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Kerala Tourism gets nod for seaplane services

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THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government on Wednesday gave its go ahead to the Kerala Tourism to launch seaplane services to boost tourism.
"It has been decided to go ahead with seaplane operations which will boost tourism activities in the state," Chief Minister Oommen Chandy told reporters after the weekly cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
"Authorities have been asked to go ahead and begin talks with seaplane operators to begin operations," he added.
In June 2013, seaplane operations were inaugurated but it were kept on hold following strong protests from the fishing community as they feared that their livelihood will be affected.
"Yes, there were issues. At certain places we have been able to convince those who had fears and while at some other places our talks are continuing. Hence, we have decided to begin operations where there will be no resistance," said Chandy.
The places, the tourism department identified for seaplane services, include Kollam, Alapuzha, Bekal (Kasargode) Bolgatty (in Kochi) Wayanad and Munnar.
Generally seaplane services are operated by aircraft that can take six to eight passengers and these aircraft can fly around 6,500 feet above ground which is expected to provide a breathtaking view of the greenery which Kerala is known for.

My Kind of Place: Varkala, Kerala

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The cliff above Varkala Beach has multi-cuisine cafes and souvenir-stacked bazaars. Photo by Frank Bienewald / LightRocket via Getty Images
Source: @ www.thenational.ae

Why Varkala?
With languid beaches, Ayurveda and yoga schools, coconut-spiced Keralan cuisine and a carefree Bohemian vibe, Varkala may have been “discovered” by the dreadlocked and tie-dyed set, but today the soul-searching beach bums are joined by a mix of travellers: young families, surfers and grey nomads seeking a coastal break with a side order of spirituality.
Clinging dramatically to ochre-coloured cliffs, Varkala’s shore is tightly packed with markets, boutiques and rickety cafes with staggering views over the Arabian Sea. The sheer, laterite cliffs are the backdrop to Papanasham Beach, a long stretch of golden sand reached by clambering down steep staircases carved into the rock. It’s a hub of activity from dawn to dusk, with yogis saluting the sun, surfers taking advantage of Varkala’s waves and fishermen hauling in nets. The waters are said to wash away sins, with Hindu priests from the nearby 2,000-year-old Janardana Swami Temple performing rituals on the sand, next to restaurants and volleyball nets.

A comfortable bed:
Clafouti Beach Resort (www.clafoutiresort.com; 0091 944 684 8535) commands an enviable position on North Cliff, with private cottages and villas, an on-site Ayurvedic centre and a restaurant with dreamy views. Sea view villas start from 5,500 rupees (86 USD approx).
The boutique guesthouse Villa Jacaranda (www.villa-jacaranda.biz; 0091 470 261 0296) on South Cliff has tranquil gardens, private verandas, sumptuous breakfasts and outstanding vegetarian Kerala cuisine. Rooms start from 6,089 rupees (95 USD approx).
Across the road, “Nice” and “Really Nice” are among the room categories at Soul & Surf (www.soulandsurf.com; 0091 963 367 6581), the region’s first yoga and surf retreat. Rooms are set in a historic Keralan house painted in pastel hues; surfing lessons, rooftop yoga and open-air movie nights are some of the other draw cards. Doubles start from £50 (78 USD approx).
With its black sand and fishing communities, Odayam Beach has a less developed charm; the modest cottages at the Blue Water Beach Resort (www.bluewaterstay.com; 0091 944 684 8534) lack hot water, but the position smack bang on the beach makes up for it. Seafront cottages start from 4,796 rupees (75 USD approx).

Find your feet:
Stroll along Varkalas Cliff Walk, a (mostly) paved pathway constructed by the Keralan government. About an hour’s round trip from the North Cliff car park (known as “the helipad”), it’s a colourful walk taking in North Cliff’s bustle of markets, cafes and restaurants, its untamed, palm-fringed coastline homes to fishing villages, the mint-coloured Pambil temple and Odayam Beach.

Book a table:
It’s a world-cuisine bonanza along North Cliff, where you can find Kerala curries, spicy dosas, parathas and biryanis, Nepali momos and even a few German patisseries. Clafouti has charming Nepali waiting staff and a wide-reaching menu, including tandoori dishes and an impressive nightly seafood haul. Mains cost about 200 rupees (3.15 USD approx) each.
Health nuts can guzzle freshly squeezed juices and smoothies infused with spirulina and wheatgrass at Juice Shack (0091 999 521 4515) from 90 rupees (1.5 USD approx).
For caffeine fans, Coffee Temple (0091 812 905 0685) is like stumbling upon nirvana, with baguettes, burritos, juices and salads to boot; lunch from 150 rupees (2.4 USD approx).

Meet the locals:
Watch the early morning ritual of fishermen hauling in their catch at Odayam Beach – and earn a smile if you lend a hand. The priests along the south of Papanasham Beach are happy to perform rituals (even for non-Hindus) for a few rupees.

Shopper’s paradise:
With Ganesh babushka dolls, bespoke leather sandals and handcrafted Indian sitars, the markets lining the cliff front are a souvenir lover’s heaven. While vendors call out to passers-by, there are no aggressive sales pitches. Buy fine Kashmiri shawls from Best Marigold (0091 979 777 5152) and Tibetan handicrafts from Tibet Souvenir (0091 989 532 5577), or have something made in raw silk by one of the many local tailors.

Don’t miss:
Kerala is the home of the 5,000-year-old healing system of Ayurveda. You can undergo panchakarma, a rigorous prescription of diet, massage and treatments, or simply relax with kizhi, a soothing therapeutic massage using herbal pouches dipped into hot, medicinal oil. Ayurvedic centres are a dime a dozen, but some are more reputable than others. Try the Doctor’s Ayurveda Panchakarma Centre in Odayam (0091 994 681 2278).

What to avoid:
Wobbling back to your accommodation late at night along the Cliff Walk isn’t advised – much of the cliff-top pathway is unfenced, unlit and even crumbling in some parts.

Getting there: 
Nearest Bus Station: Varkala Bus Station
Nearest Railway Station: Varkala Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport, It is about 50 kilometers away, which takes an hour in a taxi.

5 things you must do in Varkala

Shop till you drop at North Cliff:

Head to the North Cliff of Varkala to shop till you drop. A lot of people make own clothes from raw silk and you can order a kaftan or skirt amongst other outfits to be stitched. They will customise it for you and have it ready in minimum 24 hours, styled and tailored to your size and taste. You can also pick up trinkets, sarongs, mixed western music CDs, spices, tea masala, tea mixes and different types of coffee.
Vegetarian meal ( Sadhya ):



Sadhya is traditionally a vegetarian meal served on a banana leaf. People are seated cross-legged on the floor on a mat. All the dishes are served on the leaf and eaten with the hands without using any cutlery. The fingers are cupped to form a ladie. A Sadhya can have about 24-28 dishes served as a single course.
Surf your heart out:

You can't visit Varkala and not try surfing. Being the surfing hub, you can spend your day at the beach surfing or just try it out for a couple of hours. Most surfing schools have a beginners course, where they will first teach you how to paddle.  Make sure you find a surf school with ISA Instructors and then get ready to surf your heart out. You can opt for a package or try it out for 1 or 2 days to see if you like it. While the instructors normally teach you from 6 30 am till about 10,  Experienced surfers surf full day. You can rent a board and other equipment from the surf school.
Try some Yoga and Ayurveda:

Varkala has more foreigners than Indians and all of them are excellent yoga teachers. So while you're there try out a few yoga sessions. You can waken your mind and body during the morning, sunrise sessions or unwind at the end of the day as the sun sets in the background, in this enchanting place, surrounded by beautiful meadows. And once you're done surfing, you can pamper yourself with a massage. Try an ayurvedic relaxing massage or a body cleansing programme.
#Sightseeing #Varkala #Kerala #Beach #Sadhya #Yoga #Tourism #Travel #Shop #Surf

Ponnumthuruth Island


Ponnumthuruthu is an island which is situated about 12km south of Varkala. You can board a country boat from Nedunganda and take a tour through the backwaters for about 30 minutes to reach Ponnumthuruthu.

Ponnumthuruthu, the name literally means Golden Island. Legends say that the queens of Travancore Royal Family used to hide their cache of gold and ornaments on the island in order to keep it safe and hence it obtained the name, Ponnumthuruthu.

This lush island is a perfect getaway for those who seek a break from the hustle and bustle of the urban life.

Temple in the island
This island is known for the Shiva Parvathi temple, which is also called `Thuruthu kshethram’ by the natives. The temple is situated amidst thick coconut groves, which has grown over the entire stretch. The temple is more than 100 years old and the entire island is temple property. The temple was in ruins for a long time but about a decade ago, it was rebuilt.

Valiyapurackal family owns the island and the temple.

Ambience at the island
The island is a must see, thanks to the enchanting ambience. Even the jetty at Nedunganda village from where the journey to Ponnumthuruthu starts is peculiar. It is a makeshift jetty and the walkway to the ferry is made up of coconut husk, mud and the waste from coir.

A view of the island from the ferry during evening will surely soothe any nature-lover’s mind. The greenery of the island will have a distinctive glow when the evening rays of the sun caress it.

The island is also a haven of different types of flora and fauna. It will surely be a bird watcher’s delight to visit the island, thanks to the cormorants, egrets and herons seen in this area. Eagles and gulls too can be found here. Various water birds too can be seen here.

The mainland on the other side of Ponnumthuruthu is a coir village. There is a small coir-making unit near the ferry. Travellers can visit the unit. It is delighting to view the boats carrying husks waving through the backwaters to reach the island.

Sivarathri festival
Sivarathri is a major festival celebrated at the Siva Parvathi temple at Ponnumthuruthu. It is the festival that makes alive the otherwise less frequented island. Many devotees spend the night on the island during Sivarathri and the place lit with lights is an enchanting sight.

ടൂറിസം നിലനില്‍ക്കാന്‍ വേണ്ടത് സമാധാനാന്തരീക്ഷം

വര്‍ക്കല: വളരുന്ന ടൂറിസം.തകരുന്ന ക്രമസമാധാനം

1980കളിലാണ് വര്‍ക്കല വിനോദസഞ്ചാരകേന്ദ്രമെന്ന നിലയില്‍ ശ്രദ്ധിക്കപ്പെട്ടുതുടങ്ങിയത്. മനോഹരമായ തീരവും ചെമ്മണ്‍കുന്നുകളുടെ സൗന്ദര്യവും ഓരോ വര്‍ഷവും ടൂറിസത്തെ വളര്‍ത്തി. 90 കളായതോടെ അന്താരാഷ്ട്രതലത്തില്‍ അറിയപ്പെടുന്ന കേന്ദ്രമായി. തുടര്‍ന്ന് വിദേശവിനോദസഞ്ചാരികള്‍ ഇവിടേക്ക് ഒഴുകിയെത്തുകയായിരുന്നു.

പ്രധാനമന്ത്രിയായിരുന്ന ഇന്ദിരാഗാന്ധി ശിവഗിരി സന്ദര്‍ശിച്ചപ്പോള്‍ നിര്‍മിച്ച ഹെലിപ്പാഡ് മാത്രമായിരുന്നു പ്രദേശത്ത് എടുത്തുപറയാനുണ്ടായിരുന്നത്. ടൂറിസം വളര്‍ന്നതോടെ ഹെലിപ്പാട് മുതല്‍ റിസോര്‍ട്ടുകള്‍ കൂണുകള്‍ പോലെ നിരന്നു.

വിലയില്ലാതെ കിടന്ന സ്ഥലത്തിന് പൊന്നുംവിലയായി. ഇതോടെ റിയല്‍ എസ്റ്റേറ്റുകാരുടെ പ്രധാന ബിസിനസ് കേന്ദ്രമായി പാപനാശം മാറി. റിസോര്‍ട്ട് മേഖലയില്‍ സെന്റിന് അഞ്ച് ലക്ഷമാണ് കുറഞ്ഞവില. നടപ്പാതയ്ക്ക് സമീപമാണെങ്കില്‍ ദശലക്ഷമാകും. റിസോര്‍ട്ടുകള്‍ക്കായി 11 മാസത്തേക്ക് സ്ഥലം വന്‍തുകയ്ക്ക് ലീസിന് നല്‍കുന്നവരുണ്ട്. 20 ലക്ഷം രൂപവരെ നല്‍കി സ്ഥലമെടുത്തവരുണ്ട്. സ്ഥലമെടുത്തശേഷം കൂടുതല്‍ തുകയ്ക്ക് മറിച്ച് നല്‍കുന്നവരും സജീവമാണ്.

11 മാസത്തേക്കാണ് എഗ്രിമെന്റെങ്കിലും അഞ്ച് മാസമാണ് സീസണ്‍. ഇക്കാലയളവില്‍ വന്‍തുക തിരിച്ചുപിടിക്കുകയും ലാഭമുണ്ടാക്കുകയും വേണം. നിയമവിരുദ്ധമായ ചെയ്തികളിലൂടെ ലാഭമുണ്ടാക്കാന്‍ ശ്രമിക്കുന്നത് ടൂറിസത്തിന് ഭീഷണിയാണ്.

വിനോദസഞ്ചാരകേന്ദ്രമായതോടെ പാപനാശവുമായി ബന്ധപ്പെട്ട് പ്രവര്‍ത്തിക്കുന്ന യുവാക്കളുടെ ജീവിതത്തിലും മാറ്റമുണ്ടായി. വിദേശികള്‍ക്ക് ആവശ്യമുള്ളതെല്ലാം എത്തിച്ച് അവരുടെ സംസ്‌കാരവുമായി യോജിച്ച് ജീവിതം നയിക്കുന്നവരും തീരത്തുണ്ട്. വിദേശകറന്‍സികള്‍ മാറുന്ന കേന്ദ്രങ്ങള്‍ ബീച്ചുമായി ബന്ധപ്പെട്ട് പ്രവര്‍ത്തിക്കുന്നുണ്ട്. ബാങ്ക് നിരക്കിനെക്കാള്‍ കൂടുതല്‍ തുക നല്‍കുന്ന സ്ഥലങ്ങളുമുണ്ട്.

പാപനാശവുമായി ബന്ധപ്പെട്ട് മാന്യമായി ബിസിനസ് നടത്തി ജീവിക്കുന്ന നിരവധിപേരുണ്ട്. കച്ചവടത്തില്‍ ലാഭം കൊയ്തവരും നഷ്ടമുണ്ടായവരും അക്കൂട്ടത്തിലുണ്ട്. നിയമവിരുദ്ധപ്രവര്‍ത്തനങ്ങളെ ഇവര്‍ എപ്പോഴും എതിര്‍ക്കാറുണ്ട്. എന്നാല്‍ ഇവ തടയേണ്ട ഉദ്യോഗസ്ഥരും ഭരണാധികാരികളും അനധികൃതപ്രവൃത്തികള്‍ക്ക് കൂട്ടുനില്ക്കുന്നതായാണ് ആരോപണം. കാലാകാലങ്ങളില്‍ അധികാരത്തിലിരുന്ന നഗരസഭാ ഭരണാധികാരികള്‍ ബീച്ചിനെ കറവപ്പശുവായാണ് കണ്ടത്. പാപനാശത്ത് നിര്‍മാണപ്രവൃത്തികള്‍ നിരോധിച്ച് കളക്ടര്‍ ഉത്തരവിറക്കിയെങ്കിലും തടയാനായിട്ടില്ല.

പുതിയ സീസണ്‍ ആരംഭിച്ചതോടെ ബീച്ചിലുള്ളതിന് പുറമേ ഹെലിപ്പാടില്‍ പുതുതായി പോലീസ് എയ്ഡ് പോസ്റ്റ് ആരംഭിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ട്. എസ്.ഐ.യുടെ നേതൃത്വത്തില്‍ ആറ് പോലീസുകാര്‍ 24 മണിക്കൂറും ഡ്യൂട്ടിക്കുണ്ടാകും. രാത്രിയില്‍ ഹെലിപ്പാട് മുതല്‍ തിരുവമ്പാടി ഭാഗം വരെ പോലീസ് പട്രോളിങ് നടത്തുമെന്നും വര്‍ക്കല സി.ഐ. എസ്.ഷാജി പറഞ്ഞു. ടൂറിസം നിലനില്‍ക്കണമെങ്കില്‍ അക്രമങ്ങളൊഴിഞ്ഞ് സമാധാനാന്തരീക്ഷം ആവശ്യമാണ്. ക്രിമിനലുകളുടെ താവളമായി ബീച്ചും പരിസരവും മാറിയാല്‍ എല്ലാ മഴക്കാലത്തും ഇടിഞ്ഞുവീഴുന്ന പാപനാശം കുന്നുകളെപ്പോലെ ടൂറിസവും തകര്‍ച്ചയിലേക്ക് നീങ്ങും.

Varkala among first 30 tour destinations


Varkala: The palm-fringed paradise of South India, Varkala, has found a place among the first 30 of the 100 top ‘Best Value Index’ around the globe, according to a survey by travel search engine Trivago.
According to Trivago, an online travel meta search engine, Varkala enjoys the 28th position among a number of budget travel destinations. Including Varkala, five tourist destinations from India made it to the chart as affordable places to be visited.
The ‘Best Value Index’ is calculated based on the yearly average overnight price of a standard double room combined with the destination’s overall hotel reputation from over 82 million traveller reviews.
The spots selected will be the world’s top in terms of delivering the best value for your money.
Along with Varkala, Munnar also found a place in the chart at the 60th position.
Three more travel destinations from India were also included with Nashik at the 21st position, Jaisalmer in Rajasthan at 41 and Alibaug in Maharashtra at the 56th position.
Nashik has been voted as the best tourist- friendly city of the country this year where a night’s stay costs the travellers Rs 5,665.
The top 100 ‘Best Value Index’ was topped by Morocco’s Ait Benhaddou with an overnight stay in a standard double room in the city costing an average Rs 3,551.
Varkala beach, also known as Papanasam seaside, located between Alappuzha and Kovalam in Kerala has been the paradise of photography lovers for a while. It is the only place in south Kerala where cliffs are found adjacent to the Arabian Sea.
The price-comparison website enjoys a user base of 18 million people per month on its 30 international platforms.
The index is made according to the reviews and preferences of the users of the search engine

Tourism

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Tourism started thriving by the end of last century at the Varkala beach(Papanasam), which was earlier famous for Vavu Beli, a Hindu custom performed at the beach. Another beach is at Tiruvambadi, one kilometre away and en-route the old palace. There is a helipad close to the beach. Scores of ayurvedic massage parlours line the promenade above the beach.

Content source: Tourism