Columnist: Shailesh Nair

Tinge is an in-house restaurant of Hotel Delmon in Panaji, Goa. Earlier the restaurant was called Malaka Spice which served some really fancy food. Now the restaurant has changed to Tinge which serves several cuisines. Tinge’s menu is a flavourful journey across India’s coastal belt. The blend of spices and flavours, ‘Tinge’ comes from the land of the coasts. The perfect combination of delicacies from Goa, Malwan, Kerela, Tamilnadu, Andhra, Bengal and other coastal regions spread across their menu inviting the tourists for a delicious culinary journey. In this video, Shailesh shares his experience of having a Goan Thali in ... Read more

Terminal 2 of the Cochin International Airport has undergone a face-lift recently. The terminal, which was renovated with around Rs 240 crore, now boasts of state-of-the-art facilities along with traditional Kerala architecture. ‘Kerala Art Arcade’ installed near the security check area in level 2 has become the main center of attraction in the airport. The terminal is set up on the theme of ‘Ettukettu’ – a traditional style house in Kerala – and the art arcade is designed with a ‘nadumittam’ (center courtyard) with a ‘Koothambalam’ replica and mural paintings. It also displays the state’s traditional dance forms which include ... Read more

Kalaripayattu (sometimes shortened as Kalari) is an Indian martial art and fighting system that originated in Kerala. Some practitioners claim that it is the oldest martial art in existence, with its origin dating back to the 3rd century BCE. According to ancient folklore, Sage Parasurama, who was an avatar of Lord Vishnu, is believed to be the founder of martial arts in India. Kalari has Two main styles, namely Vadakkan (Northern) & Thekkan (Southern). While the Vadakkan style focuses more on the forms & postures due to the more ancient spiritual aspect and teaches the Weaponry & Combative aspect after finishing it, while Thekkan is more combat ... Read more

From last years presentations The Kochi-Muziris Biennale is an international exhibition of contemporary art held in Kochi, Kerala. It is the largest art exhibition in India and the biggest contemporary art festival in Asia. The Kochi-Muziris Biennale is an initiative of the Kochi Biennale Foundation with support from the Government of Kerala Kochi-Muziris Biennale takes place in a range of venues centered around Fort Kochi-Mattancherry, with Durbar Hall in Ernakulam. The Biennale spaces are, for the most part, heritage properties that have been preserved, repurposed, and developed for the exhibition. Works of 94 artists will be on display from 12th ... Read more

Bakel Fort, Kasargod Kasaragod is located at the northern end of Kerala, comprising of Hosdurg and Kasaragod taluks which were part of undivided Kannur District. In the east the district is Kodagu and Dakshina Kannada districts of Karnataka, the Arabian Sea in the west, and the Kannada District of Karnataka in the north. The district is bounded by the Kannur district. Recently, Bekal Resorts Development Corporation Limited  (BRDC), has conducted a tour programme named ‘SMiLE Ambassador Tour’ as part of their experiential tourism ventures, which has started on 5th and concluded on 8th December.  The participants of the event were ... Read more

Bakel Fort, Kasargod Kasaragod is located at the northern end of Kerala, comprising of Hosdurg and Kasaragod taluks which were part of undivided Kannur District. In the east the district is Kodagu and Dakshina Kannada districts of Karnataka, the Arabian Sea in the west, and the Kannada District of Karnataka in the north. The district is bounded by the Kannur district. Recently, Bekal Resorts Development Corporation Limited  (BRDC), has conducted a tour programme named ‘SMiLE Ambassador Tour’ as part of their experiential tourism ventures, which has started on 5th and concluded on 8th December.  The participants of the event were ... Read more

Bakel Fort, Kasargod Kasaragod  is located at the northern end of Kerala, comprising of Hosdurg and Kasaragod taluks which were part of undivided Kannur District. In the east the district is Kodagu and Dakshina Kannada districts of Karnataka, the Arabian Sea in the west, and the Kannada District of Karnataka in the north. The district is bounded by the Kannur district. Kasaragod is said to be the crown of Kerala,  a land of many different languages, the history of the invasion and resistance, testimonies of historical forts, remains of innovative culture of the modern stone age like ‘Chenkallarakal’, ‘Nannangatikal’, ‘Muniyarakal’, ... Read more

The 66th edition of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race (NTBR) took place at the Punnamada lake in Alappuzha on 10th November 2018. Around 81 boats, including 25 snakeboats, made a splash on Punnamada Lake. The event gave the much-needed impetus to the flood-ravaged backwater tourism sector. Kerala Governor P Sathasivam has inaugurated the event in the presence of Kerala ministers and other dignitaries. South Indian young star Allu Arjun flagged of the race. Kerala Blasters foot ball team was also present at the venue to cheer up the oarsmen. Payippadan has become the fastest snake boat (Chundan vallam) and winner ... Read more

Surrounded by the Vembanad Lake, Vaikom embraces travellers with its beautiful water bodies and serene village life. Exploring the backwaters, narrow canals and life of the small villages of Vaikom is best possible through canoe cruises which are close to the hearts of nature lovers since it is eco-friendly. A laid-back cruise in a canoe soaks one in the rich natural beauty of the surrounding greenery. The pottery village of Vaikom grants travellers a chance to watch the enthralling process of rendering life to clay and mud. Visitors can experience the village life on the way. traditional coir making, pottery, ... Read more

In order to convey the message that Alappuzha is ready to receive tourists to its backwaters, the Alappzuha District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) has organized a campaign with the tag line ‘Back to Backwaters’. A house boat rally was organized as part of the promotion campaigns on 2nd November 2018 from the finishing point of the Nehru trophy boat race. It might be the first time such a rally has taken place in the whole world. Thousands of people, including foreign tourists, were present to take part in the boat rally. Music programme, roller skating performance by children, performance of ... Read more

Athirappilly Falls, is situated in Athirappilly Panchayat, Chalakudy Taluk, Thrissur District of Kerala, India on the Chalakudy River, which originates from the upper reaches of the Western Ghats at the entrance to the Sholayar ranges.It is the largest waterfall in Kerala, which stands tall at 80 feet. Just a short drive from Athirappilly to the Vazhachal falls, which is close to dense green forests that are home to many endangered and endemic species of flora and fauna. This video by Shailesh shows the road trip from Kochi to Athirappally, which is around 75 kilo meters, can be covered by 2.5 ... Read more

Jatayu Earths Center is one of the the latest attractions of Kerala, located at Chadayamangalam in Kollam. The tourists spot includes the sculpture of the great mythical bird Jatayu mentioned in the Hindu epic Ramayana, cable car – fully manufactured in Switzerland, adventure park and helicopter local flying service. The sculpture at the Earth Centre is considered the largest bird sculpture in the world. This is the first time the state to have helicopter local flying service as part of a tourism project. Besides the scenic beauty and the serene atmosphere, Jatayu Earths Center is going to be a perfect ... Read more

The distance between Kochi and Munnar (by road) is approximately 130 km. It will take approximately 4 hours to drive up to Munnar. The road from Kochi to Munnar is extremely scenic, and we recommend having your cameras at the ready for this trip. You may halt at your convenience anytime, anywhere and enjoy your short break. With Savaari’s user-friendly website, you can book taxi online in a few simple steps and avail hassle free car rental service. Hiring a cab ensures that Kochi to Munnar Distance will be covered in optimal time. With Savaari’s chauffeur driven cars, you don’t ... Read more

Kolukkumalai is a tea plantation; spread across 500 acres and around 8000 feet high from sea level. It is said to be a plantation without pesticides and chemical application and the tea from Kolukkumail is said to be of high quality and taste. This year the visual extravagance, which happens once in 12 years – blooming of Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana)- has been present in Kolukkumali Mostly the flowers start blooming from July. However, due to rain and floods, the blooming has delayed this year. Neelakurinji flowers are usually visible at Vattavada and Rajamala region of Munnar. This year, Kolukkumalai also ... Read more