Latest news with #British-built
India.com
3 days ago
- India.com
Chasing Rain In Secret Spots With Local-Favorite Monsoon Escapes Near Kochi
Kochi stands as a dynamic port city in Kerala which displays both natural delights and cultural heritage and panoramic landscapes. Multiple attractions exist in Kochi beyond its recognized features especially during the monsoon season including the backwaters, historic Fort Kochi, and busy markets. Rain creates verdant landscapes throughout Kerala which transform concealed natural wonders in the vicinity of Kochi into stunning ecologic oases. Local travelers should consider visiting these seven offbeat monsoon destinations around Kochi that remain undisclosed to typical tourists. 1. Anchuthengu Backwaters Anchuthengu maintains its status as a tranquil backwater destination which has successfully avoided becoming a popular tourist hotspot within 30 kilometers from Kochi. When monsoon season arrives the backwaters at this location transform into a colorful natural landscape under refreshing wind conditions. Small villages together with coconut groves and peaceful waterways create the ideal environment for either canoeing or taking a houseboat journey throughout this region. The 17th century British-built Anchuthengu Fort extends a historical aspect to what otherwise functions as an unassuming location. 2. Cherai Beach The population of beachgoers at Cherai Beach stays mainly during peak periods because they do not discover its quiet charm during monsoon seasons. Cherai exists as a 25-kilometer neighborhood outside Kochi that provides beach and backwater encounters to its visitors. At this time the rain creates an attractive natural scene where the Vypeen Island lagoon merges with the Arabian Sea. Travel to the empty beach coast to hear wave music while tasting local seafood offerings obtained from mobile eateries scattered throughout the area. 3. Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary Nature fans will discover Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary at the center of Kochi city as a carefully protected sanctuary. The urban oasis of Kochi receives its transformation during monsoon season when numerous migratory birds arrive to visit its wetlands. The calm waters and dense mangrove forests at this location support the natural habitat of the Indian Pond Heron as well as the Common Kingfisher and Little Cormorant species. Visitors can find peace from urban chaos while spending time at this location. 4. Edamalayar Forest Reserve Nature enthusiasts must experience Edamalayar Forest Reserve which lies about 50 kilometers from Kochi city. The pristine forest reserve maintains its position within Periyar Tiger Reserve because it demonstrates dense evergreen forests alongside rolling hills and several cascading waterfalls. During monsoon season the region acquires exceptional beauty because rapidly moving streams flow through forests while mist makes peaks appear enchanted. The trekking paths within this wilderness area let you observe numerous wild animals including elephants and deer together with numerous unique bird species. 5. Paniyeli Poru Facing the Periyar River bank at a short distance from Aluva town you will find secluded Paniyeli Poru. The place earned its name because two flowing rivers ('two rivers') converge at a 'church' to create 'natural pool ('paniyeli')'. The river grows swollen with monsoon water which forms breathtaking falls combined with wild greenery throughout the season. People living nearby choose Paniyeli Poru for their picnics and day outings but most visitors outside the area have yet to discover it. Anyone visiting the water should remember to bring waterproof equipment before entering the waters. Wrapping Up The hidden monsoon destinations around Kochi provide travelers with an opportunity to escape overcrowded tourist areas while experiencing the genuine landscape of Kerala. Each destination surrounding Anchuthengu backwaters and Idamalayar forests brings a distinctive experience. The remote locations provide magic-filled experiences that match your personal preferences between enjoying natural landscapes and historical sites and relaxing vacation moments. Explore these secret havens of Kochi during the rainy season if you visit the city to discover their magical attraction.
The Hindu
09-07-2025
- The Hindu
Idukki to get heritage tourism project soon
The hilly district of Idukki is all set to get a heritage tourism project. According to officials, the project aims at conserving the rich heritage of the district and popularise it. The project will be implemented in association with the district administration, Tourism department, and the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC). At a meeting with tourism stakeholders on Tuesday, District Collector V. Vigneshwari announced that the heritage tourism project will be implemented soon. According to sources, authorities will collect data on the major heritage spots in the district soon. 'The old British churches, graves, British-built bridges, tribal art forms, old estate bungalows, dolmens, menhirs, and other historically important sites will be included on the list. After preparing the list, the government will take further steps to implement the project,' said an official. According to the officials, Idukki has a vast potential for heritage tourism. Idukki is filled with British-built constructions, religious and educational institutions. These aspects will provide a new outlook to the tourism sector in the district. The Tourism department is already preparing a heritage tourism project for the elegant British-built St. George CSI Church with its gothic-style architecture at Pallikunnu, near Kuttikanam. During his visit in March, Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas directed the Tourism Director to prepare a heritage tourism project for the church. During the interaction with the tourism stakeholders, Ms. Vigneshwari said the district administration plans to utilise the tourism potential of the district in full. She said the district will prepare a website and arrange facilities for tourists visiting the Idukki dam.' A standard operating procedure (SOP) will be implemented in the district to issue climate-related alerts and other restrictions. A project named Idukki Plaza will be implemented in the district to provide basic facilities to the tourists who arrive there, said the Collector.
India Today
04-07-2025
- India Today
North Kerala: Through time, taste and tranquility
(NOTE: This article was originally published in the India Today issue dated July 14, 2025)It all begins, as it often does in Kerala, with people around a table, conversation and food. At Hotel Jineesh, a small, bare-bones eatery in Chaliyam, my order arrives on a steel plate filled to the brim and placed on a rough-hewn, wooden table. Three men, already seated, see mid-chat that there's no room elsewhere, and wave us over to settle next to them. I slide my plastic stool forward to this Malabar classic: kallumakkaya—freshly harvested mussels simmering in a light gravy mix of its own juices, coconut slivers and fragrant spices—and a thick slice of pathri, a golden-fried, rice-flour roundel. I dig in as a fresh batch of batter-fried bananas are carried out by a sari-clad woman, whose face brightens into a smile as hungry locals trickle in, eager to start the day If Kerala's south were a monsoon downpour, the north would be its petrichor. Unlike its well-publicised southern sibling, North Kerala remains largely untouched by the stampede of mass tourism, inviting you in with the promise of raw landscapes, languid rhythms and a storied LAND OF LEGENDS It's a warm, sticky June morning, and I am on the hunt for some of those stories with Rajeesh Raghavan, a travel professional and local-history expert, who is guiding me through Kozhikode. Within minutes into our half-hour drive to the city, he recounts tales from Kozhikode's long and complex past. Along the way, he points to landmarks that reflect its continued presence—a century-old British-built iron bridge still in daily use; the Commonwealth Tile Factory in Feroke, built in 1864, and still operating; the Wadiaji Parsi Anjuman Baug, an 18th-century fire temple, managed and maintained by the Marshalls, a four-member family that is all that remains of Kozhikode's once significant Parsi community. OPEN TO THE FAITHFUL: The 14th century Mishkal mosque in Kozhikode Two centuries before their arrival, Vasco da Gama reached India by sea in 1498 and opened up trade with Europe, bypassing overland Arab routes. His landing point on Kappad beach, 30 minutes away, is a popular tourist spot. The Portuguese explorer was warmly welcomed by the Zamorins, the erstwhile rulers of Kozhikode, whose keen nose for business turned the city into a major spice and silk Zamorin of Calicut once ruled these streets. Today, their palace is a hospital and the throne room a maternity ward, but their impact is still felt, not least in the city's modern marketplaces. Valiyangadi Market, once the bustling heart of the city's spice and grain trade, remains active today with wholesale dealers in rice, areca nut, and coconut oil. Silk Street, and SM Street (Sweet Meat Street), one of the city's oldest commercial roads, are busy retail hubs where traditional halwa stalls sit comfortably beside mobile stores and branded outlets.I sample a variety of the famous 'sweet meat' that gives the street its name at the 92-year-old Shankaran Bakery. 'Our halwa is originally an Arabian delicacy,' Rajeesh says, as I am handed a slice from the jewel-like, soft, candied bricks made of refined flour, sugar, and oil or ghee. My visit coincides with Eid al-Adha, so the shopping hub is deserted: today is all about prayer, family and feasts. In Kozhikode, faith doesn't stand apart—it leans in, like neighbours over a shared wall. The 600-year-old Thali Temple, the 700-year-old Mishkal Mosque, once charred by the Portuguese in 1510, and then rebuilt, ('with wood from the Zamorin's own fort,' Rajeesh notes), and the Mother of God cathedral, built on land gifted by the same Hindu ruler, are all a stone's throw away from each we head to Paragon, the city's iconic restaurant, known for their impeccable food, Sunday lunch crowds and must-have tender-coconut custard, Rajeesh advises caution: 'Famous personalities are snuck in through the back,' he says with a smile, 'We'll have to wait.' Indeed, the place is packed, despite it being a holiday, so we grab our custards and savour spicy prawn fry, Malabar biryani, and a raw mango-and-mint mocktail at Adaminte Chayakada (Adam's Tea Shop). Between bites, Rajeesh tells me about a vegetarian crocodile named Babiya in Kasaragod who, until his recent demise, lived in a temple pond and ate prasadam. You just can't make this up. But in 'city of truth' Kozhikode, you don't have TO THE HIGHLANDSMy ride to Wayanad curves north-eastward into forested hills, where hairpin bends and misty slopes make for a scenic drive. The sun hangs low as our wheels roll into the lush haven that is Pepper Trail estate. Set deep within a former colonial plantation, Pepper Trail feels less like a resort and more like a secret camp. The woodpecker tree house in the pepper trail estate The bedroom in the tree house Over breakfast in the main pavilion, I meet owner Anand Jayan, whose grandfather P. Balram Kurup bought the 200-acre coffee, spice and tea estate in 1932 from a Scotsman. Anand's is the hand behind the retreat's thoughtful, sustainable and immersive soul. Perfectly balancing the wilderness experience with elevated comfort, the 150-year-old two-suite colonial bungalow with its back-to-roots aesthetic delivers on its promise of nostalgia. Two treehouses, built 40 feet high on sturdy jackfruit trees, feel like something out of a fantasy fiction film, and the rooms themselves, while arboreal, make no compromises on either space or the high-end feel. For the more down-to-earth, the villas boast grande-sized quarters, a front garden, and a forest-facing private infinity An infinity pool at the resort overlooking the beach At Wayanad, there's something for everyone: its wildlife sanctuary has birdwatching and safaris, while Soochipara and Meenmutty waterfalls are magnificent after the rains. Further west, Banasura Sagar Dam, Asia's largest earthen dam, tempts with boat rides and viewpoints. Thrill-seekers can hike to Chembra Peak, climb up to the Edakkal Caves where stone-age petroglyphs line the walls, or go zip-lining. History buffs will find the Wayanad Heritage Museum an unassuming gem while retail-hounds can peruse the local markets at Sultan Bathery just 20 minutes hard to imagine a more perfect getaway, but the forces of nature tend to follow a different policy from 'customer is king'. North Kerala tourism faced a trifecta of setbacks with Covid-19, the 2024 floods and recent landslides. Though the tragedy struck a limited geography, the entire district's tourism bookings collapsed. Since then, however, recovery efforts spell hope. Altaf Chapri, who runs Neeleshwar Hermitage, my next and final stop in North Kerala, is enthused by the boom: 'Southern Kerala has overgrown. Concrete, crowds but here, the beaches still breathe. Between on-season swimming, dolphins and migratory birds in the winter, backwaters and treks, or restorative wellness therapies—northern Kerala has it all,' he BY THE SEAFrom the highlands to the Arabian Sea, I roll into Neeleshwar Hermitage where I am welcomed into 12 acres of a dream-like sprawl on which 18 standalone cottages wait invitingly for weary heads. I walk into my sea-facing room, built in the traditional style but with plush comforts, a plunge pool and porch sit-outs. Though fresh off a five-hour drive, I find it hard to stop myself from leaving my bags and trotting across the measly 200 metres of pathways that cut through grass, on to the unspoiled Ozhinhavalappu beach, and right into the and rejuvenation form the pillars of the Hermitage's credo: the Priya Spa offers holistic treatments based on consultations with the inhouse Ayurveda practitioner, while the dawn echoes with expert-led pranayam and asanas at the seaside yoga centre. Meals are served in open restaurants flooded with ocean breeze. Sustainability flows through every detail—from composting to no-plastic policies and thoughtfully sourced cuisine. A bountiful thali at the restaurant of Neeleshwar Hermitage The houseboat Lotus on a cruise The highlight, however, is a sojourn aboard The Lotus—the retreat's 100-foot houseboat—for one- to two-night journeys through rabble-free backwaters. And then there is the transformative experience of witnessing Theyyam—a ritual dance form native to North Kerala. Rooted in the worship of ancestral and local deities, Theyyam is both an act of devotion and resistance. For centuries, it has been performed by members of lower castes who, during these rituals, embody the spirit of divine figures. I find the paradox striking: a Brahmin priest bowing before a Dalit man possessed by the spirit of the divine Muthappan. In that fire-lit moment, caste, class and creed collapse into shared Kerala rewards the slow traveller with stories that unfold gently, landscapes that linger, and moments that stay long after you've to India Today Magazine- Ends
Leader Live
14-06-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Red Arrows make history with sustainable fuel flypast for King's birthday
Jets from the world-famous aerobatic display team were powered by a blend of sustainable aviation fuel, and used the vegetable oil to produce their trademark vapour trails. It follows groundbreaking trials by RAF engineers and logisticians. All nine of the team's British-built Hawk fast-jets were topped up with a high-ratio blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at the team's home base of RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire, before they set off, in what is thought to be a world's first. The flypast is also thought to be the first time a renewable biofuel – known as hydrotreated vegetable oil – has been used to produce vapour trails. Charles has been championing sustainability and climate action since before he ascended the throne. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said the King was not involved in the decision but was 'delighted' because he has been encouraging use of the fuel on royal flights where practical and hopes the example will lead to wider use across the aviation sector. Squadron leader Andy King, the Red Arrows' senior engineering officer who led the project, said: 'Ever since the Red Arrows' first display in 1965, the team has aimed to inspire future generations and represent the best of British. Using this technology is the latest example of our relentless pursuit of excellence. 'The flypast for His Majesty The King is the perfect opportunity to showcase this innovation. 'The vibrant vapour trails that we generate is what sets the Red Arrows apart and so to be the first aerobatic team in the world to move to a fully sustainable option is really exciting.' Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard, said: 'The iconic Red Arrows are one of the world's premier aerobatic display teams and by adopting a more environmentally friendly sustainable aviation fuel, the Royal Air Force is blazing a trail as part of our work to combat climate change.' The Red Arrows' 2025 season runs until October, with 60 shows planned across the UK and mainland Europe.
South Wales Argus
14-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Red Arrows make history with sustainable fuel flypast for King's birthday
Jets from the world-famous aerobatic display team were powered by a blend of sustainable aviation fuel, and used the vegetable oil to produce their trademark vapour trails. It follows groundbreaking trials by RAF engineers and logisticians. The Red Arrows performing a fly-past over Southsea Common in Portsmouth (Cpl Phil Dye/MoD/Crown Copyright/PA) All nine of the team's British-built Hawk fast-jets were topped up with a high-ratio blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at the team's home base of RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire, before they set off, in what is thought to be a world's first. The flypast is also thought to be the first time a renewable biofuel – known as hydrotreated vegetable oil – has been used to produce vapour trails. Charles has been championing sustainability and climate action since before he ascended the throne. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said the King was not involved in the decision but was 'delighted' because he has been encouraging use of the fuel on royal flights where practical and hopes the example will lead to wider use across the aviation sector. Squadron leader Andy King, the Red Arrows' senior engineering officer who led the project, said: 'Ever since the Red Arrows' first display in 1965, the team has aimed to inspire future generations and represent the best of British. Using this technology is the latest example of our relentless pursuit of excellence. 'The flypast for His Majesty The King is the perfect opportunity to showcase this innovation. 'The vibrant vapour trails that we generate is what sets the Red Arrows apart and so to be the first aerobatic team in the world to move to a fully sustainable option is really exciting.' Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard, said: 'The iconic Red Arrows are one of the world's premier aerobatic display teams and by adopting a more environmentally friendly sustainable aviation fuel, the Royal Air Force is blazing a trail as part of our work to combat climate change.' The Red Arrows' 2025 season runs until October, with 60 shows planned across the UK and mainland Europe.
