The Megalithic relics of muniyaras in ruins
Published February 1, 2011 | 
Due to the apathy of the concerned, hundreds of muniyaras, the dolmens of the Megalithic age lie in ruins. The absence of a proper mechanism to protect these ancient vestiges has hampered its preservation. There are many ‘muniyaras’ of various shapes and sizes in Kerala, which are on the verge of extinction due to the exposure to the vagaries of nature and human interference. Anti-social elements and nomads who use the sites as shelter has also resulted in its destruction.
Muniyaras are made of three or more upright stones and a huge capstone, which are believed to be the burial site of the prehistoric people. Thought to be constructed during a particular period of time by a tribe which revered the dead, muniyaras are of great historical significance and are links to our ancestry. Though not much information is available on these ancient tomb stones, the studies of anthropologists have discovered the remains of pottery and iron metal inside the chambers.
Nachivayal has a cluster of several dolmens and it remain a mystery how these massive granite slabs were made and how the capstone was lifted to position it on top of the base stones.. Only by creating awareness can these stone tombs can be preserved and it is our duty as responsible citizens to protect these exceptional muniyaras that are reminders of a by gone era and the imprints left by a generation that once lived here.
The largest snake boat ever made is all set to enter the Guinness Book
Published May 14, 2008 | 
Kochi: The first ever steel snake boat, ‘Aries Chundan’ became the largest snake boat with a capacity for 141 crew members, by smashing the existing record held by a traditional snake boat with a crew capacity of 118 members.
This architectural marvel in steel is all set to enter the Guinness book of world records for achieving this stellar feat. Constructed by Aries marine and engineering services, this snake boat hogged the limelight when it made its presence felt on the 1st of May in the Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha, famous venue for the annual Nehru Trophy Boat race, which attracts tourists from far and wide.
This innovative steel boat is designed using the well acclaimed ‘Autoship software’ and the strength and stability has been confirmed using overhanging test and sinking test, which ensures safety and stability under all conditions. “Aries chundan’ measuring a staggering 143 feet in length is already featured in the Limca Book of Records as the longest snake boat in steel ever made.