Another decision that will be implemented soon is the restriction of superfast and express buses into the city. This decision was taken as part of the congestion control in the city. So long distance travellers who wish to enter city should alight at the bypass junction.

The city transport system was under control of private bus associations.  Strike calls by the private bus associations used to make the city go to a standstill. Considering the request of the people of Cochin, KSRTC had no other choice but to start city services.

K Babu MLA, M M Monayi MLA , Mayor Mercy Williams, Deputy Mayor C K Manisankar and KSRTC director board member NU Johnkutty attended the programme.

High-spending passengers and crew members would disembark at Kochi and fly off to their destinations from here. Similarly, new passengers and crew would drop in to Kochi and board the vessel from here. And this would bring in revenue to the port, the airport, hotels and resorts, travel operators, taxi and auto drivers and other stakeholders in the tourism sector. The port’s BTP Berth would be converted into a hub for cruise ships. The port is already on cloud nine as the organisers of the Volvo Ocean race have expressed their interest to have a Kochi stopover for its 2011 race as well.

Look at them, the present ones and the ones in store!

Taj Malabar

***** deluxe

Website

Le Meredien

Kundanoor

Website

CGH Earth (previously Casino Hotel)

Fort Cochin

Website

Trident Hilton

Wellington Island

Website

Dreams Hotel

Siver Sand Island, Vytilla

http://dreamcochin.com/

Crown Plaza

Kundanoor

(under construction)

Holiday Inn

Kundanoor

(under construction)

Courtyard Marriot

Edapally (along with Lulu Mall)

(under construction)

Vijaya Hospitalities

Kundanoor (approved)

Website

Satra Galleria

Wellington Island (approved)

http://www.satraproperties.in/

Also a few more properties are under various stages of planning which are listed below:

Muthoot Radisson, Kakkanad

DLF Hilton, Marine Drive

Oberoi Sheraton, Marine Drive

All images sourced from the public domain, but special credits to www.skyscrapercity.com and www.kochinow.com.

A usual scene near Synagogue, Fort Cochin. This man is always there, mostly in the same pose.

The project will start with a geographical survey to cover various aspects including property, land details, drainage system, street lamps, roads and other details. In the second phase, a base map will be prepared to provide the geographic details. The map will be in the form of a 3D image superimposed with survey details. This would help the authorities to track property tax defaulters, vital installations and water and drainage leakages. So kochiites be a good citizen and pay your taxes on time, else you’ll be tracked digitally…

View from the top of Bhageeratha Square, Banarjee Road, Kacheripady.

Shot with a Nikon D60 – Cross Screen Filter Effect applied

Bhoothathankettu lying in the Western Ghats in a vast tropical virgin forest is very popular among the picnic lovers. It is located in the village of Pindimana located at a distance of 10 kilometers from Kothamangalam town and 50 kilometers northeast of Kochi. Lying close to  Thattekkad Bird Sanctury. Two main irrigation projects of Ernakulam District  namely the Periyar Valley irrigation project and the Idamalayar Irrigation project  are located nearby . A wind farm is located  at Bhoothankettu.

Large stones are placed on both sides of the river Periyar to form the dam which looks as if the dam was made by some demons hence the name Bhoothankettu “Bhootham” meaning demon. Trekking is very popular among tourists among this place. Adventure lovers prefer this place as it promises much excitement . Occasional glimpses of wildlife can be had here.