Experience beach and paddy lands at ‘Ente Keralam' expo in Idukki
The Kerala Tourism pavilion at the 'Ente Keralam' expo, which is under way at Vazhathope Government Vocational Higher Secondary School ground in Idukki, has put up artificial models of a beach, a village and paddy land. Here, a miniature seashore recreates the sensation of waves gently caressing your feet. The expo marks the fourth anniversary of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in the State.
According to officials, the pavilion has models of small huts, water wheels in the backdrop of a paddy field — evoking the beauty of village tourism. The tourist map of Idukki and the details of various tourism centres in the district are also available at the pavilion. Through a ChatGPT service on display, details of major tourism destinations and accommodation facilities can also be accessed by visitors.
The Tourism department pavilion also features a caravan and camper facility, giving visitors an opportunity to learn about the unique features of camping and caravan tourism. Officials said that the exhibit is finished with a private resting place, a sofa, a microwave oven, an induction cooker, a generator, a fridge, a bathroom with heater facility and berths. Full-time personal service is also on offer. According to officials, the caravan facility was arranged by a private group from Wagamon.
Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine inaugurated the 'Ente Keralam' expo on April 29. The expo will conclude on May 5.
Programmes on Sunday
On Saturday, a tourism seminar was held at the 'Ente Keralam' expo venue which covered the district's diverse tourism potential. Responsible Tourism Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rupesh Kumar inaugurated the seminar at 3 p.m. The seminar discussed issues such as responsible tourism, adventure tourism, homestays, and farm tourism.
Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society's Binu Kuriakose led a session regarding adventure tourism activities in the State. A session on homestays was led by District Tourism Deputy Director K.S. Shine. Ernakulam regional joint director G.L. Rajiv gave a talk on farm tourism aspects.
District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) secretary Jitheesh Jose and Devikulam Guest House manager Shiju, among others, attended the seminar.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
30-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Indian YouTuber recounts terrifying hiking experience in Norway, praises volunteers for swift rescue: 'Angels do exist'
Hiking can be a highly rewarding experience, but it also carries inherent risks. Without proper preparation, sudden weather changes and challenging terrain can quickly transform a peaceful outing into a potentially life-threatening situation. A recent incident in Norway involving Indian content creator Akash Banerjee and his wife, Nidhi, serves as a stark reminder of these dangers. While hiking to Preikestolen, also known as Pulpit Rock, they found themselves in a perilous situation. (Also read: Man trekking to Kedarnath with 40kg load to earn daily wage captures hearts online) Banerjee took to Instagram to share his harrowing account, recounting the chain of events that unfolded: "I don't believe in angels & fairies - but I encountered them myself in Norway. Still shaking my head in disbelief (and relief that angels do exist)." He explained that after reaching the summit and soaking in the scenic views, disaster struck on their way back. Nidhi slipped, severely injuring her ankle, around 4 kilometres away from the nearest civilisation. The couple was left stranded in freezing cold winds, with rain approaching and no immediate way to move Nidhi to safety. Banerjee, unsure of what to do next, was advised by fellow hikers to call Norway's emergency number, 113. Reluctantly, he called the number, uncertain of what to expect. However, what followed was nothing short of miraculous. "Within minutes, the responders used my phone to pinpoint our location and assured me that help was on the way," Banerjee wrote. True to their word, within an hour, a team of rescuers, including doctors, arrived at their location. The team used a vacuum bag to secure Nidhi's leg and a portable stretcher to transport her safely to the base camp. What left Banerjee in awe was that these volunteers were not professional rescuers, but ordinary Norwegians who gave their time to help those in need. (Also read: ChatGPT falsely claims Norwegian man killed his sons, he takes legal action against Sam Altman's OpenAI) Adding to the surprise, Banerjee discovered that the rescue operation was provided by the Norwegian People's Aid (Norsk Folkehjelp), an NGO that offers rescue services and first aid free of charge. The volunteers, who came from various professions, such as a surveyor and a petroleum industry worker, had selflessly stepped in to assist. Banerjee praised the nation's community spirit and hospitality, remarking that Norway's generosity and willingness to help made it one of the happiest nations in the world. Check out the post here: A post shared by Akash Banerjee (@ Banerjee's post quickly went viral, with social media users praising the actions of the Norwegian volunteers. One user commented, "It's called sense of community and civic sense. Civic sense isn't just picking up garbage, it's having the compassion to be kind to everyone." Another added, "Beautiful country. Lovely, helpful people. So glad you got all the assistance you needed and more."
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Time of India
Southwest Airlines ends free baggage policy, to charge $35 for first bag
Southwest Airlines on Tuesday said it will charge $35 for one checked bag and $45 for the second, except for certain elite customers, bringing an end to the airline 's free luggage policy . The move formalizes Southwest's March announcement when the airline said it would end its "bags fly free" policy by charging some customers, as it looked for ways to shore up its earnings. Southwest was the only major US carrier that allowed customers to check in two bags at no cost. The airline said it will continue to offer two free checked bags to loyal customers with the A-List Preferred status and to passengers that pay the most premium fare. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Customers with the lower loyalty status, A-List, will get one free checked bag. The carrier will also credit one checked bag for passengers who hold its co-branded credit card. Live Events RECOMMENDED STORIES FOR YOU Man uses ChatGPT to get Rs 2 lakh refund from airline and hotel after sudden trip cancellation IndiGo co-founder Rakesh Gangwal to sell part of stake in deal worth $800 million: Report Southwest withdrew its financial forecast for the year over uncertainties from US President Donald Trump 's trade war.
Hindustan Times
23-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
‘This is not Amazon rainforest': Kerala's hidden cricket stadium stuns internet with unreal beauty
In the heart of Thrissur district, tucked away in the green embrace of Kerala's plantation lands, a secluded cricket ground has become an overnight internet sensation. The Palappilly cricket field, hidden deep inside the Harrisons Malayalam Plantation in Varandarappilly,"The field is located at Malayalam Plantation in Varandarappilly." 4o recently went viral for its unique blend of natural beauty and local sport. Far from the usual stadiums and turf-lined arenas, this ground is nestled among dense trees and narrow paths, making it look more like a scene from a tropical jungle than a sports field. Kerala is often described as 'God's own country' for its scenic charm, and this serene cricket ground only adds to that reputation. Surrounded by forested hills and spread across a quiet patch of the plantation, the field is a stunning example of nature and community coming together. The ground's origins date back several decades. As reported by it was initially created by the Harrison Malayalam company to provide a recreational space for its plantation workers. Since then, it has grown into a cherished spot not just for employees but for locals too, a quiet community space that remains largely undiscovered due to its remote location and tree-shrouded path. The cricket ground recently caught the attention of social media when influencer Sreejith S, with the Instagram handle @notonthemap, posted a drone-shot video of the location. Overlaying the clip with the caption, 'This is not Amazon rainforest,' he filmed local residents playing cricket in the middle of what looks like an untouched wilderness. A post shared by Sreejith S (@notonthemap) The video clocked over 51 million views, 5.5 million likes, and thousands of reactions across the platform. Also read: ChatGPT advises man against quitting his job for 'awful' business idea: 'Blunt and unfiltered' Many took to the comments section and wrote, 'Heaven' A user wrote, 'How lucky those guys Wish to play here once and retire' In a follow-up post, Sreejith expressed gratitude while hinting at other work he hopes will receive similar attention. 'This vid blew up, but definitely it's not my favourite drop. Hoping my real gems, which I had posted will get this kind of love someday! Insta algo's wild!' he wrote. He added, 'Huge, heartfelt thanks for the massive support, kind words and endless likes, comments and DMs — you all make this journey epic!' Also read: Azerbaijani man sentenced for 'treason' after speaking with Armenian historian, jailed for 18 years
