Latest news with #Kodava
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Independence Day Long Weekend Guide: Where to Go for the 15 August Long Weekend in India
Best Long Weekend Trips in India- 15 August Long Weekend Guide 1. Munnar and Thekkady, Kerala – Nature's Retreat Why go: Highlights: How to reach: Best for: 2. Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh – Hills with Heart Why go: Highlights: How to reach: Best for: 3. Pondicherry – Coastal Calm with a French Touch Why go: Highlights: How to reach: Best for: 4. Udaipur, Rajasthan – Lakeside Majesty in Monsoon Why go: How to reach: Best for: 5. Wayanad, Kerala – Monsoon in the Mist Why go: Highlights: How to reach: Best for: 6. Coorg, Karnataka – Coffee Country Bliss Why go: Highlights: How to reach: Best for: 7. Rishikesh and Haridwar, Uttarakhand – River Spirituality Why go: Highlights: How to reach: Best for: 8. Meghalaya – Northeast's Monsoon Masterpiece Why go: Highlights: How to reach: Best for: Planning Best Practices- Your Personal Weekend Travel Checklist With 15 August 2025 falling on a Friday, you have a golden opportunity for a three day break. Whether you're craving lush hills, heritage charm, or riverside peace, this weekend is perfect for stepping away from the daily grind. Here's a thoughtfully curated guide to make the most of the rolling tea estates and Thekkady's spice scented forests offer a calm escape. Expect fresh air, misty mornings, and cozy evenings, ideal for unwinding.- Morning walks through tea gardens- Spice plantation tours in Thekkady- Boat ride on Periyar LakeFly into Kochi and embark on a scenic 4 to 5 hour drive to families, nature loversThese twin towns blend Tibetan culture with Himalayan serenity. They offer peaceful hikes, spiritual immersion, and great food.- Treks to Triund or Bhagsu Nag- Cafés with mountain views- Monastery visits and local Tibetan marketsReach via train to Pathankot followed by a road trip, or fly directly to adventurers, backpackers, spiritual seekersA blend of quaint colonial architecture, quiet beaches, and relaxed café culture. It's peaceful, photogenic, and nostalgic.- Stroll along the Promenade- Explore Auroville- Sample French Indian fusion cuisineEasily accessible by road or train from ChennaiCouples, culture enthusiasts, leisure travelersUdaipur's palaces and lakes shine during the monsoon. It is romantic and less crowded compared to peak winter Boat rides on Lake Pichola- Evening at Gangaur Ghat- Heritage walks around City PalaceWell connected by flight, train, and couples, culture loversWayanad's waterfalls, green forests, and wildlife make it a soothing yet immersive escape.- Trek to Edakkal Caves- Visit Meenmutty Falls- Stay in forest lodgesAccessible via Calicut or Bengaluru followed by a scenic travelers, couples, nature enthusiastsKnown as Scotland of India, Coorg offers lush coffee plantations, mist kissed hills, and laid back charm.- Walks through coffee estates- Visit Abbey and Raja's Seat Falls- Enjoy Kodava cuisineDrive from Mysuru or couples, weekenders from BengaluruA blend of adventure and calm. Combine temple visits, rafting, and riverfront rituals.- Attend Ganga aarti in Haridwar- Try rafting or yoga in Rishikesh- Explore Beatles AshramTrain to Haridwar or fly to nearby Dehradun seekers, spiritual travelers, familiesLandscape filled with living root bridges, waterfalls, and rolling green hills make Meghalaya a soul reviving escape.- Exploring living root bridges- Visiting Elephant Falls and Nohkalikai- Walking through Shillong marketsFly into Guwahati followed by a 3 to 4 hour drive to Shillong or explorers, monsoon enthusiasts, nature loversConsideration and Guidance:Book Early - Trains, flights, and stays fill up fast during national holidays |Weather Prep - August brings rain so pack waterproof jackets and shoes |Travel Light- A suitcase or duffel bag suffices for the weekend |Add Local Flavour- Try local foods, stay in homestays, or join small tours |Flexible Itinerary- Build in buffer time for travel delays or spontaneous slow mornings |- Check transport options and book round trip as soon as possible- Pack according to monsoon conditions- Keep local contacts and guide details handy- Include cozy downtime and do not cram every minuteThis Independence Day, turn a long weekend into a mini vacation that refreshes you. It does not have to be anything grand, just the right mix of peace, nature, and a break from the usual rhythm. Whether you choose the misty hills of Munnar or the quiet shores of Pondicherry, you are giving yourself a meaningful best weekend getaway is the one that feels like home but feels new at the same time.
New Indian Express
4 days ago
- New Indian Express
'Kodava Food Festival' at ITC Kohenur: A warm hug from Kodagu
We started off with the Balekai Barthad, plantains marinated in kachampuli, shallow-fried and coated with rice flour. This dish was simply superb, with the right amount of sourness, crisp and texture. Its non-vegetarian counterpart, Meen Barthad, where the fish was marinated in kachampuli, chillies, and salt, was just as irresistible, with everyone going back for more. The Bollary Barthad, shallow-fried cucumber with spices and green chillies, was moderately spicy yet soothing. The Nallamalu Erchi and Koli Barthad — lamb and chicken fry respectively — stood out. The lamb, with subtle hints of cinnamon and cardamom, took you on a flavour ride. 'Traditional Kodava cooking uses minimal oil for meat, relying on the lard instead. We also don't favour overly spicy food, and because of our proximity to Kerala, we love using coconut; almost every dish has it,' Chef Smitha explained with a chuckle. All the dishes were plated so professionally, but Chef Smitha revealed that this is the effect of modernity; traditional Kodava cuisine draws from its warrior culture, which prioritises bulk cooking for sustenance and togetherness. But then there are commonalities too — a staple loved across the southern states, the dosa appeared in its Kodava avatar: Neer Dosa. We had two versions: one filled with veg poriyal, the other with prawns marinated in kachampuli. Though quite full, we were treated to more of that famed Kodava hospitality.
India.com
6 days ago
- India.com
Want To Experience The Monsoon Magic? 7 Scenic Spots In India That Will Leave You Speechless
photoDetails english 2933158 Updated:Jul 17, 2025, 02:48 PM IST 1 / 9 When the cooler air settles in and marks the change of a season, India seems to come even more alive. The skies turn into the warmest hues of blue, and fresh gusts of breeze wrap around everything they touch. This is when the monsoon breathes its magic into the landscape. From waterfalls cascading dramatically through forest trails to hilltops hiding under veils of mist, and there's a certain charm in the rain that's hard to describe but so easy to fall in love with. Here are 7 breathtaking spots in India that look like they've leapt straight out of a storybook during the monsoon: Cherrapunji 2 / 9 Famous for being one of the wettest places on Earth, Cherrapunji truly comes alive during the monsoon. Here, rain isn't just weather but much greater than that, its part of the landscape. Imagine sipping hot tea under a tin roof while the rain drums its rhythm above, the cool breeze swirling around you. This is monsoon at its most authentic, and it's an experience of a lifetime. Darjeeling 3 / 9 Darjeeling sits gracefully at around 2,050 meters above sea level. During the monsoon, the lush tea gardens and rolling hills turn even more vibrant, shrouded in mist and mystery. Don't leave without tasting its world-famous tea as its s a treat that makes the chill in the air feel even cosier. Coorg 4 / 9 In Coorg, the monsoon doesn't just arrive but also transforms everything from within. Coffee plantations shimmer with raindrops, secret streams emerge along forest trails, and the air feels deeply fresh and alive. It's a dreamy, quiet escape perfect for losing track of time. While here, explore local tribal handicrafts and traditional Kodava cuisine. Spiti Valley 5 / 9 While most of India is drenched, Spiti remains relatively dry, but no less spectacular. The rain comes gently, accentuating the cliffs, ancient monasteries, and patches of green against a rugged backdrop. It's serene, almost a spiritual and unforgettable experience. A haven for adventurers and soul seekers alike. Munnar 6 / 9 Tucked in the Western Ghats of Kerala, Munnar turns ethereal during the rains. The tea plantations look freshly washed in glowing shades of green, and waterfalls like Attukal and Lakkam roar back to life. Despite the monsoon, roads here are typically well-maintained, making it a safer and more accessible destination than the higher Himalayan regions. Mount Abu 7 / 9 As Rajasthan's only hill station, Mount Abu becomes a quiet paradise in the monsoon. Mist rolls over Nakki Lake and the surrounding hills, offering travelers peace and cool relief from the desert heat. Stroll through local markets, discover tribal crafts, and indulge in traditional Rajasthani dishes. Udaipur 8 / 9 Udaipur receives moderate rain, which refreshes its iconic lakes and marble palaces without overwhelming the city. Monsoon is a perfect time to visit the Monsoon Palace for panoramic views over the city's skyline. The rains add a soft romance to Udaipur's historic streets, making it a dream for history lovers and photographers alike. 9 / 9 For travellers, monsoon is an ideal season to experience India's beauty without the crowds. The landscapes look their most photogenic under shifting clouds and mist. Yes, travel during the rains requires flexibility as roads tend to get slippery, and delays can happen, but the extra effort is totally worth it. Cool mountain air, lively festivals, quiet temples, and scenes you'll remember forever. Offering an experience that's soulful, cinematic, and completely unforgettable.
Indian Express
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
2-language policy or 3?: After Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, Karnataka wades into debate
Taking a leaf out of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu's book, the Congress government in Karnataka has thrown its hat into the ring by resisting the three-language policy proposed in the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020. While the government is viewing the three-language policy as a way to 'impose Hindi' on the state, its move towards a two-language curriculum has also stirred unease. Currently, Karnataka follows a three-language policy in state board-affiliated schools, allowing students to choose either Hindi, Sanskrit or any other Indian language as the third language from Class 6. Meanwhile, the first and second languages remain Kannada and English, respectively. However, in Urdu-, Marathi-, Telugu- and Tamil-medium schools, the first language would be the respective language of the medium of instruction. While the second language choice is mostly English, the third language is either Hindi or Kannada. In a post on X on June 29, the Karnataka Congress had stated that mandating Hindi as a third language in schools would create discord and pose learning difficulties for Kannada, Tulu and Kodava speakers. 'South India's linguistic diversity is a vibrant tapestry, weaving together languages like Kannada, Kodava, Tulu, Konkani, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and many others. However, mandating Hindi as a third language in schools, especially in non-Hindi-speaking states like Karnataka, creates discord. For speakers of Kannada, Tulu, or Kodava who are fluent in Kannada and English, struggling with written Hindi is a significant challenge—a sentiment shared by many students in linguistically rich regions,' the post read. It also further stated that forcing Hindi can hinder students who excel in other areas. Speaking to reporters in Mysuru earlier this month, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah backed a two-language policy and emphasised that his government was committed to it. The push for a two-language policy has been backed by education expert Niranjanaradhya VP, who is also a key member of the government's State Education Policy (SEP) commission, headed by former UGC chairman Sukhadeo Thorat. 'Introducing a third language causes an additional burden on the child, which will hamper their cognitive skills. Like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka should also stick to two languages in state board schools, with one regional language, Kannada, and the other one being English. Studies have proved that language proficiency is higher among adults than children. Hence, introducing additional languages early on will hinder their cognitive skills,' he noted. Sources in the government said that the school education department has yet to consider a policy shift in language. Moreover, the SEP commission has yet to submit a report on the two-language policy. However, this idea has not been well received among private school management associations, education experts, pro-Kannada groups, and other stakeholders. On July 13, Basavaraj Horatti, Chairman of the Karnataka Legislative Council, wrote to Siddaramaiah, urging him to continue with the three-language formula to foster multilingualism and national integration as envisaged in the Kothari Education Commission (1964-1966). 'The three-language formula equips students with the ability to communicate effectively in different languages, allowing them to pursue higher education and careers across various states. Psychological studies suggest that learning multiple languages enhances cognitive development,' he said. He added, 'It is noteworthy that over 17,909 students in the state scored a perfect 100 in Hindi in the SSLC examinations—more than in any other subject. While some argue that students fail more frequently in Hindi, statistics show that more students pass in Hindi than in many other subjects. In fact, strong performance in Hindi often contributes to improving the overall academic results.' Horatti also raised concerns over the livelihood of 15,000 Hindi teachers and their families in the state if the government decided to drop the three-language formula. On July 12, D Shashikumar, General Secretary, Associated Managements of Primary and Secondary Schools in Karnataka (KAMS), warned of legal action if the state government decides to drop the existing three-language policy in state board-affiliated schools. In a representation to Siddaramaiah, the association appealed not to disturb the existing three-language policy, and instead implement key reforms to the language assessment system in the interest of the students. 'The Karnataka government is indulging in knee-jerk reactions following the developments in Maharashtra. We are, of course, against the imposition of Hindi. However, we believe a third language with the option of learning Hindi or Sanskrit or any other Indian language will enhance the cognitive skills of the students,' Shashikumar said. He added that limiting language choice violates parents' and students' fundamental rights as per various landmark Supreme Court judgments. 'Switching to a two-language policy will hamper the livelihood of 4,000 Urdu-medium schools and their teachers. What will happen to them? What will be the plight of linguistic minorities in the state who speak Tamil, Tulu, Telugu, and Marathi? They will be devoid of linguistic choices,' said Shashikumar. He also appealed to the state government to bring the first language marks in SSLC down to 100 from 125, to ensure parity with other boards. Sanath Prasad is a senior sub-editor and reporter with the Bengaluru bureau of Indian Express. He covers education, transport, infrastructure and trends and issues integral to Bengaluru. He holds more than two years of reporting experience in Karnataka. His major works include the impact of Hijab ban on Muslim girls in Karnataka, tracing the lives of the victims of Kerala cannibalism, exploring the trends in dairy market of Karnataka in the aftermath of Amul-Nandini controversy, and Karnataka State Elections among others. If he is not writing, he keeps himself engaged with badminton, swimming, and loves exploring. ... Read More
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
CNC advises Kodavas to obtain ethnic certificate for gun exemption
M adikeri: The Codava National Council has advised Kodavas to obtain a Kodava ethnic certificate to secure a gun exemption certificate instead of relying on Jamma certificates. In a press statement, CNC president NU Nachappa suggested that an ethnic certificate will help protect the rights of the Kodava community. He said that a Kodava ethnic certificate will be helpful in safeguarding the rights of the Kodava community. An ethnic certificate will protect the gun exemption rights of the community as a religious ritual under Articles 25 and 26 of the Indian Constitution. "A Kodava ethnic certificate is needed to maintain the integrity of the traditions and rights of the Kodava community. The ethnic certificate will strengthen the right to gun exemption without relying on the certificates of Jamma holders," he said. He stated that non-Kodavas must be prevented from using the gun exemption facility that can be claimed by purchasing Jamma land. He explained that the Kodava community's legal system and indigenous mono-ethnic identity should be strengthened. It should be ensured that eligible members of the Kodava community are receiving gun exemption certificates, he stated. He alleged that some individuals from outside the Kodava community purchased Jamma land in Bhagamandala and obtained gun license exemption certificates on the pretext of Jamma land exclusive ownership.
