Kochi Weekend Getaways and Attractions

[Malayaali]

Marine Drive to wear a new look soon

New boat jetties planned along the stretch


cc: Madhyamam

[mohammedirshad06]

Tour Agency on roll.... Thanks to DTPC-Kochi

The Ernakulam District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) is all set to begin a tour division to help tourists with their travel needs.

The agency also plans to begin conducted tours to various destinations in the district, said District Collector and DTPC chairman P.I. Sheikh Pareed, who mooted the project.

“Tourists would be able to book air and rail tickets through the agency, without being exploited by unscrupulous people. They would also be able to book taxi and tourist boat trips. The ground floor of the agency's office will function as the front office for this, while the administrative block would be shifted to the upper floor,” he said.

Information counter

Though the KTDC used to organise conducted tours in buses and boats, the service is now confined to boats. With funds from Kerala Tourism getting delayed, the DTPC intends to begin the tour division using its own funds. “Domestic tourists too can reserve air and rail tickets online. We also intend to open an information counter,” said DTPC secretary T.N. Jayasankar.

The agency would have tie-ups with taxi operators and their panel is being readied.

The DTPC would get a nominal amount as commission from the tour operations, so that it is richer by around Rs.80,000 per month. There would be four counters in the agency's office.

“The Collector mooted the idea since agencies in the public sector are not offering such a wide range of services to tourists. Many tourists are exploited by private players in the absence of standardised norms. We would be able to ensure the safety and security of tourists who book tours through us,” Mr. Jayasankar said.

Tariff regulation

The DTPC also plans to classify the tourist boats that operate in the district, mainly from Marine Drive. This would be based on the facilities offered in each vessel. The tariff for hourly cruises will be regulated to prevent guests from being cheated, he said.

Kerala Tourism is yet to standardise the operation of boats, despite major accidents like the one at Thekkady involving a tourist boat. In the long run, the DTPC's aim is to enhance the quality of tourism amenities in Ernakulam district

[Malayaali]

New walkway at Central Park, Panampilly Nagar

A new walkway has been developed in Central Park for the elders.

“A society grows great when old men plant trees under whose shade they know they shall never sit in,” goes an old Greek proverb. Turning the adage around, the Panampilly Nagar Welfare Association (PNWA) has initiated the renovation of the Central Park into a space dedicated exclusively to the senior citizens of the area. The park was inaugurated by N. Venugopal, Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA), Chairman, on Monday.

A new walkway has been developed in the park for the elders to take a leisurely stroll. The footpath, paved with interlocking tiles, is 200 metres long and 2 metres wide. “A park for the elderly is a great venture as it helps them take a stroll and provide a lung space for them. The senior citizens live in concrete jungles that are highly polluted and congested,” said Mr. Venugopal.

“This place looks serene and peaceful as it is away from hustle and bustle of the city. We come to the children's park, right opposite, with our grandchildren. From now, spending some time here would be a delightful idea,” said P. Damodaran, 65 and Latha Damodaran, 56.

Panampilly Nagar, once a fallow and slushy area, is now a crowded locality with swarming people and crawling traffic.

This made it difficult for senior citizens to go for their daily walks.

“We are weighed down by the pains and aches of old age and find it extremely difficult to walk through the busy streets, in fear of being hit by vehicles. The new park looks green and peaceful. I wouldn't mind changing my route,” said 81-year-old N.G.K. Menon, a retired engineer of the Cochin Shipyard.

“We spent around Rs 4 lakh to build the walkway and renovate the park,” said George P. Korah, secretary, PNWA. “This will be a space for the senior citizens to spend quality time and will also promote togetherness,” said Mr. Korah. The Panampilly Nagar Welfare Association has around 2,000 households as members. George Vallakkalil, Secretary, GCDA; Bhama Padmanabhan and Suja Roy, Councillors; V. Gopalakrishna Pillai, Senior Town Planner; Mariamma Mammen, president, PNWA; and T.B. Venugopal, joint secretary; were among those who attended the inaugural ceremony.

[Malayaali]

Malippuram Aqua Tourism Centre awaits big development


cc: Mathrubhumi

[Malayaali]

Aqua Rider at Ernakulam Children's Park


cc: Manorama

[Malayaali]

New beach formation at Kuzhupilly


cc: Mathrubhumi

[mohammedirshad06]

Originally Posted by Malayaali

New beach formation at Kuzhupilly


cc: Mathrubhumi

This would be Nature's reply to foolish thoughts of famous Singer who believes his loss of his native beach attributes to dredging of Kochi..... If Fort Kochi lost much of its beachline, God regifted back more in form of 2 new beaches for Kochi..... And Kuzhupilly is one of new after Puthuvypeen Beach.

There was report in Times today, why many of beaches like Cherai etc not picking up. I would primarily attribute, lack of proper marketing and support facilities like more wider roads, more activities etc. I still find people making in large numbers to Fort Kochi Beach, which is just a small sand bar now.... But there was lot of marketing done for Fort Kochi in past and lot of activities in form of sightseeing, making the beach still tourist's favourite. This is missing for Northern Islands......

Once Muziris Circuit gets fully commissioned and properly marked, I feel these beaches of North will see its due.....

[Malayaali]

Cherai beach sees 20% uptick in tourist arrivals

A sharp increase in the inflow of tourists, especially from West Asia, is brightening the business prospects of Cherai beach, a beach tourism destination in Kerala.

During last year, over 500,000 tourists, including 20,000 from abroad, visited the beach, as per the data available with Cherai Beach Hotels and Resorts Development Forum (CBHRDF). The number is increasing 20 per cent annually.

A major attraction of the location is that it is situated on the northern part of Vypeen Island and is surrounded by the Arabian Sea on the west and beautiful backwaters on the east.

Sebi Paul, president of the forum and director of Indriya Beach Resorts and Spa, told Business Standard that the Muiziris Heritage Tourism Project, which connects major tourism spots and historic monuments in Ernakulam and Thrissur districts, would be a boon to the beach destination as this is in close proximity to the proposed waterway of the project.

He said that a major handicap of the area was the shortage of world-class accommodation. The number of rooms currently available is 500. Around 300 rooms would be added within the next three years, he said.

“Construction of big projects will not be allowed here due to the coastal area restrictions of the Union government. This is the major reason for such a serious handicap to the beautiful location,” he said.

The entire Vypeen Island has around 30 kilometre beach, and 12 attractive spots have been identified by the government and local bodies for developing as beach tourism destinations. These include Munambam, Kuzhuppilly, Raktheswari beach, Convent beach, Chathangad, Edavanakkad and Puthuvype.

The forum has urged the government to develop all these destinations which are suitable for beach-based tourism and water sports. The development of such a chain of beaches will attract more tourists to Vypeen Island. The service of tourism police should be provided here in order to help tourists as more than 10,000 people come to Cherai beach on the weekends and on public holidays.

The forum has also demanded that road connectivity be provided to the area. The beach road that connects Puthyvype on the south and Munambam on the north has been completed on some stretches only. Seby said that the construction of the beach road should be completed at the earliest which gives access from the south and north to the various beaches of the island.

The forum, in association with the Pallippuram village panchayat, will organise a seminar on the development of Cherai on June 29.

MV Vinoj, a tourism consultant, told Business Standard that the Muziris project would provide a big leap to the tourism sector of central Kerala and would give a good chance to the Cherai beach. The absence of collective marketing is a big handicap to the area. Some resorts like Indriya promote the place individually in the Gulf region and Europe.

He said that the number of non-resident Keralites (NRKs) who buys land and building homes is on the increase since the last five to six years.

Of late, the arrival of tourists from the Gulf region is on the increase. Around 100 activities like fishing, site-seeing and water sports had been identified by the forum for promotion of the beach. The Muziris project, which is on an advanced stage of commissioning, connects historic monuments like Paliyam Palace at Chendamangalam, Sri Krishna Swami Temple , Jewish Synagogue and Kottackavu Church, Vinoj said.

“The Phase-I of the Rs 500-crore initiative will be launched in the September–October period,” said VD Satheeshan, MLA of north Paravoor Assembly segment. Work on the project is now in an advanced stage and the construction of the Muziris Museum and various roads are progressing well, he added.

[bijuarr]

FORT KOCHI



Courtesy: Shafeek PS on Facebook

[Malayaali]

Ezhattumugham Nature Village getting new face


cc: Manorama

[Malayaali]

Master Plan for Bhoothathankettu Tourist Center soon

Convention centres planned in the project.


cc: Mathrubhumi

[mohammedirshad06]

26 golden spots of Kochi Tourism

1. Bastion Bunglow : Built in the Indo-European style way back in 1667 AD, Bastion Bungalow get its name from its location on the site of the Stromberg Bastion of the old, Dutch fort (Ernakulam)

2. Bhoothathankettu : scenic dam site with boating facilities is situated in a vast virgin forest. It is a popular picnic sport with Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary near by. (50 km north east of Ernakulam town)

3. Bolghatty : Bolghatty palace built by the Dutch in 1744. Later it became the seat of the British Resident of Cochin. Today it is a hotel run by K.T.D.C. The grounds have a small golf course & several vantage points for lovely views of the harbour & the sea (3 kms from Ernakulam by Boat)

4. Chendamangalam : This land was once the abode of the Paliath Achans, the prime ministers of the Maharajas of Kochi. Their residence, the Paliam Palace represents the architectural splendour of Kerala. The Palace houses a collection of historic documents and relics. (about 42 km from Ernakulam)

5. Cherai Beach : Cherai Beach offers a unique combination of sea and backwaters rimmed by lush green coconut palms.( 25 kms from Kochi)

6. Children’s Park : A high-tech children’s Park with Non-Conventional Energy Museum and Musical Fountain. The Children enjoy a lot with the facilities available here. (Ernakulam)

7. Chinese Fishing Nets : A legacy of the trading connections between China and India many centuries ago. The long rows of chinese nets silhouetted against the sunset present a spectacular sight of Cochin’s waterfront.( Fort Kochi Beach)

8. Chottanikkara Temple : Mother Goddes worshipped in three different forms – as Saraswati in the morning – draped in white, as Bhadrakali at noon draped in crimson, and as Durga in the evening decked in blue (13 kms from Kochi)

9. Dutch Palace : The Dutch palace or Mattancherry palace was originally built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Cochin, Veera Kerala Varma in 1555. It was later taken over by the Dutch who improved it through extensions and repairs in 1663. ( Mattanchery)

10. Hill Palace : The largest archeological museum of Kerala. Paintings, carvings, etchings and other trappings of royalty like majestic beds ,weapons and samples of epigraphy. (13 Kms from Cochin on the Ernakulam-Chottanikara route)

11. Historical Museum : Important scenes of Kerala history are portrayed through through Sculptures. Greeting the visitor outside is a statue of Parasurama ,the mythological safe who is said to have created Kerala. (6 kms from Ernakulam at Edappally)

12. Iringole Forest Temple : Iringole Kavu, a temple in tropical rain forest in the middle of a town (8 kms from Kalady Town)

13. Jewish Synagogue : The Synagogue at Mattancherry built in 1568 is the oldest Synagogue in the Common Wealth Countries. It was partially destroyed in the war of 1662, but was rebuilt by Dutch. In the mid 18th century the clock tower was added. (Fort Kochi)

14. Kalady : Kalady is the birth place of Adi Shankaracharya the great Indian Philosopher who lived in the 8th century. 2 shrines in memory of Sankaracharya – one for Dakshinamoorthy and the other for the Goddes Sharada. (Kalady, 45 Kms from Cochin)

15. Kallil Temple : A 9th century Jain temple shaped out of from a huge rock on a small hill in a picturesque surrounding. The visitor has to climb 120 steps to reach this rare historic temple. (22 kms from Kalady)

16. Kanjiramattom Mosque : It is believed that the mosque was erected over the mortal remains of a Muslim saint, Sheikh Parid. Another great Muslim saint, Baver is supposed to have prayed here and attained salvation. (Kanjiramattom, 30 km from Kochi)

17. Kodanad : one of the largest elephant capturing centres of South India. In 1977 the elephant capturing came to an end, but the elephant kraal and training centre are still there intact. (45 kms. to the north east of Cochin city and 12 kms. to the east of Perumbavoor town)

18. Kottayil Kovilakam : Kottayil Kovilakam at Chennamangalam, which was the seat of Kshatriya chieftains of Villarvattom is situated near the ancient Kunnathali temple. Chennamangalam is an important center of handloom weaving and coir manufacturing. (42 kms from ernakulam)

19. Malayattoor : A place of prayer and pilgrimage; made rich by the foot steps of St. Thomas the Apostle, who sowed the seeds of Christianity in this part of the world. (47 kms from Ernakulam)

20. Marine Drive : Marine Drive is considered to be one of the most beautiful part of Kochy city. The marine walk is the main hangout for the local populace as the view of the backwaters and the harbour from here is excellent. (Ernakulam)

21. Pallipuram Fort : Pallippuram fort was built by the Portuguese in 1503. It is one of the oldest existing European monuments in India. The Dutch captured the fort in 1661 and sold it to the State of Travancore in 1789 (This fort is situated in the northern extremity of the Vypeen Island at Pallipuram)

22. Parikshit Thampuran Museum : This museum features collections of the 19th century paintings , Pre-historic monuments , Old coins in a numismatic gallery,Scriptures in stone & Plaster of paris, Copies of mural paintings etc & the collection from the Cochin royal family. (adjacent to the Shiva temple in Darbar Hall Road, Ernakulam)

23. Santa Cruz Bascillica : This Roman Catholic church is situated near the St.Francis church and is worth a visit.It is a specimen of portugese architecture built in 1503. ‘Frescoes’and mural paintings decorate the ceiling and interior parts of the church. (Fort Kochi)

24. St.Francis Church : The first European church in India. Originally built in wood and named Santo Antonio in the 16th Century. Vasco da Gama was buried here in 1524.( Fort Kochi)

25. Thrikkakara Temple : The “Vamanamoorthy” temple has notable inscriptions dating back to the 10th-13th century (8 Kms. From Kochi)

26. Willingdon Island : A manmade island named after Lord Willingdon a former British Viceroy to india. Cochin Harbour, Southern Naval Command, Best hotels in the city, Port Trust head quarters, major trading centers etc. are situated at Willingdon Island. (Connected to the mainland by road-cum-railway Venduruthy Bridge)

[Malayaali]

European Museum may come up at Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi might soon get a European History Museum of its own to showcase its European connection.

Tourism Minister A P Anil Kumar made the statement on the museum in the Assembly on Tuesday saying that the scope of establishing a European History Museum in Fort Kochi will be keenly pursued by the government.

The statement was made by the Minister in reply to a submission made by Ludy Luiz, Anglo-Indian nominee in the Assembly, during zero hour.

“Fort Kochi’s many historical sites like the St Francis Church where the tomb of Vasco da Gama is situated and the nearby Dutch cemetery and also its unique lifestyle, have to be treasured for posterity,” he said.

Speaking about Fort Kochi’s unique heritage, he pointed out that people greeting each other in Portuguese can be seen even now when one moves through the Fort Kochi streets.

Apart from the museum, the MLA also mooted the idea of a historical tourism map bringing out the heritage of the area.

A tourist and history-based map for Fort Kochi will give a peep into a rich heritage for the present and future generations, he said.

“The idea of a touristhistory map on Fort Kochi to represent the rich legacy and tradition of a bygone era, which has left definite landmarks in the Fort Kochi region, is promising,” said Anil Kumar.

“Fort Kochi has immense potential in view of its invaluable historical value and tradition.

The government is quite aware of it.

An amount of `2 crore has been released for improving the works of the antique church at Vypeen and `10 crores has been earmarked for beautifying Fort Kochi region,” he said.

[bijuarr]

CHERAI BEACH

Lake near Beach













On the way to Munambam Beach









MUNAMBAM BEACH





















AZHIKODE BEACH

[Malayaali]

Nice pics there Biju

[Malayaali]

Adding pizzazz to the park

Come Onam, and the open air theatre and gallery being constructed at the park in Kumbalangi tourism village will be ready to delight its visitors.

The park was recently renovated under the initiative of the Kumbalangi Model Tourism Village Society with the financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh by the BPCL Kochi Refinery.

The park near Kumbalangi bridge was envisaged as part of the Kumbalangi model tourism village and was opened a few years ago with limited facilities.

An open air theatre with a gallery, a playing area for children and a food court are the major components of the second phase of development. The construction of the stage has been completed and the work on gallery, with around 200 seat capacity is going on now. We expect it to be ready by Onam,” said Kumbalangi panchayat president Usha Pradeep.

The construction work is being carried out by Nirmithi Kendra as entrusted by the district Tourism Promotion Council.

Once completed, the panchayat has plans to organise shows depicting Kerala’s folk art forms at the theatre during weekends.

“Such shows will be an experience for visitors while it ensures income for artists who are ignored often. But a final plan in this regard will be made after the completion of the work,” said Usha Pradeep.

Kumbalangi Model Tourism Society president M P Sivadathan said Kerala’s ethnic cuisine would be served at the food court. He added that a conference hall and a craft centre have also been planned at the park in the third phase development. It will be implemented at an estimated cost of `10 lakh.

The society will also launch a cruise boat for backwater cruise.

[passionfruit12]

from mathrubhoomi

[passionfruit12]

In an effort to spread green-low cost tourism, the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) is all set to launch a unique tourism project. Called ‘Pedalling through Kochi’ in association will involve a one day cycling tour across various parts of Kochi.

“We will be launching the project by August 15. The idea is to promote eco-friendly tourism packages at low costs especially targeting the younger generation. The brochures and other promotional materials are being prepared. Once that is done it will be promoted through the various help desks of the Tourism Department and through our tour operation divisions,” said DTPC secretary T N Jayasankar.

The one-day tour package will begin from the Durbar Hall Grounds. Jankars and boats will be used through the tours to cycle to places like Willingdon Island and Fort Kochi. The tour will cover Fort Kochi, Mattanchery, Willingdon Island, Vypeen, Fort Vypeen, Chellanam, Kumbalangi, Kannamaly and Marine Drive. The main focus will be on cycling through the coastal roads and historical sites.

The tourists will be led by a guide approved by the DTPC, while the lunch and resting places will also come under the tour package.

Apart for this a group of 10 or more can also opt for a customised tour.

This will include more far flung areas including Ezhattumkham, Boothathankettu, Anthakaranazhi and so on.

The package costs ` 1350 that includes the cycle rent and `450 without the cycle. “We are trying to get funds through sponsorship for the cycles. Then the cost of travel can be substantially reduced in the coming months. Only imported cycles with gear can be used as we are looking at long range travel. As of now we are looking at renting these cycles, which takes the rates up,” said the secretary.

from newindianexpress: http://newindianexpress.com/cities/k...icle581775.ece

[mohammedirshad06]

Sight-seeing cruise flagged off

Visitors to the Fort Kochi and Mattancherry heritage tourism zones can now check them out by embarking on a sight-seeing cruise from the city.

The initiative comes from the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) and the Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC). The cruise begins and ends at the Ernakulam Boat Jetty. In Mattancherry, guests will be taken to the Jewish synagogue, the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth countries, and the Dutch Palace, which has a portrait gallery of the erstwhile kings of Kochi, and also some of the best mythological murals in India.

Once the boat calls at Fort Kochi, they will be taken to the St. Francis Church that was built in 1503, the first church to be built in India by Europeans. Vasco da Gama was buried here and a few years later his mortal remains were taken to Portugal. The Chinese fishing nets is another attraction. The cruise fare is Rs. 200 per person.

First cruise

The first cruise was flagged off from the Ernakulam Boat Jetty on Saturday by KSINC’s managing director Tom Jose. A KTDC official said that the KSINC’s double-deck boat Lake Palace will have regular daily trips to the locales, between 9.30 a.m. and 1 p.m. and between 2.30 p.m. and 6 p.m. “The agency has agreed to spare another vessel - Lake Queen, which would begin service during the tourist season that begins later this year. Here, guests would be taken in a boat on a tour of Cheranalloor and other picturesque locales located off the city.”

The initiative is being seen as an apt example of how the two government agencies are utilising each other’s expertise for common benefit. The KTDC’s strength is its marketing network, while the KSINC has the expertise in operating boats and maintaining them. The KTDC’s regular sight-seeing cruises in the city were popular for around 30 years, till a boat that it operated was withdrawn from service over two years ago.

Sagara Rani

Further enhancing the ties for mutual benefit, the KTDC has agreed to market the popular sunset cruise and exclusive bookings of KSINC’s flagship vessels - Sagara Rani I and II. The cruises are a big hit, since they are the only vessels that can venture into the sea off Fort Kochi. The KSINC also offers exclusive dinner packages, where singers render gazal songs. Exclusive package trips operate all through the day. Henceforth, people will be able to book the tours from any KTDC office.

The others who were present at the flag-off function were the KTDC’s regional manager Manoj Kumar P.N., its central reservations manager I.G. Chandra Babu, manager of the Kochi reservation centre Manoj Kumar K. and the KSINC’s commercial officer Abdul Gafoor.

For details of the tours, call the KTDC’s reception centre at 2353234 or e-mail trckochi@ktdc.com.

[thanseem]

Originally Posted by mohammedirshad06

This would be Nature's reply to foolish thoughts of famous Singer who believes his loss of his native beach attributes to dredging of Kochi..... If Fort Kochi lost much of its beachline, God regifted back more in form of 2 new beaches for Kochi..... And Kuzhupilly is one of new after Puthuvypeen Beach.

There was report in Times today, why many of beaches like Cherai etc not picking up. I would primarily attribute, lack of proper marketing and support facilities like more wider roads, more activities etc. I still find people making in large numbers to Fort Kochi Beach, which is just a small sand bar now.... But there was lot of marketing done for Fort Kochi in past and lot of activities in form of sightseeing, making the beach still tourist's favourite. This is missing for Northern Islands......

Once Muziris Circuit gets fully commissioned and properly marked, I feel these beaches of North will see its due.....

wat really happened at Fort kochi? during mid 90`s i visited there quite a few times.. i am really surprised that nothing like a beach is exist there now! wen it happened?