Cochin Carnival 2011

Kochi Carnival, Kochi Festival or Cochin Carnival in the present form is started about three decades back. The commencement of the Cochin Carnival in India roots back to the period when colonialism ruled supreme in Kochi. This year carnival will be celebrated on December 31, 2010 and January 1 2011. The new year eve programs and the the parade mark the event. Cochin Carnival is a merry making feast observed during the last week of every year in Fort Kochi in Kerala. The Cochin Carnival is the most revered and famous event of the city of Kochi. Numerous native people participate in it and experience the lighter side of life. It has been conjectured that the Portuguese rulers greeted the New Year in a truly grand fashion. Absolutely dazzling ceremonial elegance and unparalleled splendor marked the parties and fiestas that were conducted by them so that they could celebrate to their heart's content. Events like Sea-Swimming, Beach Volleyball, Beach Football and Beach Bike Race make the Cochin carnival more interesting and amusing. Even prizes are awarded to the competition winners. On the New Year's Day elephants are brought out on the roads and the tunes of the instrument known as 'Panchavadyam' reverberates throughout the city.

The Sabarimala Temple

The Sabarimala Temple, the place where Ayyappan meditated after killing the powerful demoness, Mahishi, is a Hindu pilgrimage center located in the Western Ghat mountain ranges of Pathanamthitta District in Kerala. The Sabarimala temple is situated on a hilltop at an altitude of 468 m above mean sea level, and is surrounded by 18 mountains and dense forests. The temple is reached by climbing a flight of 18 steps covered in gold that signify different aspects of human nature and a devotee who crosses these 18 steps is said to have attained "Punyadarshanam". In January every year, thousands of devotees gather at Sabarimala to view the "Makaravilaku", “Makarajyothi” or divine flame that is visible during one particular day of the Makara star. The Sabarimala Temple is one of the most popular Hindu Pilgrim centre in South India. Sabarimala, Kerala can be reached by Air from Trivandrum (170 kilometers) or Cochin (200 kilometers) and then by bus, by Rail getting at Kottayam and Chengannur and then by bus and by Road Sabarimala is well connected to Kerala, Andhra, Tamilanadu, Karnataka by a wide network of roads. A lot of locals visit Sabarimala pilgrimage by walking long distances.

The Thirumullavaram Beach in Kollam, Kerala

The Thirumullavaram Beach in Kollam, Kerala is situated at a distance of around 6 kilometers to north of Kollam. Unexplored and untouched by time, the beach offers unadulterated tranquility and peace of mind. Thirumullavaram Beach in Kollam, Kerala is ideal for activities like swimming and sun bathing. Thirumullavaram Beach is excellent for bathing. about a quiet day far away from the madding crowd If that sounds like something you'd really enjoy, This secluded beach is a beautiful picnic centre. About one and a half kilometre into the sea is the Nyarazhcha Para. Tourists can reach here by road from Kollam. There are many local tourists spending their days here.

Bolgatty Island Kochi, Kerala

Bolgatty Island is one of the finest tourist locales in Kochi. The exotic seas scape and the serene ambiance of the island are worth a visit. It is an island of calm right in the midst of the bustling City of Kochi. Bolgatty Island is a narrow stretch of an island, easily accessible from the mainland. Located beside Ernakulam Island and Willington Island, the place is a favorite tourist hangout. Bolgatty is an island located near the mouth of Kochi harbour. The island is famous for the Bolgatty 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 the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation. Bolgatty Island of Kochi is a small island which is just a boat ride away from Kochi harbour mouth. The small journey amidst the cool breeze is very interesting. The grounds contain small golf links and has several vantage points for lovely views of the harbor and the sea. Get set for an exotic island experience in Bolgatty.

Jewish Synagogue Kochi, Kerala, India

Located at Mattancherry, about 24 km from Cochin International Airport, Kerala India, this synagogue built in 1568 by the prosperous Jewish community, is the oldest in India. Among all the common wealth countries of the world, the Jewish Synagogue, Kochi is the oldest existing synagogue. It is also referred to as the Cochin Jewish Synagogue or the Mattancherry Synagogue. The synagogue is located in the quarter of Old Cochin known as Jew Town. Synagogue is commonly spoken of as a "Shul" by Orthodox Jews, "synagogue" by Conservative, and "Temple" by Reform. "Synagogue" is a good all-around word to cover the preceding three possibilities. The Jewish Synagogue is a combination of architecture from Portuguese and Dutch. It is also called Paradesi and Mattancherry Synagogue. Jewish synagogue is located near the Dutch Palace in Mattancherry. It was partially destroyed by the Portuguese in the war of 1662 and was rebuilt by the Dutch. One of its interesting features is the hand painted willow pattern floor tiles brought from Canton in China in mid 18th century and no two tiles are alike. The interior offers many delights: a Belgian chandelier, scrolls of the Old Testament, copper plates on which were recorded the grants of privilege made by the Cochin rulers to the Jewish community in the 4th century and finely wrought gold and silver crowns gifted to the synagogue by various patrons. The Kochi Synagogue at Fort Kochi is the oldest Jewish synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations. The area around the synagogue is known as Jew town whose by-lanes that wind around offer charming sights of houses built in Dutch, Portuguese and British styles. The Synagogue itself is elaborately decorated with crystal chandeliers and carved wood with blue and white ceramic. There are many antique shops located nearby this place. The Jewish Synagogue in Kochi and the surrounding areas are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kerala. Europeans visiting Kerala come and spend hours enjoying the colonial cultural remaining.

The Payippad boat race of Kerala

The Payippad boat race of Kerala is held in Payippadu near Harippad in Kerala is held every year in the month of either August or September. In Kerala, Payippad boat race is a major event that draws a huge crowd from all nearby places. Payippad Vallom Kali or Boat race is held during Onam days every year. It is held continuosly for 3 days starting from the Thiruvonam day.The Payipad Boat Race is perhaps the oldest boat race of Kerala. The accurate historical evidence is not available. This three-day long water regatta literally thrills this land of lagoons. Snake boat pageantries are held on the first two days and the race is on the Thiruvonam day. The event has religious importance as well. Legend has it that the idol of the temple was found from the Kayamkulam lake. The villagers brought the idol to the temple in a colourful journey escorted by country boats. The boat race is held in commemoration of this event.

 

 

Nehru Trophy Boat Race Punnamada Lake near Alappuzha

Nehru Trophy Boat Race is a popular Vallam Kali held in the Punnamada Lake near Alappuzha, every year on the second Saturday of August. our Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru visited Alappuzha and had the chance of experiencing the tremendous excitement of sailing in a snake. As a token of gratitude, he donated a rolling trophy to be presented to the winner of the Snake Boat Races in future years. he race conducted on the second Saturday of August every year is a major tourist attraction. The sheer atmosphere is enough to give you a high. The snake boats that are used in this festival can go up to 140 feet in length.

Kerala Boat Races

As we have described earlier Kerala is a land of Lakes and Back waters. Kerala History and couture are very much related to water and water sports. Boat races are the most popular water sports celebrated every year with huge public participation. It is like European league football in Europe. The boat races are mainly team events competitors are people from nearby villages. They fight for the cup and procession of the cup is considered as a great achievement. The uniqueness and the spirit of this game invited several local and foreign tourists just for this wonderful event. The boat race festival of Kerala is held annually, the dates being decided by the traditional Malayalam calendar. Let us go into the details of Kerala boat races celebrated at different parts of Kerala. Different types of boats participate in various events of the race are Churulan Vallam, Iruttukuthy Vallam, Odi Vallam, Veppu Vallam (Vaipu Vallam), Vadakkanody Vallam and Kochu Vallam.... Karichal,Kallooparamban, Chambakulam, Nadubhagom, Paayipaadu, Kaavalam, Alapaatu, Aanari, Cheruthana, Aayaparambu, St.George, Jawahar thaayankari, Vallamkulangara, Valiya Divanji, Sri.Ganesh, Paarthasarathy, Ambedkar , Pattara ,Ellikkulam,Vadakkeaattupuram and Deva's Chundan are the name of popular snake boats who participate in the Chundan Vallam category. The following boat races will be discussed in detail:

• Kallada Boat Race

• Indira Gandhi Boat Race

• Champakulam Moolam Boat Race

• Aranmula Uthrattadi Vallamkali

• Payippad Jalotsavam

• Kumarakom Boat Race

• Ochirakali Boat Race

If you know any more boar races please help me with the details!

Kerala Hill Stations

As we have stated earlier Kerala is a thin strip of land lies between Arabian sea and western Ghats. So there are several hill stations available in Kerala. Though they are very small they all have got their own unique characteristics. There are several fans visiting these hill stations on early basis. Kerala laying near the equator is getting hot and humid climate most of the ear. During summer season it will be a pleasurable outing to Hill stations. We have discussed about Devikulam Hill Station, Vagamon Hill station, Malakkippara, Thenmala Eco Tourism Project Etc. in the coming posts we will discuss about Munnar, Thekkady, Wynad and more.

Chavara Fest 2010 – A Festival of Traditional Cuisine

Chavara festival is started. The traditional festival of Nadan Bhakshya Mela attracts several local tourists. The festival is organised by Chavara Cultural Centre at Rajendra Maithanam, Kochi. The tastes of yester years are available. Also there are cultural programs. Tourists come here and taste the exotic tastes. Local preparations and tastes are served in traditional ways. The festival is open to tourists from 11 AM TO 11 PM. Also there will be folk art shows every day. The festival will last upto December 6.

Devikulam Hill Station

Devikulam is a beautiful hill near Munnar in Kerala.Devikulam located 16 kms from Munnar Hill Station and it is 143 kms from Kochi, the Kerala business capital. Devikulam is more popular among local tourists. Devikulam is known so for the reason that Goddess Sita, wife of Lord Rama, once had a bath in a pond nearby and hence this place is named after the incident.The Devi lake with its mineral water is a natural gift. Sita Devi Lake, Chinar Wildlife, Tata Plantations etc are tourist attractions About 1800 meters above the sea level and 16 kms southwest of Munnar, Devikulam is a small and beautiful hill station in Kerala, South India. You can reach here by road by bus and taxi services from Kochi, Madhrai and Coimbatore.

Vagamon Hill station

Lying at an altitude of 1100 m above the sea level, the Vagamon Hill station provides unlimited holidaying facilities all year round. Vagamon hill station is comprised of a beautiful series of hillocks, valleys and cascading waterfalls that make it the ideal getaway for tourists. One of the most beautiful places in Kottayam, Vagamon hill station is a beautiful place and a much sought after tourist destination. The hill station is located at a height of around 1100 meters above sea level.This beautiful tourist spot situated at a distance of 100 km from Cochin and 60 km from Kottayam. Vagamon is very near to Thodupuzha. This hill station is popular for paragliding, mountaineering and rock climbing. The chain of three hills - Thangal Hill, Murugan Hill and Kurisumala - is a mark of religious accord. The dairy farm managed by the Kurisumala monks is worth a visit.

Emmanuval Silks Fashion Fiesta

Emmanual Silks, the world’s Largest Wedding Collection, has shops at Kottayam (Near Collectorate) and Thrissur ( Near Sakthan Stand) is celebrating 45days Fashion Fiesta. Emmanuval Fashion fiesta offers a Mercedes Benz as bumper prize and 101 kg of Gold as other prize. They also offers surprise gifts with every purchase! The whole attractions starts from first December 2010 and lasts upto 15th of January 2011. Celebrate Wedding season and Christmas with Emmanuval Silks. New year also can be paying!

Emmanuval Silk’s new showroom is opening at Kochi shortly!