Parunthumpara- an unexplored trekking destination
Published May 3, 2011 | 
Welcome to Parunthumpara, a virtually unexplored trekker’s haven, near Peerumade where you can chill out , indulge in a spell of adventure sports or soak up the breath taking views of the endless grass lands and valleys beneath. A perfect choice for family holidays and fun seekers alike, Parunthumpara is a hill station of considerable tourism potential .
Though Parunthumpara is only six km from Peerumade on National Highway 220, it has remained obscure and away from the mass tourism trails for long. Now it has evolved to be a favorite stopover for tourists who are on their way to Thekkady, who stop by to enjoy the spectacular views and to have some fun and adventure. On a clear day, the visitors can see a panoramic view of the Sabarimala forests from Parunthumpara and this makes it quite popular among the Sabarimala pilgrims who congregate here to witness the makarajyothi.
Easily accessible through the narrow ghat road from Kallar Junction, this hill station stands out for its sprawling grasslands where the families can enjoy a few quiet moments, away from the hustle and bustle of the city life. A perfect choice for those who wish to have a holiday off the beaten track and to explore the unseen and the unexplored beauty of the pristine forests around, Parunthumpara has been attracting a large number of domestic tourists during weekends.
Though the place is yet to leave its imprints in the tourism map of the district, this beautiful hill station of
Parunthumpara holds great promise for adventure sports.The District Tourism Promotion Council has chalked out plans to develop Parunthumpara as a hill station and a handy stopover destination for tourists who come from Kumarakom to Thekkady. If some basic facilities can be provided, Parunthumpara can be developed to be one of the most popular tourist spots in Kerala in the days to come.
Heli Taxi services launched in Kerala
Published December 1, 2010 | 
A helicopter taxi service ( Heli Taxi Service) has been introduced by Cochin International Airport ltd, which will be utilised for transporting pilgrims and tourists to various destinations. The HeliTaxi has over 20 years of experience in Helicopter operation and belongs to Bangalore Bharath Airways Private Limited. In a bid to give further impetus to the tourism prospects of Kerala, CIAL had recently launched its tourism division in association with over 30 Tour operators.
The American made Bell-407 helicopter has a capacity to carry 5 passengers and two Pilots and is expected to reach Nilakkal from Cochin in just 30 minutes, thereby saving a lot of time and effort of the pilgrims. It will be an ideal transportation choice for the aged and disabled pilgrims or those who are hard pressed on time.
The heli taxi services will be a boon for Sabarimala pilgrims and tourists who can explore even the remote parts of Kerala very easily. It has also obtained permission from Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa, for operating this service to Nilakkal (Foothills of Sabarimala) and its services will be extended to Saramkuttiyal (near Sannidhanam) for emergency purposes like causality evacuation or for security requirements.
The Heli Taxi can operate approximately for 30 hrs in a month and is hoping to take a minimum of 150 passengers to various locations in the State. It will be a good choice for adventure tourists to reach the unexplored spots that are not well connected with other modes of transport
Road rage in Kerala
Published December 15, 2009 | 
Road rage was something unheard of in this small city of Cochin till recently. If you thought that it can happen only in bustling metros and in western countries, you would be in for a surprise. People on the road are getting increasingly violent and impatient in their race against the ticking clock. The so called Road rage motto that says ‘anyone going faster than you is a maniac; anyone going slower than you is an idiot’ seems to work on our city roads as well! People indulging in fist fights and verbal duals have become a common sight on the city roads and in many cases, the traffic police on duty prefers to turn a blind eye to the whole incident, resulting in the hold up of vehicles including those on emergency services like the ambulance and the fire engines!
Bad roads and traffic congestion drives up the adrenalin and tension of those behind the wheels. The over speeding buses and the teenage bikers, who almost always have a penchant to ride on the wrong side and the pedestrians who remain blissfully oblivious of the happenings around add up to the driving woes. Stray cattle heads, overloaded heavy vehicles and unruly kids who run helter skelter during the morning peak hours make driving a nightmare in Kerala even for the well experienced drivers. The current festival season of Christmas, New Year and Sabarimala pilgrimage season have made matters worse.
Road rage can be prevented by creating awareness about traffic rules and regulations and ensuring better road facilities. To make up for those traffic snarls and hold ups on the way, the vehicle owners could set out for work a bit early instead of venting their frustration on the fellow drivers on the road. As they say it is better to be late than never; so do not risk your life and limb by indulging in rash driving and road rage.
Sabarimala – The centre of faith and devotion
Published November 21, 2009 | Like every year the doors of the famous temple Sabarimala were once again open for two months for the pilgrims. Being a devotee of Lord Ayyappa I was also one among those millions of pilgrims waiting to get a glimpse of Lord Ayyappa. The temple gets thronged with devotees especially during the main pilgrim season from November to January. Mandalapooja(Nov.17th)and Makaravilakku(Jan.14th) the two main events of the pilgrim season. The temple remains closed during the rest of the year except for the first five days of every Malayalam month and during Vishu (April).
Throughout the route to pamba we spotted hundreds of pilgrims marching ahead to their destination ‘Sabarimala‘. After reaching ‘Pamba’ ( the third longest river in the South Indian state of Kerala and considered as the Dakshin Ganga due to its association with the pilgrim centre – Sabarimala) I was much pleased, the way the authorities have cleared up the banks and made ample space for the pilgrims to take the holy dip in Pamba.
After taking the holy dip in ‘Pamba,’ we marched towards the Pamba Ganapathy temple, we started our journey bare footed with Irumudi Kettu (Irumudi is the only travelling kit which a pilgrim carries on his head during the pilgrimage) on our heads toward the hilltop Sabrimala shrine. Metal detector and scanning machines were installed to keep a vigil. Thousands of devotees were marching up chanting ‘Swamiye Ayyappa’ ‘Ayyappa Swamiye’. Even the arrangements seemed quite perfect this year with many commendable works by the dewasom.
Glimpse of the development this year :
- Construction of new Cardiology Centre.
- Broadening of pathways
- Concreting the pathways
- Building up new barricades on the way
- More resting shelters on the way to the shrine.
- Medicated water stalls for devotees
Many temporary restaurants and tea stalls were there on both sides of the pathway. We all were moving on chanting the name of Lord Ayyappa, and suddenly the climate changed,and it was rain all over. Soon we moved on to those resting sheds constructed this year, again we started our journey towards the shrine after the rain.
Walking for an hour more we finally reached the ‘Nadapanthal’ where devotees were queued waiting for making it to the 18 holy steps. All along the journey I found more devotees from Tamil Nadu, Andra Pradesh and Karnataka rather than Kerala and few foreign nationals were also there stating how popular Sabarimala is. As one steps on those holy eighteen steps, a full throated cry goes up from the devotees, “Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa!” It is the realisation of a mission. Policemen were deployed all around. After few struggle we managed to those 18 steps (Pathinettu padi) made up of pure gold, where policemen were standing on both side of those 18 holy steps pulling up devotees quickly.
Actual Timings during the Mandala Pooja – Makaravilakku Season
Opens at 0400 hrs 0400 hrs
Nirmalya Darshanam 0405 hrs 0405 hrs
Neyyabhishekam 0430 – 1130 hrs 0425 -1130 hrs
Ganapathi Homam 0435 hrs 0430 hrs
Usha Pooja 0730 hrs 0730 hrs
Ucha (Noon) Pooja 1230 hrs 1300 hrs
Closes at 1300 hrs 1330 hrs
Opens at 1600 hrs 1600 hrs
Deeparadhana 1830 hrs 1830 hrs
Pushpabhishekham 1900 hrs 1900 hrs
Athaza Pooja 2230 hrs 2230 hrs
Harivarasanam and Closing at 2250 to 2300 2250 to 2300 hrs
My eyes were taken by surprise to see such a massive turn out of devotees, the Lord Ayyappan temple (Sreekovil) was glittering with gold all over it, from roof top to pillars and doors all made of pure gold. In the sannidhanam there is a shrine of Lord Ganapati which is also recently platted with gold facing to the south-west of the main temple, known as Kannimula Ganapati. The special offering to this deity is Ganapati homam.
After worshiping the two deities, we moved to our camp. Though it was 10 pm but the buzz and enthusiasm of the pilgrims made me to realise that its nothing other than Gods blessing which keeps those pilgrims active even after walking for hours bare footed.
Next was to buy the prasadam, the queue for arvana was really long with devotees waiting to make it to the counter. I felt the lazy approach in the arrangements made by the police, as many devotees jumped the queue to buy the prasadam. After an hour we got the arvana payasam (prasadam of Lord Ayyappa).
Next morning we woke up early to take the holy dip in the ‘Bhasma Kulam’(About a 100 metres away is the shrine of Malikappurathamma. where hundreds of devotees takes holy bath in memory of the tapaswini Sabari who entered a fire to end her mortal life. It is after her that the peak is named Sabarimala). After taking the holy dip we started our journey back to pamba, while descending on the route we saw tall trees standing dead straight appearing like skyscraper. We spotted many ‘Doli’(Palanquin) carrying old aged and disabled devotees. I appreciate the efforts by those palanquin carriers who carry pilgrims on those hilly terrains.
Being the first day of Mandalamasam there was huge rush of devotees. After reaching pamba, again we took a holy dip refreshing ourselves from the fatigue of descending down the hill. With the first dip in water something brushed my feet, it was a mundu – Many devotees abandon their mundu after taking the holy dip on their way back.
In order to avoid any traffic congestion heavy vehicles were not allowed to be parked in the parking lot near pamba. So we opted for a public transport towards Nilackal (An important Temple enroute to Sabarimala and located between Plappally and Pampa) an intermediate halting area with ample parking facilities distributed separatley as per states, like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andra Pradesh. This year lot more parking area was allotted, from there I boarded my bus and started my return journey with the hope to come back again next year, with more fervor and devotion. “Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa”.
Long lost Sanctity
Published November 21, 2008 | Malayalees seem to have forgotten about the customary rituals and purity associated with the Sabarimala temple visit. Gone are the days when pilgrims used to observe 41 days of strict austerities by abstaining from liquor, non vegetarian food and physical pleasures before visiting the temple for Mandala pooja.
For many, it has become more of a pleasure trip where youngsters travel in groups, making merry and savouring liquor and non vegetarian food till they reach this famous hill shrine. These vociferous groups destroy the sanctity and tranquility of the temple premises by indulging in loud conversations and indecent demanour, causing mental distress to aged pilgrims and other devotees who wait for hours together in serpentine queues to get a glance of the diety. Pilgrimage to Sabarimala has some unique customs and strict codes of conduct unlike many other temples. Those who cannot stick to the codes of conduct in force in the shrine should desist from going there so as not to cause disturbance to the other devotees.
Sustaining on the natural bounties
Published May 23, 2008 | 
Veluchami is one of the many Malampandarom tribals who eke out a living by selling medicinal herbs and roots, collected from the deep forests of Marakkootom in Sabarimala and sells them to the pilgrims. Veluchami who claims to be 110 years of age has been engaged in this activity for many years now. Even the policemen on duty on the trekking path, trust his herbal medicines when they fall ill. His tribal cure for snakebite is highly popular among the traders and workers on duty at Sabarimala.
Veluchami says that rare medicinal herbs and plants grow in abundance in the interiors of the shola forests at Ponnambalamedu ‘Kalluvazha’, which produces plantains filled with black seeds and ‘mruthasanjeevani’ (Eupatorium ayyapana) are seen in some pockets of the Ponnambalamedu.
While scouting for the herbs in jungle, he keeps hunger at bay by eating a wild leaf, which keeps him going for the whole day. Many of his regular customers are seasoned devotees who make a visit to him without fail to get their stocks of medicinal herbs. The family of Veluchami shifted to the Adichippuzha tribal settlement in Ranni taluk following a fire outbreak at Sabarimala. Though the tribal is now settled in Chidambarom he still serves the Ayyappa devotes by supplying some of the rare herbs and natural medicines all through the principal Mandalam-Makaravilaku season and during the Vishu and Onam festival when million of pilgrims throng this hill shrine.
Some of the herbs are well known remedies for many serious disease conditions. For instance the seeds of ‘karkolari’ seeds (Psoralia corylifolia), the time tested method in the treatment of leukoderma and Helicteres isora, used in the treatment of body pain, are some of the products lined up for sale at this nondescript seasonal outlet of Veluchami.
Malabar sanctuary on the anvil
Published May 21, 2008 | 
Thiruvananthapuram: A bevy of eco projects are in the pipeline for Kerala. The Preliminary steps for the declaration of the Malabar sanctuary has been completed and the proposed sanctuary will be declared later this year said the Forest Minister Benoy Viswom. This sanctuary would ensure the protection and growth of forests near Peruvannamozhi.
Another project aimed at protecting turtles and other marine species arriving on Kerala coast as part of their reproductive cycle has also been submitted to the centre. The project is estimated to cost the exchequer Rs.6.65 crore.
Some of the other proposals that are under consideration include a rehabilitation centre for elephants at Kottoor in Thiruvananthapuram. Plans are afoot for the acquisition of around 131.5 hectares from private parties at Periya in Wayanad to set up an elephant corridor for the free movement of elephants. The green signal from the Central Zoo Authority is awaited for setting up a Lion Safari Park at Thamarassery in Kozhikode district for research purposes.
A bevy of projects including the production of reeds, bamboo and ratton with a plan outlay of Rs.5.90 crore, protection of medicinal trees and native plants of Kerala proposed at Chaliyam are also pending. The forest department has also proposed to reinforce the coasts by developing a shelter belt on 77.50 hectares apart from planting mangrove species on 14.75 hectares.
The afforestation programme to compensate for the forest land taken over to improve pilgrim facilities at sabarimala would also be taken up this year in 305 hectares of land in Idukki district. An array of programmes, taken up during the past couple of years for the enhancement of green cover and protection of forests has already started bearing fruits. By the declaration of a buffer zone for the silent valley the forest cover has increased, much to the jubilation of the department as well as the green loving populace of this State.
Record influx of pilgrims to Sabarimala
Published January 12, 2008 | 
Kerala is famous for its countless temples and Sabarimala is undeniably one of the best known pilgrimage centers in Kerala. It is one of the richest temples in South India that draws millions of ardent Lord Ayyappa devotees every year.
Perched atop the Sahyadri Mountains in the breathtakingly beautiful Western Ghats, Sabarimala Temple is the most prominent of all the Sastha Temples. According to the legend, the saint “Parasurama,” who created Kerala by throwing his axe into the sea erected the idol of Ayyappa at Sabarimala for his personal worship.
The pilgrimage season starts at the month of November and culminates in January, during which innumerable devotees from India and abroad throng this temple to offer their respects. It is one of the few temples in Kerala that permits the entry of non Hindus as well. Mandalapooja (Nov.17th) and Makaravilakku (Jan.14th) are the two main events of the pilgrimage season. The temple remains closed for the rest of the year except for the first five days of every Malayalam month and during the harvest festival of Vishu, which falls in April.
Pilgrimage to Sabarimala has some unique customs and strict codes of conduct for those who wish to visit this hill shrine. Pilgrims should observe 41 days’ of austerities by keeping off from liquor, non vegetarian food and physical pleasures before visiting the temple for Mandalapooja. . The frenzied ‘petta thullal’ marks the final phase of the Sabarimala pilgrim season.
Normally pilgrims form small groups led by a seasoned pilgrim who might have visited the temple for 14 or more consecutive years and each pilgrim carry a bundle containing traditional offerings to the deity. The temple is accessible only to males of all age groups and women who have either reached menopause or small girls who have not attained puberty.
The shortest route by road is via Chalakkayam, by which you can reach the banks of river Pamba from where a jungle trek of 4-5 kms takes the pilgrims to the temple. The otherwise sleepy town has witnessed an unprecedented rush of pilgrims who are on their way to the Sannidhanam to participate in the Makaravilakku festival.