Author: nikoadmin

Kerala is rich in its tradition and culture. It is famous for the unique boat races, festivals, art forms etc. Known as God’s own country, the main attractions in the state is the variety of festivals and the way the people celebrate it with the zeal. No wonder why the tourists are attracted to Kerala. Here we are listing the important festivals in Kerala, you can plan your visit according to the festival season.

Onam

Onam is considered as the state festival of Kerala during the harvest season of the Malayalam month calendar ‘Chingam’. It is a ten-day festival starting from Atham. Athachamayam marks the beginning of Onam festival. It is held in the town of Thrippunithura. Onam is related to the Hindu mythology, it is considered as the homecoming of famous Asura King Mahabali who ruled the state. Onam Sadhya is the feast during the festival, it consists of vegetarian curries and a variety of desserts known as ‘payasam’. It is celebrated by all Keralites without any religious barrier. It is celebrated with much enthusiasm with fireworks, foods, Attapookalam etc. Attapookalam is the design with flowers which the people make to welcome their favourite King to the State. Onam celebration is accompanied by the famous boat races. Mainly Onam falls between August or September.

Thrissur Pooram

Thrissur Pooram is one of the famous festivals in Kerala. It is called as poorams of poorams.The festival is hosted in Thekkinkadu Maidanam in Thrissur near Vadukkunathan temple. Thrissur Pooram was initiated by Shaktan Thampuran, Cochin Maharaja. It is celebrated in the month of medam. Thrissur Pooram is considered as the colourful celebration of the state and largest of poorams. It is celebrated on Malayalam star pooram in the month medam. Kudamattam during the Thrissur pooram is famous.

Kerala Boat Races

Known for its backwaters, Kerala boat races are biggest attractions of the state. Boat races which are commonly known as ‘Vallom kali’ begin from July and continue till September after the Onam festival. The series of Kerala boat race begins with Champakulam boat race in Alleppey and continued by the other boat races. Among all boat races, the Nehru Trophy boat race is considered as the oldest and biggest one held in Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha. Snake boat called chundan vallom’ is used for boat races.

Christmas

Although Christmas is celebrated in other countries, it holds a special place in Kerala. Kerala homes, churches and buildings will be decorated with stars from the month beginning itself and it will be decorated with cribs and Christmas trees on the arrival of Christmas. Carol groups visit each home with Santa Claus to give gifts and cakes. Main attractions of Kerala Christmas is the food items which include the Kerala traditional foods Appam, Stew, Pidikozhi etc.

Bakrid

As Christmas, Bakrid is also celebrated all over the world. It is called as “Festival of the Sacrifice”. Bakrid is celebrated to honour Prophet Ibrahim for his willingness to sacrifice his son, on the command of God. To test Ibrahim devotion, God has sent a goat in the place of his son. So, Bakrid is celebrated by sacrificing goats. In Kerala, the festival is celebrated with Kerala flavoured spicy Mutton biriyani. As the festival implies sharing food and clothes are shared among neighbours and relatives.

There are many unique features of Kerala like Theyyam, Pulikali(mainly during Onam), Attukal Pongala, Ramadan, Theyyam, Vishu etc. Plan your trip during the festivals to experience it.

Onam is a ten days Hindu festival celebrated in Kerala. It falls in Malayalam calendar month of Chingam. As per Hindu mythology, Onam is celebrated to commemorate King Mahabali, who visits Kerala at the time of Onam. The Asura King, Mahabali defeated the Devas and took the power over the three worlds. Devas approached Mahavishnu for help and to regain the rule. Devas asked Lord to battle against Mahabali. Mahavishnu refused to battle against King because he was a good ruler and his devotee. But on continuous request from the Devas side and to help them Mahavishnu took the avatar of a dwarf brahmin boy called Vamana.

On one of the yajnas conducted by Mahabali, Vamana approached the King. He offered anything to the boy against the warning of his Master Guru Shukracharya, the boy said he needs land that measures in his three paces. Mahabali agreed. Vamana grew and measured everything Mahabali ruled in just two paces. For the third pace, there was nothing left with the king so, he offered himself. Vishnu accepted as evidence of Mahabali’s devotion. Mahavishnu granted him a boon, by which Mahabali could visit again, once in every year, the land and people he ruled. This revisit marks the festival of Onam. The last day of Mahabali’s stay is remembered with Vegetarian Onasadhya feast.

The red cone-shaped Thrikkakarappan represents Vamana. From day one Mahabali is invited to every home by Pookalam. The tenth day Vamana is invited by special pooja and feast. Onam festival teaches valuable lessons about life. With extra power, one should not lead to ego boost and greed. Faith on Lord and prayers always work. Always pay attention to our Master. Keep your Word. Humanity never goes out of style. Onam also inspires to inculcate the values of Truthfulness, Honesty, Integrity, and Peace.

Onam celebrations include Thiruvathira Kali (Ladies Dance), Vallam Kali (Boat Race), Puli Kali (Tiger Dance), Pookkalam (Flower Arrangements), Kummatii Kali (Mask Dance), Onavillu (Music), Attachamayam (Folk Dance and Songs). Onam is the official state festival of Kerala with four public holidays. Onam also celebrated by Malayali diaspora around the world.

Kochi is known as the “Queen of Arabian Sea” is the financial capital of Kerala. It is one of the favourite destination spots in India. Kochi is rich in its tradition and culture. Let’s see which are the main attractions in Kochi.

Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi is the most attractive spot in Kochi or Cochin. It is one of the busiest ports in India and so there is a lot of history associated with the place. Nestled on the seaside, Fort Kochi is attracted to tourists because of colonial designs. Many foreigners invaded the city earlier and evidence can be seen in various parts of the city. The invaders include Jews, Dutch, Portuguese and British. We can see the residues of each invader in the building architecture, sculptures etc.
Main attractions in Fort Kochi include Chinese fishing nets, Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Vasco Da Gama square etc. Also If you are planning to visit Kochi don’t forget to visit Fort Kochi.

Mattancherry

Mattancherry was one of the trading hubs of Kerala. When you visit Mattancherry you can see so many spice stores. One of the main attractions of Mattancherry is Mattancherry Palace commonly known as ‘ Dutch Palace’. It is built by Portuguese and gifted to the King. Later Dutch has made extensions after which it came to know as Dutch Palace. It is also known for the mural paintings which include inscriptions of Hindu Gods. It is a tentative list of UNESCO world heritage. Also, Mattancherry is known for Jewish Synagogue, Jew street etc. It has one of the oldest Jewish synagogues in India.

Vypin

Vypin is one of the islands in Kerala. It is known for the beaches like Cherai beach, Puthuvype beach and Kuzhupilly beach. The group of islands in Vypin is connected by Goshree bridges around 30 km. Cherai beach is one of the famous beaches in Kochi. On your visit to Kochi never miss the chance to visit beaches. Pallipuram Fort is built by Portuguese in 1503, the fort is located near Vypin Island. Lighthouse at Puthuvype is the oldest lighthouse in Kerala.

There are many attractions in Kochi like Marine Drive, Bolgatty Palace, Willington Island etc. So, if you are planning for a trip never miss to include Kochi to list and the best part is that Kochi is a safe place to travel and stay you will get the best hotels to stay.

Japan is getting ready to host the Summer Olympics and Paralympics 2020. ‘Omotenashi’ – one of Japan’s superior customer services got popularized recently since its use in Olympics 2020 candidate speech in Tokyo. Omotenashi means Japanese way of receiving a guest.

What is the speciality of Japanese hospitality services? Why people get attracted to Japanese hospitality services?

Omontenashi – the way Japanese treat their customers is the most attractive factor of Japanese hospitality. Omontenashi is at the root of Japan culture. The hospitality was started from the early years with the tea ceremony

Omotenashi – Origin and the tea ceremony

Omotenashi means the service from the bottom of the heart. Origin of it came from the Japanese tea ceremony where the tea is made in front of the customers. From early days itself, tea ceremony brought the Japanese hospitality a special sense. In the tea ceremony, the host prepares the tea in front of the guest according to their taste. The tea ceremony is conducted as a gesture of sincerity to the guest. Arrangements for the tea ceremony preparation starts from a year before for the floral arrangements, tea leaves, ceramic utensils etc.

So the Japanese hospitality services pass a message to serve wholeheartedly without any hiding or pretending. Omotenashi is known for its customer service, politeness and cleanliness.

If you want to experience Japanese hospitality services in Kerala visit Niko Hotels. Niko hotels offer redefined Japanese hospitality in addition to Indian hospitality services.

Karkidakam is the most challenging month of the year in terms of Spiritual, Mental and Physical health. Our ancestors had followed several customs to address and minimize the infliction during the month of Karkidakam.

This is the month of rejuvenation, the month of Ramayana and also the month for Ayurveda treatments.

Karkidaka, the last month of the Malayalam calendar is also called Ramayana Month. Older generations from Hindu Temples and Hindu houses recite verses from the epic, Ramayana during this month. Reciting Ramayana during this period is believed to keep away all the discomforts and agonies.

Karkidaka Vavu is the Amavasi or the no moon day in the Karkidaka month. In Kerala, the day is also observed as an ancestral worship day. People gather on river banks or seashores to pay homage to their forefathers. The ritualistic homage performed on Karkidaka Vavu is believed to attain salvation for the departed souls of the ancestors.

Karkidaka chikilsa (the monsoon rejuvenation treatment) is a fabulous healing technique to achieve a prolonged well being. The main goals of Karkidaka-Chikilsa is to Detoxify, Boost Immunity, Rejuvenate, Shed the flab, Exfoliates to revel fresh skin, Alleviate current health concerns. The Monsoon is the best time for experiencing an ayurvedic oil-therapy and Panchakarma Program. The moist qualities of monsoon are known to soften and ripen the seven tissues of the body.

The Karkidakam in the traditional calendar usually starts from mid-July and ends mid-August.

Kerala one of the favourite tourist destinations in the world. God’s Own Country is known for its scenic beauty of the green lush hills and backwaters, it also has a unique tradition and culture. Kerala gives you a special travel experience…Here we are listing attractions of Kerala.

Boat Races

Kerala has a unique attraction i.e. boat races(‘Vallom Kali’) held in the state. The boat races start on the month of July to September, may vary to a month as boat races are conducted according to the Malayalam calendar. Kerala boat race begins with Champakulam boat race. The boat used for Kerala boat race is snake boat generally known as ‘ Chundan Vallom’. The main boat races of Kerala are Champakulam Vallom Kali, Nehru Trophy Vallom Kali, Aranmula Vallom Kali etc. So if you want to experience Kerala boat race visit during July or September.

Places to visit in Kerala

Kerala, God’s own Country is one of the most loved tourist spots in the world. Main tourist spots in Kerala are Alleppey, Kochi, Kumarakom, Munnar, Wayanad, Thekkady etc.

Alleppey is known for its backwaters, never miss the houseboat travel in Alleppey.

Kochi, the economic capital of Kerala is one spot you can’t miss during your journey. Fort Kochi, Mattancherry, Vypin, Thripunithura are major attractions in Kochi. Munnar and Wayanad where you can feel the lush green hills.

Food

As the name suggests “Land of Spices” Kerala has abundant availability of spices like pepper, turmeric, cardamom, ginger, clove etc. Traditional Kerala food is something which every traveller like to experiment. A hint of spice will be given to every Kerala dish. Main speciality foods of Kerala are ‘Kerala Sadya’, breakfast combo items like Appam & stew, Puttu & Kadala curry, Idiyappam, idli etc. When you visit Kerala don’t forget to ask for Kerala Style food. Almost all top hotels in Kerala provide Kerala food.

Art Forms

Kerala is rich in its art forms like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Theyyam, Ottamthullal, Padayani etc. Kathakali is a dance form originated from Kerala, as the name suggests its play based on the story. Mohinayattam is a solo female dance form, it is believed as a dance form of Lord Vishnu in female avatar. Theyyam, Ottamthullal, Pdayani are Kerala special art forms, on your visit to Kerala never miss a chance to see one of the Kerala art forms.

Festivals

Onam is the largest festival celebrated by every Keralites regardless of caste and religion. It is a harvest festival celebrated on the month of August or September. Another festival which is a visual treat for the audience is Thrissur Pooram. Other festivals are Christmas, Vishu, Ramzan, Easter etc. Feasts in the church are also a major attraction for the tourists, Edapally Forane Church Feast is famous in Kerala.

Yoga is a spiritual ascetic disciple, a part of which, including breath control, simple meditation, and the adoption of specific bodily postures, is widely practised for health and relaxation. Yoga is an ancient practice from India, which teaches man the art and power to control his thoughts, actions and feelings using the power of the mind. Yoga helps you to calm your mind and heart when you are suffering from stress and anxiety. Yoga is the practice for a healthy body, mind, soul and heart. Every year international yoga day is celebrated on 21st June. This year the United Nations has the announced theme as “Climate Action” and national theme as “ Yoga for Heart”

To celebrate this international yoga day Niko Hotels is offering special yoga class on Sunday, 23rd June 2019 at the rooftop, Niko Hotels. Famous yoga instructor Shri. Rajeev M.P will be conducting the class.

More details visit : Special Yoga Classes

A cup of coffee is perfect for a rainy season. Enjoying a hot coffee in a calm place watching the beauty of nature in monsoon is a memorable moment in life. You can visit top hotels in Kochi during monsoon to experience this moment.

Monsoon is also a special season for coffee lovers as one of the most celebrated speciality coffees of India, Monsooned Malabar coffee or Monsoon Malabar coffee is processed in the season of monsoon.

Monsooned Malabar coffee is famous among the coffee lovers due to its geographical processing indications (GI) as the beans are dried in the coastal areas from June to September i.e from the beginning of monsoon season in India. Monsoon Malabar coffee making is a lengthy process including plucking of selectively picked arabica and robusta cherry coffee beans, processing it in monsoon winds, sorting the coffee beans etc.

Story of Monsoon Malabar Coffee

The story behind the Monsoon Malabar coffee is an interesting one. It is said that while transporting the coffee beans from India to Europe the ship got delayed and the coffee beans acquired some special characteristics like size of the beans has doubled, the colour changed and also less acidity in the flavour which Europeans liked very much. These special characteristics were acquired due to coffee beans’ exposure to monsoon rains and winds in the journey.

Processing of Monsoon Malabar Coffee

The journey of Monsoon Malabar coffee starts from the hands of coffee farmers, the coffee farmers pluck the grown cherries and the beans are sun-dried. These sun-dried coffee beans then sorted and graded accordingly. On the onset of monsoon, the coffee beans are exposed to monsoon rain and winds of Malabar coast for three to four months which results in the coffee beans to double its size and bring a pleasant earthy flavour. Also, the coffee beans lose the original acidic flavour in it to cause a PH level near to neutral. Thus resulting in a pale yellow colour for the coffee beans. The Monsoon Malabar coffee has a thick body with a spicy, nutty taste. This flavour makes Monsoon Malabar coffee the most celebrated speciality coffee in the world.

Kerala one of the best tourist destination places in India. Known for its scenic beauty, backwaters and waterfalls, it is one of the best places to visit.

Kerala during monsoon is a wonderful experience. The first showers of the South West monsoon is a refreshing moment from the scorching summer. This is also the time of the year when scenic beauty reaches its peak. Monsoon turns the entire dry land into a beautiful green coloured picturesque landscape. Kerala is a land of great scenic beauty, lush green forests, beautiful valleys, and amazing waterfalls. The beautiful valleys offer breathtaking views of flowers towering hills and landscape. During the period between June and October, Kerala farmers depend upon rainfall to carry out the agricultural activities. With the monsoon comes craving for delicious food. Hot tea, samosa vada, chaat are the best part of the rainy season.

Many people visit Kerala for ayurvedic treatments. Ayurveda tradition says that the best time to undergo ayurvedic treatments is during monsoon. So, if you are planning for an ayurvedic treatment monsoon will be the best time. Since monsoon is offseason you will get budget hotels in Kochi.

The entire life circles around the Monsoon. Thus the coming of Monsoon gives a message of creation and rebirth. The typical fragrance of rain in the air breathes life into us. Keralities welcomes monsoon with great hope and warmth.

Check for the best destinations to visit in Kerala during monsoon.

Posted By: Mami San, Niko Hotels, Kochi –

Kannur International Airport in North Kerala was opened recently. It has been a long-awaited need and although it has come up late, it is now operational.

Kerala is a small south Indian state on the western coast of India. North kerala was once, the base of the sea silk road and has enjoyed relations with the Gulf coast such as Saudi Arabia and Dubai. As a result of this connection, at that time, many poor people in Kerala had moved to the Gulf in search of work. Especially since there are still a lot of immigrants from this area, this airport will be convenient for them.

Kerala, now has 4 international airports. Kerala. The first one is at the state capital of Kerala – Trivandrum. Since the center of business is Cochin, the second airport came up at Cochin. The Cochin International aiport had last year opened a new terminal and it is a great success as Kerala’s largest airport. The third one is at Calicut. Now the fourth one at Kannur.

Although Kerala has four international airports, there are no direct flights to Japan yet. I have operated through locally arranged travel agency in Kerala for 14 years. The low reach to Japan has restricted my activities in spreading the information on Ayurveda. I am still looking up to introduce a lot of merits of Kerala to everyone in Japan.

A new airport was opened and a bigger window is now opened to the Gulf and other areas, but the window to Japan is still a narrow one.