logo
A Kerala house that's a mini-museum of antiques

A Kerala house that's a mini-museum of antiques

Some yards away from Neyyattinkara Junction stands a home where the past resides in all its glory. This is Abey VJ's home. Alongside his family, it houses a stunning collection of vintage artefacts from across the globe, each with its own unique story from a bygone era.
Notable among his collectables are a wide range of antique clocks, cameras, and gramophones, including some sourced from royal houses, that still play rare, unheard tunes.
There are traditional measures from across the country, alongside pure-brass vessels that are hard to come by in the market. At one corner, a studio has been recreated in its original form, featuring spools used to record voices nearly 80 years ago and even remake prints of J C Daniel's 'Vigathakumaran' — the first Malayalam feature film.
A tax consultant by profession, Abey's passion for preserving the past drives him to be a caregiver of history. 'There are many groups of collectors across the globe. We exchange notes, acquire items through international auctions and travel in search of new finds,' he says. 'My mother and son-in-law, who is a history researcher, assist me in conserving these artefacts.'
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Kareena Kapoor Khan pairs lungi with yellow bikini during her beach vacation, grooves to lungi dance- See pics
Kareena Kapoor Khan pairs lungi with yellow bikini during her beach vacation, grooves to lungi dance- See pics

India.com

time20 hours ago

  • India.com

Kareena Kapoor Khan pairs lungi with yellow bikini during her beach vacation, grooves to lungi dance- See pics

Actress Kareena Kapoor Khan remains in the news not only for her professional life but also for her personal life. At present, Kareena is on a summer vacation with her sons and husband, actor Saif Ali Khan. At 44, the actress continues to set social media on fire. Where is Kareena Kapoor Khan holidaying? Once again, Kareena's latest photos have become the talk of the town. In fact, on July 17, Bebo shared an Instagram post, giving a glimpse of her vacation tour in Greece. Kareena's latest photos from this family trip have been surfacing these days. On Thursday, she shared a series of new photos, which are full of hotness. In these pictures, she can be yellow bikini with a lungi skirt. She completed the look with statement sunglasses and a hat. Kareena Kapoor Khan's lungi dance in Greece Kareena revealed in her post that she did a lungi dance on a beach. The caption read, 'Did a lungi dance in Greece…had fun. Must try'. Kareena has been updating her fans a lot from her Greece trip. Earlier, she created buzz with photos of herself in a beige and black monokini, paired with oversized sunglasses. What is Kareena Kapoor Khan's next project? Kareena will be next seen in Daayra alongside Malayalam actor Prithviraj Sukumaran. Directed by Meghna Gulzar, Prithviraj is reportedly playing a police officer, while Kareena takes on a central role. We can't wait to watch her in the thriller drama.

This Road Trip From Hyderabad Feels Like Kerala During Monsoons – But Hardly Anyone Knows About It
This Road Trip From Hyderabad Feels Like Kerala During Monsoons – But Hardly Anyone Knows About It

India.com

timea day ago

  • India.com

This Road Trip From Hyderabad Feels Like Kerala During Monsoons – But Hardly Anyone Knows About It

What if you could taste Kerala's monsoon magic, without ever leaving Telangana? There's a road trip that begins just a few hours from Hyderabad. It weaves through rolling hills, misty forests, and lakeside villages so lush, they feel like borrowed frames from a Malayalam film. And yet, hardly anyone talks about it. Let's fix that. Where Exactly Are We Headed? Destination: Bhadrachalam to Papi Kondalu via the Godavari. A route that feels like it was carved by the rain gods themselves. We're not talking about typical weekend getaways here. This is an experience layered with sights, smells, and stillness. The kind that creeps up on you slowly. The kind that stays. Why Does It Feel Like Kerala? Because monsoon here doesn't just fall. It arrives. It drapes everything in green. Coconut groves sway near tribal hamlets. Plantain trees lean into winding roads. Even the mist moves like a character in the story. And just like Kerala, this region is defined by water. The Godavari river becomes the trip's silent guide Backwater-like stretches line the way to Papi Hills You'll spot traditional boats that look straight out of Alleppey But here's the twist: no crowds, no inflated prices, no 'too-touristy' fatigue. Start Point: Hyderabad to Bhadrachalam – The Road That Transforms Set your wheels rolling from Hyderabad early morning. In about 7 hours, you'll reach Bhadrachalam. But it's not just the destination, it's the transitions along the way. The dry Deccan plateau slowly gives way to lush Eastern Ghats Hillocks start wearing green shawls of monsoon mist And every roadside tea stall feels like a scene waiting to be painted By the time you reach Bhadrachalam, it doesn't feel like Telangana anymore. It feels like you've crossed a climate border. Papi Kondalu: The Hidden Amazon of South India You've heard of the Western Ghats. You've probably seen Munnar or Wayanad in reels. But Papi Kondalu? Still flying under the radar. This hill range cradles the Godavari in its arms, forming narrow gorges, emerald islands, and mist-wrapped cliffs that rise like sentinels. And during monsoon, it becomes a living oil painting. Boat rides start from Polavaram or Rajahmundry They glide through foggy waters, past waterfalls and tribal villages You can stay overnight in eco-camps on the riverbanks or houseboats docked quietly by the shore It's Kerala, without the clichés. What Makes This Trip So Special During Monsoon? Two words: Undiscovered intimacy. Unlike popular monsoon spots that feel like a festival, this trail feels like a secret. There's space to breathe. To pause. To absorb. Roads are open, not jammed with buses or bikers Tribal festivals like Bonalu echo through small hamlets Seasonal fruits, jamun, bamboo rice, and custard apple, are everywhere And above all, the rain isn't just background weather. It's a character. A Few Key Stops That Elevate This Trip Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary Just outside Palwancha, this sanctuary is home to dense teak forests, peacocks in the wild, and a reservoir that mirrors the sky. Bhadrachalam Temple Town Sacred, serene, and soaked in devotion. During monsoon, the Godavari here feels like a sacred stream from ancient epics. Perantalapalli Village Accessible via boat, this hidden village near Papi Hills is a cultural time capsule. Think bamboo huts, herbal teas, and tribal crafts. Maredumilli Forests If you take the return route via Rajahmundry, a detour to these forests is non-negotiable. Waterfalls, forest cuisine, and raw serenity. So, Who Is This Trip For? Not for checklist tourists. This is for the slow travellers. The 'experience first, Instagram later' kind. The ones who'd trade five-star hotels for foggy forests and riverside chai. But more importantly, it's for anyone in Hyderabad craving Kerala's vibe without spending a fortune or taking flights. When to Go, What to Carry, and How to Plan Best time: July to September (early monsoon if you prefer light drizzle; peak monsoon if you love the drama) Route tip: Hyderabad → Bhadrachalam → Papi Kondalu → Rajahmundry → Maredumilli → Back to Hyderabad (circular loop) Must-carry items: Rain-proof hiking shoes Mosquito repellent Offline maps (signal dips often) Power banks, snacks, and a flask of ginger chai Pro tip: Avoid weekends if you want the place to yourself. Weekdays = solitude. So Why Doesn't Everyone Know About This Yet? Because it breaks the pattern. It's not 'trending' on Instagram yet. It's not in the typical 'Top 10 monsoon getaways' listicles. And it demands a little effort, just enough to keep the noise out. But maybe that's the point. Some places are better left undiscovered, until you're ready to feel them, not just visit them. Final Thought: Not Every Escape Needs a Boarding Pass Kerala's charm lies in its rhythm, rains that slow time, landscapes that heal, stories that unfold one cup of chai at a time. This road trip offers all that. Just closer. And quieter. You don't need new coordinates. You just need new eyes.

Come Karkidakam, pilgrims cover four temples in a day in search of solace
Come Karkidakam, pilgrims cover four temples in a day in search of solace

The Hindu

time2 days ago

  • The Hindu

Come Karkidakam, pilgrims cover four temples in a day in search of solace

As Karkidakam, the final and most spiritually significant month of the Malayalam calendar, begins on July 17, thousands of devotees across Kerala are preparing for the sacred Nalambala Darshan, a unique pilgrimage that takes them to four temples dedicated to Lord Rama and his brothers, all in a single day. Traditionally viewed as a month of misery, marked by rain, disease, and hardship, Karkidakam is also revered for its spiritual richness. Believers turn to the Ramayana for solace and strength, often reading the epic throughout the month. It is said that sage Valmiki completed the Ramayana during this time. In this context, the Nalambala Darshan becomes more than a ritual, it is a symbolic journey of inner renewal and devotion. The pilgrimage of Nalambala Darshan is taken to the Sree Rama temple, Thriprayar; Bharatha temple, Koodalmanikyam; Lakshmana temple, Moozhikulam; and Sathrughna temple, Payammal. The temples have made elaborate arrangements to receive devotees for the pilgrimage. The pilgrimage begins at the Sree Rama temple in Thriprayar. The temple opens as early as 3.30 a.m., with devotees advised to complete their darshan before the early morning pujas begin at 5 a.m. Long queues are expected, but elaborate arrangements, including rain shelters, CCTV surveillance, mobile counters for offerings, and ample parking, ensure a smooth experience. Offerings like 'kathina vedi,' 'meenoottu' (feeding fish), and 'avil nivedyam' are part of the traditional rituals. Next is the Koodalmanikyam temple in Irinjalakuda, dedicated to Bharata. Devotees enter through the eastern gate, offer prayers, and exit through the western side. The devotees also make a circumambulation of the temple tank, Kulipini Theertham. The temple sees heavy footfall on weekends and offers rituals such as 'tamara mala' (lotus garland), 'neyvilakku,' and 'pushpanjali.' Free 'kanji' is served daily in the 'oottupura.' From there, pilgrims head to the Moozhikkulam Lakshmana Perumal temple in Ernakulam district. This rare temple, where Lakshmana is worshipped, opens at 4.30 a.m. Devotees follow a specific prayer sequence, offering items like 'palpayasam,' 'unniyappam,' and 'elluthiri.' A massive shelter accommodates over 5,000 devotees, and 'annadanam' (free meals) is arranged for around 3,000 daily. The final stop is Payammal Shatrughna Temple, located near Irinjalakuda. The temple opens at 5.30 a.m. and remains accessible till 9.30 p.m. depending on crowd flow. Special rituals like 'Sudarsana pushpanjali,' 'chandanam charthal,' and 'shankhabhishekam' are performed for the removal of obstacles and blessings of prosperity. Full circle of devotion Interestingly, the pilgrimage both begins and ends at Thriprayar, a full circle of devotion. As devotees walk this spiritual path, they don't just traverse geography, they traverse the legacy of righteousness, loyalty, and dharma that the sons of king Dasharatha represent. The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation is conducting special services for the devotees for Nalambala Darshan.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store