Author: nikoadmin

Niko Hotels continues to closely monitor the coronavirus situation around the clock. We are also closely working with the Ministry of Public Health to stay abreast of important developments and necessary precautions to ensure the hotel is secure and protected from the recent outbreak.

All of the hotel employees have received training in coronavirus prevention and based on guidelines issued by the World Health Organization as well as recommended the Ministry of Health&Welfare.

Niko Hotels acted immediately preparing a range of safety measures throughout the hotel property including:

  • Installed hand sanitizing stations for guest convenience at all hotel entrances, 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 staffs are trained to provide sanitiser to all guest and themselves use sanitizer minimum every 30 minutes.
  • A non-contact thermometer is also available upon request if you wish to check your temperature.

Kerala is one of the popular travel destinations in the world. It was listed as National Geographic must visit place in 2020. As the COVID pandemic hit the world, the state also started to take precautionary measures. In India, first COVID-19 was reported in Kerala for a medical student from Wuhan. The preparation against Coronavirus started from that time onwards. All foreigners reached were said to have a quarantine. The government also collected the route map of the patients and quarantined the people who were in contact with the patient.  

Now the state from India is known to the world for its remarkable journey in controlling the pandemic. The initiative by the state government called “ Break the chain”, a handwashing campaign was very successful. Kerala is one of the populated states in the country with approx 34 million people. Now, most of the top media in the world has covered the actions taken by Kerala in controlling COVID-19.

Kerala a state with 100% literacy rate and good medical system has controlled the COVID-19 in a remarkable way, a work of togetherness i.e people of the state and the government. Now Kerala is in the 4th stage of lockdown, open to public transport and domestic flights. The government has taken all the measures to control the virus in the state and the people are whole heartedly obeying all the instructions to prevent COVID-19. The place is known for its scenic beauty and lush hills are now known for its togetherness, thus making the state God’s own country.

Now you’re in lockdown. So you need to take a break from the news which can cause more stress for you. So in this article, we are going to list some activities that can make your lockdown days more effective.

Make a house garden

Planting trees is the best option for your lockdown days as you are keeping nature green. The Government has already encouraged people to engage in agriculture. The concept of microgreens is going around social media, as it only needs green gram or horse gram and a biodegradable paper. So this is the best time to make a garden.

Cooking

There are many rounding recipes which can be made with few ingredients. It will develop your culinary skills and get some awesome dishes. Research on the dishes with minimum ingredients as during this time we don’t need to waste more items.

Connect with others

Connect with your friends and make a conversion with them. It is time to assure that all your friends are safe. Talking with your friends will help to relax and manage the stress during this lockdown

Watch Movies 

This is one of the most entertaining things that can be done during lockdown days. Watch your favourite movies during these hard times. If you are a travel enthusiast list out the best travel movies, road trip movies etc. and enjoy your travel with movies.

Upgrade your Skill

We are getting enough time to upgrade our skills. For example, to learn a foreign language, you can brush up your vocabulary and pronunciation during this lockdown. Choose the right skill related to your industry so that you can expertise in your industry more effectively.

There many things that you can do during this lockdown such as reading books, listening to music, arranging your house etc. Use your time wisely and stay safe.

Kerala, God’s own country is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. The best time to visit the state is during monsoon. The monsoon season in India starts from June. Here we are listing the reasons that you should visit Kerala during the monsoons.

Onam Festival

Onam is the most celebrated festival of Kerala, also known as the harvest festival. The festival is 10 days celebration, you can witness the snake boat race during this time. It will be the best time to witness the art forms such as Kathakali, Pullikali, Mohiniattam, Kalaripayattu etc. During the Onam festival, you can see flower carpets in each household and many temple festivals.

Ayurvedic Treatment

Monsoon is the best time for ayurvedic treatment. Kerala ayurvedic treatment is famous all over the world. Many visit Kerala for the ayurvedic treatment. During monsoon due to its perfect climate, the pores get open and ayurvedic treatment becomes more effective. So planning for ayurvedic treatment in Kerala visit during monsoon time.

Backwaters

Another major attraction of Kerala is its backwaters. Your Kerala trip will not be complete until you have a backwater ride. Also, take some time to taste the delicious Kerala dishes during your ride. Monsoon just adds beauty to nature and it’s worth watching.

Visual treat

God’s own country is known for its scenic beauty. The lush green hills and waterfalls during monsoon season is a visual treat for you. Enjoy the greenery of Kerala during monsoon.

Plan your trip during monsoons, book top hotels in Kochi and spend an amazing holiday.

Kerala, God’s own country is known for its ravishing beauty, the waterfalls of Kerala is considered as nature’s art. Here we are listing the major waterfalls of God’s own country.

Athirapally Waterfalls

One of the best places to visit in Kerala. Located in Thrissur district it is easily reachable from Kochi. It is the largest waterfall in Kerala. The lush green forest surrounded in Athirapally falls has abundant wildlife like Asiatic elephant, tiger, the great hornbill etc. and also includes plantations like teak and bamboo. Many films are shot here featuring its scenic beauty. The monsoon months(Sept – Jan) is considered as the best time to visit the place.

Vazhachal Waterfalls

Just 5 km away from the Athirapally Waterfalls. This is one of the great picnic spots of Kerala. The spot looks best in monsoon, same as Athirapally waterfalls. It offers a great view of nature’s art of Kerala. Enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Kerala by visiting these waterfalls.

Thoovanam Waterfalls

It is located within Chinnar wildlife sanctuary in Idukki district. You can witness the fall of the crystal clear water here. It is also one of the major picnic spots, visit here during the month after monsoons.

Soochipara Waterfalls

It is also known as Sentinel Rock waterfalls located in Wayanad, Kerala. The waterfall is surrounded by lush green forest. It is one of the best adventure spots as it is known for trekking and rock climbing. Later it joins the famous Chaliyar river.

Above are some of the famous waterfalls of Kerala, explore these destinations on your trip to Kerala. You stay at budget hotels in Kochi during your journey.

Now we are going through a very difficult time in our life. The world is facing COVID 19 pandemic and most of us are in the lockdown situation. So this is the time to try some immune boosters.

Let’s check which are immune boosters that can help to improve our immunity.

Lemon :

This citrus fruit is rich in Vitamin C. As Vitamin C is considered as one of the immunity boosters you need to keep lemon in your diet. Vitamin C can neutralize free radicals in our body and prevent cellular damage. It is also believed that eating fruits and vegetables rich in Vitamin C reduces the risk of heart attacks. We need to keep our body hydrated this summer too. So we suggest drinking lemon juice daily. We have already written about the special lemon juice in our earlier post. 

Turmeric:

One of the famous ingredients of Indians. Turmeric is the most active compound in curcumin. It has antioxidant properties which help to improve your immunity. The famous recipe milk with turmeric powder is considered as medicine for cold and fever. Try this drink every day before going to bed to keep all diseases away. A pinch of turmeric in any dish will make it perfect. So try to use turmeric in your daily routine.

Pineapple:

Pineapple is also one of the immunity boosters, it consists of an enzyme called bromelain which aids protein digestion thus allowing immunity boosting amino acids to work properly. It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Vazhakulam, a district in Ernakulam, Kerala is known for its pineapple production. It has Geographical indication for large scale cultivation and production of pineapple. You can eat pineapple as a fruit or as juice. The delicious fruit salads with pineapple will help you to improve your immunity, add some berries, apple and orange to it.

Other main immunity boosters include ginger, garlic, citrus fruits etc. These are some lifestyle modifications you can follow. But to keep this pandemic away you need to follow social distancing and proper hygiene practices. Stay Safe, Stay healthy

Kerala is a place where we can see unique and rare fruits are grown. There are a variety of fruits available in this summer season like mangoes, jackfruit, passion fruit, pineapple etc. Vazhakulam a town in Kerala has got GI for its large scale cultivation and production of Pineapple and thus is known as pineapple city. Now it’s the time to stay healthy and increase our immunity, so here we are listing some seasonal healthy drinks

Lemon :

Lemon contains a high amount of vitamin C. Studies also suggest that it can help in weight loss, anaemia, and aids digestion. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking lime juice. You can also use some alternatives like honey instead of sugar and the addition of ginger.

Gooseberry :

Another Vitamin C rich fruit. It also contains iron and calcium in it. Making a healthy drink with gooseberry, ginger(which has antibacterial properties) and coriander leaves keep you hydrated and improve your immunity.

Watermelon:

Watermelon keeps the body hydrated due to its water content in it. It is rich in Vitamin A and C. Drink watermelon juice twice a day and also it is rich in zinc and magnesium. 

Passion fruit :

Passion fruit is rich in antioxidants. It consists of all key nutrients and is rich in fibre. Studies suggest that it is good for diabetes patients as it has a low glycemic index. 

There are some fruits which help to boost your immune system. Adding a small piece of ginger and a pinch of turmeric will help you to keep away from diseases. Stay safe and healthy.

Kerala is known for its scenic backwaters which is one of the major tourist attractions of Kerala. Backwaters are networked lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Arabian Sea coast. This backwater makes God’s own country one of the most popular tourist destination in the world. The serene cruise through backwaters is once in a lifetime experience. Houseboats of Kerala popularly known as “Kettuvellams” is the main tourist attractions of Kerala. Kerala Government has classified the tourist houseboat into silver, gold and platinum.  Here we are listing the backwater attractions of Kerala.

Alappuzha

Alappuzha, known as “Venice of East” is known for its backwater beauty. The houseboat cruise of Alappuzha is famous among the travellers. The backwater beauty of Alappuzha was shot in various Indian films. You can select the Kuttanad, the Rice bowl of Kerala to enjoy the houseboat cruise. Experience the ride through Kuttanad backwaters with a ravishing sight of the paddy fields and palm groves.

Kumbalangi Village  

Located in Kochi Kumbalangi village is a model village fishing and tourism spot. The major attraction of the village is Chinese fishing nets. Kumbalagi is surrounded by backwaters and the Chinese nets around it will give a refreshing sight. Many tourists visit the place to experience this scenic beauty with rich aquatic fish.

Kumarakom

Kumarakom is the popular tourist destination located in  Kottayam. Known for its backwater tourism, it has a wide variety of flora and fauna. It is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad lake. Kumarakom bird sanctuary consists of many migratory birds. 

Kollam

Ashtamudi Lake is the southern gateway to the backwaters of Kerala. It is one of the prominent tourist places in Kerala. 

Kerala, God’s own country is known for greenery and scenic beauty making it one of the top destination spots in the world. Kerala is derived from the word “Kera” meaning Coconut and “Alam “ meaning land.  Thus Kerala is known as the Land of Coconut trees. Kerala is the leading producer of coconut and it contributes 45% of India’s coconut.

Popularly known as “Kalpa Vriksham” each part of coconut trees have many uses. The leaves are used to make sheds, baskets and crafts etc. The husk used to make coir which is one of the leading industry of Kerala. The shell of the coconut is used for crafts, to make ladles and spoons. Coconut oil is one of the most used cooking oil in Kerala. Of course, coconut is the main ingredient of every Kerala dish. Thus every part of the tree is used in a way or another. Here we are listing the main industry related to coconut.

Coir Industry

The name coir itself originates from Malayalam word “Kayar”. In India, Coir industry was first established in Alleppey in 1859 by Irishman, James Darragh. The fibre extracted from coconut husk is used to make coir. You can see the visual treat of coir manufacturing during your journey towards the backwaters of Alleppey and Kollam. Coir is known as the golden fibre of Kerala and it is also an environment-friendly product. The industry is the largest cottage industry in Kerala.

Food Industry 

Coconut is one of the key ingredients in Kerala food. Coconut is used in almost all Kerala dishes. Kerala local cuisines like appam, puttu, idiyappam etc. Tender coconut water is one of the most used drink in Kerala. Coconut oil is commonly used as cooking oil and also as hair oil. Other coconut products used in food are coconut flakes, coconut milk etc.

Craft Industry

Coconut shell is used to make different crafts. The ladles and spoons made of coconut shell are present every Kerala household. It is also used to make small items like a pen stand, holder, lights etc. 

You can also use coconut leaves to make the basket, shed, etc. and the leaf midrib is used to make a broom.

Kochi, the economical capital of Kerala is one of the favourite tourist destinations places. The port city of Kerala is known for its scenic beauty. We have already listed the places to visit in Kochi. Here we are listing the major attractions of Kochi

Mattancherry Palace

Mattancherry Palace is also known as the Dutch Palace. It has an architecture inspired by the colonial period. Dutch Palace was built in 1545. It was gifted by Portuguese to King of Kochi, King Veera Kerala Verma of Kochi dynasty. The name changed to Dutch Palace as it went through major changes by Dutch. Known for its spacious and long halls it is one of the major tourist attractions of  Kochi.

You can witness a beautiful collection of murals here in this double storied palace. The murals depict the stories of Ramayana, Mahabharata and also Lord Krishna of Guruvayoor temple. The murals also include works of the great poet Kalidasa. You can also see the belongings of the royal family such as the royal swords, feathered caps, chariots etc. So, if you are planning for a trip to Kochi don’t miss to visit Mattancherry Palace. Mattancherry is a place known for its spice business, you can feel the flavour of spices on entering to Mattancherry Spice Market.

Paradesi Synagogue 

Paradesi Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in the commonwealth situated in Mattancherry. It was built in 1568. Paradesi refers to foreigners. It is one of the seven synagogues of the Cochin Jewish community. You can witness the rare antique display in this synagogue.  It is situated near to Mattancherry Palace temple thus Mattancherry palace temple and Mattancherry synagogue share a common wall. Paradesi Synagogue has several gold crowns, Belgian glass chandeliers and brass raised pulpit. 

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is known as the green lung of Kochi. You can see a large variety of migratory birds and different types of mangroves. These 2.74 hectares have much unique flora and fauna. You can enjoy the scenic beauty of Kochi here. A bird survey found that there are 192 birds of 32 species. Also, the study revealed that there are 17 species of butterflies and 51 spiders of various species were recorded in this area.

Hill Palace Museum

Located in Thripunnithura, Hill Palace is the largest archaeological museum in Kerala.  It was the official residence of Cochin Maharaja. You can see the oil paintings, murals, sculptures, manuscripts, and belongings of the royal family. The exhibits include the golden crown of the King, valuable coins, ornaments etc.