vanila tea.

You can also add it with chicken,Beaf & mutton curries and vegetable stews for better taste. Taste it and see the difference.

The following picture is the bean i had collected today. now it has to processed under sunlight to become chocolate brown color

This is one of the costlier bean in the world. Its price ranges from $350 and above for one kilograme.

NILAMBUR TEAK FOREST

2009-05-01T17:01:00.003+05:30

Nilambur: One of the oldest tourist destinations in northern kerala. Its really a wonderful experience i had yesterday when i travelled into the hilly areas of Nilambur. Largest teak forest is situated in this area. You can see oldest teak trees here. Its situated in between Shornur and Patambi. You can reach there by travelling
through the Ooty road. You can see a large no of wild animals if you travel through these route.You have to very cautious while driving ,any time you may have to face Elephants.Nowdays animals can be seen even in the day. The following pictrues are teak forest route through Nilabur.

Tourist Destinations of Kerala

2009-03-24T19:22:00.000+05:30

KERALA -GODS OWN COUNTRY

2009-03-24T19:01:00.000+05:30

Location : South-western tip of India

Area : 38,863 sq. km

Population : 31,838 Millions (Census '2001)

Capital : Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)

Major cities : Kochi(Cochin),Kozhikode

Language : Malayalam; English is widely spoken

Major Religions : Hinduism, Christianity, Islam

Time : GMT + 5:30

Currency : Indian Rupee

Climate : Tropical

Summer : February - May (24⁰ - 33⁰C)

Monsoon : June - July,
October - November (22⁰ - 28⁰C)

Winter : October - January (22⁰ - 32⁰C)