'Take a Break' tourist amenity centres in Kerala

'Take a Break' tourist amenity centres in Kerala by the State Tourism Department will provide international facilities to foreign and domestic tourists at an affordable cost.'Take a break' tourist amenity centre project, a pilot project of the Kerala Tourism Development corporation (KTDC), was launched at the Santhigiri Ashram in Pothenkode last-day.

'Take a Break' centre project aims to change the face of tourism in the state. Once the project is fully realized, domestic and international tourists en-route to important tourist destinations could stop over for rest, refreshment and recreation at such centres.

The centres would house basic facilities like food courts, restrooms and parking spaces in addition to modern IT-enabled facilities like tele booking and check-in, and information kiosks.

Other modern facilities include gaming consoles and ATM counters. Tourist Resorts Kerala Ltd, a public sector initiative under the tourism department, will oversee the Rs 1.30 crore project at the Ashram. (UNI)

Kerala all set for Thiruvonam

Kerala is all set for Thiruvonam tommorrow, the concluding & the most important of all the 10 days of Onam.For it is on this day the beloved king Mahabali, comes on his annual visit to see his people.To read an onam tale click here

On this occassion the Kerala Governor HR Bhardwaj has greeted Malayalis the world over during Onam, the biggest festival of the state.

"Onam thrives on the golden memories of a glorious past when everyone enjoyed plenty in an endearing ambience of equality," Bhardwaj said in a message

All the traditional practises are in full swing including pookkalam (flower rangoli) competitions & Sadya, the traditional midday feast.Traditional songs & Thiruvathira, the dance form assosciated with the festval, performed by the women of the house are being translated to modern contexts.

Onam special this year for GOC has been the bumper sale of lottery tickets, Its that time of the year when there is good cheer all around & everybody feels lucky .

Celebrations cannot be complete without a smashing sale of liquor. The state-owned Kerala State Beverages Corporation, the sole wholesalers, has stocked its outlets and godowns with more than adequate stock.

"Last year during Onam week, we had sales of close to Rs.300 crore and this time we expect the sales to go up by a minimum 25 percent," said an official.

Textile shops too will expect spurt in sales. It is common for Malayalis to buy new pairs of clothes every Onam.  

Kochi Onam Regatta @ Bolghatty Palace

For more information visit the website

Coir Expo 2012

The 5 day Coir Expo 2012 will open at Marine Drive, Kochi on 4th Aug.The coir technology exhibition is set to showcase all the breakthroughs achieved by research organisations in the area.In addition to new technologies in coir the expo will also show case new products developed in the material.The expo is planned for 5 days.So if you are in God's own country in August,look up the Coir Expo, The garden products & floor coverings are quite something. Lookout for large players like Palm fibre too.