Latest news with #Onamfestival
India.com
20-06-2025
- India.com
Kochi's Seasonal Charm: Discover The Best Time To Explore The Queen Of The Arabian Sea
Kochi is often referred to as 'Queen of the Arabian Sea' because of its mesmerizing blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. With backwaters, beaches, colonial architecture, and the emerging art scene, Kochi is a year round destination. But, these visits can vary with the time of the year. Let's now explore Kochi in depth and figure out the time of the year that will fit your needs. Summer (March to May): Seasonal Patterns As we have established, Kochi is a summer destination, so naturally this would stand out. Summer in Kochi is a hot and humid affair, ranging from 30 °C to 38 °C (86 °F to 100 °F) daily. Summer time activity can feel extraordinarily hot especially for travelers who are not used to tropical heat. While outdoor exploration is nearly impossible, this is an excellent time to get away from it all. Indulging in Kochi's fine art and traditional culture can most definitely be done indoors. For instance, the Kerala Folklore Museum is a great spot to visit if you wish to learn more about the state's impressive heritage, and the Dutch Palace as well as the Paradesi Synagogue should not be ignored either. If you love the beach, spending time at Cherai Beach or Fort Kochi Beach during the early morning and late evening is the perfect way to enjoy the sea breeze without the troubles of sun. Not to mention, during Summer, it is the mango season in Kerala, which means the juiciest mangoes are available. Summers Tips: Temperature Range: 30 degrees to 38 degrees. Summer Activities: Sightseeing, visiting art exhibitions, and attending local festivals. Travel Advice: Dress lightly and make sure to drink enough water! Monsoon (June to September): The Beautiful Rainwashed Splendor During monsoon in Kochi, the city receives heavy rainfall which transforms the city to a beautiful green paradise. Even though the rain can be troublesome at times, the romance of the monsoon is impossible to beat. The backwaters look so magical in the rain, especially with the palm trees swaying in the soothing breeze. The rainy season is the best time to experience Ayurvedic treatments. Since it is the best time for rejuvenation, many spas and wellness centers offer great discounts during Kochi's monsoon season to help people relax and take care of themselves. The arrival of the monsoon indicates the commencement of the grand cultural festival known as Onam. One is certain to remember the songs, cultural dances, and the yearly feasts. Exploring Fort Kochi's streets alongside the Chinese fishing nets can be quite thrilling when it rains, however, a raincoat and umbrella are a must. Monsoon Visit Tidbits: Activities – Backwater cruises, Ayurveda Treatments. Festivals – Onam festival Tip: Don't forget to bring out the rain gear and invest in some waterproof boots. Winter (October to February) – Holiday Season Kochi's winter is the most comfortable and a favorite among tourists, with temperatures ranging from 17°C-33°C (63°F-91°F). During these winder months the weather is great and the city's many attractions are waiting to be explored. Begin your journey with a wander around Fort Kochi for its colonial era streets and heritage buildings with vibrant murals crafted by local artisans. The Biennale, an international art festival, is held in Kochi every alternate year from December to March. If art is your passion, this festival is perfect for you, as it features contemporary art and artists from every corner of the planet. Winter is also the perfect time to enjoy a backwater cruise in nearby Alappuzha or a boat ride during sunset in the Kochi backwaters. The Mararikulam and Cherai beaches are at their finest too, giving a perfect sunbathing experience and calm waters. Kochi offers plenty of delicious winter treats for food lovers, with freshly caught seafood at beach shacks, traditional Kerala Appam with Stew, or the spicy Karimeen Pollichathu. Key Points for Winter Visits: Typical Temperature: 17 to 33 degrees Celsius. What To Do: Sightseeing, cultural festivals, and relaxing at the beach. Travel Tip: Book accommodation as soon as possible, this is the peak tourist season. When to Visit Kochi Anyone can enjoy the beauty of Kochi throughout the year, however, depending on the season there will be different offers available to the guests. For budget travelers: Summer with its off-season prices and lack of tourists. For wellness seekers: Monsoon season for lovers of Ayurvedic therapies and breathtaking green landscapes. For everything else: Winter with its warm sunny days and plenty of events to enjoy. Pro Tips for Visiting Kochi Plan Ahead: If you are planning to visit during the time of the Biennale or Onam, you will need to reserve accommodation way before your visit. Stay Flexible: be prepared for changing weather rules, especially during monsoon season. Local Travel: for public transport Kochi isn't the best, although it does offer tuk tuks and car rentals which are handy for quick journeys. Explore Beyond: Alappuzha and Munnar are additional trips you can take to further enhance your visit to Kerala and Kochi. Kochi is one of the few places that caters to all kinds of travelers at any time of the year. 'The Queen of the Arabian Sea' promises to dazzle everyone with her timeless charm, whether they appreciate nature, art, or history, making the trip unforgettable.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Time of India
Passengers demand daily service for Thiruvananthapuram north to Tambaram express via Punalur
Thiruvananthapuram: Rail passenger associations and frequent travellers want the railways to make the Thiruvananthapuram North to Tambaram AC Express (06035/06036) via Punalur and Sengottai a daily regular service. It is currently operated as a special train on Sundays from Thiruvananthapuram to cater to the busy special train was introduced a year ago. It was extended during the Onam festival or Ganesh Chaturthi festival and is now being run for summer holidays. The train is highly popular and the reservation status is on the waitlist on most days. The train is full for the next three is one of the oldest services that used to run during the metre gauge days. It was discontinued when the Kollam to Sengottai route was closed for gauge conversion. Dipu Ravi of the Kollam-Sengottai Railway Passengers Association said, "Initially, on an experimental basis, the train had four trips, but the unprecedented demand made railways extend the service covering summer months also."The railways also increased the number of coaches from 15 to 18 and the train takes around 16 hours to reach Tambaram along one of the shortest routes between the two cities. Passenger associations based in TN and Kerala submitted requests to MPs and railway officials urging them to make it a regular service, he J of Friends on Rails said the special train is a much-needed option for people to travel between the two capital cities. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Making history: These 5 timepieces set world records at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2025 CNA Read More Undo "It will be good if railways can make it into a regular service. There is a huge demand. The number of trains between the cities is not adequate. Therefore, we are seeing a rush on special trains."In addition to the trains via Palghat, the route via Nagercoil is also popular because it is by far the shortest route and passengers can reach Chennai in around 12.15 hours. However, the Kollam-Punalur-Sengottai route opened another option and also helps to cater to the people of the region to travel to Chennai.
