God's Own Country - Kerala

Kerala Sunset - A Must See

2009-11-24T20:22:00.000-08:00

Movie tourism coming to Kerala

2009-09-01T09:57:00.001-07:00

Taking a leaf out of the immensely successful movies like Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter in promoting destinations in New Zealand andUK, Kerala tourism industry is all set to produce a multi-lingual feature film promoting the locales of the state.

An Indo-Italian collaboration, `In love with Kerala' is a romantic movie set in the backdrop of tourist resorts and locations in Kerala and Italy. The entire movie financed by the private tourism industry and NRIs will feature around 15 resorts spread across the length of Kerala. The venture is also supported by Kerala Tourism Department.

The major tourist destinations like Kovalam, Poovar, Varkala, Kollam beach, Kumarakom, Alappuzha, Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady, Vagamon, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Bakel etc will appear in the movie. Kerala icons like houseboats, tree houses, various art forms, culture, cuisine etc will be highlighted in the film. This is the first time a movie promoting the tourism destinations is made in India. Countries like New Zealand, Tunisia etc have guided tours of movie locations of films Lord of the Rings and Star Wars.

The film is about an Italian painter coming to Kerala to recreate the magic of the works of famous painter Raja Ravi Varma and falling in love with a Kerala model. Anish J Karrinad, director and co-scriptwriter of the movie told ET that the film would be released in English and Malayalam by March 2010. It would also be dubbed in German, Italian and other languages later.

The movie to be jointly produced by Global Movie Makers comprising NRIs and Italians and Kerala-based Tourism Movie Makers will be shot entirely in Kerala and Italy. The Italian destinations Rome, Venice and Capri Island will also be shown in the film. The expected budget is Rs 5 to 6 crore.

Italian actor Vincenzo Bocciarelli is the hero of the movie which will have popular southern movie actress Mamta Mohandas as heroine. The film will feature other actors and technicians from Mollywood. The film was launched at travel and trade show ITB Berlin early this year in the presence Hans Jorg Hussong, MD of Comtour, Germany and E.M.Najeeb, CMD of Great India Tour Company and patron of the movie.

Thripunithura Athachamayam

2009-08-14T21:21:00.001-07:00

Event Date : 23-08-2009

Venue: Thripunithura, Kochi, Ernakulam district

Come Onam, the annual harvest festival of Kerala, a myriad of cultural events take place along the length and width of Kerala. If you want to fill yourself with the spirit of Onam in its true sense, you shouldn't miss Thripunithura Athachamayam, a spectacular event which marks the beginning of Onam celebrations. The Athachamayam festival includes a dazzling procession of caparisoned elephants, colourful floats, and the staging of some of the awesome art forms of Kerala that include the Theyyam, Panchavadyam, Chendamelam, Pambamelam, Karakattam, Mayilattom, Ammankudam, Aattakavadi, Pulikali, and so on. Floral carpets, the colourful attraction of Onam can also be seen.

Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Thripunithura, about 1 km away.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 30 km from Thripunithura.

Anayoottu of Gods Own Country - Kerala

2009-06-21T06:36:00.001-07:00

Event Date : 11-07-2009

Venue: Vadakkumnatha Temple, Thrissur
This July, get ready to witness an unusual event at the famous Vadakkumnatha Temple in Thrissur. At the peak of the Monsoon rainy season in Kerala, the premises of the Vadakkumnatha Temple will witness an annual feast; not partaken by humans but by dozens of domesticated elephants. It is a special occasion for the elephants as part of their health rejuvenation, when they are fed with specially prepared medicinal food. This feast is witnessed by thousands every year, which takes place on the first day of the Malayalam month of Karkidakam, which roughly corresponds to the months of July / August every year. This is a time, considered to be the most ideal for rejuvenation therapies for humans also according to the principles of Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine.

Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Thrissur, about a km away.

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 58 km from Thrissur

Monsoon Tourism is the next season for Kerala

2009-06-05T23:43:00.001-07:00

With monsoon setting in early in Kerala, the tourism industry has shifted focus to monsoon tourism. Kerala Tourism has been promoting monsoon tourism successfully for the last few years with different packages.

This year, Wayanad Tourism Organisation (WTO) has decided to romance the rain in a unique way stressing on the positive aspects of the monsoon. The group comprising 30 members owing hotels, resorts, homestays etc. is coming out with a new product which its says will become an annual feature. Titled Splash, the monsoon carnival will have programmes for the discerning tourist who loves rains.
WTO general secretary K.R.Vancheeswaran told ET that the event stretching for nine days from July 3 to 11 will organise outdoor and indoor activities with local flavour. The objective is to encourage the tourism activities of the district during the monsoon.
For those who like to get soaked in rain there will be country rafting, paddy transplantation, ploughing, crab catching, local archery, elephant ride, slush football and volleyball and biking in the wet weather,'' Mr Vancheeswaran said. It will be organised at a central place where all the members can bring their visitors.

The indoor cultural events that will start in the evening will have the usual cultural fare of Kerala including kalaripayattu, mohinyattam, kathakali, theyyam, tribal dances, rain songs with local cuisine to add to the rain mood. During the event WTO will also honour the people from Wayanad who have contributed their mite in different spheres like, sports, arts, agriculture etc

WTO has decided to promote the product aggressively in major cities of the country. In addition, it will also participate in all major tourism events and road shows conducted by Kerala Tourism. The WTO has also planned discounts and ayurvedic rejuvenation programmes to attract more tourists to the events.

Wayanad has been attracting lot of tourists in the last few years including the IT crowd from Bangalore. The annual tourist flow is estimated to be around 5 lakh. The economic slowdown has not hit Wayanad tourism as the place has mostly small players, according to Mr Vancheeswaran.

Partnership Meet 2009

2009-05-23T03:34:00.001-07:00

Kerala Tourism has decided to conduct Partnership Meets in the domestic markets as scheduled below.

Sl No.	Places	Dates
1	Chandigarh	27 April
2	Nagpur	11 May
3	Pune	13 May
4	Mumbai	15 May
5	Kolkatta	14 July
6	Delhi	17 July

As you know the partnership meet is a perfect platform to interact and team up with leading tour operators and hoteliers from Kerala and to enhance your business prospects. Around 30-40 leading trade partners from Kerala will be attending the show.

The business session has been scheduled from 3 pm to 8 pm. There will be a specially choreographed cultural show at 6pm featuring the art forms of Kerala. The Kerala tourism films will also be screened during this time. The dinner has been planned at 8 pm.

The chief executive of your esteemed organisation is hereby specially invited to attend the show and is also requested to nominate two other representatives from the firm to participate in the event and to join us for the dinner.

Please note that there is no participation or registration fee to attend the show as buyer.

The venue details will be informed to you after receiving your confirmation.

Contact Persons : T V Prasanth - 0471-2560444
B S Biju - 0471-2560439

Kerala Tourism Organizes Travel Video Festival on YouTube too!!!

2009-05-21T23:34:00.001-07:00

The last date for submitting entries in the competitive category of the Travel Video Festival organized by Kerala Tourism on YouTube would be May 31, 2009.

Video films depicting the lifestyle, culture, heritage and any other subject on Kerala can be submitted for the award. Entries for the award should be send as video response to the branded channel of Kerala Tourism on YouTube (www.youtube.com/keralatourismdotorg).

Details are available on the website of Kerala Tourism (www.keralatourism.org). More than hundred prizes await the winners.

It was one year back, based on an agreement with Google that Kerala Tourism started its branded channel on YouTube (www.youtube.com/keralatourismdotorg). This has videos highlighting the unique tourism and cultural features of Kerala. Around one million people have viewed the videos in a span of one year.

The branded channel also features promotional movies and documentaries produced by Kerala Tourism. Viewers of YouTube will also be able to view the films submitted for the award.

The festival offers fabulous gifts. The first prize winner will get five nights / six days holiday package to Kerala for two persons. This would include two-way flight tickets to reach Kerala from any part of the world.

Second prize winner will get five nights / six days holiday package to Kerala for two persons. This would include two-way flight tickets to Kerala from any part of India.

Besides, there are hundred consolations prizes. The terms and conditions of the competition are available on www.keralatourism.org.

Jet2Kerala

2009-05-20T04:17:00.001-07:00

Kerala Tourism has tied up with Jet Airways to launch Jet2Kerala, an innovative joint promotion initiative to make Kerala more accessible to holiday travelers. As part of Jet2Kerala, Jet Airways will offer discounted seats in every flight that touches down Kerala from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai. These seats, offered at never-before low rates, will be bundled and sold exclusively with Kerala Holiday packages

List of Jet2Kerala partners

Adventure World (India) Pvt. Ltd

108, Pragati Tower, 26 Rajendra Place
New Delhi -110008
011 25724462, 25721861, 25737320
info@adventureworldindia.com

Airborne Travels Pvt. Ltd.

E-99, Greater Kailash Enclave - 1
New Delhi 48
011 46505050, 98110 41642 , 9811141641
airbornetrvl@vsnl.com, mailus@airborneholiday.com, info@airborneholiday.com

Aries Travels

Press Road,
Thiruvananthapuram
0471-2330964
ariestravel@gmail.com

Balmer Lawrie & Co. Ltd.

Core 8, Scope Complex, Lodhi Road
New Delhi - 110003
24361571, 24360762, 24361405, 24363421
jgarora@ndb.vsnl.net.in

Bird Travels Pvt. Ltd.

E-9, Connaught Place
New Delhi - 110001
23329199, 23713679
bird@vsnl.com

Carlson - Wagonlit Travel

7E- 7H, Vandana Building, 11, Tolstoy Marg
New Delhi - 110001
23322000, 23319689
pgandhi@carlsonwagonlit.co.in

Chalukya Grace Tours Pvt Ltd

Tower House, Convent Road
Trivandrum
04712470660, 09847771229
chalukyagrace@gmail.com

Coatline Holidays Pvt Ltd

Opp Kairali Appartments, Panampally Nagar
Ernakulam - 682015
0484-2311469
william@coastlineholidays.com
www.concordtours.in

Concord Exotic Voyages

G 293, Panampilly Avenue, Panampilly Nagar
Ernakulam - 682036
0484 2318002 -04
kochi@concordtours.in
www.concordtours.in

Cox & Kings (India) Ltd.

Indra Place, H Block,Connaught Circus
New Delhi - 110001
51513806-15, 23738811, 23738397, 51513823
triloka@coxkings.com

D. Paul's Travel & Tours

#B50, Shivalik, Malviya Nagar
Delhi-110017
011-41255555, 011-41255580, 9212647104
info@dpaulstravel.com
www.dpaulstravels.com

Dolphin Travels Pvt. Ltd.

205-206, Competent House, F-14, Middle Circle, Connaught Place
New Delhi - 110001
23321199, 23723597
holidays@nda.vsnl.net.in, info@dolphinindia.com
www.dolphinindia.com

Elfin Travels

9/13, East Patel Nagar, Near Hotel Soddharath
New Delhi 110008
11 25823866, 25722207
elfintravels1996@yahoo.com
www.elfintravels.com

Eminent Holidays

B/102, Padmavati Palace, 1st Floor, Nandapatkar Road, Off Nehru Road, Vile Parle (E)
Mumbai - 400057
(022) 39604543 (D), 26135637
eminentholiday@vsnl.net, eminent@mtnl.net.in

E-Tours

B-13 / A, Nandbhuvan Industrial Estate, 21, Mahakali Caves Road, Andheri (E)
Mumbai - 400093
022 43421111
contract@etourscrs.com

Far Horizon Tourst Pvt. Ltd

66, Charmwood Plaza, Eros Garden, Near Surajkund
Haryana
+91-1294098000, 9810152903
sanjay@farhorizonindia.com

Friends Globe Travels Private Limited

#JC-43, Khirki Extension, Malviya Nagar
Delhi-110017
011-42536666

GEM Tours & Travels India Pvt. Ltd.

54, Hughes Road, Mani Bhuvan, Ground Floor, Opp. Dharam Palace
Mumbai - 400007
022 23677070
sheetal@gemtravels.com

Genser Holidays (P) Ltd

Near Ayurveda College, Dhanay-Ramya Theatre Road, GPO
Thiruvananthapuram
0471-305 414, 9744441124/26/27
priyaharikumar@genserholidays.com

Hi Tours (India) Private Limited

33-34, Regal Building, Parliament Street
New Delhi-110001
91-11 41500007, 41501616, 41501610
psyal@hi-tours.com, tickets@hi-tours.com
www.hi-tours.com

Holiday At Kerala

SAJ LUCIA Bldg, East Fort
Thiruvananthapuram
+91 0471 2575425
holidayatkerala@asianetindia.com

Indebo Travels

116-117, Aurobindo Place,Hauz Khas
New Delhi - 110 016
91 11 47165500, 47165500
mail@indebo.com
www.indebo.com

India Travellite ( Top Communications)

22, Godavari Chambers, Junction of S V Road & Adukia Road, Kandivali (W)
Mumbai - 400067
022 28079992
indiatravelite@gmail.com

Intersight Holidays ( P) Ltd

Anna Buildings, N H Bypass, Thykoodam, Vyttila
Ernakulam
9349757004
rajesh@intersight.in

Intersight Tours & Travels

28/243, Benista Building, S.A.Road, Panampilly Nagar
Ernakulam - 682036
91 484 2313396, 2316637
info@intersight.in, mail@intersight.in
www.intersighttours.com

Jayashree Travels & Tours

Pettah
Thiruvananthapuram
+91 471 2722447
vikraman@jayasreetravels.com, tours@jayasreetravels.com
www.jayasreetravels.com

Kerala.com Travel Division

2nd Floor, G 66, Elders Rorum Road, Panampalli Nagar
Cochin-682 036
0484-4011406
reservation@keralatravels.com

Kerala Holiday Mart

Chiramel Building, Sreekandath Road
Cochin-682 016
0484-4043391
keralaholidaymart@gmail.com

Kerala Holidays Pvt. Ltd

HIG-57, Panampilly Nagar
Cochin
91-484-2313396, 09349757006
thomas@intersight.in

Kerala Travels Interserve Ltd

Koithara Building, Jos Junction, M. G. Road
Cochin-36
0484-2311466
keralatravelscochin@asianetindia.com
www.keralatraveller.com

Lohanas Holidays

Brahma Krupa, Kamala Nehru X Road 2, Kandivali West
Mumbai – 400067
022 28052060, 28651348
sanjiv@lohanatoursindia.com, sales@lohanatoursindia.com
www.lohanatoursindia.com

Marvel Tours Pvt. Ltd

Door No.36/567G, Ananthapuri, P.F Road Kaloor
Ernakulam - 682 017
91-484 - 2336998/5444
info@marveltour.net , sejoe@marveltour.net
www.marveltours.in

New Airways Travels Pvt. Ltd.

#84, Tolstoy Lane, Near Lok Nayak Jaya Prakash Hospital, Janpath, New Delhi H.O.
Delhi-110001
011-23320467, 23712717, 41514354
newair@del3.vsnl.net.in

New High Flying Travels Pvt. Ltd.

#E34, 1st Floor, Connaught Place, Near British School of Language, New Delhi H.O.
Delhi-110001
011-41517777, 011-41517778
sales@highflyingholidays.com
www.highflyingholidays.com

Palakal Tours & Travels

F 5 vraj siddhi tower, Rahamahal Roadn Near market char rasta
Vadodara 390001
0265 2425631, 09447404737
mail@palakaltourskerala.com

Perfect Holiday Services

7 & 8, Abba Apartment, S V Road, Opp. Boston Hotel, Jogeshwari (W)
Mumbai - 400102
022 26791207 / 6704
jagats@vsnl.com

Perfect Travels

108, Pragati Tower, 26 Rajendra Place
New Delhi -110008
011 25724462, 25721861, 25737320
perfect@nda.vsnl.in
www.perfect_travels.com

Pioneer Personalised Holidays Pvt. Ltd

Pioneer House, 5th Cross Road, Willington Island
Ernakulam - 682003
0484 2666148, 2666393
pioneer@pner.com
www.pioneertravels.com

Prime Travels

L - 8 Green Park Extension
New Delhi-110016
91-11 4670-0000
info@primetravels.com
www.primetravels.com

Royal Tour & Travel Company

2nd Floor, Chandrika Building, M.G. Road
Ernakulam - 682011
484 - 2367720 / 2381760
royalgroup@vsnl.com
www.royalindian.com

Seasoned Traveller

106 B, Neelkanth, 98 Marine Drive
Mumbai 400002
022 22811030, 022 22811476
seasonedtraveller@gmail.com

Shah Tours & Travels

1, Avon Arcade, D J Road ( Station Road )
Mumbai -400056
022 26103073
shahtravels20@hotmail.com

Speedways Hotels

409, Janki Centre, Off. Veera, Desai Road, Andheri (W)
Mumbai - 400053
022 66929161- 5, 26730331
speedwayshotels@vsnl.com
speedwaysholidays.com

Spice Land Holidays Pvt. Ltd

Suite 4 - 4th floor, Saniya Plaza, Near KSRTC
Ernakulam - 682 035
0484 2369707
info@spicelandholidays.com
www.spicelandholidays.com

Strawberi Holidays (A Unit of Kesari Tours)

Ruby House, Near Kesari, Mahim
Mumbai - 400016
022 24321616
rakhi@strawberi.in

Swagatam Tours Private Limited

203, Swagatam Chamber, 23-A, Shivaji Marg,Najafgarh Road, Moti Nagar
New Delhi - 110015
91-11-25444000 – 25444009, 25444010 - 25444011
swagatam@vsnl.com, request@swagatam.com

The Great India Tour Company

Door No.27/543-B,Panampilly Avenue, Panampilly Nagar
Ernakulam - 682036
+ 91 484 2317004
asarath.ate@ategroup.org
www.greatindia-holidays.com,
www.ategroup.com

Thomas Cook (India) Ltd

3rd Floor, Thomas Cook Building, Dr. D.N. Road, Fort
Mumbai - 400 001
+91-22-6.6091557, 66091595, 98203 80135
laxmikant.patil@in.thomascook.com

Touristic Solutions

Touristic Solutions,Unit No:306, Bldg No:2(Service),New Sonal Link Industrial Estate,Link Road , Malad West
Mumbai – 400064
022-32562758, Mob: 09920585248 / 09324597970
keralatour@hotmail.com
www.keralatouristic.com

Travel Shoppe

E-2, Saidham, Saibaba Nagar, Borivali (West)
Mumbai
+91-22-40162021, 09869112107, 09987099443
travelshoppe40@yahoo.com

TSI-Travel Services International Pvt. Ltd.

301-302, Kailash Building, 26, Kasturba Gandhi Marg
New Delhi - 110001
011 23359074
tsi@ndb.vsnl.net.in, manik.arora@tsi.co.in
www.tsi.co.in

UNO Tours & Travels

Peringattu Builidng, Sreekandath Road, Ravipuram
Kochi
0484-2373744
mail@unotoursntravels.com

Vacation India

T.C.11/1969,PLAMOOD JUNCTION,PATTOM PALACE P.O
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
0471-2312028,3075377
vacation@asianetindia.com

Wills India

SRLA 19, SHANKAR ROAD, Sasthamangalam
Thiruvananthapuram -695010
+91 0471 2725292, 2725439
willsind@vsnl.com

Ochira Kali in Kerala

2009-05-15T12:20:00.001-07:00

Start Date: 15-06-2009
End Date : 16-06-2009

A large number of people took part in Keralas Ochira Kali festival in the last year in kerala, a mock fight to commemorate a battle between two rulers. The festival is organized annually during the monsoon season. People dressed in colourful attire, take part in the festival. The participants fight each other in a mock battle standing in knee-deep water, brandishing mock swords and shields while splashing water and mud.

The fight is the final part of the annual festival of Ochira temple. Thousands of devotees, including residents and tourists, witnessed the festival.

“My father was an expert in this battle. Now I am leading one team, I came here when I was just five years old. We also have a two and half year boy in our team. Our team consists of 40 members. This festival is observed to re-enact the battles fought between the rulers of Kayamkulam and Ambalappuzha,” said Krishnan, leader of a team.
This festival has been there since ages. Sometimes I come here to watch the mock fights and on other occasions after the fight to pray here,” observed Savitri, a devotee.
This unique place of worship has neither a structure to house an idol nor an idol to worship. The presiding deity here is the abstract principle of the Parabrahmam or the Universal consciousness.

The Oachirakkali, the annual festival at the Parabrahma temple, has a historical background and highlights the martial skills of the participants.
The erstwhile rulers of Kayamkulam and Ambalappuzha are said to have fought a battle at this place, and the festival is conducted to commemorate the historical event.
On the first two days martial displays are presented, turning the padanilam (battle field) into an arena of action-packed artistry. On the following three days there is a cattle and agricultural fair, now a declining rural spectacle, being revived by tradition.

Trivandrum - Shankumugham Beach - Giant Statue of Mermaid

2009-05-08T09:17:00.000-07:00

Kerala farm tourism popular among Gujaratis

2009-04-30T23:30:00.000-07:00

A treasure trove of ayurvedic herbs, Kerala is attracting people with a penchant for these from Gujarat. In addition to this, tourists wanting to learn more about farming are visiting Kerala, with small paddy, herb and spice farms forming attractive destinations.

"We have had people coming in for spas and wellness tours, wildlife and adventure tours as well as for luxurious, relaxing honeymoons and vacations. However, many in recent times are coming in for 'farm tourism'," said Satheesh KN, additional director general of the Kerala Tourism Board.
The people interested in 'farm tourism' want to know more about ayurvedic herbs and spices that grow in Kerala and the methods and techniques used by the farmers there, he said.
Kerala, termed as 'god's own country', was listed among the '50 places you must see before you die' in a worldwide survey of Travel and Living, in 2008. It was the only Indian state to make it to the list.
Athipotta, Kakkayur and Vaikom are some of the places where tourists can learn about farming; backwater areas like Thalavady, with small paddy and herb farms, are also of interest to them.
"It was enchanting to see spices like black pepper, nutmeg and turmeric, which have strong essence. I wanted to learn how they are grown in such fine quality in Kerala, which was why I decided on the trip," said spice merchant Raval Trivedi.
Though not the most-popular tours, these agricultural trips are gaining in popularity among Gujaratis. "Many people combine such trips with spa and wellness packages as they are then able to understand the importance of the herbs better," said city-based private-tour operator Jainik Biwas.
The state capital, Kochin, has places such as the Gujarati village, where many Gujaratis stay and offer accommodation and home-grown food. The agriculture tours are informative and educative, and many youngsters wanting to learn about this at the
grassroots level have taken such trips.
"During the peak season, from March to November, we organise a cultural festival called Ulsavam, which promotes the dying arts and crafts of Kerala. This is a learning experience for visitors," said Satheesh

Kadammanitta Padayani

2009-04-11T09:06:00.001-07:00

Start Date: 14-04-2009
End Date : 21-04-2009

Venue: Kadammanitta Devi Temple , Pathanamthitta district.
If you have missed a Padayani performance, you have missed a great part of Kerala's folk culture. This ritualistic art form, high in energy, awe-inspiring and charming is very popular in and around Pathanamthitta district.
The Devi (Goddess) temple in Kadammanitta village in Pathanamthitta is one of the best venues for you to watch this spectacular performance. The week-long festival here features a wide variety of Padayani performances. The festival is celebrated every year from the first day of the Malayalam month Medam. It is the last day of the festival which features the most elegant of Padayani performances. So, when are you coming?

Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Thiruvalla, about 30 km from Pathanamthitta.
Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport , about 105 km from Thiruvalla.

Attukal Pongala

2009-04-10T02:02:00.000-07:00

Event Date : 10-03-2009
Venue: Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram
Yes, it is a grand temple festival. But do you know that it has found a place in the Guinness Book of World Records? It is the Pongala festival celebrated at Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, at Attukal in Thiruvananthapuram city, which has won this prestigious distinction for being the largest gathering of women for a religious purpose.
Pongala is a ritualistic offering of a sweet dish consisting of rice porridge, sweet brown molasses, coconut gratings, nuts and raisins. The word Pongala means ‘to boil over’. This is believed to appease the leading deity here, who is known as Attukalamma (Mother of Attukal).
Only women are allowed to participate in this ritual. Right from the previous night, thousands of women, regardless of caste, creed and colour assemble at the temple premises and on either side of the roads leading to the shrine to make the Pongala offering. Devotees from across the country and even from abroad participate in the ritual. Mind coming?
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram Central, about 2 kms.
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 7 kms.

Attuvela Mahotsavam

2009-03-21T19:41:00.000-07:00

Event Date : 28-03-2009
Venue: Elamkavu Bhagavathy Temple , Vadayar.
It is a special visit. You may have never seen such a welcoming ceremony. The Attuvela Mahotsavam of Elamkavu Bhagavathy temple is the ceremony in which, according to legends, the goddess of Elamkavu welcomes the Goddess of Kodungalloor, her sister, who has come to visit her. It is a water carnival. During the festival, beautifully illuminated canoes, carrying a huge replica of the temple, float down the waters accompanied by hordes of colourfully decorated small canoes and temple percussion music. The procession of canoes starts from attuvela kadavu, 2 kms away from the temple. Never miss the sight.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Ernakulam, about 30 km away.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport , about 50 km away.

Kuttikkol Thampuratty Theyyam

2009-02-18T19:37:00.002-08:00

Starts On : 22-02-2009
Ends On : 26-02-2009
Venue: Kuttikkol Thampuratty Bhagavathy Temple at Kuttikkol near Erinhipuzha, Kasaragod.
The Kuttikkol Thampuratty Theyyam festival which showcases most of the major Theyyams is a fascinating event. The festival with its psychedelic colour and pageantry is unforgettable.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Kasaragod, about 28 km away.
Nearest airport: Mangalore, about 50 km away.

Adoor Gajamela - Kerala

2009-02-18T19:37:00.001-08:00

Event date: 05-02-2009
Venue: Parthasarathy Temple, Adoor
Are you a fan of those majestic tuskers of Kerala? If the answer is yes,then we suggest an excellent occasion to get closer to the elegant jumbos while watching them enjoy their day out. It is the Gajamela, or the pageant of grandly caparisoned elephants held as a part of the annual festival at Parthasarathy temple, Adoor. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, as the charioteer (Sarathy) of Partha (Arjuna), a mythological character in the epic Mahabharata.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Chengannur, about 25 km away
Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 92 km away

Machattu Mamankam

2009-02-18T19:37:00.000-08:00

Event Date : 17-02-2009
Venue: Machattu Thriuavanikkavu temple, Vadakkancherry, Thrissur
Just walk through the venue of Machattu Mamankam or Machattu Vela, the annual festival at Machattu Thiruvanikkavu Temple in Vadakkancherry, Thrissur and you will find that Kerala is far more excellent than that in your imagination. This rural festival captures well the pulses of a village and represents the innate culture of Kerala better.
Kuthiravela, a procession carrying decorated horse effigies is a major attraction of the festival. These effigies are brought to the temple as an offering to Kovilamma, the presiding deity. Traditional musical ensembles like Panchavadyam and Chendamelam accompany the procession.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Thrissur, about 21 kms away
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 58 kms from Thrissur.

Thaipooya Mahotsavam

2009-01-21T15:46:00.000-08:00

Event Date : 08-02-2009
Venue: Sree Subrahmania Swamy Temple, Haripad, and Sree Maheswara Temple, Koorkancherry
'Thaipooya Mahotsavam' the one-day festival dedicated to Lord Subramanya, the eldest son of Lord Siva and Goddess Parvathi, is celebrated in most temples in Kerala. It is celebrated with much pomp and festivity in the Sree Subramanya Temple at Hrippad in Alappuzha and the Sree Maheswara Temple at Koorkancheri in Thrissur. On the day of the festival, hundreds of devotees carry Kavadies or wooden arches richly decorated with peacock feathers, tapestry or artificial flowers, on a ceremonious procession to the temple and dance in abandon unfolding a magnificent spectacle in the temple precincts. Thousands of small traditional oil lamps fixed on the outer walls of the temple are lit on the festival night. You have to choose from these two temples, it is true, but, the spell is not less in either choice.
Sree Subramanya Swamy Temple, Harippad, Alappuzha
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Harippad, about 5 kms away
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 85 kms away from Alappuzha
Sree Maheswara Temple, Koorkancheri, Thrissur

Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Thrissur, about 2 kms away.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 58 kms from Thrissur

Technology Fest "Tech-envision 2009" in CUSAT

2009-01-15T23:04:00.000-08:00

Tech-envision 2009 is a national level technology fest organised by the students of CUSAT(Cochin University Of Science and Technology). Tech Envision’09 aspires to pave the way for the technical aspect of students throughout India. There are many events like:

1. C bugging.
2. Treasure hunting
3. Robotics
4. Gaming
5. Online C programming

etc

You can get more information from the website: http://tech-envision09.org

Pattambi Nercha

2009-01-03T15:45:00.001-08:00

Event Date : 01-02-2009

Venue: The Pattambi Mosque on the main road of Pattambi town, Palakkad district.
Pattambi Nercha is a festival held in memory of Aloor Valiya Pookunjikoya Thangal, a Muslim saint of Malabar. A grand procession of nearly 100 caparisoned tuskers, colourful floats, music concerts like the Panchavadyam and the Thayambaka and folk art forms form the highlights of the festival. The procession concludes late at night on the banks of River Bharathappuzha where the Panchavadyam rises to a crescendo and the art forms take on a spectacular magnificence.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Pattambi railway station is at a walkable distance from the mosque.
Nearest airport: Coimbatore, in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu about 55 km away from Palakkad.

Arthunkal Perunnal

2008-12-20T07:24:00.000-08:00

			Event Date : 20-01-2009

Venue: St. Sebastian's Church, Arthunkal, Alappuzha district. Arthunkal Perunnal, the feast of St. Sebastian, is a 10-day festival which falls sometime in the beginning of January. The highlights of the concluding day of the festival include an extraordinary ritual devotees crawl on their knees all the way from the nearby beach to the church. Afterwards there is a ceremonial procession to the beach. Getting there: Nearest railway station: Alappuzha, about 22 km away Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 85 km from Alappuzha.

ORUMA Beach Festival 2008

2008-12-07T04:57:00.001-08:00

Venue: Nattika Beach (Thrissur)
Date: 26th - 28th December 2008

A Beach Fair brings together the famous Artists of traditional Classical & Folk performing arts along with the Masters of Sea Food makers. A series of artistic performances & Cultural entertainments, various delicious dishes of Sea - foods attracts art lovers & tourists from far & near.

Ente Nadu Meet for Tourism Development

2008-11-20T00:36:00.001-08:00

Kerala Tourism is all set to organize “Ente Nadu” (My Land), a conference meant to ensure the active participation of Non Resident Keralites in the tourism development of the state. The conference, which is scheduled on December 23 and 24, 2008, will be held at Kochi, informed Mr. Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, Minister for Tourism. Non Resident Keralites have contributed enormously towards the economic development of the state, and the same is expected of them from the tourism perspective as well, he informed. "Having played a key role in spreading the social and cultural heritage of our state around the world, we now look forward to the whole-hearted support of the NRKs in helping us script Kerala Tourism's success story," the Minister said.

Kerala Tourism has chalked out a programme called Malayalee Tourism Brand Ambassador Programme, which will provide on-line opportunities for NRKs to earn special privileges and incentives for motivating people to visit Kerala. They will also be given investment opportunities in the fast-growing tourism sector of Kerala. The active participation of the 3.5 million odd Keralites will be sought toward this end, the minister added.

The conference is jointly organized by the Departments of Tourism and Industries. Presentations by Kerala Tourism, other government bodies, interactive sessions, project partnership and the announcing of the NRK Tourism support cell will be the major events of the conference. Tourism Resorts Kerala Ltd, a Government of Kerala Undertaking, has been appointed as the nodal agency for conducting the event.

For more details, log onto: www.keralatourism.org/nrkmeet

Bakrid

2008-10-14T06:16:00.000-07:00

Event date: December 8, 2008
The festival of divine sacrifice, Id-ul Adha, popularly known as Bakrid, is duly celebrated by the Muslims of Kerala. It falls on the tenth day of Dhul- Hagg, last month of Muslim calendar. To mark the day, believers offer a goat or Bakhr to commemorate the sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim. On the festival day, believers flock to the mosques and open places to offer prayers. Gifts and good wishes are exchanged.

Kanathoor Nalvar Bhoothasthanam

2008-10-13T06:15:00.000-07:00

Starts On : 28-12-2008
Ends On : 01-01-2009
Venue: Kanathoor Nalvar Bhoothasthanam, Kasaragod district.
Theyyam, the colourful ritual dance of Kerala is one of the oldest art forms of India. It incorporates dance, mime and music and the rudiments of ancient tribal cultures, which attached great importance to the worship of heroes and ancestral spirits. An array of theyyams, the fascinating dance form of Kannur, including Chamundi theyyam, Vishnumoorthy theyyam and so on are presented at this festival.

Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Kasaragod, about 20 km away.
Nearest airport: Mangalore about 50 km away