Metro Mart November 2016

METRO mart Volume 6 Issue 4

November 2016 `40

T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

KAJAL NAIR

The World is My Oyster Czarina’s

Christmas Collection What is ‘Smart’ in a ‘Smart City’ www.metromartdaily.com

Metro Food Awards 2016

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MISSION Smart CITY! Hi Readers, Metro Mart highlights in this issue the ‘Smart City’ mission initiatives taking place in our State capital. Thiruvananthapuram Corporation and various organizations in the city are gearing up to show our city’s mettle and win the ‘Smart City’ challenge of Union Ministry of Urban Development.

Foreword

Gurucharanam Saranam

Metro Food Awards-2016 is slated for 7th December at Mascot Hotel, Thiruvananthapuram. This event recognizes the stakeholders from the food sector, particularly restaurants who keep the cityite and visitors fill their palate with tasty and healthy dishes throughout the year. General public have voted for their choices and eminent personalities would judge the winner. The deciding factors would include professionalism, workmanship, hygienic and healthy food. Metro Mart aims to define benchmarks for the food sector in the city.

This edition of Metro Mart features a variety of write-ups touching upon destinations, shopping, tourism, technology, designing and pilgrimage. We make all efforts to cover all relevant happenings in and around the city and we are always open to feedbacks and suggestions.

Siji Nair Managing Editor & Director

To achieve the coveted ‘Smart City’ position, the city has to make use of latest technological processes and develop core infrastructure, provide a clean and healthy environment and improve the standard of living keeping in mind of the cost factor. Those cities which present successful proposals would see an infusion of government funding worth Rs. 1 Lakh crore over a 5-year mission period, which in turn would see massive investments in various sectors across the city. Metro Mart believes each one of us would partake in this endeavour to make our city more citizen-friendly, smarter, faster, and sustainable.

Happy Reading! https://www.facebook.com/sijicn https://twitter.com/sijicn www.linkedin.com/in/siji-nair

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What Is “Smart” In A Smart City?

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The World Is My Oyster Kajal Nair

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Chinapolis – All Spiced up in a New Avatar

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Sit in Delhi, Mumbai or Bengaluru and cruise on Kerala backwaters!

mart Corporate Office:Metro Mart Thiruvananthapuram Mera 44, Eanthivila Lane, Murinjapalam, Medical College P.O., Thiruvananthapuram – 695011, Kerala, India

CO N TE N TS

Volume 6 Issue 4 November 2016 www.metromartdaily.com Read our e-edition-www.issuu.com/metromart Annual Subscription Rs 400 C-507, Wisteria Fortune, Bhumkar Chowk Marunji Road Near New Poona Bakery, Wakad, Pune - 411057 India

Web: www.metromartdaily.com ; E magazine-http://issuu.com/metromart email: metromart.tvm@gmail.com • Contact-+0471 4015593/6566560/91-9947733339/9995139933 PUNE I BANGALORE I KOLKATA I KOCHI Published, Edited and Printed by Hari Shanker A G and Owned by Haritha Media Pvt Ltd and Printed by him at SB Press Private Limited, Statue, Trivandrum 695001 and Published from Tharangam, Kodunganoor Post, Trivandrum 695013. Metro Mart is a monthly journal published from Trivandrum. Views and opinions expressed in the journal are not necessarily those of the Publishers.Metro Mart reserves the right to use th e information published here in any manner whatsoever. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information published in this edition, neither the Publisher no any of its employees November 2016 METRO mart accept any responsibilities for any errors or omissions. © All Rights Reserved RNI No: KERENG/2011/40037

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Publisher Hari Shanker hari@martinfotech.in

Sub Editor V. Viswanath

Managing Editor & Director Siji Nair sijicn@gmail.com

Lead Creative Chetan Kumbhar GM Sales Sibu Nair

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Editorial Assistant Ampili Nair Nazia Ali Arnab Mondal Promod Pillai Business Development Manager Ratheesh Kumar November 2016

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COV E R S T OR Y

aims at making life in the cities smarter and faster.

The Smart Cities Mission proposed a two stage selection process. In 2015, in the first stage of the challenge only Kochi got selected from Kerala out of the six other cities including Thiruvananthapuram nominated by the state of Kerala. Kochi got selected in the final list of twenty states.

City Gets Smarter!

‘Smart City’ mission is one of the most coveted development projects announced by the Union Ministry of Urban Development in 2015.

Many a cities in the country have knuckled down to achieve the goal.

Thiruvananthapuram,

The Smart City mission

out solutions for the major

lying in west coast of India

aims at creating exemplar

problems of the cities by

in the state of Kerala, is

areas in cities by merging

merging innovative plans

no exception to this run.

innovative plans with latest

and latest information

Exceptional are the vibrant

technologies. By creating

technologies. It aims

and concerted efforts put in

these replicable exemplar

at improving economic

by its civic body and people

areas it aims at redefining

opportunity, quality of

in making their beloved city

the way city is imagined in

life and ensure public

a Smart City.

India. It is then time to find

accountability. In short, it

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METRO mart T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

Our City, though failed to make entry into the list of the first 100 cities, fortunately was selected again for the competition in May 2016. This has once again opened a chance for Trivandrum to finally prove its mettle and become a Smart Thiruvananthapuram.

Rs. 500 crore comprises 196 crore for the first year and Rs. 98 crore for the second, third and fourth year each, totaling the amount. Every Smart Thiruvananthapuram year Rs. 2 crore is to be is the vibrant response of retained by the Ministry the Thiruvananthapuram of Urban Development as Corporation and the people A&OE. The fund release of the city to the Smart depends on the timely Cities Challenge. submission of score cards However, to win the Smart and satisfactory physical City challenge, the cities and financial reports. selected for challenge have to present project proposals The Smart City Mission is devised in three level developed in consultation structure: the national with public and various level will be the apex other stakeholders. The committee headed by the mission stresses the use secretary of MoUD; the of information technology state level mechanism has and social media to reach a High Powered Steering out to various sections.

Committee (HPSC); and Once selected, the city will receive Rs.500 crore the city level comprising of from the centre in a span a Special Purpose Vehicle of five years to implement (SPV), Citizen Forum and the proposal while the city ULB Council. administration and state government has to finance What is ‘Smart’ in a ‘Smart City’? an equal amount.

The funding pattern for the www.metromartdaily.com

The definition of ‘smart

city’ differs from place to place in different economic regions and hence cannot be unanimous. What is smart for one city needs not be smart for another city.

However, there are some basic facilities which prevail as standards for evaluating every citizen needs and condition in a city.

Thus the Smart City Challenge aims at developing core infrastructure, clean and healthy environment, a decent quality of living and essentially achieving these targets through the application of cost-effective latest technological advancements. For example, in waste management smart solutions will include projects that aim at converting waste into energy and compost.

This will also include introducing successful technologies that will treat November 2016

While preparing proposal, certain basic features have to be maintained to ensure sustainable and equitable results. These basic features have to be kept in mind for proposing smart solutions.

As part of the smart city challenge, the selected city is to come with the most innovative proposal. According to the guidelines, the Smart City Proposal or SCP involves two plans.

First, a pan city plan and second an area based plan.

waste water and make it eligible for reuse. Such smart solutions need to be introduced to address problems of other aspects of urban life. Various measures like integrated traffic management, smart parking, smart meters for energy and water management are examples of other smart solutions.

These solutions need to be cost-effective, business promoting while enhancing citizen participation and public accountability.

Plans for ‘Smart City’ As part of the smart city challenge, the selected city is to come with the most innovative proposal.

According to the guidelines,

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Features of a ‘Smart City’ As per the guideline for the proposal of ‘Smart City’, some basic features are mentioned below:

the Smart City Proposal or SCP involves two plans.

First, a pan city plan and second an area based plan.

Under pan city plan, the city has to devise a plan that uses modern information technologies to develop basic facilities and service delivery catering the entire city and improving the efficiency of the existing civic services. The area based plan, in contrast, has to chose and develop infrastructure and services of a specific region of the city. Three alternative approaches can be chosen to implement the area based plan – Retrofitting, Redevelopment and Greenfield Development.

• Retrofitting– It aims at

enhancing existing services and infrastructural facilities in a minimum area of 500 acres • Redevelopment- It focuses on fully replacing outdated infrastructure and redeveloping facilities with latest technologies in a minimum area of 50 acres

1. City Identity and Culture 2. Citizen Participation 3. Mixed Use of Land 4. Compactness 5. Walkability 6. Transport 7. Open Spaces 8. Energy Source 9. Energy Supply 10. Energy Efficiency 11. Underground wiring 12. Water Supply 13. Water Management 14. Waste-water Management

• Greenfield Development – It is to newly develop at least 250 acres of vacant lands in the suburban region equipped with modern technologies to meet the affordable housing needs.

15. Waste Management 16. Sanitation 17. Air Quality 18. Housing & Inclusiveness 19. Education 20. Health 21. Economy& Employment 22. Safety and Security 23. IT connectivity 24. Intelligent Govt.

Services ‘Smart’ Solutions The following solutions termed as ‘Smart’ solutions are developed for providing and ensuring the features of a Smart City.

E-Governance & Citizen

Services • Public Information & Grievance Redressal • Electronic Service Delivery • Citizen Engagement • Video Crime Monitoring Waste Management • Waste to energy and fuel • Waste to compost • Waste water to be treated • Recycling and reduction of C&D waste Water Management • Smart meters and management

Various measures like integrated traffic management, smart parking, smart meters for energy and water management are examples of other smart solutions. These solutions need to be cost-effective, business promoting while enhancing citizen participation and public accountability.

These plans are basically intended to provide exemplary models for other urban areas to replicate.

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With the efforts put in by the corporation and the city people, Thiruvananthapuram is all set establish itself as the Smart City.

under the leadership of the Mayor. Ward Sabha meetings are being conducted all across the city to ensure highest level of citizen participation unseen in any other competing cities. Consultations with eminent personalities and technical specialists hailing from the city are being organised. College and school students are being engaged in debates, discussions and promotional activities. The

In the run-up to the preparation of smart city proposal, Thiruvananthapuram Corporation has prioritized and fasttracked its initiatives and activities under the leadership of the Mayor.

• Leakage identification and preventive maintenance • Water quality monitoring Energy Management • Smart meters and management • Renewable sources of energy • Energy efficient and green building

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Urban Mobility • Smart Parking • Intelligent Traffic Management • Integrated multi-modal transport Others • Tele-medicine and Teleeducation • Incubation/Trade

participation of citizens of Thiruvananthapuram in the dialogue process is expanding day by day. The corporation is leaving no stone unturned in involving all the stakeholders in this democratic process.

People from all walks of the life such as academicians, government officials, engineers, lawyers, medical professionals, labourers, information technology professionals, women groups, trade unions,

marginalized groups, differently abled, student and youth organisations are becoming part of this democratic process.

The traditional media and social media are becoming vibrant with the discussions on Smart Thiruvananthapuram.

With the efforts put in by the corporation and the city people, Thiruvananthapuram is all set establish itself as the Smart City.

Facilitation Centre • Skill Development Centres Efforts by the City of Thiruvanthapuram In the run-up to the preparation of smart city proposal, Thiruvananthapuram Corporation has prioritized and fast-tracked its initiatives and activities

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F E A T U R E A R T I C L E

the quota allotted to them under the mission.

Every state and union territory is allowed to develop a specific number of smart cities as decided by the Centre based on the state’s urban population and number of statutory towns in it.

This is the reason why UP has the highest number of nominations with 13 cites chosen and why the tiny state of Goa is allowed just one smart city.

WHAT IS “SMART” IN A SMART CITY?

In the approach to the Smart Cities Mission, the objective is to promote cities that providecore infrastructure and give a decent quality of life to its citizens, a clean and sustainableenvironment

Smart Cities Mission is an urban renewal and retrofitting program by the Government of India with a mission to develop 109 cities all over the country making them citizen friendly and sustainable.

Smart Cities Mission is one of the three flagship urban missions launched by the Central Government in June 2015, the other two being the infrastructure mission AMRUT and the Housing for All scheme.However, it was the Smart Cities programme that has caught the fancy of everyone from state governments

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and municipal bodies to private investors, foreign governments and multilateral agencies. Besides the very aspirational nature of the buzzword, the reason for the heightened interest is also the fact that the five-year mission period will see the infusion of Rs 1 lakh crore worth of government funding.

and application of ‘Smart’ Solutions. The focus is on sustainable and inclusivedevelopment and the idea is to look at compact areas, create a replicable model which willact like a light house to other aspiring cities. The Smart Cities Mission of the Governmentis a bold, new initiative. It is meant to set examples that can be replicated both within andoutside the Smart City, catalysing the creation of similar Smart Cities in various regions andparts of the country.

The core infrastructure elements in a Smart City would include: 1. Adequate water supply

2. Assured electricity supply 3. Sanitation, including solid waste management 4. Efficient urban mobility and public transport 5. Affordable housing, especially for the poor 6. Robust IT connectivity and digitalization 7. Good governance, especially e-Governance and citizen participation 8. Sustainable environment 9. Safety and security of citizens, particularly women, children and the elderly, and 10. Health and education.

Accordingly, the purpose of

This is in addition to the funds from international lending agencies and massive investment opportunities for the private sector in the provision of basic services such as water supply and sanitation, urban transport and housing. This is also the reason for the clamour among states for increasing

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November 2016

land use in area-based developments — planning for ‘unplanned areas’ containing a range of compatible activities and land uses close to one another in order to make land use more efficient. The States will enable some flexibility in land use and building bye-laws to adapt to change.

2. Housing and inclusiveness — expand housing opportunities for all.

the Smart Cities Mission is to drive economic growth and improvethe quality of life of people by enabling local area development and harnessing technology,especially technology that leads to Smart outcomes. Areabased development will transformexisting areas (retrofit and redevelop), including slums, into better planned ones, therebyimproving liveability of the whole City. New areas (greenfield) will be developed around cities in order to accommodate the expanding population in urban areas. Application of

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SmartSolutions will enable cities to use technology, information and data to improve infrastructureand services. Comprehensive development in this way will improve quality of life, createemployment and enhance incomes for all, especially the poor and the disadvantaged, leadingto inclusive Cities.

Smart Cities focus on their most pressing needs and on the greatest opportunities to improve lives. They tap a range of approaches – digital and information technologies, urban planning best practices,

public-private partnerships, and policy change – to make a difference. They always put people first. Assured water and power supply, sanitation and solid waste management systems, efficient urban mobility and public transportation, IT connectivity, e-governance and citizen participation are some of the highlights of the smart city project.

3. Creating walkable localities — reduce congestion, air pollution and resource depletion, boost local economy, promote

interactions and ensure security. The road network is created or refurbished not only for vehicles and public transport, but also for pedestrians and cyclists, and necessary administrative services are offered within walking or cycling distance.

4. Preserving and developing open spaces — parks, playgrounds, and recreational

5. Promoting a variety of transport options — Transit Oriented Development (TOD), public transport and last mile para-transport connectivity.

6. Making governance citizen-friendly and cost effective — increasingly rely on online services to bring about accountability and transparency, especially using mobiles

to reduce cost of services spaces in order to enhance and providing services the quality of life of citizens, without having to go to reduce the urban heat municipal effects offices; form e-groups to in Areas and generally listen to people and obtain promote eco-balance. feedback and use online

Smart City Features Some typical features of comprehensive development in Smart Cities are described below.

1. Promoting mixed

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November 2016

built on river banks and now along the highways.

But in the future, they will be built on the availability of optical fiber network i.e. intercom connectivity and next generation infrastructure.

monitoring of programs and activities with the aid of cyber tour of worksites; vii. Giving an identity to the city — based on its main economic activity, such as local cuisine, health, education, arts and craft, culture, sports goods, furniture, hosiery, textile, dairy, etc.

7. Applying Smart Solutions to infrastructure and services in area-based development in order to make them better. For example, making Areas less vulnerable to disasters, using fewer resources, and providing cheaper services.

The Union Ministry of Urban Development is responsible for implementing the mission in collaboration with the

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state governments of the respective cities.

Smart Cities AwasYojna Mission was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June 2015. A total of 980 billion has been approved by the Indian Cabinet for development of 109 smart cities and rejuvenation of 500 others. An outlay of 48,000 crorehas been approved by the Cabinet for the Smart Cities mission.

Urban Development Ministry had earlier released 2 crore each to mission cities for preparation of Smart City Plans.The cities selected have started project preparations and implementation. Many of them have launched projects in connection with Smart City Mission implementation.

It is estimated that every

minute 25-30 people migrate from rural to urban areas in search of good jobs and good lifestyles.

To accommodate the increasing influx in the cities, the government has planned to leverage ongoing technological advances for building comprehensive infrastructure that support social and economic growth. With increased urbanization, these urban Indian cities will accommodate more population and add to the nation’s total GDP. Smart cities are infused with new vision and smart way of working as well as living. These cities will benefit everybody in the nation, including businesses, citizens, the government and the environment. In the context of smart cities, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that earlier cities were

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Hence the government is working on implementing more effective plans to provide improved infrastructure and connect rural areas with high speed Internet connectivity. Some of the smart cities that are currently being developed in the country include Kochi Smart City, NayaRaipur in Chhattisgarh, Lavasa in Maharashtra, GIFT (Gujarat International Finance TecCity) in Ahmedabad and a 4,500-acre smart city by Wave Infratech near New Delhi.

The nation also invites foreign collaborations in developing India’s major growth corridors, especially its metropolis. At present, industrial corridors between Delhi-Mumbai, Chennai-Bangalore and Bangalore-Mumbai are witnessing rapid real estate development. These areas will be recreated as new smart cities along the corridors. The key factors focused in the projects are:Online Infrastructure: The www.metromartdaily.com

government is striving to provide digitally connected society increasing Internet connectivity. This initiative of the government will help people in accessing all kinds of services, including government services on a single click of mouse.

The newly invited “WiFi trash can” technique will enable urban planning that includes smart, IT connectivity cities.

Civic Amenities: More emphasis is laid on improving water and electricity supply and sanitation and waste management in most cities. More smart healthcare centers and smart education facilities are coming up in the area as a part of the advancement.

Smooth Connectivity: Infrastructure upgradations taking place in different cities ensure flawless transportation and hassle free commutation across the areas. Well connected roads, flyovers, metro connectivity etc will surely reduce travel time in smart cities.

Smart Habitat: As smart cities will work on e-devices, buildings which are coming up are likely to have wireless connectivity, smart security and

surveillance system, along with many more advanced features. Most construction projects are as per Indian Green Building Council specifications and these use quality green materials as well as technologies such as rain water harvesting, solar heating etc. to create eco-friendly spaces for our living.

Hence smart cities with superior infrastructure and convenient mass transit are seen as a transition towards greater sustainability and smartness, ensuring more efficient, friendly services and sustainable development conferring better life to citizens.

The central Government announced in May 2016 that Kerala’s capital Thiruvananthapuram and six other capital cities - Patna (Bihar), Shimla (Himachal Pradesh), Naya Raipur (Chhattisgarh), Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh), Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh), Bengaluru (Karnataka) which were not included in the 100 cities shortlisted for Centre’s Smart City competition, will be able to participate in the next round with other cities.

From Kerala, Kochi had made the cut last year.

Thiruvananthapuram has November 2016

now been asked to prepare a detailed project report elaborating its Smart City vision.

While 20 smart cities were selected during 2015-16 as per the Mission guidelines, another 40 will be selected during 2016-17 and the remaining 49 during the next financial year, taking the total to 109.

Each city selected in different rounds of competition will be given central assistance of Rs 200 crore in the first year and Rs 100 crore each during the subsequent three financial

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years.

State governments and respective urban local bodies will provide matching funds to the same amount.Last year, Trivandrum failed to make to the first list of ‘Smart Cities’ announced by the Union Government.

Fortunately, Trivandrum has been given a rare second chance to enter the smart city competition.This means Trivandrum is not yet given the ‘Smart city’ status but allowed to revise their plans and submit them for evaluation in the second round of regular

competition to be held by the end of June 2017. If the State Government and Trivandrum Corporation do it right, Trivandrum will be given the Smart City status.

Trivandrum did not get Smart City status along with Kochi in the first listas Trivandrum Corporation did not have a comprehensive master plan which is a prerequisite.The master plan is one of the mandatory requirements for Centre’s Smart City programme. Master plan is a very crucial document for planned development of any city and zone-based

METRO mart T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

development of various sectors is crucial for drawing Central funds. Due to this reason, Trivandrum was not picked for the Smart City programme even though top priority is given for capital cities.

currently competed against 74 cities in the country. The Trivandrum Corporation is being flooded with ideas and suggestions from people in connection with developing Trivandrum as a Smart City.

The draft master plan for Trivandrum, prepared by the State Town and Country Planning Department earlier was cancelled due to some reasons. Now in the changed scenario, the State Government and the Trivandrum Corporation have started taking initiative and enthusiasm in preparing the comprehensive and solid Master Plan for Smart City. Trivandrum is as deserving as Kochi for being developed as a Smart City.

The Government of Kerala is in the final stage of the process of appointing a consultant firm for making theSmart City project a reality for Trivandrum. The Consultant firm’s role will be to guide the process of finalising the Smart City Plan for submission to the central Government through harnessing the ideas and suggestions received from various quarters and to make available all the required technical assistance.

Setting in motion its efforts to transform the State capital into a Smart City, the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation has initiated intensive discussions for the preparation of a proposal to be submitted to the Ministry of Urban Development.A workshop which was held at the Corporation headquarters recently decided on a framework of activities to be undertaken as part of the ongoing Smart Cities Mission competition in which Thiruvananthapuram

After appointing the consultant firm, the suggestions are required to be submitted by the State Government to the central Government within 100 days and onor before March 25, 2017. The objective is to make Smart City a reality within a period of five years, i.e. by March 2022.

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It is really gratifying that now all the factors are favourable for Trivandrum to be developed as a Smart City under the Smart City Mission of the

Government of India. Both the State Government and the Corporation of Trivandrum with their dynamic leaderships have been showing highly admirable enthusiasm in fulfilment of the coveted task of developing Kerala’s capital city as a Smart City.

All right thinking people and well-wishers of Kerala earnestly desire and hope that political differences or vested interests of any sections or lobbies or lethargy of leaders or officials or lack of cooperation from the people will not hinder realisation of the city residents’ dream of developing SreePadmanabhan’s place Trivandrum a Smart City.

The Smart City Project once it is finally approved is one which has to be implemented maintaining the right tempo from the beginning and without allowing any bottlenecks to hinder its smooth implementation due to political factors or the interests of any lobbies. So far so good.

Metro Mart Thiruvananthapuram offers its solid support to the Government of Kerala and the Trivandrum Corporation in all their efforts towards making Trivandrum a Smart City.

November 2016

T R AV E L

Explore Silent Valley National Park This stunning national park offers several wildlife packages for travellers.

Tucked away in the folds of the Nilgiri Hills in Palakkad is a pristine valley, a spectacular patch of green nursing a rich palette of varied habitats- The Silent Valley National Park. With an area of 237.52 sq km, this dramatic landscape which is a unique preserve of tropical evergreen rain forests bursts with a luxurious collection of flora and fauna.

Karuvara Trekking Karuvara is a waterfall in Panthamthodu, 5 km away from Mukkali which is the base camp of the Silent Valley National Park. Trek through this trail which provides ample opportunities for bird watching. The journey to the waterfalls is in itself one scenic adventure. Immerse yourself in the magic of

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this rich swathe of greenery and tread on to reach the pristine Karuvara Falls.

Specifics: Maximum number of persons in one group is five and minimum three. Duration of the trip is 4 hours. Each group will be accompanied by a guide.

The recommended season for visiting this area is from August to September and December to March. No bathing is permitted in the waterfall. Availability of this programme will depend on local weather. Advance booking is necessary.

Keerippara Trekking Keerippara is the ideal package for those interested in wildlife. You may amble up the path snaking through the forest feasting your eyes on the magnificent canvas

of greenery and wildlife conjured up by nature.

Listen to the orchestra struck up by birds as you explore this slice of heaven.

The trail runs through a tangle of forest types in the buffer zone of the Park.

Trek through the evergreen and moist deciduous forests before venturing into the secondary grasslands at Keerippara.

This refreshing trail offers mesmerising visuals of butterflies and birds flitting above.

Specifics: Maximum number of persons in one group is five and each group will be accompanied by a guide.

The time span for the trek is 4 hrs. Advance booking is necessary for this programme.

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S HOP P I NG and Cotton. A fine collection of designer blouses and brocade blouse materials will also be on display.

Czarina’s Christmas Collection ends on December 24 and the store will remain open on all Sundays till then.

Czarina is located at Catholic Centre on Statue-General Hospital Road, Trivandrum.

To know more about the Christmas Collection, visit Czarina’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ CzarinaDesignerSarees or call 9387721322.

Czarina’s Christmas Collection

“Christmas is the perfect occasion to gift something beautiful or wear something special. If you are a true connoisseur of sarees, this is an opportunity you just can’t afford to miss. And if you are shopping for your wedding trousseau, this is the best chance to buy a truly stunning masterpiece.”

Showcases exquisite sarees to ring in the festive season Czarina’s Christmas Collection, which began on November 24, has become a crowd-puller from day one, attracting fashion lovers, would-be brides, and trendy professionals.

The exquisite collection,

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displayed at Trivandrum’s leading designer boutique, features a wide array of sarees, kurtis and salwars in vivid hues and designs.

From lush reds to bright blues to vibrant greens, customers will find all the

colours of Christmas at Czarina.

Visitors to Czarina can discover mesmerising creations in Tussar, Georgette, Organza, Maheshwari, Kota, Supernet

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Sheila James Founder & Creative Head of Czarina

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D I N I N G

Chettinad Pepper Chicken

INGREDIENTS • 250 gm of boneless chicken pieces, cubed • A fistful of curry leaves • 2 tbsp of oil (I used coconut oil) • 1 tsp of black mustard seeds • 1/4 tsp of fennel seeds, saunf (optional) • 2 cloves of garlic, minced • 1 tsp of ginger, grated or finely chopped • 1 cup of onions, sliced 1. Dry-roast the spices (use the seeds from the cardamom pods) in a skillet until they turn a shade darker and fragrant.

2. Cool and pound coarsely in a pestle or mortar or using a spice/ coffee grinder.

3. Heat the oil in a wide pan and turn to low heat.

Add the mustard seeds and fennel and then they sizzle and pop, add the ground spices, fry for 10 seconds until fragrantand then add

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• 1/2 cup of cubed tomato or 1 tsp tomato paste Spices • 1 tsp of cumin seeds • 2 tsp of coriander seeds • 1-2 dry red chillies (adjust to taste) • 1 tsp of whole black pepper (adjust to taste) • 3 piece of cinnamon • 3 green cardamom pods

the ginger, garlic, onions, and curry leaves.

4. Saute until the onions are soft and then add the tomatoes or tomato paste.

Mix well.

5. Now add the chicken pieces and stir well to coat them with the spices.

6. Add 1 cup of water, bring to boil, lower heat to simmer, and cook covered for about 15 mins or until the chicken pieces are cooked through.

You should uncover and

stir in between every 3-4 mins to make sure nothing is burning. After about 15 mins, the gravy should be thick and the spices should be coating the chicken. If this is not the case, cook in the open pan for a few more minutes.

All done! Serve hot as an appetizer, with rice, roti, dosa, chapati, parotta, anything at all. This lipsmacking Chetttinad-style pepper chicken goes with everything.

METRO mart T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

www.metromartdaily.com

November 2016

M E T RO U P DA T E

Kerala Tourism keeps state’s banner flying Down Under To tap deeper into what is the sixth biggest tourist market for the state, Kerala Tourism conducted high-energy road shows in Australia advertising the best of ‘God’s Own Country’ in the hub cities of Melbourne and Sydney over the past week.

N.Vijay Gopalan

Department conducts successful road show campaign in major Australian cities

The road shows – held after a gap of two years – each saw attendance from around 70 leading wholesalers, tour operators and travel agents from these cities, generating significant interest in both new and established

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offerings in Kerala. With inbound tourism from Australia on the uptick – accounting for 35,244 foreign tourist arrivals in 2015, the campaign was particularly timely ahead of the official start to the tourist season in

November.

Kerala Tourism Director Shri U.V. Jose led a strong delegation that included representatives of 12 major players from across the state’s tourism trade industry. The participating

METRO mart T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

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The road shows – held after a gap of two years – each saw attendance from around 70 leading wholesalers, tour operators and travel agents from these cities, generating significant interest in both new and established offerings in Kerala. With inbound tourism from Australia on the uptick – accounting for 35,244 foreign tourist arrivals in 2015, the campaign was particularly timely ahead of the official start to the tourist season in November.

Kerala Tourism Director Shri U.V. Jose led a strong delegation that included representatives of 12 major players from across the state’s tourism trade industry. The participating trade partners included Abad Hotels & Resorts, CGH Earth, Chalukya Grace Tours Pvt. Ltd., Discover Kerala Holidays, Eastend Hotels & Resorts, Intersight Tours &

Travels (P) Ltd., Kumarakom Lake Resort, Marvel Tours Pvt. Ltd., Pioneer Personalized Holidays and Spice Routes.

“Kerala is already a wellknown brand in Australia.

Upon seeing the surge in tourist arrivals from this lucrative emerging market, both the Government and tourism stakeholders were keen to better explore and exploit the potential. We hope our strong showing at these road shows will lead to more industry tie-ups and greater tourist footfalls to Kerala,” said Minister for Tourism Shri A.C. Moideen, who reiterated the government’s commitment of top-down support to the sector.

Besides facilitating business to business meetings to help forge new collaborations, the road shows saw presentations on Kerala’s diverse array of

attractions and destinations from Shri Jose. The awardwinning promotional film, The Great Backwaters, which showcases life in and around the state’s legendary backwaters through stunning aerial and underwater photography, was screened at both events.

“With improved airconnectivity and easeof-travel between the Asia-Pacific region and Kerala, there has been an impressive growth in arrivals from Down Under. By increasing the state’s exposure in major metropolises and focusing on its new tourism products, experiences and hitherto untapped destinations, this trend figures to only continue upward,” said Dr Venu V., Principal Secretary (Tourism), Kerala.

Lending heft to the

“With improved air-connectivity and ease-of-travel between the Asia-Pacific region and Kerala, there has been an impressive growth in arrivals from Down Under. By increasing the state’s exposure in major metropolises and focusing on its new tourism products, experiences and hitherto untapped destinations, this trend figures to only continue upward,” Dr Venu V

Principal Secretary (Tourism), Kerala

campaign were Shri Rakesh Malhotra, Consul of India, Melbourne, and Dr Vinod Bahade, Deputy Consul General, Sydney, who were both chief guests at the events in their respective cities.

In addition, the events featured interactive sessions including ‘Go Kerala’ contests with

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METRO mart T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

www.metromartdaily.com

the lucky draw prize of a seven-night, eight-day holiday in Kerala given to one lucky winner in each city. Silk Air, the campaign’s airlines partner, offered the winners a free return ticket from Australia to Kerala in Singapore Airlines/Silk Air flights.

“The campaign offered a glimpse of what awaits

travellers to Kerala and promised that much more lay in store. It elicited a highly enthusiastic response from the Australian tourism and trade industry with a high-volume of fruitful B2B interactions between our sellers and their buyers.

We are positive that this will translate into both greater business linkages and tourist arrivals,” Shri Jose said.

November 2016

E VE N T factor that decides the restaurants success. Metro Mart believes that it is the diners who should acknowledge and vote on the selection of the restaurants. Experts from the culinary field who render good food and a great dining experience are chosen by the diners themselves.

Metro Food Awards 2016 – Tasty Recognitions The pulse of Kerala – Metro Mart presents Metro Mart Food Awards – 2016. This year the gala event is happening on December 7th at Mascot Hotel, Thiruvananthapuram.

The restaurants in and around the capital city of Kerala are being recognized, by the magazine Metro Mart Thiruvananthapuram, for their effort in providing diners healthy and hearty food throughout the year.

Kerala Tourism, KTDC, South Kerala Hotelier’s Forum (SKHF), TCCI, Popins

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Media, and Three Seas Infologics are supporting partners of Metro Food Awards. Mascot Hotel is the hospitality partner and Kerala (God’s Own Country) is the obvious tourism partner.

The Event Metro Mart recognized the

requirement for recognizing the food sector particularly restaurants. Many factors such as professionalism and dynamism in this business need to be highlighted.

Good workmanship is a major area that has to be duly rewarded. The acumen and skills of the restaurateurs is a core

METRO mart T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

This event is not an event of ordinary Business version.

Metro Food Awards - 2016 bestows due recognition to the culinary business and at the same time assists in building brands.

A benchmark is set in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala by showcasing the performing restaurants through Metro Food Awards – 2016. It is indeed a big challenge to evaluate the top restaurants and food joints in Thiruvananthapuram, and getting the public to vote for their favourite eating venue from the shortlisted performers.

www.metromartdaily.com

Metro Food Awards brings out the best in participants and raises the spirit and tone to have a healthy competition. The competitors strive harder to achieve the recognition and that becomes a higher reference point for any ensuing award functions.

Today’s diners choose variety; however, they do not compromise on quality and perfection. Metro Mart offers an apt platform for the participants to differentiate themselves from the crowd and showcase their potential and worth.

Metro Food Awards-2016 redefines the touchstones of food sector in Thiruvananthapuram.

Award Selection Criteria The entry level requirements for filing in the nomination for Metro Food Awards - 2016 are fairly easy to follow and adhere to.

a. The food establishment should be based within the city of Thiruvananthapuram. b. At the time of filing the nomination for the awards, the restaurant should be open and catering to the public till the time the awards are announced. c. The food establishment should be having all appropriate food licences and clearances that are a must from the government authorities. d. The food prepared and delivered to the customers at the participating restaurants should be hygienic at all costs.

For Registration and Trade Enquiries, contact +91-9947733339 and +919995139933 For Online registration -http://www. metrofoodawards.com

November 2016

E VE N T S CAN

Mandala Pooja at Sabarimala Start date: 16-11-2016  End date: 26-12-2016

Located in the dense, pristine forests of the Western Ghats, the Sabarimala Temple is one of the most famous pilgrim centres in India. The temple in the Sabari Hills, towards the east of Pathanamthitta district is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa.

Venue: Lord Ayyappa Temple District: Pathanamthitta The Mandalakala season, the annual pilgrim season to Sabarimala, commences usually in the months of November-December.

This is followed by the Makaravilakku season during December-January.

During the Mandala Pooja period the Sabarimala Temple will remain open for 42 days continuously.

There are several routes via which the temple can be accessed with Pamba serving as the main halting point. From Pamba the devotees have a 5km trek through the forests to reach the temple. A dip in the sacred river Pamba is believed to cleanse the pilgrims off their sins. After

the holy dip, they proceed to the sannidhanam (sanctum sanctorum) of Lord Ayyappa.

Situated amid verdant forests and grasslands, the Sabarimala Temple is visited by thousands of devotees each year irrespective of caste or creed.

Getting there Nearest railway station: Chengannur, about 53 km Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport, about 180 km

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www.metromartdaily.com

November 2016

COV E R S T OR Y

The World is My Oyster KAJAL NAIR

Kajal Nair born in Kerala and currently residing in MumbaI is a renowned name in contemporary jewellery designing. After having spent years as a professional marketer in the Indian market Kajal Nair left her brand building job to focus more jewellery design.Widely travelled and well networked, Kajal Nair has a pulse on the Independent Indian woman who is contemporary in her taste and is also experimentative.

By Sanjeev Ramachandran 38 November 2016

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November 2016

way. Quality of the craftsmanship, pricing also play a part in ensuring that my customers and happy and keep coming back for more.

target customers. If I think otherwise I let it remain as a concept and add it to my repertoire of designs for consideration on a later date.

• Your designs speak volumes about your passion to go for exclusive designs.

Do you consult high end customers who have a yen for all that’s new and catchy before sitting down with your design?

• Going by your collection, your designs are not necessarily always Indian.

How would you explain the global fashion sense?

Does that come as part of your education in jewellery • Nv-ya is fast catching up among the elite. How far design? do you see the Nv-ya brand My collections reflect travelling in terms of a my aesthetic sensibility. global market?

My natural style is contemporary western but I haven’t set any limits for when I am commissioned Nv-ya or myself. The world to design for somebody is my oyster. Right now, I I try and ensure that the have customers in many design is reflective of their of the metros in India, tastes. But perhaps in some Bangladesh, USA, Australia, unconscious small way I the UK and recently Nigeria. am adding my brand of I would like many more quirkiness to the piece. women to accept and believe in Nv-ya.

• Could you elaborate on

A lot of my customised work is collaborative.

Before I take on designing for a customer I have a discussion to understand their preferences, their likes as well as dislikes. In some cases, I also give form and shape to a customer’s creative idea.

Working with a team of experienced Indian goldsmiths, her innovative designs in gold and diamond jewellery are much spoken about at the moment. A graduate from the Gemological Institute Of America, Carlsbad, she floated her own brand Nv-ya- which designs fine jewellery for the affluent, well travelled women, and girls living in the upmarket areas.

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She looks forward to designing for the well

Excerpts from an interview with Kajal Nair:

off women and girls of

• In a world of changing fashion, the jewellery space parts of Kerala who love occupies a unique space. diamond and precious How do you manage to stone jewellery that is non- keep the end-customer traditional.Kajal Nair’s Nv-ya happy?

Kochi, Kottayam and other

Fine Jewellery is inspired by art, the middle- east , and textiles.Kajal Nair will be organising an exhibition of her works at Kochi on December 3.

Yes that’s true, fashion is a very design driven business and by extension, so is jewellery. Design, design and design that is definitely the most important

METRO mart T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

• Jewellery created by you range from the traditional to the contemporary. Do you have a whole range of customers in mind when you imagine a design in your mind?

When it comes to collections that I design as part of my inventory .The ideas come first and then I flesh it out onto paper after which I take a decision to go ahead and execute it in gold and gemstones if I think it would work well with a particular segment of my www.metromartdaily.com

and family while pursuing a corporate career. I think my holiday to California in 2010 was epochal as the idea to carry some of my pieces came about then.

The response I received was very encouraging and I decided to get into designing commercially.

That’s how I started.

your passion for creating unique jewellery and the push that took you to the jewellery design classroom from the totally different world of brand marketing?

• Tell us a bit about your Malayalee roots and how your taste for jewellery was influenced by your Malayalee upbringing.

I have always been fascinated by gemstones right from when I was very young. I designed my first piece for my mother when I was 8 years old. Over the years I dabbled in jewellery design, designing for myself

I have had a very cosmopolitan upbringing since my dad was in the Navy during the growing-up years. Maybe my love for jewellery has something to do with my Malayalee roots.

November 2016

D I N I NG

Chinapolis – All Spiced up in a New Avatar Chinapolis, The signature Chinese Restaurant of Vivanta by Taj, Trivandrum has been relaunched in a new avatar with a fresh new menu and look that would excite the residents of Trivandrum. It is also going to be the one and only fine dining restaurant in the city where your gastronomic requirements will be served by an All Women team.

Speaking on the launch,

restaurant to Trivandrum 4

Mr. V. K. Prasad, General

years back and here we are

Manager, Vivanta by Taj,

again adding more flavour

Trivandrum said, “Vivanta

and vigour to it in a manner

by Taj, Trivandrum brought

that will keep pace with

the first authentic Chinese

the ever changing taste of

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our patrons. This will also be the only fine dining restaurant in Trivandrum where all the staff serving our guests will be women”.

The relaunch is being

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spearheaded by Chef William Tong who leaves behind a Legacy of opening one of the most sought after Chinese restaurants of the Taj Group, Memories of China. His huge experience in this field will definitely make a difference the way Chinese food is being enjoyed in the city. The guests from Trivandrum will get to treat themselves to an array of new delicacies from Chef William that will include Hau Gau Prawn Dumplings, Pork Ribs in Peking Sauce, Sichuan mapo tofu with vegetables and Dan Dan Sichuan noodles. The patrons are also encouraged here to have their food in the traditional way using Chopsticks. A serving of nutty sesame sweet dumpling in caramelised ginger soup, a deep fried sesame Ferrero Rocher or a Honey Darshaan served with Vanilla Ice Cream will serve as the best for a sweet finale.

Set off on a delightful culinary journey at Chinapolis, the speciality Chinese fine-dining restaurant! The menu features delicacies from different provincial cuisines of China. In restaurant diners can savour a delicious Chinapolis hot pot. Placed in the centre of www.metromartdaily.com

the table, the pot simmers with a variety of vegetables, meats and condiments, wafting appetizing flavours and delighting diners with is light, delicious and nutritious ingredients.

A memorable dining experience The Chinese hot pot has a history of more than 1,000 years, Frozen meat is sliced thinly to prepare it for hot pot cooking. Slicing frozen meat this way causes it to roll up during cooking, and it is often presented as such. Meat or vegetables are loaded individually into the hot cooking broth by chopsticks, and cooking time can take from 1 to 15 minutes, depending on the type of food. Meat should be cooked at the very least 20 seconds depending on the thickness of meat.

Other hot pot dishes include leafy vegetables, mushrooms, seafood, and noodles. It can be eaten bland to very spicy, depending on how much spice has been put in the stew.

Chinapolis was started in 2012 as the first Authentic Chinese restaurant of Trivandrum. Over the Years it has mesmerized the food connoisseurs of Trivandrum and has turned into one of the favourite fine dining

restaurants of many from the city.

Strategically located in the heart of the city and just 10 Kms away from from the Airport, Vivanta

by Taj, Trivandrum is an ideal destination for both business and pleasure.

The Hotel offers the perfect space to unwind after a hectic day’s work with special rooms which offers views of the city and poolside. The hotel also boasts of its well appointed meeting spaces suitable for a gathering as large as 500 pax or even as close knitted as 15 guests. The open Air poolside lawn act as the best option in the city to hold personal events and cocktail parties. The restaurants and Bar in the Hotel brings the Global cuisine to your table. Be it a multicuisine lunch from the Fifth Element, a Chinese gourmet from Chinapolis or a quick bite from Caramel, you can be rest assured the best in class.

Chinapolis is open from 7:30 PM to 11:30 PM Open 7 Days a Week For Table Reservations please contact +91-471- 6612345 November 2016

AWA R D

South Asian Travel Awards, Winner Uday Samudra Kovalam

Spice Routes Luxury Cruises wins prestigious South Asian Travel Award Cinnamon Houseboats of Spice Routes Luxury Cruises from Kerala has won the much coveted South Asian Travel Award (SATA) in recognition of its trendsetting luxury amenities on board a houseboat.

The awards for ‘Leading Houseboat Brand’ were presented to Scaria Jose and Jobin J Akkarakalam, Directors of Spice Routes Luxury Cruises, by Mr. Tuan Saabir Vaffoor, Vice President, SATA at a Special Gala event held at Mount Lavinia Hotel, Sri Lanka.

The presentation ceremony hosted tourism industry delegates from Maldives, Sri Lanka and India.

“The breathtaking backwaters of Kerala are an internationally acclaimed tourist attraction. We have

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converted the barges into luxury houseboats with all modern facilities for giving the traveller a luxurious experience,” said Mr. Jobin.

The SATA is the first ever regional travel awards endorsed by multi-national associations providing the tourism sector of the South Asian region with recognition for their facilities and service excellence. The South Asian Travel Awards aims to encourage and raise service standards of the Tourism industry within Maldives,

Sri Lanka and India.

The SATA are tightly contested with awards in 10 segments across 39 categories. This year’s competition attracted around 260 entries from the three nations.

“Sri Lanka and Maldives are highly competitive in the tourism sector. The award is a testimony to the better experience for the visitors we offer. This will also help to turn the spotlight on diverse attractions our Kerala Tourism offers,” added Mr Scaria.

METRO mart T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

UDAY SAMUDRA LEISURE BEACH HOTEL & SPA

Wins the South Asian Travel Award (SATA) - 2016 five categories

UDAY SAMUDRA LEISURE BEA,Leading Wellness & Spa Resort,Leading F&B Resort / Hotel , Leading CSR Programme,Leading Wellness & SpaBrand.

The categories of Awards was received by the CMD Mr.Rajashekhran Nair, Managing Director Mrs.Radha Nair CEO Mr.Raja Gopaal Iyer & Executive Director Ms. Karthika Nair at the prestigious ceremony held at Mount Lavinia Hotel, Srilanka. www.metromartdaily.com

November 2016

E VE N T S CAN

show held from November 7-9. In awarding Kerala Tourism, the judges noted that the snake boats made them “want to go to Kerala just to see that in action”.

“The award and response to our stand is a reflection of Kerala’s stature on the world tourism map. We are very proud to have been able to showcase Kerala as a top tourism destination at the WTM. Tourism remains one of the most important sectors for Kerala and we are keen to develop the potential of the state further by catering to foreign tourists through such prestigious events,” said Minister for Tourism Shri A.C. Moideen.

Kerala wins ‘Best Stand Feature’ at World Travel Market, London Snake boat themed Kerala Tourism pavilion beats international competition for award The fabled snake boat races

Sporting a centerpiece of

of Kerala are poised to woo

three vibrant and visually

more tourists to ‘God’s

appealing replicas of the

Own Country’ from the

spectacular snake boats –

UK, going by their standout

with images and a video

performance at World Travel Market (WTM) 2016 in London.

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to be the ‘Best Stand Feature’ by an expert panel at WTM.

Spread over 120 square metres, the pavilion wowed of a ‘vallam kali’ adding to visitors at the three-day the experience, the Kerala WTM 2016, the world’s Tourism pavilion was judged leading travel and tourism

METRO mart T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

The eye-catching theme provided Kerala Tourism with better visibility and branding at WTM 2016, which featured 5,000 exhibitors from 182 countries and regions and attracted important tourism industry stakeholders from across the globe.

Union Minister of State for Tourism and Culture Dr Mahesh Sharma and Union Tourism Secretary Shri Vinod Zutshi were among those who visited the Kerala Tourism stall.

“The snake boats are www.metromartdaily.com

synonymous with Kerala and have once again showed why they are a big attraction among visitors to the state from across the world. We want to further popularise to a global audience the many culture and festivals associated with our tourist-friendly state,” said Dr Venu V., Principal Secretary (Tourism), Kerala.

Dr Venu led the state’s delegation to the trade event, which showcased Kerala’s best-selling products, including its award-winning Responsible Tourism initiatives, pristine beaches, hill stations, backwaters, houseboats and Ayurveda therapies, among an array of offerings.

The Tourism Secretary also participated in a roundtable interview chaired by BBC presenter Aaron Hazelhurst on Tuesday (Nov 8) to mark WTM Responsible Tourism Day. “The award is a coup for Kerala Tourism’s marketing strategy. It rewards our innovative approach in showcasing the legendary snake boats and the quality of the state’s many diverse products and destinations,” said Kerala Tourism Director Shri U.V. Jose.

The WTM’s location added to its importance as the UK is the primary source market for Kerala Tourism.

Kerala received 1,66,792 tourists from the UK last year, accounting for 17 per cent of the total foreign tourist arrivals to the state.

On Monday (Nov 7), WTM 2016 hosted a talk on Responsible Tourism titled “India: Enhancing the tourist Experience”.

Kerala State Responsible Tourism Coordinator Shri K. Rupeshkumar spoke at the session.

The pavilion was conceptualised and designed by Stark Communications, Kerala Tourism’s creative and brand management agency.

Flanders (Belgium) and Egypt were other winners in the Best Stand awards.

Kerala Tourism was joined at the event by nine private exhibitor-partners: Kumarakom Lake Resort, Punarnava Ayurvedic Hospitals, Punnamada Resort, Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel, Xandari Resorts, Jayasree Travels and Tours, Intersight Tours and Travels, Pioneer Personalised Holidays and Spiceland Holidays.

November 2016

M E T RO U P DA T E houseboat, floating on tranquil backwaters in a place situated over 2,000 km away. This has been made possible through the innovative use of virtual reality,” said Shri U.V. Jose, Director, Kerala Tourism.

Kerala’s famous backwaters are brought to life for visitors through a twominute film – specially shot using 360 degree technology utilising six cameras simultaneously – which can be viewed after they don an Oculus Rift virtual reality headset.

The zone is fitted with a lifesize houseboat installation into which the visitor enters and dons the headset. The film recreates the beauty of the rippling waters of a

lagoon watching the distant sunset, the birds, the fishes, and other flora and fauna as they roll along.

The initiative, part of the tourism department’s ‘Out of Home’ marketing campaign to promote brand Kerala, is targeted at high net worth individuals in the domestic market. The zone in Terminal 3 of the Indira Gandhi International airport in Delhi is located before the security area in the Departures section.

“Delhi is the first airport where we have set up the ‘experience site’.

Preparations are on to create similar zones at the Bengaluru and Mumbai airports too,” Shri Jose said.

After their virtual reality experience, those visiting the stall will also be asked to tweet with a special hashtag, #Greatbackwaters, for an opportunity to get a picturesque postcard from a dispensing device installed there.

The dispensing activity is controlled by tweets from users. The dispenser will capture tweets with the specified hashtag and then randomly reward a tweet with a postcard.

“Under this ‘Tweet of Postcards from Kerala’ activity, a postcard will be dispensed once every 15 minutes or so. The postcard can be mailed to near and dear ones at the zone itself,” Shri Jose said.

Sit in Delhi, Mumbai or Bengaluru and cruise on Kerala backwaters!

Innovative virtual reality campaign brings iconic Kerala experience to passengers waiting for flights An exhilarating backwater houseboat cruise in scenic palm-fringed Kerala can now be experienced remotely at a number of airports in India, courtesy virtual reality.

Kerala Tourism is rolling out ‘The Great Backwater

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Experience’ zone at special interactive stalls set up in departure terminals at airports in New Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.

The initiative allows passengers to partake of an iconic Kerala experience while waiting to catch their

flight.

“The zone is up and functional at Indira Gandhi International airport in New Delhi and visitors can get an immersive experience of sitting inside a ‘kettuvellam’, the traditional Kerala

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November 2016

Ambulance 108

BSNL Land Line: 155300 BSNL Mobile: 0471-155300

Fire Station 101

Anti Piracy Cell 0471 2460001 Mob: 9447210124, 9497981037 E-mail: spapc.pol@kerala. gov.in

Civil Supplies 1967(Toll free no:) 1800-425-1550 (Toll free no:)

Food Adulteration Helpline 1800 425 1125 (Toll free)

Anti-Ragging Helpline 1800 180 5522 (Toll free) Online Enquiry: www.antiragging.in Chief Electoral Officer Control Room: 04712301080 Fax: 0471- 2301081 E-mail: ceo_kerala@eci. gov.in

Coastal Police Alert and State 0471-2556699/ 2320101 Police Monitoring Room Commercial Taxes 1800 425 4777 (Toll free) 9446505527 (Mobile) E-mail: vathelpline@ keralataxes.gov.in Consumer Toll Free Helpline 18004251550

Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund 04712518513/0471-2518487/ (CMDRF) 0471-2518795/0471-2518332

CPC Call Center 1800-425-2229

Chief Minister’s Grievance 1076 (From BSNL) Redressal Cell 18004251076 (From others) 91-471-1076 (From Outside India)

Disaster Management Helpline 1077 (Collectorate)

Crime Stopper 1090

1070 (State Control Room)

Child Helpline 1098

E-filing Call Center 080-26982000 (for e-filing of return)

Citizens Call Centre 0471-2115054/98, 2335523

Election Helpline 1950

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0471-2728454 call centre number (for Thiruvananthapuram city)

(24X7 Toll free No.)

8590000543

PWD Helpline 1800 425 7771

State Consumer Helpline 1800-425-1550 (Toll free)

Labour Minister’s Helpline 155 300

Rail Alert 9846 200 100

Sutharya Keralam 155 300

Police Station (Nearest) 100

Ration card renewal Tel: 0471-2320379, 9495998223, 9495998224, 9495998225.

Police Helpline (Head Quarters, Thiruvananthapuram) 0471-324 3000/4000/5000

Forest Helpline BSNL Land Line: 155 300 BSNL Mobile: 0471 155 300 Other Networks: 0471- 211 5054/98, 2335523

Police Message Centre 94 97 900000 Police High Way Help Line 9846 100 100

Sabarimala Virtual Queue 0471-3243000/ 3244000/ 3245000 Secretariat Central Agency Tel: 0471- 2327558/ 2518202 (Out of Office hours)

General Administration 0471- 2518463 (Co-ordination)

Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana SLBC Call centre: 1800 425 11222

Secretariat Enquiry 0471- 2336576 Fax: 0471- 2333115 (IBMC/ Secretariat)

Helpline for Ex-Service Men 1800-11-3999 (All working days: 9.00 am5.30pm)

(PMJDY)

SHE TAXI 24x7 Call Centre

Tourist Information toll free 1-800-425-4747 Trivandrum Medical College 0471-2528300 MCH Casualty : (24 hrs) UID/Aadhaar 1800-4251-1800 (Toll free number) Website: uid.kerala.gov.in Vigilance & 8592 900 900 (Toll Free Number) Anti-Corruption Bureau Women Helpline 1091

Helpline to nab Garbage offenders 9496434517 (Only for Thiruvananthapuram) Highway Alert 9846 100 100

Kerala Public Service Commission 0471- 2554000 Call Centre KSRTC Helpline Control Room Tel: 0471 - 2463799/ 04712471011 ext 238 Mobile: 94470 710 21 Kudumbashree Travels

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