Plantation for Tourism: Kerala in a hurry

The State Government seems to be in a hurry for implementing the guidelines allowing usage of five per cent of plantation land for other purposes, especially for providing Kannan Devan Hills Plantations Co, Pvt Ltd (KDHP) five per cent of its land, with the Government calling a meeting of officials of the Revenue, Agricultural, Finance and representatives of KDHP to look into the issue. The meeting is learned to have been convened by the Chief Minister despite a final judgement is awaited in the cases related to KDHP lands in the High Court.  

Though the meeting was convened in a hurried manner on Monday, it did not take place as the Chief Minister and some top officials were otherwise engaged, highly placed sources said. Secretaries from the agriculture and finance departments, officials from the Land Board and revenue department, CM’s office were all present for the meeting.

They said that even though the meeting was not held, the calling of such a meeting gains significance in the wake of the government filing affidavits against the lands in possession of KDHP. Moreover, the High Court had already interfered in the issues related to KDHP. It has also to be seen that the Devikulam and Munnar panchayat’s decision to grant licence to the company for operating its bungalows for tourist purposes was stayed by the then Idukki District Collector.

Stating that a meeting of the officials could be understood, the highly placed sources doubted the intention behind calling representatives of the KDHP in the meeting. The CM is known to have convened the meeting with respect to a letter sent to him by the KDHP, which requested for a single window clearance for implementation of projects under the use of five per cent of plantation land for non-plantation purposes. They also alleged that it was a move to hand over plantation lands to private owners in the name of tourism. 

source: The Newindianexpress

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Feel the Romance and Beauty of Nature

Dazzling calm lagoons, picturesque lakesides and Palm fringed canals and shores। This is what awaits one at Alappuzha, which is also called as the Venice of the East. Emerging fast as a hot tourist spot, Alappuzha is gifted with nature and is known for the fabulous houseboat cruises, snake boat races and beaches.

Towering palm trees, lush green fields and green waters give Alappuzha a charm। Exotic natural luxury is what greets one in Alappuzha, which cannot be missed in one's tour map. Feel the romance and beauty of true nature at Alapuzzha.

Backwaters form a landmark of Alappuzha। A cruise in the serene green waters in a Kettuvallom (houseboat) is a unique experience. Kettuvalloms were once used as grain barges to transport rice. Converted to accommodate tourists, the houseboats have all luxury from bedrooms with toilets, dining areas and sit outs. You can also have mouth-watering dishes, which are prepared in the boat itself.

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The Snake boat race in the tranquil Alappuzha backwaters is another attraction. It is dazzling to see about 100 oarsmen splashing their oars at a time in their special snake boats called Chundanvalloms at the race.
Other places of tourist interest are Krishnapuram Palace, Pathiramanal, Ambalappuzha, Karumadi, Punnapra, Kuttanad, Edathua Church and Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple।

Krishnapuram Palace, an 18th century double storied structure displays typical Kerala architecture। It has one of the largest mural paintings in Kerala -- Gajendra Moksham. Pathiramanal is a small island in the Vembanad Lake.

One of Kerala's most famous temples, Ambalappuzha boasts of typical temple architectural style of the state। The temple is famed for its palpayasam (a sweet milk porridge), which is offered to the deity. Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple is another famous temple, which is a serpent shrine. A unique feature of this temple is that the rituals are done under the guidance of a priestess. Legend says that the first priestess of Mannarasala gave birth to a five-headed snake, which is believed to reside in the ancestral house. It is said that barren women who visit the temple will be blessed with children. A special turmeric paste at the shrine is credited with powers to cure leprosy. Karumadi has traces to Buddhism. Here one can see a black granite figure of Buddha, believed to be of the 9th century.

Edathua Church, situated about 24 kms away from Alappuzha, is dedicated to St George. Established in 1810, it is believed that prayers and offerings here help to heal mental disorders.
Punnapra is another place one should not miss। This village has gone down in history for the heroic clashes between the communists and Travancore State Police during the 1946 Punnapra Vayalar uprising.

Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala, lies in the very heart of the backwaters। The paddy fields that stretch for miles, coconut trees dotting the canal banks and inland waterways make Kuttanad spectacular.

The beaches here are also charming। The Alappuzha beach, with a pier extending into the sea is picturesque.
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