Kerala Climate affected by Global Warming

Climate Change, wrought about by Global Warming, has had its impact on Kerala.

The Solar transit of Alpha Aquilae is on. From Feb 6th onwards, the Sun will transit Alpha Delphini ( Dhanishta or Avittam ).

The longish North East Monsoon, and the retreating coldness which came later, saw the temperature rise in Kerala. Now it is 35 degree Celsius. In Palghat, 38 degrees were recorded.

Cold ocean winds reduce the heat. These winds have started operation quite earlier than last year.

Hot air rises high in the atmosphere and the cold winds from the ocean fill this void. These winds are there from 1100 AM onwards, coming from the Bay of Bengal. These winds reduce the temperature of the land.

Intense heat is beginning to be felt in Trichur and Palghat. Irrigation has been started in agri lands and this time it was started earlier than usual. Normally irrigation start from the sidereal month of Sagittarius or Dhanus ( from 15 Dec onwards ).

Even though rains have been above the average last year, still potable water problem will persist. From the latter half of February onwards these winds will retreat, making Kerala a very hot place ! Palghat may record heat more than 40 degrees Celsius ( the highest temp recorded last year ).

It is relief for Keralites that the dusty Palghat winds have not strengthened now. Diseases are propagated by these winds.

The current climate - because of the longish monsoons - is favourable for mango trees now. But then if the winds acquire more power, tender mangoes and flowers will fall.

There are reasons for the premature heat experienced now. Climatic changes and the changing rhythms of Kala Varsha ( South West Monsoon ) and Thula Varsha ( North East Monsoon ) are the causative factors. The South West Monsoon exited only after 27 days than normal. The North East Monsoon gave rains till the 15th of December.

Once the rains retreated, cold climate was felt till mid Jan.

Rising temperature has been reported in Kerala. The annual temperature is rising, according to the stats from Trichur, Trivandrum and Kottayam centers. The temp of the water on Trichur paddy fields in now 35 degrees Celsius. The normal temp is 30 degrees.

The summer rains which come in March and April keep the temperature stable in Kerala. Heat comes down in the rain falling areas. But then this will not solve the potable water problem. To the drinking water problem, Rainwater Harvesting has been recommended as the solution.

Sisira Rithu, the Mango Season

The sidereal months of Sagittarius and Capricorn constitute Hemanta Rithu. The coldness has not left Kerala. This Hemanta Rithu will be there till the 12th of February.

Sisira Rithu, the sidereal months of Aquarius and Pisces, is very hot indeed. It normally starts from the 13th of February to the 13th April ! During this sixth season of India, hot spells are normal and more than 100 people perished last year due to sunstroke.

Now it is still cold in the morning and even during midday. No need for air conditioners during this season.

Evening is also characterised by cold winds. The Sun will be transiting Sravana, Alpha Aquilae, initiating Thiruvonam Njattuvela tomorrow.

Amongst the six Rithus or seasons, Vasanta ( Medam & Edavam ) is comparitively less hot, Greeshma ( Gemini and Cancer ) and Varsha ( Leo and Virgo ) are rainy seasons, Sarat ( Libra and Scorpio ) is less rainy, Hemanta ( Sagittarius and Capricorn ) is cold and dry and Sisira ( Aquarius & Pisces ) is very hot indeed !


Correspondence between Music and Art

Herbert Read knew the correspondence between Music and Art. " All Art tends to Music", he averred. Human beings are inseparable from their surroundings. It so happens that dusk, dawn, the season, the nature, the lightning, the thunder - all these affect the mood of Man. This mood gives rise to Rasa and every possible Rasa in connection with these circumstantial surroundings has been found to be conveyed through Raga. The world of Ragas, therefore, has all the variety of Life and experiences of Man. This is so true of Indian Music. Seasons or Rithus are a dimension of the vast game of Life and Creation !

The Six Seasons of Indian Philosophy are ruled by Planets

For instance,

Vasanta Rithu is ruled by Venus
Greeshma by Mars and Sun
Varsha by the Moon
Sharath by Mercury
Hemanta by Jupiter
Sisira by Saturn

The Law of Correspondences state that the Six Seasons are related to the six Chakras, according to Kundalini Yoga. The Highest Chakra, the Sahasrara, the Thousand Petalled Lotus, is beyond Time and transcends everything. The lower six Chakras get mildly activated during the six seasons -

Ajna Chakra in Vasanta
Vishuddha in Greeshma
Anahata in Varsha
Manipura in Sharath
Swadhistana in Hemanta
Muladhara in Sisira



Sisira Rithu ( Kumbha & Meena ) is also the mango season, when mangoes are plenty in Kerala. Mangoes are used in Fish curry, in pickles and in all curries. Mango is a substitute for tamarind in curries. Mango pickles are of many types. Tender mangoes make excellent pickle and are known as Vadu Mango Pickle. Cut Mango pickles goes by the name Chethu Manga. Mangoes are dried and pickled. Ripe mangoes are eaten. With red chilli poweder, ripe mangoes are an excellent dish. Special type of pickle comes from Andhra known as Avakkai.

Tender mangoes are also pickled in brine.

India leads in the production of mangoes. 13.5 million tonnes. China is second at 3.7 million tonnes. Mango is a fruit indigenous to the Indian subcontinet and is the national fruit of India, Pakistan and the Philippines. The word mango is derived from the Malayalam manga .

Widely used in Cuisine, chutneys are made from sour, unripe mangoes. Mango Lassi, a popular drink in S Asia, is made by mixing ripe mangoes, curd and sugar. Mangoes can be eaten raw with salt. A cooling summer drink called panna comes from mangoes. Green mangoes can be used as mango salad with dried shrimp and fish sauce.

Mango is rich in phytochemicals and nutrients. Also vitamins and minerals. The antioxidant vitamins A, C and E compose 25%, 76% and 9% of the DRI ( Dietary Reference Intake ) in a 165 gms serving. Mangoes also contain Vitamin B6, Vitamin K, B vitamins and other nutrients.

The Veli Estuary

On the Shankhumugham Beach, you can see the Devi Temple. It is well maintained. Just one km away is the Veli Estuary, where the Veli River meets the roaring Arabian Sea !

The Veli Tourist Village is a beautiful picnic spot. The VIllage is open from 0800 - 1800 hrs.

This picnic spot offers boating facilities. Paddle boats and pedal boats can be hired to explore the charms of the lagoon. Speedboats are available for a fast ride on the waters. Children relish the sculpture which tenant the landscape.

Here are the rentals for boats

Speedboat - Rs 150 per head
Safari boat - 15 per head
4 seater pedal boat - 100 per hour
2 seater pedal boat - 80 per hour

Veli Youth Hostel - Ph 2500785

Trivandrum Airport is just 3 kms away from Veli and Trivandrum Railway Station just 8 kms away.

Amma at Trivandrum Ashram !

I went to Trivandrum to install a software. When I got some extra time, I went to the Shankhumukham beach.


The Shankhumugham Beach is the favourite beach of those coming to watch sunsets. This beauteous beach is proximate to the Trivandrum International Airport and the famous Veli Tourism Village.

Very near to my client's place is the Ashram of Amma. I met her yesterday.
She was giving a spiritual lecture at her ashram. It was a good spiritual
experience.

An indoor recreation club, the statue of a mermaid, the matsya kanyaka, are some of the features of this park. The giant statue of the mermaid is a 35 m long sculpture. A National Park nearby is an added attraction.

The beach sands are of reddish yellow hue.

The nearest Railway Station, Trivandrum Central, is just 7 km away. The Trivandrum Airport is just a drive away.

This beach is well maintained and one can glimpse the beauty of Nature..

This beach is part of Kerala's 600 km coastline. Tamil Nadu has 1000 km coastline and Gujarat 1600 kms. India has 7500 km coastline. Peninsular India has 5500 kms of coastline, while India's islands, Nicobar, Andamans and Laccadives have 2000 kms of coastline !


Hotles to stay during your trip to Trivandrum, the official capital of Kerala.



The Leela Kempinski Kovalam Beach
Kovalam
Thiruvananthapuram -695527

reservations.kovalam@theleela.com
www.theleela.com
+ 91 471 2480101, + 91 471 2481522
Tariff Rs.8500 - 55000


Surya Samudra Private Retreats
Pulinkudi, Mulloor P.O.
Thiruvananthapuram - 695521

reservations@suryasamudra.com
www.suryasamudra.com
+ 91 471 2267333, 2480413, +91 471 2267124
Tariff Rs.8300 - 83800


Vivanta by Taj - Kovalam
G.V. Raja Vattapara Road,
Kovalam
Thiruvananthapuram - 695527

vivanta.trivandrum@tajhotels.com
www.vivantabytaj.com, www.tajhotels.com
+91 471 6613000, + 91 471 2487744
Tariff Rs.12500 - 82500

Karikkathi Beach House
Cliff Beach Garden, South of Kovalam, North of Chowara,
Via Nagar Bhagavathi Temple, Mulloor Thottam, Pulinkudi, Thiruvananthapuram
karikkathi@gmail.com
www.karikkathibeachhouse.com
+ 91 471 2400956, + 91 98470 69654,
Tariff Euro 75 - 590

Poovar Island Resorts
K.P. VII/911
Pozhiyoor
Thiruvananthapuram - 695513

reservations@poovarislandresort.com
www.poovarislandresort.com
+ 91 471 2212068 / 69 / 73, + 91 471 2212092
Tariff Rs.3000 - 19999

Samudra (KTDC)
Kovalam
Thiruvananthapuram - 695527

samudrakovalam@ktdc.com
www.samudrakovalam.com, www.ktdc.com
+ 91 471 2480089, 2481412, + 91 471 2480242
Tariff Rs.3100 - 9900

Nikki's Nest
Azhimala Shiva Temple Road, Pulinkudi, Chowara P. O., South of Kovalam,
Thiruvananthapuram - 695501
nest@sancharnet.in
www.nikkisnest.com
+ 91 471 2267822, 2268822, + 91 471 2267182
Tariff Euro 80 - 200

Isola Di Cocco Ayurvedic Heritage Beach Resort
Poovar
Thiruvananthapuram

info@isoladicocco.com
www.isoladicocco.com
+ 91 471 2210008, 2210800, 2210918, + 91 471 2210500
Tariff Rs.5000 - 9000

Estuary Island Resort
Poovar P.O, Thiruvananthapuram - 695525
sales@estuaryisland.com
www.estuaryisland.com
+ 91 471 2229222, +91 471 222 9333
Tariff Rs. 3800 - 11000


Beach & Lake Ayurvedic Resort
Pozhikkara Beach Pachalloor P. O. Thiruvananthapuram - 695027
beachandlake@hotmail.com
beachandlakeresort.com
+ 91 471 2382086, 2383066, + 91 471 2382066
Tariff Rs. 2000 - 5500

Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel
G.V. Raja Road, Samudra Beach,
Kovalam
Thiruvananthapuram - 695527

info@uds.co.in
www.uds.co.in
+ 91 471 2485766 / 67 / 68, +91 471 2481578
Tariff Rs.3600 - 13000

Soma Palmshore Beach Resort
Light House Road, Kovalam Beach, Thiruvananthapuram - 695521

mail@soma.in
www.somapalmshore.com
+ 91 471 2486666, 2481481, 2266111, +91 471 2487777, 2480495
Tariff Euro 40 - 95

Thapovan Heritage Home
Nellikunnu
Mulloor P. O., Thiruvananthapuram - 695521

thapovan@gmail.com
www.thapovan.com
+ 91 471 2480453 , + 91 471 2482430
Tariff Rs.2200 - 5850

Coconut Bay Beach Resort
Mulloor P.O.
Vizhinjam
Thiruvananthapuram - 695521

cocobay@vsnl.com
www.coconutbay.com
+ 91 471 2343524, 2480566, 2480668, + 91 471 2343349
Tariff Euro 45 - 190


Hotel Sea Face
NUP Beach Road, Kovalam
Thiruvananthapuram - 695527
tvm_seafaceh@sancharnet.in
www.seaface.com
+ 91 471 2481835, 2481836, 481591, + 91 471 2481320
Tariff Rs.2000 - 8000


Dr. Franklin's Panchakarma Institute & Research Centre
Chowara P. O., Kovalam
Thiruvananthapuram - 695501


ayurveda@dr-franklin.com
www.dr-franklin.com
+91 471 2480870, 2267974, + 91 99463 10551, + 91 471 2268071
Tariff Euro 10 - 55


Jeevan Ayurvedic Beach Resort
Main Light House Beach, Kovalam, Vizhinjam P.O., Thiruvananthapuram - 695521

james@jeevanresort.net
www.jeevanresort.net
+ 91 471 2483062, 2480662, + 91 95391 34851,
Tariff Rs.925 - 6300


Jasmine Palace
Kovalam Beach,
Kovalam P.O.
Thiruvananthapuram - 695527
jaspalace@satyam.net.in
www.jasminepalace.net
+ 91 471 2481475, + 97464 86987, + 91 471 2481475
Tariff Rs.1000 - 3500

Sagara Beach Resort
Light House Road, Kovalam, Vizhinjam P.O.,
Thiruvananthapuram - 695523

sagarabeachresort@usa.net
www.sagararesortkovalam.com
+91 471 2481995, 2484077, +91 98473 90885,
Tariff Rs.2000 - 9000

Raja Hotel
Kovalam
Thiruvananthapuram

info@rajahotel.net
www.rajahotel.net
+ 91 471 2480355, 2481355, 2480455, + 91 471 2480455
Tariff Rs.1500 - 3500


Bethsaida Hermitage
Pulinkudy, Mulloor P. O.
Thiruvananthapuram - 695521
info@bethsaidahermitage.com
www.bethsaidahermitage.com
+ 91 471 2268131,
Tariff + 91 471 2267554

Temple Garden
Kovalam Thiruvananthapuram - 695501

reservations@templegarden.in
www.templegarden.in
+ 91 471 2481972,
Tariff Rs.1500 - 2500

Hotel Thushara
Kovalam
Thiruvananthapuram - 695527

hotelthushara@yahoo.com
www.thusharakovalam.com
+ 91 471 2480692, 2481694, 2481080 , + 91 471 2481693
Tariff Rs. 800 - 2500


Manaltheeram Ayurveda Beach Village
Chowara P. O.,
South of Kovalam
Thiruvananthapuram - 695501

mail@manaltheeram.com
www.manaltheeram.com
+ 91 471 2266222, + 91 94477 66222, + 91 471 2267611
Tariff Euro 50 - 242


Beach Hotel Neelakanta
Light House Beach,Kovalam
Thiruvananthapuram - 695521

hotelneelakanta@yahoo.com
www.hotelneelakantakovalam.com
+ 91 471 2480321, 2486004, + 91 9847875206 , + 91 471 2485180
Tariff Rs.1300 - 4000


Pappukutty Beach Resort
Light House Beach, Kovalam,
Thiruvananthapuram

info@pappukutty.in
www.pappukutty.in
+ 91 471 2480235, + 91 471 2480234
Tariff Rs.1600 - 4200

Swagath Holiday Resorts
Kovalam
Thiruvananthapuram - 695527

swagathresort@gmail.com
www.swagathresorts.com
+ 91 471 2481148, 2481149 , + 91 471 2481150
Tariff Rs.1800 - 8400


Hotel Marine Palace
NUP Beach Road
Kovalam,
Thiruvananthapuram - 695527

info@hotelmarinepalace.com
www.hotelmarinepalace.com
+91 471 2481428, 2481428, +91 471 2481428
Tariff Rs.1300 - 3600


Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort
Chowara P.O.
South of Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram - 695501

mail@somatheeram.in
www.somatheeram.in
+ 91 471 2268101, 2266111, + 91 471 2267611
Tariff Euro 50 - 300


Hotel Blue Sea Heritage
Beach Road, Kovalam
Thiruvananthapuram - 695527

sabu.kovalam@gmail.com
www.hotelbluesea.net
+ 91 471 2481401, 2912110, 2480402,
Tariff Rs.850 - 3500


Seaside Hotel Rockholm
Light House Road, Vizhinjam,
Thiruvananthapuram - 695521

info@rockholm.com
www.rockholm.com
+ 91 471 2480306, 2480406, 2480407, + 91 471 2480607
Tariff Rs.1750 - 5000



Hotel Sreevisakh
Beach Road, Kovalam
Thiruvananthapuram -
695527

contact@hotelsreevisakh.com
www.hotelsreevisakh.com
+ 91 471 2480445, + 91 471 2480163
Tariff Rs.1500 - 3000


Kovalam Beach Retreat
Puja Building, Samudra Beach,
G.V. Raja Road, Kovalam,
Thiruvananthapuram -
695527

info@kovalambeachretreat.com
www.kovalambeachretreat.com
+ 91 471 2481245, + 91 93880 77999, + 91 471 2480634
Tariff Rs.3500 - 5000


The Gateway Hotel Janardhanapuram Varkala
Near Government Guest House,
Janardanapuram,Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram - 695141

gateway.varkala@tajhotels.com
www.thegatwayhotels.com, www.tajhotels.com
+91 470 6673300�, + 91 470 2602296
Tariff Rs.6250 - 11000



Vivanta by Taj - Trivandrum
C V Raman Pillai Road, Thycaud,
Thiruvananthapuram - 695014

vivanta.trivandrum@tajhotels.com
www.vivantabytaj.com, www.tajhotels.com
+ 91 471 6612345 , + 91 471 6612021
Tariff Rs. 8000 - 14000



The Muthoot Plaza
Punnen Road Thiruvananthapuram - 695039

tvm@muthootplaza.com
www.themuthootplaza.com
+ 91 471 2337733, + 91 471 2337734
Tariff Rs.5800 - 18000


Best Western Classic Avenue
Manjalikulam Road, Thampanoor Thiruvananthapuram - 695001

mail@classicavenue.net
www.classicavenue.net
+91 471 2333555, +91 471 2338855
Tariff Rs.4000 - 7000



The South Park
Kerala Hotels Pvt. LtdM G Road, Thiruvananthapuram - 695034

reservations@thesouthpark.com
www.thesouthpark.com
+91 471 2333333 , +91 471 2331861
Tariff Rs.3500 - 9000


Mascot Hotel (KTDC)
Thiruvananthapuram - 695033

mascothotelthiruvananthapuram@ktdc.com
www.mascothotelthiruvananthapuram.com, www.ktdc.com
+91 471 2318990, +91 471 2317745
Tariff Rs. 4000 - 15000



Thiruvambadi Beach Retreat
North End Down Clif Thiruvambadi Road,Varkala
Thiruvananthapuram - 695241

contact@thiruvambadihotel.com
www.thiruvambadihotel.com
+91 470 2601028, 2604345, +91 470 2604345
Tariff Rs.500 - 9000


Preeth Beach Resort
P.O. 1400
Near Papanasam Cliff, Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram - 695141

preethonline@satyam.net.in
www.preethbeachresort.com
+91 470 2600942, 2602341 , +91 470 2600942
Tariff Rs.700 - 4000


Raja Park Beach Resort
Near Papanasam Cliff, Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram

contact@rajapark.com
www.rajapark.com
+91 470 2607060 , +91 470 2608060
Tariff Rs.1725 - 5175



Hill Top Resort
Papanasam Cliff,Varkala Thiruvananthapuram � 695141

hill_top@rediffmail.com
www.hilltopvarkala.com
+91 470 2601237, 2610443�, +91 470 2606537
Tariff Rs. 500 - 3500


Varkala Marine Palace
Papanasam Beach,Varkala Thiruvananthapuram

bhasker_bs@rediffmail.com
www.varkala-marine-palace.com
+91 470 2603204,
Tariff Rs.1000 - 4200


Sea Pearl Chalets
Varkala Thiruvananthapuram

seapearlvarkala@hotmail.com
www.seapearlchalets.com
+91 470 2660105,
Tariff Rs. 1000 - 2000


Hindustan Beach Retreat
Papanasam Beach Janardhanapuram (P.O.), Varkala Thiruvananthapuram - 695141

hindretreat@vsnl.net
www.hindustanbeachretreat.com
+91 470 2604254, 2604255,
Tariff Rs.3000 - 5500


The Residency Tower
Press Road Thiruvananthapuram - 695001

info@residencytower.com
www.residencytower.com
+91 471 2331661, +91 471 2331311
Tariff Rs.3200 - 6500


Hotel Saj Lucia
East Fort Thiruvananthapuram -
695023

sajlucia@md2.vsnl.net.in
www.sajlucia.com
+91 471 2463443, +91 471 2463347
Tariff Rs.6000 - 10000

Maurya Rajadhani
Statue - G. H Road Thiruvananthapuram

maurya@rajadhanihotels.com
www.mauryarajadhani.com
+91 471 2469469, 2462299 , +91 471 2472299
Tariff Rs.2000 - 5000


Hotel Horizon
Aristo Road Thiruvananthapuram - 695014

horizon@asianetindia.com
www.thehotelhorizon.com
+91 471 2326888, 2323222, +91 471 2324444
Tariff Rs.1800 - 4300

Hotel Geeth International
Near GPO,Pulimoodu Jn. Thiruvananthapuram - 695001

reservations@geethinternational.in
www.geethinternational.in
+ 91 471 306600, 3012301, + 91 471 2460278
Tariff Rs.1500 - 3000


Jas Hotels Pvt Ltd
Thycaud P.O Thiruvananthapuram - 695014

jas@md2.vsnl.net.in
www.jashotels.com
+91 471 232488, 2324682, +91 471 2324443
Tariff Rs.800 - 3000

Hotel Thamburu International
Aristo Junction Thampanoor Thiruvananthapuram - 695014

thamburuintl@asianetindia.com

'+ 91 471 2321974, 2321987,
Tariff Rs.750 - 1900


Hotel Regency
Manjalikulam Cross Road,
Thampanoor Thiruvananthapuram - 695001

info@hotelregency.com
www.hotelregency.com
'+ 91 471 2330377, 2331541, + 91 471 2331690
Tariff Rs.450 - 1250


Chaithram (KTDC)
Thampanoor, Thiruvananthapuram - 695001

chaithramthiruvananthapuram@ktdc.com
www.ktdc.com
+91 471 2330977, +91 471 2331446
Tariff Rs.1300 - 2500


Golden Peak (KTDC)
Ponmudi
Thiruvanathapuram - 695551
goldenpeakponmudi@ktdc.com
www.ktdc.com
+91 472 2890225, 2890186, +91 472 2890187
Tariff Rs. 1800 - 4000



Hotel Highland
Manjalikulam Road, Thampanoor, Thiruvananthapuram - 695001

highland@highland-hotels.com
www.highland-hotels.com
+91 471 2333200, +91 471 2332645
Tariff Rs. 400 - 1250



Hotel Arulakam
Station Road,
Over Bridge Junction Thiruvananthapuram - 695001


www.hotelarulakam.com
'+ 91 9447133133, 9447019535,
Tariff Rs.300 - 1200


Azhimala Ayurveda Beach Resort
Aazhimala Temple Road, Chowara,
Thiruvananthapuram - 695501

mail@aazhimala.com
www.aazhimala.com
'+ 91 471 2269695, 6456542, '+ 91 471 2269539
Tariff Euro 43 - 104


Sea Flower Beach resort
Light House Road, Vizhinjam P.O., Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram - 695521

seaflowerkovalam@gmail.com

'+ 91 471 2480554, 2481069,
Tariff Euro 8 - 45


Hawah Beach Resort
Light House
Kovalam, Vizhinjam P.O, Thiruvananthapuram

info@hawahbeach.com
www.hawahbeach.com
+91 471 2481951, 2482026, +91 471 2482026
Tariff Rs.1400 - 5500


Temple Garden
Kovalam
Thiruvananthapuram -
695501

reservations@templegarden.in
www.templegarden.in
+91 471 2481972�, +91 471 2481972
Tariff Rs.1500 - 2500

Hotel Sea Rock
Kovalam Thiruvananthapuram

searockhotel@yahoo.com
www.hotelsearock.co.in
+ 91 471 2480422, + 91 97460 55816,
Tariff Rs.2000 - 8000


The Travancore Heritage
Chowara P.O.
Thiruvananthapuram -
695501

travancoreheritage@vsnl.net
www.thetravancoreheritage.com
+91 471 2267828 � 32, +91 471 2267201
Tariff Rs.2800 - 20800


Ideal Ayurvedic Resort
Chowara Beach, Chowara P.O.,
Beach Village Thiruvananthapuram

idealresort@eth.net
www.idealayurvedicresort.com
+ 91 471 2481632, 2268396,
Tariff Euro 33 - 70


New Ideal Panchakarma Centre
Chowara Beach, Chowara P.O.,
Thiruvananthapuram

idealcentre@bsnl.in
www.panchakarmakerala.com
+ 91 471 2266600, 2269900,
Tariff Euro 27 - 58


The Ruby Arena
Medical College .P.O
Thiruvananthapuram - 695011
rubyarena@gmail.com
www.rubyarena.com
+91 471 2557474, +91 471 2557484
Tariff Rs. 1400 - 3500


Somatheeram Ayurvedic Health Resort
Chowara P.O.
South of Kovalam
Thiruvananthapuram - 695501


info@somatheeram.org
www.somatheeram.org
+91 471 2266501�� 03, +91 471 2266505
Tariff Euro 50 - 300


Bio Veda Hill Resorts
Kaalipara, Neyyar Dam,
Thiruvananthapuram
info@bioveda.in
www.bioveda.in
+ 91 9645 864754, 94223 88982,
Tariff 1000 - 2200


Hotel Highland Park
Manjalikulam Road, Thampanoor
Thiruvananthapuram - 695002

highlandpark@highland-hotels.com
www.highland-hotels.com
+91 471 2338800, +91 471 2333524
Tariff Rs. 800 - 1900


Ginger Hotels
Techno Park Campus, By - Pass Road, Thiruvanathapuram - 695581

reservation.trivandrum@gingerhotels.com
www.gingerhotels.com
+91 471 6663333, +91 471 6663366
Tariff Rs. 2999

The tourist potential of Canoly Canal !

The Canoly Canal is Kerla's vital inland waterway.


The Canoly Canal starts from Ponnani and flows thru Trichur, meets Periyar and meets the Vembanad Lake. So this inland waterway can stretch from Malappuram to Alleppey. Goods can be transported via the canal which will ease road and rail traffic. General boating and tourists can travel, if this canal built by a Westerner can be revived !



IT is said that the Government has already initiated a project to revive the canal. It was the visit of a team led by B R Menon, Chairman, KSINC, which triggered the significance of the Canal.

The Canoly Canal was built by the earstwhile Governor of Malabar. Till the late 1950s, the Canal was used as a major waterway for the transportation of goods and ferrying passengers.

Today the Canal represents a pathetic picture. BR Menon said that the Government is actively trying to develop the canal. This major inland waterway can connect many districts and goods and passenger traffic can be would be introduced through it and this will ease roal and rail traffic.

Dredging will be carried out every year. The Canal will be deepened at some places. 3.1 cr would have to be spent for strengthening the walls of the Canal. The Canal is part of the West Coast Canal System. It has a width varying from 6 to 20 meters and the water depth ranges from .5 to 2 meters.

Inland water system is cheaper by 50% than that of road and rail systems. It is also environment friendly and fuel efficient mode of transportation.


Kerala Tourism will receive a boost, if this canal is revived.

Medical Tourism in India

As India's world class hospitals lure foreign tourists, India has become a
major destination for Health Tourism.

44 year old June Profitt had her knee replaced at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai.
When she went to Nottingham Hospital, it had a six year waiting list. Her
Indian Doctor told her to go to India for treatment. She looked up the Net
and spotted Apollo Chennai. They corresponded with the Hospital. ' I paid $
4000, which included a 10 day stay at Sterling Beach Resort. Back home it
would have cost $ 10000. Now I am not scared that I would scream in pain
when I put my foot down. And what better place to recuperate than a Beach
Resort".

Another British national, Gregory Bates suffered a heart attack while
holidaying in Goa.' I had the choice to go back home for the bypass", he
said "But I chose to stay on. My family was concerned but having heard about
Indian medical expertise, I was confident that I was in safe hands. The
pre-operative support of Wockhardt Heart Institute in Bangalore while I was
in Goa proved that I would get uncompromised care." . "
His successful surgery is an indicator that heart surgery in India is on par
with the world", said Dr Vivek Jawali, chief cardiovascular surgeon at
Wockhardt who operated on Bates.

"At this juncture we cannot sit back", said Dr P C Reddy. " We have
everything to move ahead." The private sector has already offered to help.
The makeover is striking, hospital floors are squeaky clean and interiors
complete with those of Five Star Hotels. Many hospitals have prayer rooms,
translators, visa extension and currency exchange services. The Narayana
Hrudayalaya Hospital in Bangalore had 8000 patients from Bangladesh last
year. Apollo Chennai is referring many a patient for alternative therapy to
Soukya, a holistic health center in Bangalore.

Bates and Profitt experienced Indian medical efficiencey. Indian health care
made headlines when Dr D Shetty closed a hole in the heart of Noor Fatima, a
child from Pakistan last year. The father of Noor Fatima, A I Ramadhan, had
requested the help of the Indian cricket team which was then touring
Pakistan last year. The Indian cricket team relayed the message back home.
The Narayana Hrudayalaya Hospital at Bangalore offered to help, to give free
surgery to the child. She was successfully operated. After that, the number
of patients coming to Indian hospitals from West Asia & the West increased
considerably. Last year saw 150,000 foreing patients visting India for
treatment.

Quality medical care is the mantra and Dr S K Sama sees tremendous potential
for Indian medical expertise, holistic and otherwise. ' Professional
expertise in the country is as good as in the best hospitals abroad",
remarks he . " We give personalised attention at much lower costs but
provide top of the line services. In five years, things would be totally
different. Europeans will be seeking health care here. "

Robert Peter Mutton was another Briton who got treated at economical rates.
He was holidaying in Kochi when his gall bladder started acting up. "I just
spent Rs 64000, which is amazing" said Robert Peter Mutton. They went to
Lakeshore Hospital, Kochi. " I would have spent $ 10000 in London" said
Mutton after treatment. "There is no difference between doctors here and
back home"

It was the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences in Kochi, founded by a
spiritual giant, Her Holiness Mata Amritanandamayi (
http://www.amritapuri.org/ ), which cured Yan Zheng, a receptionist from
China. Cancer struck Yan when she was working in Beijing. She got treated at
Shanghai but she lost her left eye, the upper jaw, half the lower jaw &
facial nerves as a bye-product.

When she met the CEO of AIMS, Dr Kuriakose, he recommended India. The
doctors at AIMS did four surgeries on her and now she is all right. The four
reconstructive surgeries cost her Rs 3 lakh. It would have cost her 18 lakhs
in the US.

Integrated Medicine is just common sense. The diseases which are not cured
by Allopathy can be cured by other alternative therapies. For surgeries and
immediate relief, one can rely on Allopathy. Ayurveda will take care of the
diseases which need long cure, as it no side effects. .

Medical Training in India

Now professionals, particularly Asian, are happy about being trained in
India, despite the West's formidable reputation as the last word in higher
education in Medicine.

Dr Amit Shrestha and his wife, Dr Shrishti, found it convenient to do their
MD in Bangalore at Manipal Hospital. They had come from Nepal. While Amit
is training to be a cardiologist, his wife wants to be a dermatologist. "
Indian Doctors are world renowned. If we train in India, our respect back
home would grow tenfold", said Amit.

"It was a great experience ", says Clara Perinchery , a German-born MD
student, who came to Lakeshore Hospital & Research Center in Kochi, to learn
about tropical countries. Dr M Abdul Hannan said " I enjoy working here.
Where else would I have learnt so much ? ". He is training at Escorts Heart
Institute & Research Center, Delhi & he admitted that he was inspired by the
Chief Cardiologist, Dr Naresh Trehan.
Ayurveda

The motto of Ayurveda is " Progress Through Research " ( Anusandanena
Abhyudayam ).

Beach Tourism - The 27 Beaches of Kerala Beautiful

The beaches of the Western world are no doubt great, but the traveller and
tourist can have different experiences with the beaches of the East. The
beach resorts of Asia are a good competition to the best beach destinations
of the world. The great mystic civilization of the East, its emphasis on
Mysticism and inner control, exotic natural landscapes, the mentality of the
locals totally different from their Western counterparts, are great
attractions to the global tourists.

The USPs of Asian vacation are its great backwaters, its unique beaches with
clear waters, coral reefs and mammoth waves for surfing. The global
traveller who chooses to go East will have to choose from the countries of
a massive continent with a wide choice of tropical places with unique sandy
beaches. From Israel to Sri Lanka, from Egypt to Indonesia, Thailand, India
and the Philippines, a great variety of beaches awaits the traveller !

Kerala, green and cool, and breathtaking in its natural beauty, is one of
the best choices for Beach Tourism.

Here we give a list of the 27 beaches that adorn God's own Country, so
called by Walter Mendis, because of its lush green landscape.

Though Kerala is famous for its backwaters, this land house some of the
India's finest beaches. Kerala's 900 km coastline is embellished with sandy
beaches, coconut palms and rocky capes. The blue waves washing the sandy
beaches is a good sight to behold.

The beaches - alluring, clean with a blue background, are a great escapism
from the routine drudgeries of life. You can watch the sun disappear into
the horizon, the pageantry of the wandering clouds and changing hues of the
sky. It is Nature in its pristine beauty. You can chase the crabs, race the
waves, do sun bathing and watch another day at the beach unfold leisurely.
Beaches are the vacationer's Paradise.

These vacations can become unforgettable holidays because of the friendly
people and the delectable seafood cuisine you normally get at beach resorts
!


1) Nattika Beach, Trichur

This beach is situated 30 kms off Trichur and is an ideal place to spend a
leisurely day. A perfect picnic spot, because of the the rhythmic waves and
the stretch of sand golden. You will be bewitched by the swaying palm trees,
which seem to hum the Music of Nature ! Amidst the rural setting, you will
find resorts which give you the best seafood cuisine along with vegetarian.

2) Vadanappally Beach, Trichur

Located just 20 km off Trichur, Vadanappally Beach is a great sight to
behold. For those who are looking for a picnic and fun at the beach, this
calm beach fringed with coconut palms is ideal.
3) Chavakkad Beach
Just 5 kms off Guruvayur ( just half an hour journey from Trichur ), this 15
km long beach is breathtaking in its beauty. If you travel to Chavakkad
Azhimukham, the Chavakkad Estuary, where the sea confuences with a river,
you can enjoy the beauty of the sea and the beauty
of the river ! Fringed with coconut palms and green ambience, this Estuary
is one of the best places to go, as you can enjoy Nature in her pristine
beauty. ' Nature never did betray the heart that loved her" said Wordsworth
!

4) Alleppey Beach, Alappuzha
Alleppey Beach is one of the most popular beach locations in Kerala. A
perfect picnic spot for the family. The pier which extends into the sea is
just 140 years old. There are entertainment facilities at the Vijaya Beach
Park, which add to the attraction of this beauteous beach.


5) Marari Beach, Alleppey
Just an hour from Cochin lies this beauteous beach, right in the heart of
the Spice Coast. This beach is a tantalising stretch of sandy beach fringed
with palms, and a Heaven for those who want to get away from the Madding
Crowd, from the hustle and bustle of city life.

6) Fort Kochi Beach, Ernakulam

Adorned with Chinese fishing nets, this beach is a must see for those who
hunger for Nature in her primordial beauty. Great sunsets can be viewed on
this beach. On New Years Eve, people flock to his beach. You get a lot of
seafood cuisine also. Also drinks. You can see the fishing folk come out
with great catches. You can view how the Chinese fishing nets operate.

7) Cherai Beach, Vypeen Islands

Ideal for swimming, this superb beach is just 45 kms off from Cochin City.
You can watch dolphins which are occasionally seen here. You can see a
typical Kerala village, adorned with coconut trees and paddy fields !
8) Payyambalam Beach, Kannur

This beach is near St Angelo's Fort and this beach is turning out to be a
major tourist attraction. The famous sculptor, Kunji Raman, has made several
statues and scuptures on the beach as well as the park adjacent to the
beach.

9) Mazhuppilangadi Beach, Kannur

This is a 4.5 km long beach and the uniqueness of this beach is that
vehicles can be driven through this beach without getting stuck in the sand.
This is also known as the Mazhuppilangadi Drive-In Beach for this reason. As
the beach does not have violent waves and is shallow, this beach is fancied
by swimmers !