Author: nikoadmin

After almost a year and a half of virtual celebrations, people are indeed excited to have some sense of normalcy back. Christmas is around the corner and markets have rebounded to spread the cheer and spirit of this season. People are thronging to the streets for festival shopping. Thanks to the vaccination drive by the government, the fear of Covid-19 is ebbing away in the minds of people it seems. Even though the life as we know it has been altered, people have learned to swim with the sharks now.

The city of Kochi has been bootstrapping for the last couple of months in anticipation of the inflow of tourists this season. Major tourist destinations like Fort Kochi, Mattancherry, Cherai beach etc have already put up their welcome banners. Kochi has been marked as an affordable Christmas and New Year destination by the social media for many years. Lots of vloggers and influencers have reviewed that the climate in Kerala is very pleasant for tourists nationally and internationally.

How about planning a vacation to Kochi this time? A 3-to-5-day trip to experience the vibe of this city and its suburb will leave you with a refreshed and rejuvenated mind. The responsible tourism mission undertaken by the Kerala tourism department has made inroads into the suburban villages where people can experience true hospitality interwoven within the cultural and social fabric of the local people.

Niko hotels is hosting its 5th Christmas season this year. With Christmas attractions, superior hospitality, and delectable cuisines at your disposal, you are bound to recover and rejoice after a year of hard work. As the famous Christmas carol goes “tis the season to be jolly”, we cordially welcome you to Kochi city to experience the spirit of the season.

Line up the diyas outside the door keeping in mind the light-adorned vernacular Varanasi on the banks of the Holy River Ganga. Sweep the dust from every corner to welcome prosperity and wealth. Line up the boxes of sugar-dripping sweets and take them to friends and family in the newest or finest clothes for the occasion. That’s right! Diwali is just around the corner. Everyone in India, regardless of religion or caste, revels in this spectacular festival of lights. Homes are lit up, and open, inviting the Goddess of wealth, luck and prosperity – Lakshmi – into their homes and lives.

Diwali is the biggest and most popular festival for Hindus across the world. This is also a time away from toils whether it is school, work or the daily grind of life. It’s a time of the year where every individual ponders of family, friends, home, togetherness, and many other aspects that this socially auspicious festival brings together. A five-day festival, Diwali is celebrated as the homecoming of Lord Rama with Sita and Laxmana after a long exile of 14 years. Translated literally from Sanskrit, Diwali means a row of lights. Diyas were first lit by the people of Ayodhya to welcome their King, Rama, after he defeated Ravana.

Commemorating the victory of good over evil, it is also an opportunity for people to move on, let go of past grudges, and make merry. Sweet being the primary treat of the festival, people of India make Gulab jamuns, Ukkarai, Murukku, Anarsa etc to lift the spirits to a new high.  Each state of India has its own way of making Diwali flavoursome. So, treat yourself to a new celebration and see Diwali, in a whole new light.

Water Lilly: A flower famous for its Japanese name, water lily, Impressionist painter, and Monet’s paintings. “Lotus” and “water lily”, which bloom beautiful flowers on the waterside in summer, are similar in shape, but Lotus, a water-borne plant of the genus Nelumbo nuciferae – A plant that raises leaves from the surface of the water. Water lily is a floating plant belonging to the genus Nymphaeaceae – A plant that floats leaves on the surface of the water. The flowers are similar on both sides, but the water lilies are sharper than the rounded lotus petals. The national flower of India is the lotus with round petals.

The place where Water Lilly is in bloom is called Malarikkal in the backwater (water town area) Kumarakom, which is about an hour and a half drive from Cochin. Kerala is a hairy area, and rice cultivation is flourishing around the backwater. This flower blooms while the paddy field becomes like a lake due to the rain of the monsoon. The flowering time is from August to mid-September, and it blooms indefinitely over a considerable area of​ 600 acres for a short period of time, and at the end of the flowering time, 1800 acres of paddy fields that have turned into lakes become fields of crops again. Once the water lilies are in full bloom, it turns the paddy fields pink and makes for a magnificent sight. These wonders attract large crowds every year, as the words of this natural wonder spread. People come from far and wide to witness this marvelous event that takes place once a year.


Water Lilly, which delights the eyes of local residents every year, has been infected with corona since last year, and tourism is restricted. So there are fewer people than usual, but people come to enjoy these short-term flowers. Malarickal is an ornament that folks in Kerala are gently awakening to themselves.

Spread over a wide area, these are witnessed early in the morning (6 to 9:30 in the morning, at best) because they begin to fade when it gets too hot. What’s more, you can go to the lake in a boat or a canoe (vallom) to catch some flowers or pick some. Kottayam District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) will add village tourism options such as boating etc soon. These will enhance the visitor experience of Malarickal doubtlessly. This place has become a paradise for shutterbugs across the country and has already seen a lot of photo shoots and tourist visits. If the photographs have surprised you, we suggest you plan a trip soon!

Niko Hotels is ready to help you with safe accommodation and guidance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EykArzsCky4

In this covid-19 pandemic situation, all hotels must take suitable measures to prevent the transmission of covid-19. We are providing accommodations and other services by reducing all possible physical contacts between staff and guests. Also we are strictly maintaining social distancing and other preventive safety measures against COVID-19 as per the following govt. Rules

  • Our hotel entrance and exit  is equipped with hand hygiene (sanitizer dispenser) and thermal screening provisions
  • Provide ample sanitizers in the room for the guest to use
  • We allow only asymptomatic staff and guests who have vaccinated at least one dose or with RTPCR negative certificate
  • All staff and guests are allowed entry only if using face cover/masks and has to be worn at all times inside the hotel.
  • We have a proper crowd management in the hotel as well as in outside premises like parking
  • We are keeping the details of the guest (travel history, medical condition etc.) along with ID and self declaration form at the reception
  • We are following the contactless payment process like QR code, online forms, digital payments like e-wallet etc. for both check-in and check-out. 
  • Luggage is disinfected before sending it to rooms.
  • Guests who are at higher risk i.e. those who are older, pregnant or those who have underlying medical conditions are advised to take extra precautions.
  • Detailed guidelines are issued in the dining area Including Seating arrangement, mode of payment etc.
  • For room service, communication between guests and in-house staff are through intercom/ mobile phone
  • Cleaning and regular disinfection of frequently touched surfaces (door knobs, elevator buttons, handrails, benches, washroom fixtures, etc.) are mandatory in all guest service areas and common areas.
  • We are ensuring the deep cleaning of all washrooms at regular intervals.
  • We will sanitize the rooms and other service areas each time a guest leaves.

Travelmyth is an authentic hotel recommendation portal that focuses on reducing the hassle for sophisticated travelers to find a hotel suitable for their stay. 54 unique categories for their travelers to choose from and combine any of them to find the best.

We won awards for their five categories.

  • Top 50 Hotels in Kochi
  • Featured Hotels in the Honeymoon Collection
  • Featured Hotels for Families
  • Featured Hotels for Business Travelers
  • Featured Hotels with Parking

Kochi is known for its scenic beauty. But more than now its also known for the adventure sports. While you are planning for a trip to Kerala post covid do not forget to visit Kochi.

Bhoothathankettu Trekking

Bhoothathankettu is the tourist destination in Ernakulam. It is one of the best trekking spots in Kerala. Also, you can experience a boat ride here. There is also a myth related to this dam and its name. Bhoothathankettu means monster rock. Large blocks of unshaped stones are placed on the sides of the Periyar river. Thus making it look like monster rock. The famous Thattekad bird sanctuary is located nearby.

Beaches

Beaches are one of the major attractions of Kochi. Due to covid, the beaches were closed but the officials have addressed recently that beaches will open soon. As an adventure trip, you can choose cycling from the Fort Kochi through the local areas of Kochi.

Scuba Diving

Scuba Kochi Centre will be one of the exciting places if you want to try Scuba diving. As Kochi is situated in the waterfront, adventure sports related water is common. Enjoy the underwater wildlife in Kochi.

Diwali the festival of lights is reaching closer. It is one of the most celebrated festivals in India. This year the celebration is different as global pandemic also affected the energy of the festival. Government has announced the guidelines for the festival. 

Go digital
Diwali is one of the festivals where the family bonds. If you are away from the family during this festive season try to adjust with the new normal. You can plan digital surprises for the loved ones.


Keep Sanitizer away from fire
Sanitizer is one thing which is now a part of life and we use it often. Since sanitizers are alcohol-based it tends to catch the fire easily. So keep away from fire and also be careful to not to handle diyas with just sanitized hands. Instead of the sanitizer, you can choose water or hand water for precautions.


Maintain social distancing
In this festive season try to adjust with new normal, maintain social distancing and stay safe. Celebrate Diwali by staying indoors. If stepping out please do not forget to wear a mask. You can also plan a get together at a good hotel which follows COVID -19  norms. 

Celebrate Diwali safely. Stay safe and healthy.

Kerala, God’s own country is known for its scenic beauty, waterfalls, beaches etc. But this tropical paradise also has a wide variety of wildlife to explore. Here we are listing wildlife sanctuaries of Kerala.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary situated on the banks of Vembanad lake, Kottayam. It is known for a large number of migratory birds. It is spread over 14 acres of land. The birds include the owl, waterfowl, heron, darter etc.

Periyar National Park

Periyar National Park is the notable tiger reserve and elephant reserve located in the Western Ghats. It has a wide range of flora and fauna. You can also have a boat ride through the Periyar lake.  

Eravikulam National Park

Situated on the Western Ghats, Eravikulam National Park. The national park is famous for its Nilgiri Tahr, the endangered species of goat. The park is closed from January to April. The other species lion-tailed macaques, Golden jackal, Sambar deer, leopard etc.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Western Ghats and this is one of the places where we can spot endangered species Giant Grizzled Squirrel. The sanctuary comprises of a variety of mammal, birds, reptile, fish species and flowering plants.

COVID 19 has changed the way we travel, the pandemic has brought a new way of life. Things will never be the same again. The main things in our travel checklist now will be sanitizer, hand wash, glove, mask etc. Here we are listing some of the new changes that COVID-19 has bought in our life.

1.Change in the travel essentials

Now the priority things in our travel checklist will be sanitizers, masks, gloves, wipes etc to protect yourself. The most important thing is to sanitize your packages before and after travel. Also, check for the Government paid quarantine facility hotels so that they have all checks done as per WHO guidelines.

2.Payment method

Now everything is digital. When you are preparing for travel, make use of digital payment methods. Download all apps you need before your trip.

3.Focus on Health

Vitamin C is considered as one of the best remedies to boost immunity. So before your trip give some time to your health. Also, go for a health check-up.

4.Keep Distance

Travelling is not the same, you cannot interact with your fellow passengers as you can do earlier. So you are going to miss some travel friends now onwards. Social distancing is important when you travel and also practice some hygiene habits such as sanitize your hands frequently etc.

5.Vist Few Places

Limit your travel places to local destinations and slow down multi-place visits. Take your time to enjoy a single place. Multi Place visit can increase transit, so this is not the right time for it.

To stay you can check for quarantine facility hotels in Kochi as they will secure your stay.

COVID – 19 pandemic has affected almost all industries. Now things are getting back to normal. The way of travelling has also changed, with COVID 19 every industry has made a change in it. There are many aspects to be considered when you travel, now the travel list includes sanitizers, face masks, thermometers, hand wash, hand wipes, gloves etc. You need to avoid crowded places, clubs etc. Choose a quiet place as your destination. The best part to check is hotels which provide paid quarantine facilities. 

 Being in the hospitality industry, Niko Hotels has ensured the safety of our guests in this pandemic too. Providing a paid quarantine facility in Kochi, Niko Hotels has taken care of every safety measure.

The safety measures include:

  • Installed hand sanitizing stations for guest convenience at the hotel entrance, reception desk, public areas, public restrooms, parking levels, guest elevators and outlets.
  • Every employee, visitor, supplier or outside company representative when entering/leaving the hotel being temperature screened and must use hand sanitiser.
  • Increased Cleaning frequencies of all guest public areas such as toilets, elevators, handrails, door handles, telephone, remote controls, air conditioning control units electrical devices as well as sanitizing other outlets such as kitchen, front desk, F & b outlets & self-service laundry.
  • Our housekeeping staff are trained to provide sanitiser to all guests and themselves use sanitizer minimum every 30 minutes.
  • A non-contact thermometer is also available upon request if you wish to check your temperature.

Upon your arrival, our front office staff will check your temperature and your luggage will be sanitized properly. Hand sanitizers are kept in all common areas and you will get sanitized room keys. We ensure properly sanitized furniture, electronics equipment, TV remotes, common touchpoints lifts, door handles etc. We also ensure hygiene and safety measures on the food we deliver.

Niko Hotels look forward to serving you !!!