Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
Nagarhole National Park (also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park) is among the most well maintained wildlife reserves in India. Located in the state Karnataka, this national park has an abundance of fauna, including large mammals such as wild elephant, bison, tiger, leopard, wild dog and spotted deer. Continue reading
Photo credits: Renuka Menon
Located in the Nilgiri district, Ooty Lake was constructed in 1825 at the urging of the Coimbatore collector Mr. John Sullivan. At the time it was built in order to provide irrigation to the people of the region. Continue reading
Photo credits: Renuka Menon
Kolam is a traditional form of street painting in Tamil Nadu that is created using colored rice powder. The designs are based on simple elements such as loops, dots and geometric patterns. Women create these auspicious patterns in front of the household deities in Pooja rooms and the area just outside the entrance of their houses.
Photo credits: Renuka
Ooty Botanical garden was designed in 1847. One of the central features of the 55-acre property is a fossilized tree trunk believed to be 20 million years old. Other highlights include rare tree species, exotic and ornamental flowering bushes and plants, and a conservatory containing ferns and orchids. Continue reading
Boiled Tapioca and Green chilies chammanthi
Native to Brazil where it is known as Manioc, tapioca is the most popular ingredient in Kerala cuisine, second only to coconut. A large variety of delectable dishes can be prepared from this starchy root vegetable. One example is boiled tapioca and green chilies chammanthi, which are often eaten as evening snacks. Continue reading
Photo credits: R R Ranjith
Krishnapuram Palace is located in Kayamkulam, in the Alappuzha district of Kerala. The palace was built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture during the 18th century by King Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma. Continue reading
Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
The Rock Fort at Trichy is a famous and fascinating architectural marvel that is built on an 83 meter high rock, rising above the plains of Tamil Nadu. At the top of the rock is the Uchipillaiyar Kovil Temple, dedicated to Lord Vinayaka. Continue reading
Photo credits: R R Ranjith
Bharatanatyam is a famous Indian form of classical dance. Dancers often use bold and colourful makeup to show grace on the stage. The makeup is very thick and dark with a lot of emphasis placed on the eyes, cheeks and lips. Bold use of kohl on eyes and brows help the audience notice expressions. Lots of powder and blush are used to give the face a clear, smooth apperance and lips are bright red to emphasize smiles and pouts. Continue reading
Photo credits: R R Ranjith
Ashtami Rohini is the celebration of the birthday of Lord Krishna. Also known as Sri Krishna Jayanti, the festival is celebrated during the month of Chingam on the Rohini star in Kerala’s Malayalam calendar, falling this year on August 28 , 2013. For this festival all the temples of Lord Sri Krishna are decorated with lights and devotees visit the temple with children dressed up as Lord Sri Krishna. Continue reading
Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
Pondicherry is the capital city of “The Union Territory of Puducherry”, one of the famous tourist destinations in South India. The main attractions are the backwaters, palm-fringed beaches, fishing villages and the French boulevard town with its French heritage–not to mention the charming and picturesque beach side promenade. Pondicherry was the largest French colony in India with a long and interesting history of trade and war. Continue reading
Chammanthi
Chammanthi is one of the Kerala’s regional dishes. Traditionally whole coconut and red chillies are roasted over burning charcoal and then pounded and freshly ground with onion, curry leaves, ginger, tamarind and salt on an Ammikallu (a classic tool consisting of slightly concave stone with a cylindrical pestle). Continue reading
Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
Semi-classical dance is a style that combines classical dance steps with a more contemporary feel. The movements are not as intricate as pure classical forms. This hybrid style features extensive body movements, expressions, grace, speed and immense creativity, giving the final product a more modern feel. Continue reading
Photo credits: M N Shaji
The poet and social reformer Sree Narayana Guru Swami (1856 to 1924) is considered a great saint due to his preaching of “one caste, one religion and one God for humanity”. His 159th birthday was celebrated yesterday (August 22nd 2013), during the Malayalam month of Chingam on the Chadayam star. Continue reading
Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
Avani Avittam or Upakarma is one of the ancient Vedic rituals practiced annually in India. This year the ritual day falls on August 20th, 2013. Avani Avittam is a highly auspicious ceremony for the Vedic Brahmin community. The main activity performed is the changing of the sacred thread worn by devotees. Continue reading
Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
Hoysaleswara temple was built during 12th and 13th century Hoysala Empire by King Vishnuvardhana. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the ground-plan of the temple is the characteristic star shape common to all the Hoysala temples. Hoysaleswara is actually formed by two temples joined by a common veranda. The temple of the north is known as the Shantaleshwara temple and is named after the beloved Queen Shantala Devi. Continue reading
Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
India is primarily an agricultural country and agriculture plays an important role in the economy. Many times the small scale farmers and middle class customers are exploited by the middlemen. In order to eliminate this problem, farmers have introduced a new concept called a “Farmer’s Market“. These markets offer customers fresh vegetables and fruits directly from the farmers at a reasonable price. Continue reading
Photo credits : Ramesh Kidangoor
Chingam is the first month of the Malayalam calendar. New Year’s Day 1189, or Chingam 1st, fell on August 17, 2013 and marks the beginning of Chingamasam. This auspicious day is welcomed by people of Kerala with special poojas and prayers. In the early morning Hindus in large numbers visit their nearby temples. The Onam festival is celebrated in this month. Continue reading
Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
Located in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka Aihole (pronounced: eye-HO-lee) served as the capital of the Chalukyan Dynasty from the 4th to the 6th century A.D. The Durga temple was built between the 7th and 8th century during a rich architectural era. Continue reading
Collerette Dahlia
Dahlias are the most common garden flower found in the High Ranges of Kerala. In Thekkady they bloom with colorful and dense flowers year round, but in places where frost occurs or in climates with four distinct seasons they bloom from high summer to the frosts of the fall. Continue reading
Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
India became an Independent nation on August 15, 1947 and celebrates Independence Day on that same date annually. Flag hoisting ceremonies and cultural programmes take place in governmental and and non- governmental institutions throughout the country. Continue reading
Organikos 