Reik A Divine Healing Systems
Oman Air is Number one Again! 1
C ATO new voice of T our O perators
N ew online portal by M arvel T ours
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Content
‘Punarnava’ for Body and Soul 4
BrandKerala
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The Capital
A New Brand from ATE
Editor & Publisher: Ravisankar K.V.
07 Editorial
Executive Editor: Rajani A.
News
Sub-Editor: Asha S.
08 CATO new voice of Tour Operators 09 ATTOI AGM held in Bangalore 12 The Capital A New Brand from ATE 16 Oman Air is Number one Again!
Assistant Editor: Gopalakrishnan Art Editor: N. Bhattathiri Sr. Layout Artist: Vijayagopalan G. Visualiser: Jessy George Vice President-Marketing: Ravi Varma R. Mob: +91 9947260531 Vice President-International Marketing: Theresa Den Dool Mob: 9847560531 Director - Marketing: Bina V. Nair Mob: +91 9910022007, +91 9037749456 Executive - Marketing: Aneesh P.S., Mob: 9847560531 Marketing Co-ordinator: Rasika Varma Production Executive: Vishnu C.P.
17 SKHF Felicitates Arora 17 New online portal by Marvel Tours 20 Himasagar at Malabar Palace 21 National Jackfruit Fest
Holistic Health 10 Reiki - A Divine Healing Systems
Resorts 13 Abode of Hospitality 14 ‘Punarnava’ for Body and Soul 18 Ayurveda for real people 19 Experiences to cherish 22 Kurishumala A Varied Retreat
Business Offices:
UK-England: 86 Tooting High St. London SW 17 ORN. Mob: +447775833754 Germany-Berlin: Thomas Kannankeril, Reiseburo Skyreisen, Potsdamer Str. 189,10783 Berlin, Tel:+49 30/82309240. Fax:+49 30/82309241 Middle East Asia: P.M. Abdul Salam PB No. 14775, Dubai, UAE. Tel: +971 50 6747686 New Delhi: D. Anil Kumar Tel. +91 011-24634248, Mobile: +91 98681 23311 Mumbai: K.V. Sathyanath, Sanjith Tel : +91 22 29209285 Kolkata: Jayasree Singh Tel: +91 33-24187750, Mob: 9433060333 Hyderabad: Premraj A. Mobile: +91 9885454560 Pondichery: K. Ramasubramanian Mobile: +919894977161
Editorial & Corporate Office: Tourism India, Anandam, P-99, Pullekonam Lane, Sasthamangalam (P.O.), Trivandrum, Kerala, India, 695 010. Tel : +91 471 2315256 Fax: +91 471 2315197 E mail: brandkerala@gmail.com Internet edition: www.brandkerala.org.in www.brandkerala.biz No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of Tourism India Publications Pvt. Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright © 2011Owned, Edited, Printed and Published by K.V. Ravisankar at Amara Kerala Industries, Cochin for Arsha Offset Graphix, Thiruvananthapuram - 695 010.
Ravisankar K.V. Editor
Printed at Sujilee Color Printers, Kollam, Tel: 0474 2592070 5
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Need to move forward Now it is time for the new Government to take over the reins of Kerala, Gods own country. Since 1986 Kerala’s Tourism Industry had to overcome so many hurdles to reach the position of today as one of the best global tourism destinations. This Industry plays, beyond doubt, an important role in Kerala’s economy. So this is the new government’s responsibility to maintain this LEAD in each and every sense. As a captain of the team the key is with the new Tourism Minister of Kerala. Absence of a master plan is a main challenge of this Industry .We hope the new Government would take steps to make a master plan and implement it expeditiously with out adversely affecting the environment. Needless to say, experts in this field must be taken into confidence during the planning and execution. Kovalam was one of the best Tourist spots in the World. But the mushrooming of the properties around it has already degraded this destination. The same thing can be said about Kumarakom, Munnar and now Wayanad. Kerala’s ravishing and exquisite nature is the main attraction for the tourists. It is the greenery, misty mountains, and sunny beaches that attract the tourists to this land. Our Rich Heritage, Architecture, Ayurveda, Art forms, Spices, Festivals all add flavours to make this small piece of land a Brand. It will be an enviable task to make this Industry a success while maintaining the equilibrium with nature. The Government has to take strong steps to control pollution, waste management and an awareness campaign about how to be friendlier with tourists. Since the private sector in Kerala plays major role in this Industry, the Government has to initiate the necessary steps for a public-private partnership in every venture. Kerala Tourism Magazine extends heartful greetings to the new government and wish them success in all their endeavours.We hope the new team can take the Tourism Industry forward by forging active and corrective steps.
Ravisankar K.V. Editor and Publisher
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Mr. Johny Abraham George
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erala State Tourism department approved Tour Operators formed a new association named ‘ Confederation of Accredited Tour Operators’ at Cochin. The main aim of the organization is to strengthen and coordinate the activities of Tour Operators in Kerala. CATO will coordinate and marketing the ‘ Bring a Home a Friend’ initiative of Kerala Tourism. The meeting unanimously elected Mr. Johny Abraham George, MD of Intersight Tours Pvt. Ltd. as its founder President and Mr. Anish Kumar. P.K, MD of The Travel Planners as Secretary. The veteran of the Kerala Tourism Industry Mr E.M. Najeeb selected as the Chief Patron. Other office bearers are Mr. Sanjeev Kumar, MD of Voyagers Kerala (Vice President), Mr. Ranju Joseph, Director of Pioneer Personliased Holidays Pvt. Ltd.( Joint Secretary) and Mr. Sijoe Jose, MD of Marvel Tours Pvt. Ltd (Treasurer). The Executive committee members are Mr. Subhas Ghosh (MD, Kerala Greenery), Mr. Sreekumara Menon (MD, Chalukya Grace), Mr. Chandrasenan (MD, Cosmos Tours), Mr. Benny Thomas (MD, Vacation India) and Mr. P.R. Prasad (Director, Kerala Holidays).
Mr. Anish Kumar. P.K
Mr. Sijoe Jose 8
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ATTOI AGM
A
held in Bangalore
ssociation of Tourism,Trade Organisation of India (ATTOI), had its Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) at Le Classiq hotel Bangalore from 07-08 May 2011. ATTOI, is one of the leading forces of the tour operators in India. With its membership covering about seven states in India, ATTOI now has become the voice of tourism fraternity. They have taken up several issues causing concern to the tourism industry and with its positive approach in resolving issues, has provided their views and suggestions to the authorities. Apart from organizing programs to the interest if the trade, ATTOI also has shown its commitment to the public issues too. By organizing educative programmes and training sessions ATTOI proved its role as a cor-
rective force in directing the industry to achieve high standards of services. Mr. Shailesh Kumar, Joint Secretary (Mystikal India Tours) welcomed the gathering at the AGM. After the presidential address by Mr. V.S.K.Menon (Chalukya Grace Tours) , Hon’ble Secretary Mr. Aneesh Kumar (The Travel Planners) presented the annual report and accounts. New office bearers were introduced during the meeting. Mr. Jayachandran, Vice President (The Tourdesigners) presented the action plan for the next year followed by a discussion attended by all the members. Mr. Rajgopal Iyer, Director hotel Le Classiq was felicitated by presenting him a memento by the President Mr. Menon. Mr. Zacharia George Executive Member (Liz Travel Solutions) presented the vote of thanks. The evening was ended with a gala dinner. Many members of the travel and trade industry from Karnataka were also present at the occasion. 9
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Holistic Health
Reiki - A Divine Healing Systems
George Koshy
T
here are many popular HolisticHealing systems which are practiced throughout the world. Reiki is one of them. It is an ancient form of energy healing using the Universal life force energy. The energy is channelled through the hands for healing purposes. It was discovered in Japan at the beginning of the 20th century by Dr. Mikao Usui, a Buddhist monk. Reiki healing system is based on ancient Tibetian healing techniques which were re-discovered by Dr. Usui after his research and spiritual quests in the Buddhist and Tantric systems of antiquity. The History of Reiki: Dr. Mikao Usui was born on August 15,1864 in the Yago village in the Yamgata district of Gifu Prefecture, in Japan. He became a Buddhist in the Shingon sect. Even from childhood, he had a natural talent for healing. Dr. Usui was obsessed with the miraculous physical healings done by Jesus and Buddha. He tried to find the esoteric principles behind these healings. He got trained in Physics, Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacology. He was conferred a medical degree by Emperor Meiji(1868-1912) of Japan. His spiritual quests led him to several western countries and China. He got the theoretical explanations of healing from the Mahayana Buddhist work; Padma Sutra(Lotus Sutra). This didn’t satisfy Usui as he couldn’t transform the techniques he learned, to a practical level. He continued his search. At the age of 27 Dr. Usui became bedridden with Cholera and was on the verge of death. He started to pray 10
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Mr. Mikav Sui, Reiki Healing
and meditate Amitabha Buddha using the traditional Mantras. Dr. Usui was blessed with the visions of Maha Vairojana Buddha and Bhaishajya Guru Buddha(Medicine King Buddha). He was miraculously healed and soon after returned to normal health. During that time he got an ancient Tantric text ‘Tantra Of The Lightning Flash’ from an ‘old books’ store. He considered it an act of providence. He studied the book throughly and decided to do a 21 day fasting and retreat and retired to meditate on the sacred mount Kurama near the monastery at Kyoto. He fasted, prayed and meditated. At the dawn of the 21st day while it was still dark, he percieved a highly luminous ball of light coming very fast towards him from above. When it reached near him it turned into a Bodhisattva who asked him what he was looking for. He answered that he wanted to know the secrets of the healings done by Buddha. Dr.Usui was then transported to a supra-conscious state. Many higher secrets were revealed and the power of healing was given to him. Soon after he collected many
ancient Buddhist and other Tantric texts from India and Tibet with the help of his students. He studied them in detail and perfected a system of healing known as ‘Usui Shiki Ryoho’(The Usui System of Natural Healing). Dr. Usui founded the ‘Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkei’(Usui Reiki Healing Method Society) at Tokyo. He opened Reiki clinics at Harayuku & Nakano in Tokyo and treated thousands of people. Over 2000 people learned Reiki from Master Usui alone. Many others learned it from his senior desciples. Dr. Mikao Usui died at the age of 62 on March 9,1926. He was buried in a Buddhist temple in Saihoji, Tokyo. What is Reiki: In the Japanese ‘Kanji’(Japanese alphabet), each character has simple as well as deep and esoteric meanings. The character ‘Rei’ stands for holy, all pervading spirit, universal etc. ‘Ki’ means energy. Usually Reiki is translated as ‘Universal life energy’. It is the God consciousness called ‘Rei’ that guides the life force called ‘Ki’ in Reiki. It is a spiritually guided life force energy. Reiki energy is bipolar in nature. The male and female energies are balanced to form a complete energy. The Atlanteans and Lemurians made use of this energy in their healing temples. After the destruction of those continents; Reiki became a hidden technique known only to certain spiritual adepts in India, Tibet and Egypt. It was hidden and forgotten for a long time till Master Usui re-discovered it through his research and spiritual quests. Reiki consists of all the four elemental energies. Present day Reiki is basically an energy of the
‘Earth element’. Advanced Reiki Practitioners can tap the energy of other elements and can even tune in to Angelic and other divine energies. Reiki healers use certain divine symbols and meditations. Reiki symbols are secret and sacred. They are transcendental in nature. The five principles of Reiki laid down by Usui are considered as a basic requirement to be practised in the day to day life of a Reiki practitioner to keep him in the right attitude and energy level. The five principles of reiki are:Just for today: l Do not anger l Do not worry l Be grateful to everything l Work diligently and honestly l Be kind to every living being Reiki is divided into various degrees or levels. In the Usui Reiki, There were 3 levels. Shodon, Okuden and Shinipiden. Now the traditional Reiki follows a four level system. The Reiki power is passed on to the student through initiations or attunement processes by the Reiki Master. Reiki power will manifest in the student only after the attunement process. How Reiki works: Reiki is usually passed on to
the patient for healing purposes by touching or ‘laying on’ the healer’s hands at the energy centres in the patient’s body. It can also be done without touching the patient’s body. Life force flows within the physical body through energy centres called Chakras, Meridians and Nadis. It also flows around us in a field of energy called ‘Aura’; The life force or ‘Prana sakthi’ nourishes the organs and cells of the body and maintain health and well being. When the smooth flow of energy is disrupted by defective lifestyle and negative thoughts; energy blocks are created in the energy bodies and the neuro-glandular system leading to various diseases. Reiki energy heals by clearing these blocks and releasing the stanguated energies and accumulated toxins in the body. It nourishes the system with positive energies. Reiki is a complete healing system. It works on the physical, mental &spiritual levels of the patient. Benefits of Reiki: l Reiki is a drugless therapy useful in physical as well as mental diseases. l It can easily be studied in one or two days by any one who is interested in healing. Reiki is a spiritual healing system. It is not a religion or cult. It can be accepted by theists as well as athiests as it is a life science and not a religion. l Reiki works well as a complemen-
tary healing system. It improves the results of all medical treatments. It reduces the negative side effects and hastens healing. The inner forces of healing are awakened and stimulated. Muscular tension, stress and pains are relieved. A state of deep relaxation is produced bringing mental calm and spiritual serenity. l Reiki can be used not only for healing but also for helping us tackle the problems of daily life! It can protect us and our dear ones from accidents, negative influences and unwanted confrontations! It can help us in business, offices, exams and interviews. l Persons away from us can also be treated or protected by using the distant healing methods. Reiki energy can transcend time and space. It can reach anyone, anytime, anywhere! l Reiki influences all matter, animate and inanimate. Our vehicles and other belongings can be protected, cleaned or charged with Reiki energy. It works on plants and animals. They can also be treated with Reiki. Reiki is a boon to humanity given by Master Usui. It is a healing system as well as a way of life. Those who are open and willing can reap the benefits of Reiki and lead a successful and happy life. Contact: Holistic Healer/Reiki Master Tel: 09605785464 E.mail:- yahannan.gkd@gmail. com
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n e ws
Mr. E.M. Najeeb, Chairman & MD
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he hospitality division of the Air travel Enterprises (ATE) Group, a leading travel and tour company based at Trivandrum, has been rebranded their Hospitality Division as “The Capital.” and its properties now link Trivandrum, Fort Cochin, Ernakulam and Munnar. They are The Capital-Thiruvananthapuram, The CapitalErnakulam, The Capital Anchor House-Fort Kochi and The Capital-Munnar.The Capital will be shortly commissioning hotels at Kumarakom and Kovalam also. The ATE Group itself will spread out to the metros in India as well in foreign locations. The Capital group of hotels is situated in prime locations. The Anchor House at Fort Cochin faces the sea and The Capital Munnar faces the lake. The Capital Hotels make you feel at home whether you wish to relax by the shores of Fort Kochi or business. The Capital is there to cater all your needs. With the most prime locations, comfortable rooms, personalized service and optimal facilities The Capital Lake Zone - Munnar Set 1542m above sea level amidst some of India’s most impressive mountain ranges. It features comfortable and well furnished rooms with modern amenities. The restaurant is spacious and has a mini conference room with a view of Anayirankal Lake. The Lake Zone is 140 kms from Cochin, 140 kms from Madurai and 165 kms from Coimbatore. The Capital – Anchor House at Fort Kochi Set by the water front on the Cochin Harbour. It features comfortable and well furnished air conditioned rooms with all 12
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Mr. E.N. Zaheer, Director
Mr. Mathew Chacko, Vice President
modern amenities like waterfront cafe on the first floor, and the open air seafood restaurant right by the waterfront on the ground floor. Capital – Geeth International Thiruvananthapuram situated in the heart of the city and just half kilometers from the Railway station & the bus terminus and Just 8 kilometers from Trivandrum international Airport. The hotel offers elegantly furnished 37 rooms including 11 suites and 13 junior suites with all modern facilities, Multi-cuisine specialty restaurant, Roof Top Restaurant with panoramic view, famous for candlelit dinner and ideal place for get-togethers. Air conditioned Banquet hall can accommodate 125 guests (theater style) and Board rooms which can accommodate 25-30 guests respectively. The Business Center provides comprehensive secretarial assistance with internet. The Capital at Cochin situated in the heart of the city and just one kilometer from the Railway station & the bus terminus and 30 kms from Cochin international Airport. It features 30 well appointed luxury rooms with all modern facilities, Coffee shop, Roof Top Restaurant; Air conditioned conference hall (theater style) and Mini conference hall & Board rooms can accommodate 1230 guests respectively. The Business Center provides comprehensive secretarial assistance with internet, fax, photocopier etc. Mr Mathew Chacko as the Vice President leads The Capital Group of Hotels and the hospitality division of Air travel Enterprises Group of Companies. ATE has diversified into Advertising, Event management, Real estate, Construction, Tourism consultancy, Hospitality and Health care, among others. Mr. E. M. Najeeb is the Chairman and Managing Director and Mr. E.N. Zaheer is the Director of the Group.
resorts
Abode of Hospitality A
stone’s throw away from Kochi Airport is the Flora Airport Hotel, the only 4 star property in the area. Enjoy a lazy day at the swimming pool or indulge in a professional treatment at the hotels spa. If you need something a little more intense to get rid of your pent up energy, visit the health club and sweat it all out. The unique feature is its banquet facility which can host upto 500 guests. Apart from the wide range of facilities and amenities open for exploration at the hotel, guests can even decide on a round of golf at the neighborhood course. For accommodation there are 60 A/C rooms which include Deluxe Rooms, Twin Rooms, Family Suites, Business Suites, Presidential Suites and Honeymoon Suites. Each room has facilities like Safety locker, Satellite TV etc. The multi-cuisine restaurant serves various variety of delicious food and there is also a 24 hr coffee shop. If you are planning on hosting a banquet, the hotel has all the support and catering services to make your event a success. The banquet hall that can accommodate up to 1200 people is ideal for weddings and other large scale events. Other facilities on offer are Golf course, Convention centre, Credit card facility, Currency exchange Doctor on call, Library, Swimming pool, Travel desk service and Airport pickup and drop-off . Tel: +91 484 2611520, 21, 22 Email: info@florahotelsindia.com www.florahotels.com 13
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Resorts pediatrics, gynecology, surgery, auto Immune diseases, ano rectal clinics, metabolic disorders, lifestyle disorders and more. The hospital also has a well maintained pharmacy, MRD, physiotherapy unit, a yoga hall, OT and well maintained Panchakarma theatres. The IP Block consists of 80 beds along with an annex, block of 3 villas/ 10 suites. Punarnava Ayurveda Hospitals, Alappuzha, is located in the heart of the town in a backwater setting, which makes it a preferred treatment location with our international clientèle. Non-chronic patients unarnava Ayurveda hospital carefully upholds the can avail tour packages that we organize. Punarnava Ayurveda Hospitals, Kaloor, is an execuvalues of this time-tested science of life. In fact, the word Punarnava means renewed. Punarnava, a tive-class treatment facility in the city center of Kochi. national and international award-winning institution, The conference hall of the Kaloor unit hosts seminars is ISO 9001-2008 certified and also has Green leaf ac- and workshops on various health disorders for doctors creditation, which is the highest in the category from and health-care professionals. Punarnava Ayurveda Hospitals, Oman center is a the Department of Tourism Government of Kerala. Based in Edappally (Cochin-Kerala), with branches token of gratitude to the Omani people, who are the in Kaloor (Cochin-Kerala), Alappuzha (Kerala), Thiru- strong believers of the curative powers of Ayurveda. The vananthapuram (as KIMS Ayurveda & Research Cen- centre operates with all the statutory requirements from tre) and Ibra (Muscat-Oman), for the last two decades, Oman’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. KIMS Ayurveda & Research Centre is a joint venture these hospitals have been instrumental in providing Ayurvedic healthcare to hundreds of patients who arrive of KIMS Healthcare Management Ltd. and Punarnava Ayurveda Hospital Pvt. Ltd. and features the most adfrom various parts of the globe. Punarnava practices and promotes both wellness vanced treatment facilities of Punarnava. A true union of interdisciplinary sciences is achieved here. We and curative aspects of Ayurveda. They have also conduct awareness classes on Ayurveda a clientele from more than 28 Countries. More for other professionals at KIMS Ayurveda. than 90% percentages of the guests are repeatThe Ano Rectal Clinic attached with the ing each year. Edappally unit of Punarnava manages proctoPunarnava offers various health care logic diseases mainly with the aid of ksharaprogrammes in Ayurveda like Rejuvenation sutra ligation, one of the safest procedures in Therapy, Relaxation Program, Body purification the world. Patients with Piles, Fistula etc find Therapy, Body Immunity Program, Sports Fitsafe cure here. It also has the highest success ness Program, Slimming Program, Beauty Care Program and Stress Management Program. Dr A M Anvar rate without any recurrence.Punarnava Hospitals has the reputation of treating many rare Punarnava Ayurveda hospital had made achievements in treating thousands suffering from and uncommon cases, like Myasthenia gravis, Nephrotic diseases like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, os- syndrome, Pompe’s disease and other rare cases which teoporosis, Back ache, cervical Spondilosis, psoriasis, have come to us from different parts of the world. Punarnava greatly believes in the co-operation allergic respiratory disorders, multiple sclerosis, age among practitioners of different medical streams and related mental stress and rheumatic diseases. Punarnava initiatives include an Ayurveda aware- in the sharing of knowledge. We periodically conduct ness programme, a de-addiction campaign, finishing seminars, that are well-received by allopathic doctors school for Ayurveda doctors, and the Aswas charitable and results in an exchange of expertise. Punarnava CMD and Chief Physician Dr A M Anvar trust. The Edappally unit consists of general OPD and spe- acquired his medical degree in Ayurvedic medicine from cialty clinics for neurology, rheumatology, cardiology, a Government Medical College 18 years back. He learned
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from his practice that Ayurveda could successfully be used to curb lifestyle disorders, and also to arrest the progression and improve the quality of life in auto-immune disorders, which modern medicine finds difficult to manage. Later he took his post graduation also. The work culture and treatment protocols derived by Punarnava is greatly inspiring and fostering the entire Ayurveda fraternity of the state. Thus this trusted brand in Ayurveda health care is there to add years to life and life to years. The overwhelming response and encouragement from patients has prompted us to open the fourth prestigious unit of Punarnava Ayurveda hospital near Vyttila, Ernakulam. The new unit is a Waterfront Retreat situated in a serene village in the city; an ideal environment for Ayurvedic treatments. This facility, which feels less like a hospital and more like a resort, is situated at the bank of the river Kaniayampuzha. Punarnava’s Waterfront Retreat consists of eight uniquely designed villas, built in a colonial style with landscaped lawns. The villas, with star facilities, have four rooms each, all equipped with broadband Internet connectivity. So get rejuvenation to both body and soul Punarnava is the right place to be in. Contact: Tel: +91 484 2801415, E-mail: punarnava@punarnava.net
Hotels & Homestays Loans
A pleasant stay not only influenes the length of a tourist’s sojourn, but also remains etched in his memory. A business traveller may make compromises, a tourist does not have the need to. True, there has been an explosive growth in the number of rooms - from budget hotels to high end luxury resorts in the past few years but this has not matched the mounting demand. State Bank of Travancore, the Premier Bank in Kerala, has brought out special schemes to finance tourism related activities, including hotels and homestays.
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O
man Air has been named as the top on-time performer at London Heathrow Airport. Figures released by show that Oman Air achieved the No. 1 rank with 100% punctuality for departures in February 2011, and the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman has been consistently listed amongst top five airlines for on-time performance (OTP) at Heathrow. Oman Air’s on-time performance figures are the latest in a string of achievements which have seen the airline introduce a brand new fleet of Airbus A330s, luxurious and spacious First Class, Business Class and Economy Class cabins, state-of-the-art in flight entertainment with live satellite TV, and the world’s first simultaneous in flight mobile phone and wi-fi connectivity service. The airline’s emergence as an international luxury carrier has seen it win, and be nominated for; a range of awards and Skytrax has recently named Oman Air as an Official 4 Star Airline, with its A330 Business Class seat recognized as one of the best three in the world. Oman Air is recognized internationally as an outstanding airline and the quality of onboard product is mirrored by the excellence of our services on the ground. Customers can be confident that Oman Air’s reliability and hospitality will ensure a seamless, convenient and thoroughly enjoyable passenger experience.
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Mr. Chacko Paul, President SKHF, Mr. Chandrasenan Nair and Dr. Dinesh Arora
S
SKHF Felicitates Arora
outh Kerala Hoteliers Forum (SKHF) has given a warm reception to Mr. Dinesh Arora the new District Collector and Chairman, District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC). On the occasion
Mr. Dinesh Arora requested hoteliers and tourism industry to come forward and take initiative to make the capital city clean, more tourist friendly and eco-tourism destination. Mr. Dinesh Arora proposed five
Mr. Sijoe Jose,M.D, Marvel Tours and Mr. Sivasankar IAS, Director, Kerala Tourism
T
he latest venture of Kochi based Tour operators, Marvel tours is there online portal www.marveltoursonline.in. This B2B portal connects small and medium tour operators to large hotels and it connects small and medium properties/homestays/houseboats to
large tour operators. This would be the first B2B online portal for Kerala which has signed MOU with Tourism department, Government of Kerala,. This website gives the hotels in Kerala the opportunity to sell the rooms to all the tour operators based in India and aboard.
destinations in Thiruvananthapurm district as plastic free zone. Kovalam, Varkala, Ponmudi,Veli and Akkulam will be the plastic free zones. SKHF offered the collector all the help for this initiative. Mr. Chacko Paul, President SKHF offered designed waste bin to place in all the major roads and properties. The meeting also decided to constitute a sub committee for co-ordinating various issues involving capital city. Mr. Manoj Mathew, GM, Vivanta by Taj, Thiruvananthapuram, welcomed the gathering. Mr. Chandrasenan Nair, partner, HotelPankaj, Mr. Sudheesh Kumar, President, Kerala Hotel and Restaurant Association,, Mr. M.R. Narayanan, Secretary General, Confederation of Kerala Tourism Industry, Mr. Prasad Manjali, Group Vice President , UDS, Kovalam, Mr. Ravisankar K.V,Managing Editor, Kerala Tourism Magazine spoke on the occasion. Mr. Mathew Ruby Uthup, GM, Hotel South Park proposed Vote of Thanks. The website also gives opportunity to the entrepreneurs in Kerala who want to start various activities for each destination in Kerala like a walking tour in fort Cochin. Thus the tour operators have a great opportunity to book different activities in each destination. The tour operators who register with portal has the facility to see the different hotels and get special rates which has been contracted for them and thus improving their business. With this venture Marvel Tours will give opportunity for all the Hoteliers, House boat operators, Home stay owners and those who provide various tours to sell the product not only to the traditional markets in India like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore but also to two tier and three tier cities like Salem, Tirupur, Mysore/ Coimbatore etc. Contact: Tel: 984703719/ 9847033091 sales@marveltoursonline.in E-mail sejoe@marveltour.net 17
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resorts
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f you want to find your inner - and thinner - self, trust in an ancient wisdom that really works, Ayurveda, which has been perfected in India over the past 5,000 years, come to Somatheeram. The resort has been committed to uphold the spirit and
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essence of Ayurvedic therapy since its establishment in 1985. A few days at the Somatheeram Ayurveda Group Resorts in, Kerala, will leave you feel physically purified, spiritually replenished and transformed into a fresh new reju-
venated person through therapy, meditation, peace and solitude. It blends the practices of mellowing massages, various therapies, yoga and fabulous food, not only delicious but healthy and nourishing. The resorts are located in superb locations; overlooking gently swishing coconut groves, beaches, lakes, evergreen forests, a bird sanctuary and backwaters in God’s own country “Kerala�. But the best of all is the amazing medical team, with doctors diagnosing your individual dosha (constitution) and prescribing treatments accordingly. The resorts also hosts Ayurvedic seminars, Ayurveda cooking and workshops to promote this ancient system of medicine. It has its own garden of unique medicinal herbs and plants. It offers special courses on various Ayurvedic treatments, diets and Yoga. Somatheeram Ayurveda resort (Chowara Beach, South of Kovalam), nestled on a cliff overlooks about two kilometers of pristine beach. The resort effortlessly blends the reassurance of home with the exotic harmony of the regions natural environment. It is reputedly one of the first ever Ayurveda Resorts in the World. Manaltheeram is an Ayurveda beach Resort close to Somatheer-
am and the resort’s structure remains committed to its surrounding and are traditional and cozy, with thatched roofs and hammocks swaying between coconut trees. Other Ayurveda Resorts and Holidaying options offered by the Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort Group includes: Soma Kerala Palace, Soma Palmshore, Soma Kuttanad and Soma houseboats. Soma Kerala Palace (Chempu, North Kumarakom, Kochi – Kumarakom Road) is a heritage Resort with Ayurveda & Yoga, located on the beautifully green banks of the Vembanad Lake (largest fresh water lake in India). Soma Kerala Palace stands out compared to other holiday resorts for its ancient architecture and recreated master pieces of palaces and heritage buildings of the 18th centuries. The restaurant at Soma Kerala Palace serves some of the long forgotten ethnic recipes of Kerala. Indulge in a rejuvenating Ayurveda treatment or yoga under the supervision of experts to make your trip truly unforgettable.
Soma Palmshore (Light House Beach, Kovalam) - Soma Palmshore is situated at the world famous palm-fringed Kovalam beach and offers you much more than just a beach vacation. A panoramic view of the sea, a comfortable stay, delightful cuisine, a rejuvenating Ayurveda experience, the soothing effect of Yoga and local tradition and culture …and much more! Soma Kuttanad (Purakkad, Alappuzha), is a Backwater, Ayurveda and Yoga Resort all in one, which offers the caring and sharing spirit of village life. Soma Houseboats (Finishing point, Alappuzha) offers an unforgettable journey to a magical world of waterways when you travel through the backwaters in Soma Houseboats. The materials that go into the making of Soma Houseboats are local and eco-friendly, the cuisine is of traditional Kerala flavour. A few days at the Somatheeram Ayurveda Group Resorts will leave you feeling physically purified, spiritually replenished which is
Mr. Baby Mathew Managing Director
priceless... Somatheeram Ayurvedic Group Resorts has won numerous national and internationally awards for Excellence in Ayurveda. The Group’s resorts have been defined as “Model Health Resort” by the Government of India and Kerala. All the kudos for the success of the group goes to the untiring effort of Mr. Baby Mathew, its Chairman and Managing Director.
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Mr. Anish Jacob Kavalam GM, Hotel Malabar Palace
A
n array of mouth-watering Indian cuisines from Kashmir to Kanyakumari were displayed on a single platform at the nine day food festival hosted by Hotel Malabar Palace, Kozhikode recently. The festival titled as ‘’Himasagar Express,’’ the train that links both extreme end of India - Kashmir to Kanyakumari showcased special dishes in a venue resembling railway platform and train. The food fest intends to arrange all the Indian specialties in a single platform, ie. a journey through Indian Cuisine. The food fest was a memorable experience to all food lovers residing in the Malabar Region with lots of fun, games & galore of prize to be won. The food was served by porters and orders are taken by TTR’s. In this food fest they have arranged a mini exhibition about indian railway and its messages to public.
www.tourismindia.travel www.brandkerala.org www.brandkerala.biz www.keralatourismmagazine.com www.tourismmaldives.org 20
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National Jackfruit Fest
I
ts time to rejoice for the lovers of jackfruit. The National Jackfruit Festival will be held at Kanakakkunnu Palace Grounds in Thiruvananthapuram from June 4-6.The festival with the theme ‘Jackfruit, the key for Regional food security’ is the first such venture in India. For those who savour jackfruit in every possible way, the festival will definitely be a varied retreat. The festival proposes to bring together all who have direct or indirect stake in the promotion and propagation of jackfruits as a nutritious food. The fest would be designed in such a way that all interested come togeth-
er and hopefully form a strong network. This collective will continue to take up the cause of jack fruit promotion and preservation. The festival will include National workshop, National skill training on value added Jack Fruit products, cooking competition, exhibition, poster exhibition, study, documentation and publication, quiz competition, show casing jack fruit products, Network formation and planting jack fruit seedlings, publication of souvenir and presented papers, collecting local names of jackfruits, documentation of micro level value addition initiatives, marketing mechanisms, traditional recipes etc.
Value added products from jackfruit (from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Thailand) will be showcased on the three days. Live demo and sale of jackfruit products, exhibition of various types of jackfruit and poster exhibition on nutrition and health value of jackfruit will also be held. It has been organised by State Horticulture Mission and Santigram Pulluvila with the support of NGOs, Local Self Governments and R&D Centres.
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resorts
S
et on the foot of the huge Kurisumala pilgrim rock, in Wagamon is the Kurishumala Retreat Bungalow. Tucked away in the mountains of the High Ranges, this wonderful retreat sits in lone majesty in sixteen acres of rolling undulating mountainsides. The Retreat offers two bedrooms and a kitchen. The granite masoned building reminds one of the Victorian era with its sloping roofs and built-in fire place in the rooms. It
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offers a panoramic view of the valley below and the surrounding meadows. A farm house with quiet luxury including lap pool, a fireplace which is an ideal place to vanish to, to look at the valleys, the mountain sides, to trek and to let yourself get back to nature at its most beautiful.Housekeeping facility is provided and there is a caretaker who help guests with purchasing of supplies, etc. The Retreat Bungalow offers tasty homemade food from its in-
house kitchen. Other facilities on offer are 24 Hours Room Service, Golf,trekking, swimming pool and travel desk Service. Give yourself a treat; come to Kurishumala, the retreat. Kurishumala is 33km from Peermade, and 65 km from Kottayam. Contact: Tel: +91 4842216302, 2215035 E-mail:rose@oldcourtyard.com www.oldcourtyard.com
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RNI Reg. No. KERENG 02224/11/2009-TC
O , E d i t e d , P r i n July t e d a2011 n d P u b l i s h e d b y R a v i s a n k a r K . V . P r i n t e d a t A r s h a O f f s e t G r a p h i x , Shreehari, T.C.9/2519-1, Janvilla Lane, Vellayambalam, Sasthamangalam, 24w n e dBrandKerala Thiruvananthapuram-695 010 and Published from TC 9/1785, P-99, Anandam, Pullekonam Lane, Sasthamangalam P.O., Thiruvananthapuram-695010 Editor: Ravisankar K.V.