Archive for 'Kerala Travel Blogs'Kerala Travel Centre pays tribute to Steve Jobs.
Few men have had the kind of impact Steve Jobs has had on the world and our lives. A visionary in the true sense of the word, Steve Jobs is a hero like no other and someone whose visions will continue to inspire us and the world. As Kerala Travel Centre pays tribute to this magnificent human being, it promises to continue to incorporate within its culture Job’s mantra to ’stay hungry…stay foolish’. RIP
Kerala Travel Centre introduces the Indian Grand Prix and Golden Triangle Tour!
Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush as you witness the Grand prix being held in Delhi this October. The Indian Grand prix promises to be a spectacular event and Kerala Travel centre brings you the unique opportunity to make this a once-in-a-lifetime experience where you can combine the races with a tour of the famous Golden Triangle of India. Book KTC’S 7 night Grand Prix & Golden Triangle tour where you can not only witness the exciting races staying in Delhi but also go on a tour after the event, where you will unravel the magic of historical Delhi, discover the enchanting Taj in Agra and explore the colourful bazaars and highlights of Jaipur. Click here to see details of the tour. It is also of course possible to combine this tour with extensions to breathtaking Kerala. Call experts at the Kerala Travel Centre today to discuss a tour of a lifetime.
£65 Million treasure discovered in Kerala temple’s secret cellar!
Said to be at least 2000 years old, the Padmanabha Swamy temple in the old part of Trivandrum in Kerala is considered by devotees to have protected the old city from all evils and misfortunes.
The temple, which through the ages has received the patronage of the prevailing ruling families and devotees, has a unique architecture which is a beautiful fusion of different Indian styles. Even the idol of the deity in the temple is acclaimed as a marvel. The inner spaces of the idol are lined with around 12000 sacred stones said to have been brought on elephant back from the bed of a river in Nepal while the outer frame is made from the wood of medicinal plants. It is no wonder then that devotees and visitors flock in large numbers to this fascinating temple. However, on Monday, the 27th of June 2011, the temple had some unusual visitors. A seven member team (most of them officials from the government) who were ordered by the Supreme Court of India to make an inventory list of items at the temple, arrived in the morning for what they thought would a few hours of routine work. Their orders included checking the contents of six cellars (Cellars ‘A to F’) in the temple which had always remained unopened. The team decided to start with Cellar ‘C’. The scene that unfolded in front of their eyes could have been straight out of a Hollywood treasure-hunt block buster - only this was real. 450 pots of gold, a golden umbrella, gold vessels, a gold stick and silver were amongst the items that literally dazzled the officials. Each of the gold pots weighed around 1.2 kilograms and are believed to be valued at approximately £130,000 each (INR 90 Lakhs). The total value of the treasure is estimated to be around £65 million (450 Crore Indian rupees)… …And these are just the contents of Cellar C. The other five cellars in the temple are yet to be checked. Will it hold more treasures???….watch this space for more. Whilst we might not be able to tell you about what other treasures remain undiscovered in Kerala, we can certainly give you a wealth of information (pun intended) about the region. Call one of Kerala Travel Centre’s experts on freephone 0808 178 9799 today and we promise that you will be as amazed as we are when you discover the invaluable delights of Kerala.
Its Mega boat race time in Kerala…
Kerala’s captivating backwaters are a picture of peace and tranquillity as they cruise lazily along picturesque banks, quaint villages, coconut groves and blankets of green paddy fields. At the Kerala Travel Centre we always advise travellers that no Kerala holiday is complete without experiencing the peace and calm of the backwaters on a luxury houseboat or ‘kettuvallom’. Yet it’s that time of the year where another type of boat makes news, a time when the quiet backwaters are suddenly transformed into an arena of frenzied sporting activity. It is a time when boats of all sizes jostle for space along the banks of the Vembanad and people flock from far and wide to watch the world’s largest team sport event. Yes, its mega snakeboat race festival time in Kerala! Picture this; rows of 60-70 meter long, sleek banana shaped boats, brass mouldings decorating their sterns, their brows raised 10 feet above the water, each manned by 100-125 oarsmen. With more than 10 boats participating together, that’s more than a 1000 people competing at the same time making this an event more spectacular than any other. ‘Chundan Valloms’ as these boats are called derive their name from their raised brows which make them look like serpents. It’s not only the actual spectacle of the event that makes it special; it’s the whole experience that comes with it. To get to the venue of the event, one would have to cruise along the magical backwaters where local life will unfold before you as an unassuming people go about their daily chores, having clearly adapted their ways to the water. As you arrive at the venue, your boat will manoeuvre around houseboats and other motorboats vying for space - to find the right location from where to watch this grand spectacle. As the boats race, battling for supremacy on the backwaters, cheered on by the supporting crowds, the mood is electrifying and the tension evident in the air. If you are travelling to Kerala in August or September then this is an event that you definitely should not miss. THE STORY BEHIND THE RACES: The story of how these mega boats came into existence is also very interesting. Legend has it that about 200 years ago two rival kings in Kerala went to war with each other. Being a land of waterways, most disputes in those days were settled on the water. One of the kings ordered his chief architect to build a war boat that could carry soldiers and cannons. The architect came up with a unique design - a boat that could not only carry cannons and soldiers but one that propelled forward when the cannons were fired. Not to be left behind, when the rival King heard about this, his architect was ordered to build a similar boat. The second architect built a boat that was very similar in design but one that propelled in the opposite direction when the cannon were fired. Over the years the dispute between the kings was resolved the boats remained. Boats were also the main means of transport for most people in Kerala in the early days. As modern modes of transport evolved, the waterways went quieter. Traditional rice barges were converted into the luxury houseboats that travellers now cruise on. The ‘Chundans’ (snakeboats) however did not fit into the modern scheme of things. To keep the fierce competitive spirit of the ‘chundans’ alive, they were put to race. Year after year come harvest time, the Ponnumuda Lake in the backwaters now turns into an arena where the boats compete. In place of where the cannons used to be, you now have two people standing and beating the platform with logs to maintain a rowing rhythm. There are about 25 singers on the boat whose rhythmic chants drive the 100 odd oarsmen into frenzy. The strongest boatmen sit at the front to build and maintain pace while the back of the boat is managed by 6 helmsmen who stand and help steer the boat. The person at the highest point being the chief oars men. It’s a spectacle to watch. BOAT RACES TO WATCH OUT FOR THIS AUGUST & SEPTEMBER: The most noteworthy boat races in Kerala are as follows; The Champakalam Moolam Boat Race, the oldest snakeboat race in Kerala held on the day the deity at the Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna temple was installed. This year the race is being held on 14th July 2011. Perhaps the most prestigious boat race is the Nehru Trophy Boat Race. Held each year on the second Saturday of August, this boat race commemorates the visit of India’s first Prime Minister, J.N.Nehru to Kerala when four chundan valloms were sent to receive him and a mock boat race was organised in his honour. Nehru was so fascinated by the race that when he returned to the capital he sent a silver trophy to the winning team and since then this race is held each year. Each year, the races get bigger and better and hundreds of travellers visit the backwaters to witness the event. This year the Nehru Trophy race is being held on 13th August 2011. Then there is the Payippad Lake Boat Race which will be held in Allepey on 11th September and the Aranmula Snake Boat Carnival held in the River Pampa on 14th September 2011 which are both spectacular events as well. Experience the mega boat races in Kerala with the Kerala Travel Centre this year. If you are planning a holiday in August or September then call one of our Kerala experts today on 0808 178 9799 who will tailor-make a tour to include one of the boat races. These tours will include an exclusive motor boat from which you can enjoy the grand spectacle.
The Zuri…Five star luxury along the backwaters!
Experience world class luxury on the banks of the sensuous backwaters of Kerala at the Zuri…a resort that will take you into an ethereal world that offers comfort and tranquillity in equal measure. Spread over a sprawling eighteen acre estate, the luxurious rooms at the Zuri face the mesmerising Vembanad lake. A classy multi cuisine restaurant offers a choice of delightful International food while the resort’s chic bars (including a pool bar) and cigar lounge provide the ultimate respite. The Spa at the Zuri is considered to be one of the finest in Kumarakom and holds the distinction of being the only one that offers both Indian and oriental massages. Whether you decide to lose yourself in the luxurious comforts that the Zuri provides or indulge in the many activities that are on offer (Read- fishing, fresh water swimming, canoeing, going on houseboat cruises) you are certainly in for a luxury break of a lifetime. Click here to view details about the Zuri or call one of Kerala Travel Centre’s experts on freephone 0808 178 9799 to find out more.
Queen Elizabeth pays Kochi Port a visit!
British luxury cruise liner Queen Elizabeth dropped anchor at the Kochi (Cochin) port on the 26th of March making it the fortieth luxury ship to have docked here in the last financial year. Three more cruise liners including the Queen Mary 2 (which is the largest luxury liner in the world) are expected to dock in Cochin later this year. Kochi is fast emerging as the busiest cruise destination in the country. So what makes Kochi (Cochin) such a favourite hotspot for visiting ships? Passengers who spoke to Kerala Travel Centre mentioned their fascination for the region’s many contrasting highlights and we were only too delighted to put together day tours that showcased Cochin in all its glory. From discovering the bustling metropolis of Ernakulam where they went shopping for souvenirs to exploring the many captivating highlights in cultural Fort Kochi, guests enjoyed a sojourn through one of India’s finest towns. Whats more, we even organised for local cookery demonstrations for the delighted guests. It is, after all, perhaps the only district in Kerala where one can experience urban comforts on par with other major cities in India and also the history of many centuries bygone making it the perfect amalgamation of the old and the new. To learn more about Cochin or Kochi as its now called, call the Kerala Travel Centre on 0808 178 9799 and we would be more than happy to regale you with stories of a city we so love!
Kerala Tourism’s ‘Your Moment is Waiting’ video wins the Golden City Gate award!
Kerala Tourism’s Your Moment Is Waiting’ video continued its winning streak with its latest achievement being the Golden City Gate Award, dubbed the Oscar of the travel industry. The film bagged the award at the world’s leading travel trade show ITB Berlin 2011. The awards were presented during the Golden City Gate competition in Berlin during March 9 – 13. “We are honoured by the award, which is a prestigious prize in the travel industry. This is the second time Kerala Tourism has received this award,” said Kerala Tourism Director M. Sivasankar. Mr. Sivasankar received the award, which recognizes the best in tourism advertising across the world, from Wolfgang Jo Huschert, President of the Golden City Gate jury. There were six categories in the competition: city tourism, hotel, region, economy, spots and commercials and TV-Travel Magazine. The winners were picked by an international jury which considered visual performance, acoustic over impression, emotional effect, value of information, conception and creativity. The members of the international jury were selected from a wide field, such as tourism, hotel and city-marketing, public relations, music, art, advertising agencies, managers of tourist offices, business and individual travellers, ministers and ambassadors. ‘Your Moment Is Waiting’, a three-minute ad film, premiered in London in September last year, had won an unprecedented three Pacific Asia Travel Association Gold Awards last month. Click here to view the ‘Your Moment’ is Waiting Video and we are sure you will be inspired enough to plan your next holiday to Kerala.
Why the Stars flock to Kumarakom!
One lazy laidback destination in Kerala attracts discerning travellers and celebrities like no other…and that’s Kumarakom. Located some 75 kilometres from Kochi, Kumarakom consists of a cluster of little islands along the enchanting Vembanad Lake. With its vast expanse of shimmering backwaters, it’s indulgent and laidback atmosphere, its total isolation from the din of urban living, and its wide choice of accommodation ranging from modest home stays to five star luxury resorts, Kumarakom holds an irresistible appeal for the footloose traveller. Little wonder the place attracts its share of high profile celebrities including the likes of pop singer Janet Jackson and ex-Beatle Paul McCartney and his wife Heather Mills. For everyone looking forward to a lazy, laidback vacation in Kerala, Kumarakom is the place to be.
A popular attraction in Kumarakom is the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a 14-acre enclave on the eastern banks of the Vembanad Lake. The sanctuary is a favourite haunt of migratory birds such as egrets, Siberian storks, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, and wild duck. The best way to watch these birds is by boat. Pathiramanal (midnight sands) is an enchanting 10 acre island on the Vembanad Lake that can be accessed by boat from Kumarakom. This island is also home to a variety of migratory birds from different parts of the world.
Numerous resorts have come up in the area, including properties owned by the Taj, Zuri group and the CGH Group among others. Incidentally the much acclaimed CGH group property called Coconut Lagoon in Kumarakom has just won this year’s prestigious Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Award for Responsible Tourism, one of the four grand awards instituted by the organization in the environment conservation category. To include Kumarakom as part of your Kerala holiday call one of Kerala Travel Centre’s experts today on freephone 0808 178 9799 or visit www.keralatravelcentre.co.uk.
Following in the footsteps of Kate Humble’s Spice Trail tour! (As shown on BBC)
BBC presenter and traveller Kate Humble embarked on a journey along India’s ‘Spice Coast’, Kerala to uncover the story of pepper, a spice once known as ‘black gold’. Sought after across the world, few know of its real story and origins. As Kate went from one region to another in Kerala following the spice trail, she discovered the history of this amazing spice and how it enticed European invaders to come to the shores of Kerala. Amongst other things Kate discovered the pepper dance used to shake the berries from the stalk, saw first hand, the use of the spice in cooking and learnt the old secret language of pepper traders while at the same time discovering Kerala.
Kerala Travel Centre is proud to present its ‘Spice Trail tour’ which gives you the opportunity to follow in the foot steps of the presenter and go on a fascinating journey of discovery. As you unravel the many mysteries of spices in Kerala, you will also get to enjoy the region’s many delightful highlights including its mesmerising tea plantations, enchanting backwaters, captivating wildlife and vibrant culture. Explore spice plantations, witness actual spice trading, indulge in some fantastic culinary experiences and visit places that became historical for its spice. Those who missed the program can view it by Clicking Here. Call Kerala Travel Centre on freephone 0808 178 9799 or visit www.keralatravelcentre.co.uk for more details.
Kerala Tourism Wins Top Honours at the PATA Awards 2011.
Kerala Tourism walked away with four of the top honours at the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Awards 2011 for outstanding achievement announced in Bangkok on Thursday, February 3, 2011. Three of the awards were bagged by the State Tourism Department’s new global campaign film ‘Your Moment is Waiting’. This is the largest haul ever by any state government in the history of the PATA awards. Calling it an unprecedented honour, Kerala’s Tourism Secretary V. Venu said that the awards were ‘recognition of the hard work by Kerala Tourism, its department, associates and its agencies in managing the Kerala brand and devising an innovative marketing strategy.’ Kerala, which is the only Indian state to have figured in this year’s PATA awards, also picked up one of the four PATA Grand awards in the environment category for its ‘Responsible Tourism’ efforts in Kumarakom. The PATA Gold award in the corporate environmental programme category for best eco-friendly practices went to Kerala’s prominent resort chain CGH Earth. Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan who also heads the Tourism Ministry apart from his responsibilities as Home Minister was philosophical, saying ‘The grand award puts an even greater responsibility on us to ensure that the achievements of responsible tourism in Kumarakom are sustained and taken to the next level to create a replicable model in tourism practices.’ Launched in September 2008, the ‘Responsible Tourism’ programme was the first such initiative by a tourism board in India. Under the project, ordinary people of Kumarakom worked with industry representatives like hotels and resorts, tour operators, travel agents, home-stay operators, souvenir shop owners, NGOs and government agencies to protect the environment in the high-profile destination. For more information on Kerala tourism’s initiatives or for more information on the destination call the Kerala Travel Centre on Freephone 0808 178 9799 or visit www.keralatravelcentre.co.uk
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