Pathan, key to India's win: Smith

Greame Smith said the difference between the two teams was Pathan's blitzkreig.

His 59 off 50 balls proved to be a matchwinning one. It put SA under tremendous pressure. Pathan hammered the SA bowlers to all parts of the field.

"Yousuf's knock made the difference " said Smith. The pitch was very two paced and also up and down. It was not the best one day wicket I have ever played, but it made for an exciting game".

"It is terrific to see a guy like him come in. He had a good domestic season and just to carry that on here is good. He has prepared well, I have watched him in training. He will bring a lot to the squad, I think."

"It was great to see him and play that well. Especially under pressure. We were under pressure when he came in. I think he has something special, which is good," he added.

The third powerplay robbed SA of a good score and they fell short by 20 runs, he felt.

"I think 220 gave us a chance. The wicket was very difficult to bat on, had sort of plates on it, and its two-paced nature made strokes very difficult. It also had up and down bounce," he said.

"We were really hoping for 240. I think 240 would have been a really good total there. JP Duminy and debutant Faff du Plessis played well together to take us to a decent total. Our Powerplay was poor again, we lost JP and Faff within two overs, and we only got 19 overs in our last six overs.

"I really felt if we got 240 we were in with a real good chance of winning the game. We came real close, we missed two crucial chances at the back end, but I can't fault the guys' commitment tonight, their intensity and the effort they gave," he added.

"I think it's always important to keep doing the right things at training," he said.

"Keep reiterating the same point. The margins have been so small in the last two games, we could easily be 2-1 up or 3-0 up. Just got to keep training hard and keep doing the right things and hopefully the things will kick into place.

"The World Cup squad comes out tonight, that will ease a lot of minds and stress on players. Hopefully free up a lot of players, and make them play with sort of freedom in the next few games," he added.

Dhoni said that with experience Pathan will be a great match winning finishing batsman.

" I just played my natural game " said Man of the Match, Pathan.

"It's a good win for us. I was just looking to hit the balls which were in my areas," he said.

Yousuf pulls India to victory

Yousuf's glorious innings of 59 and a match winning one at that, saw India home , winning by 2 wickets against mighty SA. India lead 2-1. Bajji scored a useful 23 no.

Greame Smith scored 43 and SA were bowled out for a paltry 220. F du Plessis made a good debut by scoring 60 and the diminutive Duminy scored a brilliant 52.

RSA were 200/4, when Plessis and Duminy were going strong. Then there was a collapse and SA lost six wickets for 20 !.

Zaheer was the pick of the Indian bowlers, taking 3/43. Munaf got two wickets and Bajji got 2. Pathan got the wicket of Bram Villiers.

Yousuf's innings was characterised by 3 huge sixes and Bajji hit two sixes in his 23 no and India won a thriller.

India were 104 runs short of the target when Botha began his over. Yousuf smote him for three mighty sixes, which turned the course of the match. When Yousuf fell, 39 runs short of the target, Bajji hit Parnell and M Morkel for sixes, thus sealing the fate of the match. Brutal blows by India's low order batsmen !

Yousuf's last six flew out of the stadium and he smote Botha for 19 runs off that over. His partnership with Raina saw 75 runs being added to the Indian total. Raina played well for his 37, but threw his wicket away with a reckless shot in the 37th over.

Yousuf fell in the 40th over, caught magnificently by Morkel. SA was in control but then Bajji seized this moment and turned the game with two mighty sixes. His partnership with Z Khan saw 26 runs being added and with Nehra 15, to bring home the bacon.

Before Botha's over, it was S A, SA all the way. Thanks to M Morkel, who removed the dangerous Kohli early and then went to remove Raina in the end. But no team had absolute control, as India pulled SA back and vice versa, in a game of fluctuating fortunes ! Bajji took the powerplay in the 43rd over and blasted Parnell for a six over mid-off and then flat batted Morkel beyond long off in the 47th !

The Veli Tourist Village

On the Shankhumugham Beach, you can see the Devi Temple. It is well maintained. Just one km away is the Veli Estuary, where the Veli River meets the roaring Arabian Sea !

The Veli Tourist Village is a beautiful picnic spot. The VIllage is open from 0800 - 1800 hrs.

This picnic spot offers boating facilities. Paddle boats and pedal boats can be hired to explore the charms of the lagoon. Speedboats are available for a fast ride on the waters. Children relish the sculpture which tenant the landscape.

Here are the rentals for boats

Speedboat - Rs 150 per head
Safari boat - 15 per head
4 seater pedal boat - 100 per hour
2 seater pedal boat - 80 per hour

Veli Youth Hostel - Ph 2500785

Trivandrum Airport is just 3 kms away from Veli and Trivandrum Railway Station just 8 kms away.

The dropping of Sreeshant not fair !

Sreeshant was the bowler who took five wickets against S A and was the spearhead of the Indian bowling. Dropping him from the World Cup Squad is not fair.

Again it is poor selection. India played a Test Match with V Saha as a batsman !

Selection of seven specialist batsmen and seven specialist bowlers plus an allrounder seems to be theoretically all right. What if three batsmen are injured ?

We do not criticise the selection of R Ashwin, Chawla or P Kumar, who are not rabbits with the bat.

The exclusion of 2 million dollar players R Sharma and Uthappa also raises eyebrows. May be there are no slots for them in the team.

On spin tracks, India can be formidable and along with 3 spinners, India has four wicket taking spinnners - Yuvraj, Sachin, Sehwag and Pathan ! Seven spinners on spinning tracks. If the Indian batting clicks, history can repeat ( At least this is the calculation of Sreekanth & Co )

Except for M Patel and Nehra, all can use the long handle !

Sreeshant and Rohit Sharma dropped !

Surprise omissions ! Sreeshant and R Sharma. May be the selectors went for seven specialist batsmen and seven bowlers plus one wicket keeper.

P Chawla and R Ashwin can use the long handle and hence their inclusion as bowlers. So also can Bajji and Zaheer. Only M Patel and Nehra are rabbits with the bat.

The lone wicket keeper is Dhoni.


Dhoni
Sehwag
Sachin
Gambhir
V Kohli
Yuvraj
S Raina
Zaheer
P Chawla
A Nehra
M Patel
Harbhajan
Y Pathan
R Ashwin

India wins as South Africa panics !

Needing 191 to win, SA at one stage were 152/4. Then Munaf produced a beauty of ball which crashed into Greame Smith's ( 77) stumps and the game was over. From 152/4, S A nosedived to 189 all out. A win for the tourists by one run.

Parnell and Morkel were removed by Patel and he finished with the match winning spell of 8-0-29-4 !

Indian batsmen again messed it all up. Depsite a 53 by Yuvraj and a sheer anchor role, slow 38 by Dhoni, none of the other Indian batsmen could impress.

Despite the batting debacle of both teams, the match was a thriller. SA panicked when they were 152/4 and then lost six wickets for just 37 runs!. Indian bowlers then came back into the game, with Munaf leading with four wickets. Zaheer picked up 2, while Bajji and Nehra got one each.

Inept batting by India

India lost to S Africa in the first ODI by 135 runs.

Inefficient batting by the hosting was responsible for the debacle. S A scored 289/9, thanks to 76 from Bram Villiers and 73 from Duminy.

Except for Kohli 54 and Raina 32, none of the Indian batsmen could shine and the result was inevitable !

At one stage, India was 43/4 and then some good batting by Kohli and Raina saw them score a not so bad 154.

Kerala beautiful

Tourism Marketing is defined as the enabler of a country to invite guests from different cultures, customs, traditions, to enjoy their rich culture, heritage, cuisines, art and architecture, entertainment and hospitality.

Tourism Industry is the largest employment generator in the world. We find that small countries like Malaysia and Singapore woo millions of foreign tourists and bag billions of foreign exchange. India has been lagging behind so far, due to innumerable reasons.

Now India tourism receipts show better stats. India received $15 billion and Kerala received $3 billion. India, who houses rich tourist locations, have so far been at the bottom of the World Tourism Receipt countries and does not figure in the top ten.
This is mainly because of the step daughterly treatment Tourism Industry got from the country's planners. It was only last year that the Government allocated 1000 crores in the Indian budget for the Tourism sector.

United States lead with receipts of over $ 100 b. Spain is second with 60 b, Germany, UK and China are about 40 billion.

Tourism infrastructure should be improved in India, if India is to exploit the full potential of Tourism. India at the moment receives 5 million Foreign Tourist Arrivals and earns more than $ 15 b in forex. Domestic tourists have gone up to 200 million. This low rank of India, when compared to other countries, is due to the lack of vision of the Indian authorities, who considered Tourism as a pastime for the rich !

Tourism is actually Recreational Therapy. When the mind is fed up with daily chores and hard work, a vacation becomes the need of the hour. People prefer beaches and backwaters and the mind finds relief in vacational experiences !

Kerala was an unknown destination, till the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, promoted it. Kerala is promoted as Green and Cool, in contrast to the hot and dusty India !. Kerala is totally different from the rest. She receives seven months of continous rainfall, almost 3000 mm of rains per year, and is full of greenery, and looks like a Paradise on earth.

India at the moment has a poor marketing image and she has to improve her marketing efforts. Tourism Marketing is different from other forms of Marketing and needs a well integrated marketing approach. You are marketing a country and Positioning and Promotion are twin eyes. It is integrated with leisure, entertainment, transportation, communication and all service sectors. The whole process has to be revitalized and a full fledged marketing process should be undertaken. The same old Segmentation, Targeting and Positioning method can be used in this form of marketing, to bring home the bacon.

India possesses everything. The rich cultural heritage, sprawling deserts, highest mountains, sculptures, temples, palaces, delicious cuisines, rare mixture of life style - all these make India a Cross Cultural Paradise on earth. The Private Sector should work with the Government to make India a great destination for the traveller.

We have lost this massive golden opportunity for the last 53 years and should not do so in the future, which belongs to China and India. This decade will see the emergence of these two giants, the Dragon and the sleeping Elephant !




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Kerala's 27 Beaches !

The beaches of the Western world are no doubt great, but the traveller and
tourist can have different experiences with the beaches of the East. The
beach resorts of Asia are a good competition to the best beach destinations
of the world. The great mystic civilization of the East, its emphasis on
Mysticism and inner control, exotic natural landscapes, the mentality of the
locals totally different from their Western counterparts, are great
attractions to the global tourists.

The USPs of Asian vacation are its great backwaters, its unique beaches with
clear waters, coral reefs and mammoth waves for surfing. The global
traveller who chooses to go East will have to choose from the countries of
a massive continent with a wide choice of tropical places with unique sandy
beaches. From Israel to Sri Lanka, from Egypt to Indonesia, Thailand, India
and the Philippines, a great variety of beaches awaits the traveller !

Kerala, green and cool, and breathtaking in its natural beauty, is one of
the best choices for Beach Tourism.

Here we give a list of the 27 beaches that adorn God's own Country, so
called by Walter Mendis, because of its lush green landscape.

Though Kerala is famous for its backwaters, this land house some of the
India's finest beaches. Kerala's 900 km coastline is embellished with sandy
beaches, coconut palms and rocky capes. The blue waves washing the sandy
beaches is a good sight to behold.

The beaches - alluring, clean with a blue background, are a great escapism
from the routine drudgeries of life. You can watch the sun disappear into
the horizon, the pageantry of the wandering clouds and changing hues of the
sky. It is Nature in its pristine beauty. You can chase the crabs, race the
waves, do sun bathing and watch another day at the beach unfold leisurely.
Beaches are the vacationer's Paradise.

These vacations can become unforgettable holidays because of the friendly
people and the delectable seafood cuisine you normally get at beach resorts
!


1) Nattika Beach, Trichur

This beach is situated 30 kms off Trichur and is an ideal place to spend a
leisurely day. A perfect picnic spot, because of the the rhythmic waves and
the stretch of sand golden. You will be bewitched by the swaying palm trees,
which seem to hum the Music of Nature ! Amidst the rural setting, you will
find resorts which give you the best seafood cuisine along with vegetarian.

2) Vadanappally Beach, Trichur

Located just 20 km off Trichur, Vadanappally Beach is a great sight to
behold. For those who are looking for a picnic and fun at the beach, this
calm beach fringed with coconut palms is ideal.
3) Chavakkad Beach
Just 5 kms off Guruvayur ( just half an hour journey from Trichur ), this 15
km long beach is breathtaking in its beauty. If you travel to Chavakkad
Azhimukham, the Chavakkad Estuary, where the sea confuences with a river,
you can enjoy the beauty of the sea and the beauty
of the river ! Fringed with coconut palms and green ambience, this Estuary
is one of the best places to go, as you can enjoy Nature in her pristine
beauty. ' Nature never did betray the heart that loved her" said Wordsworth
!

4) Alleppey Beach, Alappuzha
Alleppey Beach is one of the most popular beach locations in Kerala. A
perfect picnic spot for the family. The pier which extends into the sea is
just 140 years old. There are entertainment facilities at the Vijaya Beach
Park, which add to the attraction of this beauteous beach.


5) Marari Beach, Alleppey
Just an hour from Cochin lies this beauteous beach, right in the heart of
the Spice Coast. This beach is a tantalising stretch of sandy beach fringed
with palms, and a Heaven for those who want to get away from the Madding
Crowd, from the hustle and bustle of city life.

6) Fort Kochi Beach, Ernakulam

Adorned with Chinese fishing nets, this beach is a must see for those who
hunger for Nature in her primordial beauty. Great sunsets can be viewed on
this beach. On New Years Eve, people flock to his beach. You get a lot of
seafood cuisine also. Also drinks. You can see the fishing folk come out
with great catches. You can view how the Chinese fishing nets operate.

7) Cherai Beach, Vypeen Islands

Ideal for swimming, this superb beach is just 45 kms off from Cochin City.
You can watch dolphins which are occasionally seen here. You can see a
typical Kerala village, adorned with coconut trees and paddy fields !
8) Payyambalam Beach, Kannur

This beach is near St Angelo's Fort and this beach is turning out to be a
major tourist attraction. The famous sculptor, Kunji Raman, has made several
statues and scuptures on the beach as well as the park adjacent to the
beach.

9) Mazhuppilangadi Beach, Kannur

This is a 4.5 km long beach and the uniqueness of this beach is that
vehicles can be driven through this beach without getting stuck in the sand.
This is also known as the Mazhuppilangadi Drive-In Beach for this reason. As
the beach does not have violent waves and is shallow, this beach is fancied
by swimmers !

Canoly Canal to be revived !

The Canoly Canal is Kerla's vital inland waterway.


The Canoly Canal starts from Ponnani and flows thru Trichur, meets Periyar and meets the Vembanad Lake. So this inland waterway can stretch from Malappuram to Alleppey. Goods can be transported via the canal which will ease road and rail traffic. General boating and tourists can travel, if this canal built by a Westerner can be revived !



IT is said that the Government has already initiated a project to revive the canal. It was the visit of a team led by B R Menon, Chairman, KSINC, which triggered the significance of the Canal.

The Canoly Canal was built by the earstwhile Governor of Malabar. Till the late 1950s, the Canal was used as a major waterway for the transportation of goods and ferrying passengers.

Today the Canal represents a pathetic picture. BR Menon said that the Government is actively trying to develop the canal. This major inland waterway can connect many districts and goods and passenger traffic can be would be introduced through it and this will ease roal and rail traffic.

Dredging will be carried out every year. The Canal will be deepened at some places. 3.1 cr would have to be spent for strengthening the walls of the Canal. The Canal is part of the West Coast Canal System. It has a width varying from 6 to 20 meters and the water depth ranges from .5 to 2 meters.

Inland water system is cheaper by 50% than that of road and rail systems. It is also environment friendly and fuel efficient mode of transportation.


Kerala Tourism will receive a boost, if this canal is revived.

Indo S African ODIs starts today at 0600 PM IST

Both teams will vie for supremcay, the No 2 ODI team in the world, India ( 121 points ) vs the No 4 team , South Africa( 114 points ).

This is a great opportunity for the selectors to select their 16 for the World Cup. Players who signed for fabulous sums in IPL IV will try to maintain their reputation.

That World Cup precedes IPL IV has raised many eyebrows and the doubts are in the minds of cricket lovers whether their heroes will deliver the goods for their nation in the WC 2011 !

Skills will be tested in this great ODI series. India are in prime form as they drew the Test series and won the lone T20 against mighty South Africa !

Players to watch

Faf du Plessis

He was recently signed up for $120,00 by the IPL and now he has to rise to the occasion.

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli has already risen to the occasion before. Now he has to, on the pacy pitches of South Africa.

Chennai retain 4 key players

Here are the players swallowed up by the ten teams



Bangalore

Name Price USD
Virat Kohli Retained
Tillakaratne Dilshan $ 650, 000
AB de Villiers $ 1.1 mn
Zaheer Khan $ 900,000
Daniel Vettori $ 550,000
Saurabh Tiwary $ 1.6 mn
Dirk Nannes $ 650,000
Cheteshwar Pujara $ 700,000
Charl Langeveldt $ 140,000
Luke Pomersbach $ 50,000
Abhimanyu Mithun $ 260,000
Johan van der Wath $ 50,000
Rilee Rossouw $ 20,000
Nuwan Pradeep $ 20,000
Jonathan Vandiar $ 20,000
Mohammad Kaif $ 130,000



Chennai


Name Price USD

MS Dhoni Retained
Suresh Raina
Murali Vijay
Albie Morkel
Wriddhiman Saha $ 100,000
Mike Hussey $ 425,000
Dwayne Bravo $ 200,000
Michael Hussey $ 425,000.
Doug Bollinger $ 700,000
R Ashwin $ 850,000
S Badrinath $ 800,000
Scott Styris $ 200,000
Ben Hilfenhaus $ 100,000
Joginder Sharma $ 150,000
Nuwan Kulasekara $ 100,000
Sudeep Tyagi $ 240,000
Suraj Randiv $ 80,000
George Bailey $ 50,000
Francois du Plessis $ 120,000
Travis Birt $ 20,000
Colin Ingram $ 100,000
Michael Lumb $ 80,000
Robert Frylinck $ 20,000


Hyderabad


Name Price USD

Kevin Pietersen $ 650,000
Cameron White $ 1.1 mn
Kumar Sangakkara 700,000
JP Duminy $ 300,000
Shikhar Dhawan $ 300,000
Ishant sharma $ 450,000
Pragyan Ojha $ 500,000
Amit Mishra $ 300,000
Dale Steyn $ 1.2 mn
Daniel Christian $ 900,000
Manpreet Gony $ 290,000
Chris Lynn $ 20,000
Juan Theron $ 85,000

Kolkata


Name Price USD



Gautam Gambhir $ 2.4 mn
Yusuf Pathan $ 2.1 mn
Jacques Kallis $ 1.1 mn
Brad Haddin $ 325,000
Shakib-al-Hasan $ 425,000
Brett Lee $ 400,000
Manoj Tiwary $ 475,000
Eoin Morgan $ 350,000
L Balaji $ 500,000
Jaidev Unadkat $ 250,000
Ryan ten Doeschate $ 150,000
James Pattinson $ 100,000


Punjab

Name Price USD

Adam Gilchrist $ 900,000
David Hussey $ 1.4 mn
Dinesh Karthik $ 900,000
Stuart Broad $ 400,000
Abhishek Nayar $ 800,000
Shaun Marsh $ 425,000
Praveen Kumar $ 800,000
Ryan Harris $ 325,000
Piyush Chawla $ 900,000
Dimitri Mascarenhas $ 100,000
Nathan Rimmington $ 20,000


Mumbai

Name Price USD

Sachin Tendulkar Retained
Kieron Pollard
Lasith Malinga
Harbhajan Singh
Rohit Sharma $ 2 mn
Andrew Symonds $ 850,000
Davey Jacobs $ 190,000
James Franklin $ 100,000
Munaf Patel $ 700,000
Clint McKay $ 110,000
Moises Henriques $ 50,000
Aiden Blizzard $ 20,000


Rajasthan

Name Price USD

Shane Warne Retained
Shane Watson
Ross Taylor $ 1 mn
Rahul Dravid $ 500,000
Johan Botha $ 950,000
Paul Collingwood $ 250,000
Shaun Tait $ 300,000
Pankaj Singh $ 95,000



Pune

Name Price USD

Yuvraj Singh $ 1.8 mn
Robin Uthappa $ 2.1 mn
Tim Paine $ 270,000
Angelo Mathews $ 950,000
Ashish Nehra $ 850,000
Callum Ferguson $ 300,000
Nathan McCullum $ 100,000
Graeme Smith $ 500,000
Wayne Parnell $ 160,000
Mitchell Marsh $ 290,000
Jerome Taylor $ 100,000
Alfonso Thomas $ 100,000
Jesse Ryder $ 150,000
Murali Kartik $ 400,000


Kochi

Name Price USD

Mahela Jayawardene $ 1.5 mn
VVS Laxman $ 400,000
Brendon McCullum $ 475,000
S Sreesanth $ 900,000
Parthiv Patel $ 290,000
Ravindra Jadeja $ 950,000
Steven Smith $ 200,000
Muttiah Muralitharan $ 1.1 mn
Ramesh Powar $ 180,000
Brad Hodge $ 425,000
RP Singh $ 500,000
Thissara Perera $ 80,000
R Vinay Kumar $ 475,000
Stephen O'Keefe $ 20,000
Owais Shah $ 200,000
Michael Klinger $ 75,000
John Hastings $ 20,000

45 Indian players signed

The bidders gave top priority to Indians, Australians and South Africans.

45 Indians were signed along with 36 Australians, 18 South Africans, 9 Lankans, 7 Englishmen, 7 NZers, 3 West Indians, 1 Bangladeshi and 1 Dutch !

It seems the influence of six Aussie coaches had their say in the IPL IV Auction. Since Indians were performing well in T20s, ODIs and Tests and India is numero uno in Test and second in ODIs, it was understandable that the majority were Indian players.

Pakistanis were not considered as the Govt of Pakistan had denied visas to Paki players. England' s international fixtures clashes with IPL VI, which starts from Apr 8 and stretches upto May 28.

Now the attention moves to the uncapped players segment. BCCI has given the nod for signing the uncapped players to the fanchisees. The teams will use the $ 9 million cap to buy these players.

The uncapped players can play a pivotal role in the tournament. Kochi has bright stars like Prashant Parameswaran, Vincent and Raphy in their ranks. They may peak at the right time. So are the uncapped players from other states. Many new names will rise.

The BCCI release said " According to IPL regulations, the uncapped players can be taken on fixed fees". As per the pay structure for the uncapped, players who have not played Ranji Trophy, List A or First Class can get 10 lakhs per annum. A player who played in Ranji Trophy, List A or First Class will get 20 lakhs per annum. Those players who played in Ranji, List A or First Class before 2006, will get 30 lakhs per annum.

So big money is flowing into cricket, which is an inspirer, and no wonder India is rising !

38 Australians signed !

No doubt Australian cricket is still of high standard. The Sheffield Shield pacers bowl at 145 kph normally. As many as 38 Aussies were signed in IPL Auction IV. Some say this is due to the influence of the six Australian coaches - Darren Lehman, Dave Whatmore, Michael Bevan, Geoff Lawson, Geoff Marsh, Shane Warne - but then it was talent that was signed. 20 South Africans were also signed and it is said the the Southern Hemisphere got its due at last !


Each team is allowed 40 cr to buy players and Kochi has already bought for 35 cr INR. So the ten teams have almost spent 350 cr totally for signing 112 ace players. The Pathan brothers pocketed more than 20 cr, but then this is a great compensation for their service to cricket. Both are class allrounders.

Rohit Sharma proved that he is worthy of crores as he blasted 53 against SA.

The unknown Aussie, Daniel Christian, was swallowed by DC for $ 900,000.

Since the format is T20, all long handles were welcomed and there was reserve about sheet anchor role batsmen. Indian pacers shone, with Dinda ( $ 375,000 ), U Yadav ( $ 750,000 ), M Patel ( $ 700,000 ), L Balaji ( $ 500,000 ), V Kumar ( $ 475,000 ) and Gony ( $ 290,000 ). Also Ajit Agarkar, A Mithun, J Unadkat & S Tyagi.

Chennai was smart enough to fill 18 slots, while Rajastan Royals could only sign 8 players and are now left with only $ 800,000. They have to hire still 18 more players ! They will now have to get their players from the Indian domestic pool, known as the " uncapped players".

The concept of icons was replaced by the concept of young star performers. Youngsters who create a fan base and huge spectator interest. Icons like Ganguly and S Jayasurya were ignored for fresh young available talent. So also the retired Brian Lara. Also H Gibbs, Chanderpaul and J Oram !

The Auction was telecast on all national channels and all commentators were vociferous about " Youth, the Twenty Twenty Format and the team's plan for the future ", which is more or less the correct approach. The retired cricketers, or the about to retire cricketers did not have much demand from the corporates.

Match winners, who win the game singlehandedly, like Y Pathan, Gambhir, B Lee, Kallis etc were given prominence. Also bits and pieces men or all rounders who can perform multi tasks.

Less Englishmen can be explained by the fact that England's top performers find it difficult to grapple between IPL and the domestic season and international fixtures.

Doeschate from Holland was a surprise inclusion and smaller teams can find solace in that inclusion.

Those bid for second thoughts included Jesse Ryder of NZ, Theron of SA, Adam Vogues and Henriques from Australia, and D Mascarenhas and M Lumb of England. Ganguly and Jayasurya were not fancied because of their age and Chris Gayle beacuse of his availability problems.

The Indian corporate have much to celebrate. They will control some of the best cricketing talent available for six weeks this summer season !

Kochi team well balanced !

The Kochi IPL team appears to be well balanced.

Good batsmen in McCullum, Jayawerdene, Laxan, Owais Shah and good bowlers in Sreeshant, RP Singh, Powar, Muralitharan and V Kumar. Parthiv Patel and McCullum are wicket keeper batsmen and both can be utilised as batsmen. Brad Hodge is an established all rounder. So is Ravindra Jadeja.

The spin bowling department is dominated by two offies - Muralitharan and Pawar. Pawar is no rabbit with the bat.

VVS Laxman will play the anchor role. T20 is not all about lusty hitting and some sheet anchor players are needed. Jayawerdene can also don the garb of the sheet anchor role batsman.

The pace bowling is in the hands of Sreeshant, R P Singh and V Kumar, who all can swing the ball well. Sreeshant proved that in South Africa. His outswingers are really lethal. David Lloyd called him "eccentric, but outstanding". R P Singh is also a good mover of the ball. Vinay Kumar is also a good swing bowler. V Prasad had coached all Indian bowlers well, about the art of swing bowling !

In short, Kochi appears to be a balanced side.

Kochi has time till Apr 8 to name the side. I suggest the name Kochi Cobras. Or Kochi Knights. But then the word Knight has already gone to KKR. Or Kochi Whirlwinds. Or Kochi Demons. Or Kochi Stallions.

Vidya Balan or Swetha Menon can become the Kochi Brand Ambassadors. Or Meera Jasmine !

Geoff Lawson is a good coach and his coaching will do wonders for Kochi.

India outplay South Africa !

Needing 169 to win, S A fell short by 21 runs in one and only T20 match.

R Sharma blasted 53, Raina 41 and V Kohli 28 in India's 168/6. SA could only score 147/9.

In reply Van Vyk blasted 67 off 39 balls but then when he fell c Nehru b Kumar, the match was more or less over.

The Indian bowlers bowled well. Nehru took 2, Pathan 2 and the others 1.

Kochi picks up Owais Shah, Vinay Kumar

Kochi picked up Owais Shah for $200,000

Steven O Keefe for $20,000

Michael Klinger for $ 75000

Thissara Pereira for $ 80,000

Romesh Pawar for $ 180,000

Brad Hodge for $ 225,000

Vinay Kumar for $ 475,000

Parthiv Patel ( $290,000)



With Brett Lee, Y Pathan, Gambhir, Kallis, Morgan, Haddin et Kolkotta Knight Riders looks formidable.

Pune snapped up Uthappa ( $ 2.1 m ), Yuvraj ( $ 1.8 m ), Angelo Mathews ( $ 950,000), Graeme Smith ( $ 500,000), Callum Ferguson ( $ 300,000 ),
Tim Paine ( $ 270,000), Jerome Taylor ( $100,000) & Nathan McCullum ( $100,000),

Jayawerdene to lead Kochi

Ex Minister Shashi Taroor said that Mahela is well experienced to lead the Kochi side and that Sreeshant represents the face of resurgent Kerala.

15 millionaires were created yesterday by the ten franchisees of IPL. G Gambhir led with a contract of $ 2.4 m. The franchisees spent about $ 52.8 m for 72 players sold yesterday. The top seven of the 15 millionaires created were Indians. Y Pathan and Uthappa got contracts of over $ 2 m.

As the cicket's richest and the biggest domestic even unfolded yesterday at Bangalore, records were broken and banks also on the first day of the auction weekend.

Mahela became the highest earning overseas player, bought by Kochi for a whopping $ 1.5 m.

There were no takers for the old Ganguly, Lara or Gayle. After all Ganguly and Lara had retired from cricket. The demand was for the younger, high impact men and genuine multitasking all rounders.

Irfan Patha's buy was a surprise - he was bought for $1.9 m, despite being injured for most of the domestic season and being out of the World Cup probables.

Yuvraj was snapped up by Pune Warriors for $ 1.8 m. He may become the captain of the Pune side.

Kochi swallows VVS, McCullum, RP, Sreesanth and Mahela

The new Kochi team gobbled up VVS Laxman, McCullum, RP Sing, Mahela and Sreeshant.

There were no takers for Lara or Ganguly, may be they are too old !

353 players went under the hammer and total budget for the ten franchises is a whopping $ 90 million.

The number of bidders was ten, as Kochi and Pune emerged as the new franchisees. The battle royal was fought by Nita Ambani (MI), Vijay Mallya ( RC ), Subrato Roy ( Pune ) and GMR ( Delhi ).

Gambhir went for a whopping $ 2. 1 m. Bought by KKR.

Dilshan went for $ 650,000 . RC

Zaheer was bought for $ 900,000 by RC.

Y Pathan - 2.1 m - KKR.

R Taylor of NZ - RR - $ 1 m

K Pietersen of England - RR - $ 650,000

M Jayawerdene - 1.5 m - Kochi

Yuvraj - Pune - 1.8 m

Bram Villiers - RC - $1.1 m

When Sourav Ganguly was brought onto the auction table, jaws dropped and so far no takers for a reserve price of $ 400,000.

Cameroon White - DC - $ 1.1 m

R Sharma - $ 2 m - MI

Harbhajan and Symonds - $ 850,000

Sangakara - DC - $ 700, 000

Gilchrist - Punjab - $ 900,000

Dravid - $ 500,000 - RR

Laxman - $400, 000 - Kochi

Whither Australia ?

What happened to Australia? England crushed them with a series win. That too the Fifth Test margin was more than an innings.

There are many comments by Aussie experts about the Kangaroo defeat. Veteran analyst Peter Roebuck wrote on the front page of The Sydney Morning Herald, “Despair has descended upon Australian cricket. Embarrassment has become an acquaintance.”

“Humiliation has introduced itself. Calamity has piled upon calamity.”

This comment was highlighted on the back page- “After 135 years, 730 matches and 417 players Australia have finally fielded Our Worst XI.”

The Melbourne—based The Age cloumnist Greg Baum, said Australia’s defeats have been “as feeble and as abject as can be imagined. The cricket community has a right to be angry. Heads must roll.”

Stuart Clark was of the opinion that the Australian attack needed more variety, and called for a tall paceman to be fast—tracked at the top level. While Neil Harvey said Australia had to bite the bullet, Boycoot blamed selectors for chopping and changing the team.

We exhort all to become philosophical. There is a day to win and a day to lose. No team can be at the top all the time. It is cyclical and the socalled experts are simply trying to find scapegoats when a team loses.

Look at India. A few years back, India was one of the worst Test sides in the world. I remember, in the 1970s, India was nowhere. India had no seamers then and wicket keeper Kundaram used to open the new ball for India ! Now look at India. The No 1 Test side in the world under the iron willed Dhoni ! It is not that the old India of 1970 did not have the talent. They simply didnt have the will power of the present Indian team !

In the other Test, India had to make a near impossible 340 runs to win and the dogged Indian batsmen just stood like the Rock of Gibralter and drew the series ! The Indian bowlers let a great opportunity go and so did the South African seamers !

In the First Test at Hamilton, NZ are 260/7, with McCullum scoring 56, Southee 56 no and Guptill 50.

India and England win !

In a Grand Reversal, England beat Australia to retain the Ashes and India drubbed SA by 87 runs !

Great resiience was displayed by Indians. They were all out for 200 odd and then they came back and bowled SA out for 131 !. Then they batted well for 220 odd and then bowled SA for 215 ! Full marks to ZAK, Sreeshant, Ishant and Bajji !

VVS Laxman, the touch artist, was adjudged Man of the Match, for his great innings of 96, which tilted the match in the tourists' favour !

In the other match, England won hands down. After Australia's capitulation for 98 in the first innings, England scored 513, thanks to Trott scoring 168 not out. Siddle's 6/75 was the only consolation for the Aussies. Then in the second innings Aussies were bundled out for 255. England keep the Ashes ! What happened to the Australian Empire?

In Tests, India is numero uno with 129 points and in ODIs she is No 2 with 121 points.

My trip to Vypeen Islands

Yesterday I had a software installation in Kochi. So I reached Kochi and installed the software in minutes.

When I got out of the Office on Marine Drive, it was 1100 AM. I took a boat to Vypeen Islands. This is my first trip to Vypeen. I had studied at Kochi, at Ernakulam, when I did my PDC, in 1970 and 71. Now Kochi looks vastly different.

The Boat Jetty has been improved by a new building. There are frequent ferry trips to Mattancherry and Fort Kochi. I got a boat to Vypin at 1200 PM. It went via Willingdon Island, an artificial island carved out by Willingdon.

As we neared W Island, one can see the Taj Malabar, the five star hotel. Then the boat moved towards Vypeen.

We can see the giant gantry cranes of Vallarpadam very nearby. Vallarpadam is an island on the Wembanad Lake and is the site of the International Container Transhipment Terminal. The ICTT will be functional within six months time.

The Vypin boat jetty needs a lot of improvement. Near the boat jetty is the Vypeen Bus Stand.

It is a glorious view from Vypeen. We can see Fort Kochi on the other side. Taj Malabar on W Island looked a bit far and Vallarpadam is nearby !.

I then took a bus to Njarakkal, another tourist center. We have a beach at Njarakkal, but the facilities are not developed. Construction of the roads are underway.

There is an Aquatic Club at Njarakkal. You can fish there on the brackish water fish farm. They charge 150 INR per ticket. You can get gorgeous sea food, from the Sea Food Restaurant there. The Aquatic Club is manned by Matsya Fed.

From Njarakkal, I took a bus to the famous Cherai Beach. The beach is a beautiful sight and there are hotels and bars nearby. Cherai Beach seems to be better developed than Njarakkal. I saw more than 50 Westerners, some taking sun bath and others enjoying the sea.

From Cherai, I came to Trichur via the bus route. Last time I had crossed via Jungar, from Munambam ( Ernakulam ) to Azheekode ( Trichur ). This time I came to Kodungalloor without crossing via ferry. There were three bridges, which include the famous Kottappuram bridges, to cross. I reached Trichur within one hour.

Even though I had studied in Kochi, I had not seen the islands fully before. Hence this trip made me more knowledgeable about the spots which are going to develop, as the ICTT becomes operational within June 2011.

Indian batting falters against SA pace !

India were 136/9, in a rain affected pitch at the Centurion. Hats off to the RSA bowlers.

It was the pace and swing of M Morkel ( 4/20 ) and Dale Steyn ( 3/34 ) that did the Indian's in.

In the other match, Mitchell Johnson's 6/38, shattered England's hopes. All that they could muster was only 187, conceding a first innings lead to Australia.

Non stop Cricket fiesta today !

From 0800 AM onwards we have the Ashes live. At 0200 PM, the India SA First Test starts. Non stop cricket for about 12 hours !

Now ( at 0840 AM 0, Aussies are struggling at 28/3. Tremlett removed Hughes and Clarke while Anderson claimed Ponting. Collingwood dived to take an astonishing catch off Ponting. Now Hussey and Watson are at the crease. Tremlett, bowling at around 135 kph, moved the ball both ways.

Strauss took a risky decision to bowl first and his decision was proved right, as both Tremlett and Anderson fired.

ZAK or Zaheer Khan may not play in the first Test, due to injury. This series is a fight for supremacy for the top spot in Tests. If ZAK is not fit, who is going to play instead of him is a good question.

The secret weapon of RSA is pace. Rising sharp delivery which will tear into the Indian batsmen, who have a dislike for the fast, short pitched deliveries. Let us see whether the Indian batsmen are prepared enough to handle South African pace.

Meanwhile TC Mathew, President of KCA, is going to meet the CM for the Edakochi Cricket Stadium. Hopkins Architects of London is going to design the Stadium. In 2011, the IPL matches will be on the GCDA Kochi Stadium, which is only a general stadium, not a cricket stadium. The Edakochi Cricket Stadium will be inaugurated in 2012, when the Kochi IPL matches will be played.

Now Aussies are 47/4. Finn removed Shane Watson. English bowlers are bowling superbly, with lateral movement. What is happening to the Australian Empire ?

Brownwash by India

NZ were defeated comprehensively in the last ODI by eight wickets, as Indian bowlers devastated the NZ batsmen. They bowled them out for 103.

P Kumar drew the first blood when he had Guptill caught behind, when the score was zero. Then Nehra had the dangerous Brendon out leg before. Then the spinners took over ( Ashwin three wickets, Yuvraj two ) and NZ were all out for 103!

India were 10/2, when both Gambhir and Kohli were out cheap. Then Parthiv scored his second consecutive 50 and Yuvraj scored 42 no and the match was over.

A great 5-0 sweep by India !

India is fancied for the 2011 World Cup, according to Vivian Richards.

Now that India had done well against NZ, she also will have to do well against mighty South Africa. It is good that the South African tour is round the corner, as it will give India great preparation for the World Cup. We have the World Cup starting on Feb 12th and the IPL, an equally important event starting on Apr 8th.

Pathan strikes form !

Y Pathan never struck form in ODIs or T20s for India, though he had played some sterling knocks in IPL matches. But yesterday was the day when he struck form.

The hour findeth the man and Y Pathan was the man of the hour. In a great display of scintillating batting, Pathan blasted 7 sixes and 7 fours in a great matchwinning innings of 123 not out.

India were 188/5, needing 316, when S Tiwari walked in to partner Pathan. An unconquered 133 partnership between the two saw India home.

Earlier, a glorious innings by Franklin ( 98 no ) saw NZ finishing at 315/7. The NZ batsmen, away from pressure, attacked the Indian bowlers and 315 is a good score indeed.

India lost two quick wickets, that of the inform Gambhir and Kohli at 68. Yuvraj was out when the score was 103 and Parthiv Patel was out for 53, when the score was 108. Rohit scored a useful 44, but then holed out to Vettori and the score was an abysmal 188.

Then the great partnership began. Tiwari was 37 no off 39 balls, with 2 fours and a six. Pathan's blazing ton, 123 no, was off 96 balls, with seven fours and seven sixes.

Indians are glad Pathan has struck form. His potential is now acutalised and we expect more such thunderous innings from him. As for the young Tiwari, he has withstood immense pressure and came out with flying colors !

Kerala Brand takes off !

Kerala's 40 billion dollar economy, growing at 14% is ranked 9th. She is growing at 14% and contributes 4% to Indian 1.2 tr dollar GDP.

She is at the moment undercapitalised and potential unactualised.

Her software is growing at 40% and Tourism at 25%. ( V S claimed that K's sw exports are now 3000 crores, forgetting that Karnataka's is 30,000 cr ). Her tourism nets in 13000 cr and may go upto 16000 cr or 3.5 billion dollars this year. Kerala is promoting it as Responsible Tourism and Eco Tourism, where the Ecology is preserved for posterity.


Immense growth is forecast with the inception of the Kochi team, as Kerala will be marketed via IPL matches ! Brand Kerala is now in the minds of the Kerala entrepreneurs and Kerala's Ayurveda, Software, Tourism, Yoga and Cuisine will be marketed under the Kerala Brand.

Keralam ennu kettalo thilakkanam..............................

Upto 1980, Kerala was an unknown destination. Then Kerala Tourism developed it. Walter Mendis called Kerala " God's Own Country " and Mike Smith " a heavenly state". The immnense greenery, imparted by the two major monsoons, is the cause of beauteous Kerala.

For more info, pls check Kerala Heritages

Kochi will play in IPL IV

Kochi will be the eighth team to play in IPL IV,which begins from Apr 8th onwards. Rajastan Royals and Punjab were disqualified, but then they had contested that decision and the matter is in court.

The BCCI had cleared the Kochi team, as the Kochi team's ownership had passed scrutiny. The decision was given today afternoon, as the BCCI had deferred the decision by a week.

Down Under, Pietersen's double ton had checked Australi. He is 213 no out,of a massive 551/4 ! Cook scored 148 and England holds the upper hand.

Gambhir 126 no seals the fate of the series !

Gambhir's consecutive hundred sealed the fate of the India NZ series. This is his 9th ODI hundred.

Kohli continued his dazzling form and was 64 no. There were two century partnerships, one between M Vijay and Gambhir and the other between Gambhir and Kohli.

Let us hope India will move up in ICC Rankings. This is the triumph of Young India ! Hats off to the captain, Gambhir !

Yoga Tourism In Kerala

Yoga Therapy has been hailed the world over. Yuj means to unite and Yoga is Union with the Absolute Being.

Yoga is the Science of Man !


Know then thyself, presume not God to scan
The proper study of Mankind is Man !
Placed in the isthmus of a middle state
A being rudely great
With too much knowledge for the sceptic's side
And too many weaknesses for the Stoic's pride
He hangs between !



Yoga is a systematic study of man in his threefold aspect, as Mind, Body and Self. It is the Arts Artium or the Art of all arts and the Scientia Scientiarum, the science of all sciences. It is based on hoary Indian wisdom and culture and is the art of living a healthy, contented, balanced and peaceful life.

The Eightfold Path of Yoga is

Yama Conditional personal and social behaviour, according to Yogic Law
Niyama Attitutue under Yoga norms
Asana Physical Body discipline
Pranayama Breath Control
Pratyahara Senses control
Dharana Concentration
Dhyana Meditation
Samadhi Transcendental Consciousness

The first five are called Hatha Yoga, as it is culturing the physique. The last three are called Raja or Regal Yoga, as it deals with the culturing of the psyche. The first Five represent the Psychosomatic Approach and are referred to External or Bahirangi Yoga. The latter three affects the psyche and are known as Internal or Antaranga Yoga. It is to be noted that the Internal Yoga cannot be done without doing the External Yoga, as purification of body is a prerequisite for Self Actualisation. " Sareeram Adhyam Khalu Dharma Sadhanam", the body is the vehicle for Redemption !


Yoga and TM trigger the Relaxation Response and relaxes you completely. Gone are the strains and the stresses of relativistic life. The physical exercises called Asanas combats stress and keeps the body flexible.


The three physical states of Doing, Thinking and Being are highlighted in Yoga. All that we see is nothing but Universal Matter or Energy, the Adhibouthika aspect of Relative Being. All minds together is the Universal Mind and this is the Adhi Daivata aspect of the Supreme. These are all the manifestations of the Unmanifest and this is Brahman, the Absolute, transcending all relativities.

The destructible aspect is called Adhibootha
He who tenants the body, the Purusha, is Adhi Daivata
Being Absolute is Brahman called
These three are the triune states of Being. ( The Song Celestial, the Geetha )


We can transcend all relativities and reach the Absolute Self, via this great Science of Cosmic Union. This is the union mystica, envisaged by the mystic traditions of all other countries


Some of the Yoga Centers in Kerala which you can visit on Kerala Tours are


Transcendental Meditation Center, Poonkunnam, Trichur

Atmadarshan Yoga-Dhama - Ayur Health Center Fort, Vanciyoour, Sreekaneteswaram & Taycaud in Trivandrum - Dr D Sreekantan Nair Email intyoga(at)yahoo.com

Yoga Holidays at Edakkad Beach Houses, Edakkad Village Beach, Kerala. Email pam(at) bodybalancefunction.co.uk

Hatha Vidya Gurukulam - Neernamukku, Vadakkethara, Pazhayannur, Trichur, Kerala.

International Vasishta Yoga Research Foundation - Calicut, Kerala, S India, 673010. vaiyoga(at) yahoo.co.in

Kaivalyam Retreat, Moolakada, Pallivasal, Munnar, Kerala, 685612

Kasi Yoga Anushtana Kendram, Tulasivanam, N Kurakkanni Jn, Varkala. kasiyoga(at) gmail.com

School of Shanti Yoga, TC 15/1572, M P Appan Road, Vazhuthacaud, Trivandrum 695 014, Kerala. santhischool(at) yahoo.co.in

Sivasoorya Divine School of Yoga, Surya, Vellayani PO, Kerala. info(at)sivasoorya.org

Thulasidalam School of Yoga, Tulasidalam Sree Rama Yogashram, Thelliyoor PO, Near Thiruvalla, Kerala. indiayoga(at)gmail.com

Yoga Vidya Peetham, Varkala Beach in Kerala during winters and Dharmasala during summers. info(at) hathayoga-meditation.com



Sivananada Yoga Vedanta Centre in Trivandrum;

Kollam Yoga Kendra, Uilyakoil, I

deal Yoga Centre Manaltheeram Yoga Centre,

Jawahar Balabhavan and Holistic Eastern Advance Research Temple (Heart) in Kollam;

Prajapathi Yoga center, Kacheripady,

Life Yoga Center, Edapally, Adithya Yoga Institute, Thrikkakara,

Pathanjali Naturopathy & Yoga Clinic, Kaloor

Kerala Yoga Centre, in Kochi, Kerala India.



You can visit these centers and feel the holistic positive energy. Enjoy the healing, divine touch of Yoga.

Ayurvedic Tourism or Medical Tourism

The application of these oils to the body by trained masseurs can give immense stress release to the patient. Various ailments like spondylitis, back injuries, sprains and muscle injuries also can be cured by Ayurvedic massages. You can experience the healing powers of Ayurveda. How true it is said that there is no earthly sorrow which Heaven cannot heal. ( Ayurveda is a heavenly science, as it is Veda, cognised by the Seers in higher states of Consciousness ).

Best suited for Ayurveda's restorative and curative programs are Kerala's equitable climate, natural abundance of forests with a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants and the cool Monsoons season from June to September. Kerala is the only state now in India which practises this ancient, hoary science with dedication. You can rejuvenate your body, mind and soul in the Monsoon Season by taking Ayurvedic treatment at least once in your lifetime in the green ambience of Kerala !

Body rejuvenation treatment can be taken for 7 days or for 14 or 28 days.


Rejuvenation Therapy ( Rasayana Chikitsa )

Two masseurs massage your body with medicated oil and cream, internal rejuvenative medicines and medicated steam bath. This therapy is for 2 hours per day in a treatment period of 7 days. This therapy tones up the skin, strengthens all systems and rejuvenates your body and mind.

Body Purification Therapy ( Shodana Chikitsa )

According to Ayurveda, three humours, vata, pitta and kapha should be in equilibrium and their disequilibrium is disease. Disease means a lack of ease. In Body Purification Therapy, body massages, medicated purgatives, detoxification using enema, steam bath are all done. Herbal drinks and internal herbal medicines are taken in.


The Sree Guruvayurappan Nursing Home in Guruvayur, www.sganh.com and www.ayurtoday.com is one of the oldest of Ayurvedic institutions. Another one is www.zamorins.com.

Ayurveda in Kerala

The Kottakkal Pharmacy, Arya Vaidya Sala and Somatheertham Ayurvedic Resorts are some of the institutions which champion the cause of the Science of Life, Ayurveda, in Kerala.

Ayurveda - The True Health Care

A perfect, ancient science of Life and health care, Ayur means Life and Veda means science. This branch of Medicine succintly explains the scientia of dos and donts one has to follow to lead a holistic healthy life, is holistic in approach, and is good for both physique and psyche. It is curative and restorative and highlights the principle that Prevention is better than Cure.

The prophylactic wing of Ayurveda is known as Naturopathy, even though naturopaths differ about the origin of Naturopathy.


Ayurvedic Theory - The Five Great Elements

The Pancha Maha Bhootas or the Five Great Elements are the basis of not only Life, but of the Universe. Both the Macrocosm ( Universe ) and Microcosm ( Man ) are made up of the Elemental Five, Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether. Good equilibrium between the Elemental Five results in good health. On the other hand, disequilibrium is disease.

When the harmony of the Elemental Five is disturbed, the body goes into a state of negative health and this is where the Ayurvedic masseur or the physician steps in. Massage is the most common form of Ayurvedic Therapy and ayurvedic masseurs can be found everywhere. Essential oils and extracts of healing herbs are used in the formulation of Ayurvedic massage oils.

Kerala cuisine is spicy

This standard Keralite breakfast is in tea stalls or corner cafes, where men take in the chai and breakfast, read the morning newspaper and debate over the latest political news. In larger towns and cities, a more generic South Indian breakfast is popular. This is based on the dishes originally devised in the Karnatka pilgrimage center called Udipi. Deep fried savoury doughnuts made of chickpea flur called Vada, and circular steamed rice cakes, called iddlis are served. They come along with Sambar, a sour and hot watery broth or mushed together with chutni, a paste made with ground coconut and chopped green or red chillies.

These idli-vada-sambar breakfasts are available on all hotels and tea stalls, particulary in urban Kerala. All round the clock in railways and bus stations, but then by 1100 AM, they switch to their lunchtime menu.

In the resorts of Kovalam and Varkala, toast, omlettes, museli and banana pancakes are served to the international and domestic tourists. Bread and espresso are available, along with furit salads, veg and non veg cultets.

If you are in a three star hotel, you can get Western food along with the Eastern. Buffetts rule the roost and you can get Western, Chinese or Oriental cuisine, as you prefer.

Midday Meals

Boiled rice, taken along with moru ( buttermilk ) or rasam ( pepper water in which tomatoes are boiled, a sort of soup ), and a wide variety of bolied vegetables constitute the midday meal. Mixed with hot spices, pachadi is a glorious dish, cooked as it is with tiny pieces of mango and mixed with spices. Pulses prepared with vegetables is Sambar, which is more or a less a must for the Keralite. Another dish is thoran, a coconut based dry fish dish. It is mixed with minutely chopped vegetables. Pappadams, crunchy round flakes made up of rice flour and pickles ( mango, lime, fish, prawn, pork, sardine, garlic, tender mango etc ) are a must for the Keralite.

In Islamic establishments, wheat preparations are available. Made from refined flour, parottas and pathiris are spirals, fried in oils and served with curries. Chappattis and pooris are also made from wheat and these are available in almost all hotels in Kerala.

Great Snacks

Abundance of jackfruits, pineapples, mangoes, bananas and custard apples grace Kerala. Alongside evening coffee, snacks like jackfruit or bananachips, and rice flour cookies called Achappam are served normally.

Kerala Cuisine

Kerala, the Land of Spices, is famous for its cuisine. Traditionally, food is served on a banana leaf, but some now serve it on steel plates. Kerala is known for its spicy and hot foods. The Keralite takes food with the right hand.

Almost every dish prepared has coconut and spices to flavour the local cuisine. The use of tamarind heightenes the pungency and coconut gives its richness. Tender coconut water, a natural product in the Land of Coconuts, can be a threat to Coke and Pepsi, as it is a nutritious and refreshing quencher of thirst. Banana chips are to the Keralite mind what potato fries are to the American. Jackfruit chips, banana chips and the crunchy Papadam can give French Fries a run for their money any day.





Kerala cuisine is a mixture of meats, vegetables and seafood flavoured with a variety of spices. The main diet of Coastal Kerala is Seafood and vegetables in the plains of Kerala. Amongst tribals and North Kerala, meat is the main food.




Rice, the main food

Daily diet is mainly rice. Idlis or doshas, rice pancakes, are the main breakfast. Also vadas. Lunch, breakfast or dinner, it is rice preparation of rice in many aspects, served along with a variety of fish. Crustaceans, shrimps, lobsters, prawns are some of the other delicacies.



Breakfast and Morning Meals

Keralites are early risers, particularly women in the villages, who start the day with chai ( tea ) before their daily chores which consist of grinding rice, coconuts and spices for the daily meals. When the kids are up breakfast starts and consits of Poottu - cylinders of roughly pounded rice and coconut steamed together in hollowed out bamboos. Appams or cupped rice pancakes which are soft in the center and sweet bananas are served. A cup of warm tea, along with egg masala, a tasty gravy based on onions and eggs , which is poured over the poottu or appam and eaten with the fingers.

Monsoon Tourism may take off in Kerala

The joy of the monsoons can be seen on everybody's face. Kids dancing in the streets, elders enjoying rains from the balconies of their flats or the sit outs of their homes and women preparing hot vadas and coffee are symbols of the first monsoon rain. Also the sight of people enjoying a common umbrella on the public place. Gone are the days of blistering heat in a tropical country !

A sharp fall in the number of tourists during the Monsoon was the phenomenon of the past. Now Kerala Tourism is working on a new Monsoon campaign to attract tourist during the monsoon season which starts from May 29 and ends on 16th of December ( from Rohini Njattuvela to Thrikketa Njattuvela ). Monsoons in Kerala are the most tantalising in India. With green ambience and plenty of rains, Kerala is the most sought after destination during the rainy season. The state is promoting Ayurvedic or Medical Tourism. The best season for Ayurvedic Healthcare is this season which stretches from June to Decemeber end.

Kerala is fast capturing the attention of international tourists as the prime destination for Monsoon Tourism. With its abundant water reservoirs of natural lakes and waterfalls, the North East region of Kerala is also fast emerging as a hot monsoon destination amongst local as well as international tourists.

Kerala Tourism is working on a schedule of events, which include a Monsoon Food Festival, a Monsoon Music Festival and a Monsoon Theatre Festival to capture the attention of the international tourist. A Monsoon Folklore Festival is also planned, as many of Kerala's diverse arts and folk traditions are associated with the Monsoon.


The romance of the Monsoons, with its green ambience and landscapes and its abundant rains, which have been rhapsodized thoroughout the ages in poetry and music, can be promoted as a "unique" tourist attraction. Special Tourism Packages have been initiated by the Confederation of Indian Industry to cater to the needs of the monsoon season travellers, as monsoons in India are exquisite. Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal and Sikkim have also been promoted as Monsoon Tourism attraction by the CII. These schemes will result in the Government getting more foreign exchange and provide employment opportunities to locals, as tourism is the numero uno industry in the world.

The two major Monsoons

The South West Monsoon

Known locally as Kala Varsham, the SW Monsoon starts from May 29th, when the Sun enters the 15th degree of Taurus ( Edava Pathi ). Fierce rains characterise this period which stretches upto the end of sidereal month of Leo or the 16th of September. Then we have the sidereal month of Virgo, which is the No Man's Land between the two major - South West and North East Moonsoons !\

The North East Monsoon

Known locally as Thula Varsham, the NE Monsoon starts from the 17th of October and lasts till 16th of December. This is the Retreating Monsoon, as cold winds, travelling at more than 20 kts, pick up moisture from the Bay of Bengal and pours over peninsular India.

Kerala, hot spot for Monsoon Tourism

The joy of the monsoons can be seen on everybody's face. Kids dancing in the streets, elders enjoying rains from the balconies of their flats or the sit outs of their homes and women preparing hot vadas and coffee are symbols of the first monsoon rain. Also the sight of people enjoying a common umbrella on the public place. Gone are the days of blistering heat in a tropical country !

A sharp fall in the number of tourists during the Monsoon was the phenomenon of the past. Now Kerala Tourism is working on a new Monsoon campaign to attract tourist during the monsoon season which starts from May 29 and ends on 16th of December ( from Rohini Njattuvela to Thrikketa Njattuvela ). Monsoons in Kerala are the most tantalising in India. With green ambience and plenty of rains, Kerala is the most sought after destination during the rainy season. The state is promoting Ayurvedic or Medical Tourism. The best season for Ayurvedic Healthcare is this season which stretches from June to Decemeber end.

Kerala is fast capturing the attention of international tourists as the prime destination for Monsoon Tourism. With its abundant water reservoirs of natural lakes and waterfalls, the North East region of Kerala is also fast emerging as a hot monsoon destination amongst local as well as international tourists.

Kerala Tourism is working on a schedule of events, which include a Monsoon Food Festival, a Monsoon Music Festival and a Monsoon Theatre Festival to capture the attention of the international tourist. A Monsoon Folklore Festival is also planned, as many of Kerala's diverse arts and folk traditions are associated with the Monsoon.


The romance of the Monsoons, with its green ambience and landscapes and its abundant rains, which have been rhapsodized thoroughout the ages in poetry and music, can be promoted as a "unique" tourist attraction. Special Tourism Packages have been initiated by the Confederation of Indian Industry to cater to the needs of the monsoon season travellers, as monsoons in India are exquisite. Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal and Sikkim have also been promoted as Monsoon Tourism attraction by the CII. These schemes will result in the Government getting more foreign exchange and provide employment opportunities to locals, as tourism is the numero uno industry in the world.

The two major Monsoons

The South West Monsoon

Known locally as Kala Varsham, the SW Monsoon starts from May 29th, when the Sun enters the 15th degree of Taurus ( Edava Pathi ). Fierce rains characterise this period which stretches upto the end of sidereal month of Leo or the 16th of September. Then we have the sidereal month of Virgo, which is the No Man's Land between the two major - South West and North East Moonsoons !\

The North East Monsoon

Known locally as Thula Varsham, the NE Monsoon starts from the 17th of October and lasts till 16th of December. This is the Retreating Monsoon, as cold winds, travelling at more than 20 kts, pick up moisture from the Bay of Bengal and pours over peninsular India.

The Sun transits Alpha Scorpi

Today is the day when the Thrikketta Njattuvela or the solar transit of Alpha Scorpi starts. This is the Retreating Monsoon or the Thula Varsha and this Njattuvela may signal the end of the Monsoon season.


The word Monsoon itself makes one happy. The intoxicating smell of the dry parched earth drenched, the splashing waters makes monsoons the favourite season in Kerala. Kerala has been defined as Tropical Wet by the German climatologist Koppen and Monsoon is a refreshing change from the long summer months, when scorching heat and dust ruled the roost. The farmers get relief from the draught like situation and the promise of the rains which heralds prosperity. Enjoy the monsoons of Kerala under Monsoon Tourism.

Never to be wasted indoors is this enchanting seasons of raindrops and rainbows. Monsoon gives everything to you in fresh as the special season of the year. Monsoon is not all packed up in rain coats. On the contrary, they are fun time. Splashing and swimming in knee deep waters and getting wet are some of the pastimes intended for you by the grace of the monsoons. You can take out an Ayurvedic Vacation during Monsoon. Monsoon is the season recommended by Ayurveda for Rejuvenation Therapy. You can rejuvenate your soul and replenish your body during the Monsoon season. Monsoon is the true season for rejuvenation, when people take ayurvedic remedies, detoxificaton etc to purge the body of toxins and rejuvenate the tissues. Various diseases can be cured, if the body is detoxified and rejuvenated, averrs Ayurveda.

The solar transit of Alpha Scorpi starts today

Today is the day when the Thrikketta Njattuvela or the solar transit of Alpha Scorpi starts. This is the Retreating Monsoon or the Thula Varsha and this Njattuvela may signal the end of the Monsoon season.


The word Monsoon itself makes one happy. The intoxicating smell of the dry parched earth drenched, the splashing waters makes monsoons the favourite season in Kerala. Kerala has been defined as Tropical Wet by the German climatologist Koppen and Monsoon is a refreshing change from the long summer months, when scorching heat and dust ruled the roost. The farmers get relief from the draught like situation and the promise of the rains which heralds prosperity. Enjoy the monsoons of Kerala under Monsoon Tourism.

Never to be wasted indoors is this enchanting seasons of raindrops and rainbows. Monsoon gives everything to you in fresh as the special season of the year. Monsoon is not all packed up in rain coats. On the contrary, they are fun time. Splashing and swimming in knee deep waters and getting wet are some of the pastimes intended for you by the grace of the monsoons. You can take out an Ayurvedic Vacation during Monsoon. Monsoon is the season recommended by Ayurveda for Rejuvenation Therapy. You can rejuvenate your soul and replenish your body during the Monsoon season. Monsoon is the true season for rejuvenation, when people take ayurvedic remedies, detoxificaton etc to purge the body of toxins and rejuvenate the tissues. Various diseases can be cured, if the body is detoxified and rejuvenated, averrs Ayurveda.

Eco Tourism in Kerala

There are many number of definitions of Ecotourism,
each highlighting different aspects. It is to be noted
that different parameters emerged in common to all eco
tourism developmental initiatives.

Eco Tourism may be defined as that

Which is based on Nature
Where interpretation and education are important
components
Which is sustainable ecologically
Which benefits the local people.

If any of these components are not satisfied, such a
venture cannot be classified as an Eco Tourism venture !

Tourism, without well thought out plans and managed
programs, can mean the destruction of the natural habitat.
Also the cultural shock concomitant with interaction with
various cultures can also put the locals in danger.

Stipulation of certain standarss and awareness campaigns
amongst tour operators and travel agents reduces considerably
this impact. Eco Tourism,therefore, is considered as a solution
to tourism related environmental problems.

The region of the Western Ghats of Kerala, with its tropical
forest ecocystem, provides the natural advantage for this
division of InternationalTourism. In order to develop the
immense potential of Kerala Tourism, our tourism products
diversification is essential. Hence Western Ghats can be
projected as the Eco Tourism Zone of Kerala. Eco Tourism
adumbrates the concept of sustainability in Tourism. Future
generatoins are protected, as the needs of the now a day
visitor is transformed with Green Education !


The Present Situation

The major tourism destinations can be classified as beaches,
wild life sanctuaries, backwaters, hill stations, and festivals
which represent culture. Kerala will have to upgrade its products
and provide infrastructural facilities. There is no system at
present through which the public can see the forest and have a
lasting,quality experience. The visits to sanctuary, which is
widely practised now, cannot be called as ecotourism. It is
only mass tourism to a sanctuary. A more concentrated strategy,
which is small group oriented and supply driven, is the need of
the hour.

Those in charge should provide education and provision for
learning process for the tourists, as Tourism needs close
monitoring in an ecologically sensitive area.It is imperative
that Tourism be ecologically sustainable. The economic benefit
should benefit the locals to ensure sustainability.

Eco Tourism

Serene natural habitats are marketed and this is known as Eco Tourism, a branch of International Tourism. Nature and her pristine beauty is highlighted and Tourism without damaging Nature is encouraged.

Natural Philosophy, championed by Goethe and others, point out that Nature is the main efficient cause. While God is still invisible, the only visible manifestation is Nature.

I follow two philosophers this way

It was Nature, Nature, all I heard them say ! ( The Faust - Goethe )

Aimed to provide awareness to the tourists about the wisdom of Nature and the protective functions of the forests, Eco Tourism is educational in nature.

The guide and the tourist visit the naturally beauteous areas for understanding the cultural and natural history of environment, but taking care not to change or alter the integrity of the ecosystem. At the same time, this safe tourism provides economic opportunities to the local inhabitants, who also join in the green Conservation Movement !

It can also be defined as environmentally conscious tourism and not a search of pristine locations

It has to be sustainable with the continous capacity to

Safeguard natural environment, which is the base of tourist attraction

Maintian and provide the quality of the satisfaction of the tourists , thus benefiting the locals in the area.

Gambhir lofts India to victory

A great innings by the skipper Gambhir saw India home. Gambhir scored 138 no, Kohli, 64 and M Vijay, 33.

It was Sreeshant's swing which did the New Zealanders in. Sreeshant was the pick of the bowlers and confounded the NZ batsmen with his controlled swing. He took 4/47 ! NZ could only muster 258 and India scored 259/2 !

It is time NZ improved their bowling performance. India is formidable on Indian soil. Now India leads 2-0 in the five match series.

The Indian batsmen seem to be not at all bothered about NZ bowling. NZ attack must be more penetrative !

Indian bowlers should be complimented the way they came back, after some lacklustre performance in the first two Tests. In the last Test and the two ODIs, they came back strongly, thanks to Sreeshant and Co !