Vallarpadamport, Vallarpadam terminal, Vallarpadam Church, Cochin Port..

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Cochi: Kerala proposes to ask the Union government to take over development of the Rs5,340 crore container trans-shipment terminal at Vizhinjam near Thiruvananthapuram, after Lanco Infratech Ltd said late Wednesday it was walking out of the contract.
The Assembly on Thursday witnessed a rare consensus over the Vizhinjam International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) project with both the Opposition and the ruling front unanimously taking a stand that any controversy at this stage would ultimately hamper the project.

However, both sides did not seem to have had any formula for the speedy implementation of the project. The rare camaraderie between the Opposition and the ruling front was witnessed during the notice for adjournment motion moved by P.C.George of the Kerala Congress (Secular) on the serious situation following the withdrawal of the consortium led by Lanco Kondappally Power Pvt Ltd from the implementation of the project.

Speaker K.Radhakrishnan rejected the plea for adjournment motion saying that there was no need for discussing the issue after suspending the business, as both the Opposition and the ruling front had similar sentiments on the issue.

Ports Minister M.Vijayakumar, while replying to the notice, wanted the Union Government to take over the project. He also said that any controversy over the issue at this stage would result in a premature death of the project. Any decision on the issue will be taken only after consultation with Opposition parties, he said.
Experts say that Vizhinjam, with a natural depth of 20m, needs no maintenance dredging and has the potential to become India’s deepest container port.
The port, with a back-up area of 150 acres, is also located just 9 nautical miles from the international maritime route.

‘Adima’ a ritual practice - submitting one’s lives to the protection of Our Lady of Vallarpadam was thus established and now this ritual is the popular offering in Vallarpadam Church. During this ritual, the priest lays his hands on the head of the devotee, says a prayer and sprinkles holy water. It is believed that once the ritual is performed Our Lady protects the person from all dangers and grant favors in abundance. In memory of this miracle, the picture of Meenakshiamma and her son seeking blessings, was added to the original holy picture of the Blessed Mary and Infant
Jesus. Even today, the members of the Palliveetil family, the house of the Nair lady, bring their children to perform the practice of ‘Adima’ and also supply curd water to devotees during the festivities of the church. Taking into consideration its spiritual importance, His Holiness Pope Leo XIII elevated the main altar of Vallarpadam Church to the status of ‘Altare previlegiatum in Perpetuum Concessum’ in 1888. In 1951, it was declared a major pilgrim centre by the government of India.

The Govt. of Kerala declared the shrine a tourist center in 2002. A request was submitted by Archbishop Daniel Acharuparampil of Varappuzha to make the church a Basilica. The Church was declared a National shrine on September12th 2004 by the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of India (CBCI) and the same year on December 1, His Holiness Pope John Paul II elevated the Shrine to the status of ‘Basilica’. It was officially declared by the Archbishop on February 12, 2005.

Our lady here is hailed to be the protector of people who travel, especially through water. Local fishermen usually come to this church to get their new boats and nets blessed, before they are taken out to sea for the first time. A 100m wide canal has been constructed from the backwaters to the church for their access. Our Lady is also known to bless childless couples with kids. Besides the popular ritual of ‘Adima’ another prayer practice done by the devotees at Vallarpadam, is to sweep the church compound to convey their gratitude. Novena is conducted every Saturday at the church.

Rosary Park - VallarpadamNow there is a new Rosary park in front of the church with a walkway which has sculptures and paintings featuring the four Mysteries of Faith celebrated by Catholics all over the world.

Every year the Feast of Our Lady of Vallarpadam is celebrated from September 16 to 24, and thousands of people irrespective of cast and creed from different parts of the country visit this Holy Place of Worship. Along with the Blessed Mary’s feast, the festival of the Holy spirit / Pentecostal festival is also celebrated with great enthusiasm.

BACK WATERS OF ALAPPUZHA
Usually a 64 km drive from Cochin to Alappuzha in early January will be a exhausting experience. But scenic beauty of Kerala all along NH 47 highway is a mesmerizing .The drizzle that is a part of normal Kerala weather almost through out the year makes the journey even more charming . Alappuzha has a unique history as a port since16th century. Dalwa Raja Kesavadas said to have made significant contributions towards the development of this town .The Britsh nick named the place “Venice of the East “. It was during this period the town became center of tourist attraction .”Alappuzha” the term means”Land between sea and rivers joining the sea”.

Backwaters have always been a tourist attraction in Alappuzha .A one week stay in house boats may cost you dearly but once you are into it you appreciate the cost. Cool nights in the house boats is ideal for romance ,chat and enjoyment. Couples can have very pleasant and private time here. Looking into the darkness lighted by blue moonlit is a refreshing experience. A few may get some new insights about themselves but mostly everyone will have some thing to talk in this atmosphere. A cool breeze pampers you as the boat men take you for a tour of the lake. We can see houses on small islands and natives rowing small boats during day time.

Prime Minister Nehru came to see a snake boat race in Alapauzha and was so impressed that he sent Trophy for the race and since then this race is a major tourist attraction every year. Snake boats called Chundanvallams by natives are very prestigious possessions in here. People group under the banner of there own locality names, make teams and row these huge boats in during the race. The competition is so intense that this leads to many heart breaks after the event.

Back waters are the major asset God has given to this part the world .Besides tourism the natives have coconut and paddy cultivations as a major source of revenue.

Tourism

No doubt IDUKKI is Keralas’s very own Eden and it is nature’s very own private retreat.With its matchless scenic beauty the district has tremendous tourist potentialities. It is the largest district of Kerala with the lowest density of population. The district is marked by undulating hills and Valleys. The tallest peak in rest of India-Anamudi after the Himalayas is in Idukki district. Idukki district is also the perfect relaxation destination due its salubrious climatic conditions and bountiful nature. Here the sky is bluer .The flora greener and the air is fresh. All kinds of wild animals with the exception of lions abound in the forest of Idukki. The grass lands of Peerumedu are a heaven of carnivora like the tiger and the leopard. The striped goat seen in Marayur region and Rajamala is found nowhere else in the world. The forest glades of Idukki resound in day time with the sweet voices of birds. Here, virgin forest dances to the tunes of gurgling lakes. “That is why,’ if there is a heaven in God’s own country’, that is Idukki”.

Munnar Hill Station
Munnar is an attractive, beautifull hill station wrapped with unending expanse of green tea plantations. The mind cooling natural beauty, waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries and lakes together draw tourists from all around to Munnar, and was the summer resort of British Government in South India. It is located 133 kms from 1600 to 1800 meters above sea level.

The sprawling green tea plantations picturebook towns, winding lanes and holiday fecilities, make this an amazing hillstation. The rocky mountains and the rolling hills, the breath taking scenery and the green coffee and cardamom plantations of Pothamede, 6km from Munnar offers an exellent view. The rare and attractive Neelakurinji (Strobilatanthes), take twelve years to flower are in this region. Yet another facest of the natural beauty is observed at the idyllic hill station, Devikulam with it velvet lawns and picturesque spectrum of exotic flora and founa.

Pallivasal, the first hydroelectric project of Kerala, situated about 8km from Munnar is of immense scenic beauty.

The highly specialised dairy farm, the Indo Swiss Live stock Project, where the green meadows, the exotic cattle and the rose garden attracts a lot of tourists is at Mattupetty.

15km from Munnar is Rajamala , the natural habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr (a rare mountain goat) which is fast becoming extinct. Nyayamakad near Rajamala is a land of breathtaking waterfalls. On the way to top station there is Echopoint, 15km from Munnar which is a scenic place, gets it’s name from the natural echo phenomenon

about kerala
Kerala is a green strip of land, in the South West corner of Indian peninsula. In length 360 miles, the state is only 20 to 70 miles in width and comprises 1 percent of India’s total land.

There is a persistent legend which says that Parasurama, the preserver of the Hindu Trinity, the short-tempered warrior-sage regarded as the 6th incarnation of Lord Vishnu. After defeating the Kshathriya Kings, the sage approached the wise men for penance. As a Self-mortification he was advised to create a land for Brahmins. He readily agreed and meditated at Gokarnam, (considered to be the end of land). After getting the booms from Varuna, the God of the Oceans and Bhumidevi, the Goddess of earth, he proceeded to Kanya Kumari (Cape Comorin) and threw his battle-axe northwards across the waters. The waters subsided and what was left over was called the land of Parasurama, that is today’s Kerala.

It is a purified world in Kerala, the land of trees. A big, spreading tree purifies as much air as a room air-conditioner. And the former is never switched off. The prolific, bustling, vegetation acts like a massive, biological, air-filtration plant working round the clock, round the year. Hence spending days in Kerala countryside is as if spending in an air- purified environs; some times better than it. So is the rejuvenating effect of the lush greenery of the state. Kerala is a land of dense tropical forest, fertile plains, beautiful beaches, cliffs, rocky coasts, an intricate maze of backwaters, still bays and an astounding 44 glimmering rivers. Forty-four rivers (41 west-flowing and 3 east-flowing} crisscross the state physique along with countless runlets. During summer, these monsoon-fed rivers will turn into rivulets especially in the upper parts of Kerala.

Gracing one side of Kerala, are the lofty mountains ranging high to kiss the sky. And on the other side the land is washed by the blue Arabian Sea waters. Kerala may be divided into three geographical regions: (1) High lands, (2) Midlands and (3) Lowlands. The Highlands slope down from the Western Ghats which rise to an average height of 900 m, with a number of peaks well over 1,800 m in height. This is the area of major plantations like tea, coffee, rubber, cardamom and other spices. The Midlands, lying between the mountains and the lowlands, is made up of undulating hills and valleys. This is an area of intensive cultivation. Cashew, coconut, areca nut, cassava (tapioca), banana, rice, ginger, pepper, sugarcane and vegetables of myriad varieties are grown in this area.

The modern State of Kerala was created in 1956, when all the States in the country were reorganized on a linguistic basis. Malayalam (a palindrome) is the official language. Kerala is the smallest of the four southern States, but with the highest density in population.

THE REAL ESTATE BOOM CONTINUES IN KOCHI
Kochi is the ‘happening place’ in Kerala, being the commercial capital and land prices have been increasing not in a steady upward curve but in leaps and bounds. The land value in various part of Kochi is directly linked with the plans for new projects-IT park, Container Terminal, and Airport etc. It is estimated that the future will witness huge investments on infrastructure development for highways, shopping malls and housing projects, which will sent the price of land spiraling.

Genesis: Kochi is a cosmopolitan city modeling itself on the lines of Bangalore and Mumbai. A few decades back, the commercial centre in Kochi or Ernakulam, as it was then called, was restricted to Broadway and M.G.Road. The city started spreading and far-flung areas like Kakkanad have now become part of Kochi city with residential apartments coming up all over the beautiful hillocks in this area. Business establishments have started relocating their showrooms and outlets on the sides of the Trivandrum bye pass road between Edapally and Vytilla. The construction of the Vypeen bridge has opened up new areas for residential and commercial construction as Kochi has become easily accessible from Kochi.

Why invest in real estate?

People have now realized that investment in the stock market, with its ups and downs has its own related problems whereas bank deposits and mutual funds are restrictive in returns. Investing in real estate is a guarantee that the returns at the time of disposal will definitely be higher making it is a very safe mode of investment.

The Flat culture:

Flats have become popular due to the safety and security available for flat dwellers. There is an element of the historical ‘tharavadu’(the joint family system of yesteryears) in the concept of flats with the role of the ‘karnavar’ (seniormost male member who word is the law in the ‘tharavadu’) whose role has been taken over by the Building society in each flat complex. In addition to security, the tenant need not worry about payment of electricity, water or other maintenance bills which are taken care of by the society. All external maintenance is also done by the society. Many of the builders provide utilities like centralized gas, health club, waste chutes and driver’s rooms which are value additions. The paper work involved during the purchase is also minimal and the biggest boon is that one need not worry about the problems of construction-labour, purchase of material, permits and licenses etc.

KOCHI (COCHIN)
Kochi, the Queen of the Arabian Sea, is one of the important towns when it comes to visiting in southern part of India. It offers the nature lovers the beauty of coconut palms and endless blue sea waters mushrooming all around. It houses few of the most beautiful beaches, churches, forts and museums which are considered to be prime tourist destinations. One can relax in its backwaters away from the crowded world.

Major Attractions of Kochi(Cochin)
When it comes to Forts & Palaces, the options are Mattancherry Palace ( Dutch Palace) which displays beautiful Murals depicting scenes from the epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata, Gundu Island, the magnificent 16th century Pallipuram Fort, Bolghatty Palace, a Scenic island near the city of Ernakulam, Bolghatty, was once the residence of the British resident of Kochi (Cochin). For the tourists who like churches, though the options are many but Churches Santa Cruz Basilica, monumental church having beautiful paintings on the ceiling, attracts many people. For the lovers of beaches whom you will find everywhere, Beaches Cherai Beach is a lovely beach bordering Vypeen Island and is ideal for swimming. If you are lucky enough, you can even see Dolphins here. A typical Kerala village with paddy fields and coconut groves in close proximity is an added attraction of this beach. The place has many museums viz. Museums Hill Palace Museum, Pareekshith Thampuran Museum etc. Then there is a Vypeen Island which is a magnificent lighthouse at Ochanthuruth, remains open from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm daily.

Excursions of Kochi (Cochin)
Once you are through with the city, you can roam around to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding places. Alappuzha Beach (70 km) known as the Venice of the East, is famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. An outstanding characteristic of this land is Kuttanad which is one of the few places in the world where farming is done below sea level. Kalady is located on the banks of the river Periyar, is famous for its many temples. Aluva (20 km) is just north of Kochi, is situated on the banks of the river Periyar. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady (190 km), one of the largest wildlife reserves in India, is more popular as a tiger reserve. Boating lovers can enjoy a fancy boat ride on the marvelous waters of the Periyar Lake. Backwaters Kumarakom (88 km) situated on the banks of the Vembanad Lake is considered the gateway to the backwaters of Kuttanad. Cheeyappara Waterfalls are located between Neriamangalam and Adimali on the Kochi - Madurai highway.

VALLARPADAM NEWS
Vallarpadam may brave Sethusamudram threat
Tuesday September 7 2004: As Cochin Port Trust (CPT) is awaiting the letter of clearance from the Centre for the International Container Trans-shipment Terminal (ICTT) at Vallarpadam, a new debate is raging on the possible impact on the former of the Shipping Ministry’s pet Sethusamudram project in Tamil Nadu.

PM to lay stone for Vallarpadam
Saturday August 28 2004: The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, has agreed to visit Kerala to will lay the foundation stone for the Vallarpadam container terminal project in Kochi.

Vallarpadam is an Onam gift from Centre: Antony Thursday August 26 2004: A.K.Antony has termed the decision of the Union Cabinet to give its nod for the Vallarpadam project as an ‘Onam gift’ to the people of the State by the Centre.

Dubai Port keen on developing Vallarpadam box terminal soon
Thursday August 19 2004: DUBAI Ports International (DPI) is keen to develop international container transhipment terminal (ICTT) at Vallarpadam in Kochi and shift operations there within four years irrespective of whether it handles the threshold level of 4,00,000 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) for moving out of the Rajiv Gandhi Container Terminal (RGCT).

HC seeks explanation from the centre
Monday August 16 2004: The state High Court has sought explanation from the centre for the inordinate delay in implementation of the Vallarpadam Container Terminal Project.

When will Vallarpadam happen?
Thursday, Apr 03, 2003: OVER THE last few months there has been press releases, statements by various State and Union Government leaders and officials and a general thrust in public relations… . all leading to an impression that the Container Transhipment Terminal at Vallarpadam is not only a reality but the actual construction and commissioning is just round the corner.

SEZ in Vallarpadam will lure more investment
Tuesday, Nov 12, 2002: DECLARATION of the Vallarpadam and Puthuvypeen areas as special economic zones will reduce the cost of the proposed trans-shipment terminal by at least Rs 300 crore by way of exemption from Customs and Excise duties and income-tax, according to Mr Paul Antony, Development Commissioner (DC) of Cochin Special Economic Zone.

THE REAL ESTATE BOOM CONTINUES IN KOCHI
Kochi is the ‘happening place’ in Kerala, being the commercial capital and land prices have been increasing not in a steady upward curve but in leaps and bounds. The land value in various part of Kochi is directly linked with the plans for new projects-IT park, Container Terminal, and Airport etc. It is estimated that the future will witness huge investments on infrastructure development for highways, shopping malls and housing projects, which will sent the price of land spiraling.

Genesis: Kochi is a cosmopolitan city modeling itself on the lines of Bangalore and Mumbai. A few decades back, the commercial centre in Kochi or Ernakulam, as it was then called, was restricted to Broadway and M.G.Road. The city started spreading and far-flung areas like Kakkanad have now become part of Kochi city with residential apartments coming up all over the beautiful hillocks in this area. Business establishments have started relocating their showrooms and outlets on the sides of the Trivandrum bye pass road between Edapally and Vytilla. The construction of the Vypeen bridge has opened up new areas for residential and commercial construction as Kochi has become easily accessible from Kochi.

Why invest in real estate?
People have now realized that investment in the stock market, with its ups and downs has its own related problems whereas bank deposits and mutual funds are restrictive in returns. Investing in real estate is a guarantee that the returns at the time of disposal will definitely be higher making it is a very safe mode of investment.

The Flat culture:
Flats have become popular due to the safety and security available for flat dwellers. There is an element of the historical ‘tharavadu’(the joint family system of yesteryears) in the concept of flats with the role of the ‘karnavar’ (seniormost male member who word is the law in the ‘tharavadu’) whose role has been taken over by the Building society in each flat complex. In addition to security, the tenant need not worry about payment of electricity, water or other maintenance bills which are taken care of by the society. All external maintenance is also done by the society. Many of the builders provide utilities like centralized gas, health club, waste chutes and driver’s rooms which are value additions. The paper work involved during the purchase is also minimal and the biggest boon is that one need not worry about the problems of construction-labour, purchase of material, permits and licenses etc.

Independent houses:
Independent villas and houses are expensive but if one can afford it can make you feel like a king. There are many builders who carry out construction on contract basis and with totally transparent terms and conditions. This helps avoid the headaches one would have to face while building homes.

Residential areas:
Panmpilly Nagar, Kakkanad, Gandhi Nagar, Giri Nagar, Kumaran Asan Nagar, are residential localities which have come up during the past few decades. Palarivattom, Kaloor,and Edapally, are the older residential areas. Kakkanad is fast becoming one of the most favored spots for villas and flats while in Kathrikadavu area, with its two new flyovers, land value has touched new highs. Of late, Nedumassary which is outside city limits is also being developed as a residential area by some developers. It is obvious that land value is going up day by day but good plots are fast becoming scarce. Rates have quadrupled in the space of five years, and in some cases even doubled in one year. The best time is to buy now as tomorrow would be too late.