Beloved Papa Paul

The story of beloved Papa Paul who departed to his heavenly abode at 2.23 am on Sunday 10^th November 2013.

Ravi Darshan Bushnel Paul was born In UP on 2^nd April 1922 to parents Helen & Rev J.D.B Paul who was then the first principal of Ingraham Institute at Ghaziabad. Boshi ( as his siblings called Him) Had four sisters: Bonilla Viola , Cherry and Nargis. They were orphaned in early  childhood and grew up learning about togetherness, God and family through difficult yet family bonded years.

He attended Ingraham institute for his formative schooling and eventually ended up in Rawalpindi at Gordon College, where in addition to his studies he discovered his prowess in hockey and swimming. In 1941 he came to Lucknow Christian College, graduated and was in college hockey XI which was won the UP State Championships.

It was in 1946 that he met and married Nirmal Paul who was with him for 63 years of glorious marital bliss. In 1947 they were blessed with a son, Joseph( Raju). In 1949 they had a daughter Parveen.Papa devoted his entire life to raising the 2 children to be the best they could be. He enrolled them in  away- from - home boarding schools and sacrificed enormously to pay the huge fees. With his wife at his side, he set  about coaching them in all viewpoints and people. He taught by doing and lived a scrupulously useful life, full of stewardship and consistent patience.

He loved the true Christian life of love , faith and charity. He gave his tithes and supported the leprosy home and Shanti Bhawan locally.He helped anyone who came to his ddorstep, be it a child, an adult or an organisation. In a true humble spirit and purity of heart, he never bore anyone a grudge. His simplicity was model to emulate.

How fortunate I have been to have known Parveen’s dad  for 2 decades . Having spent many evenings  with Papa Paul ( in the initial days over a peg of good old OLD MONK RUM ) trying to decipher  the many ills that plague this nation from corruption to communalism, terrorism and match fixing in cricket  I found that he had the most practical solutions to many and  being a good listener he had the wisdom and experience that very few people had when he chose to give his opinion. Having served in the Air force  among the various subjects his insight on Indo Pak relations were interesting. His love for hockey was a common trait that I  shared and so did Parveen. However I had the embarrassment of him watching me swim when I was 35 and he 80. Boy was I glad it was not a competition. He took to the DDA swimming pool like fish to water to my amazement. His calm presence and experience in dealing with many iissues personal and professional is unmatched and his hospitality whenever my friends joined me at Parveen's house was worth ever moment. I was most enthusiastic if he gave me any task to do, mostly he found me fit to replenish his stock of Old monk rum ( which as a  true army man since he stopped drinking he loved to distribute) and which I relished doing once every few months.

He also had this enormous heart to always help people remotely connected with him and always remembered all our birthdays. Papa Paul always found time to enquire about my family’s welfare and I was honored to have his sagacity as an adviser and non executive Director of my company.

He has contributed immensely in all our lives by his timely suggestions, advise and unmatched calmness and grace.

A wonderful man and I along with all my friends will miss him forever. Rest In Peace Papa Paul!!!

MALABARI - THE ORIGINAL TRAVELLER

Like a true Malayali based outside his shores for over 4 decades  I kept returning to my hometown in the heart of Malabar in North Kerala on vacation from school, college,university and work . Being an outsider i discovered here the everyday, the exotic and the esoteric merge quite seamlessly

Kannur, the most enchanting district of North Kerala is breath taking. The Lakshadweep Sea washes the sands of sugary beaches laced with rows of green coconut palms. Some of the beaches of this Moppilla bay are even drivable. Long rivers break into silvery spray and merge into the blue green waters of the Sea.

The ships of Solomon, they say: anchored along our coasts to collect timber for building the 'Temple of the Lord '. Kannur finds a mention as NAURA in the 'Periplus of the Erithrean Sea' a Greek work of great antiquity. The Kolathiris were based at Chirakkal.The Pazassi Raja ruled from Kottayam in Tellicherry taluk. The Beebi (Queen) of Arakkal, Kerala"s only Muslim royal family controlled parts of the coast and even the Laccadive Islands'The quest for spices lured several European powers to this land.The advent of the Portuguese ( 1498) marked the beginning. They were followed by the Dutch and the English. Fortifications at Tellicherry and the Fort St. Angelo attest to their arrival while Mahe closeby was controlled by the French and the policemen today continue to wear the typical hat of the gendarme!!

In winter watch a Theyyam ceremony - a popular Hindu ritual form of worship and a living cult with several thousand-year-old traditions, it embraces almost all the castes and classes of the Hindu religion in this region. The performers belong to the indigenous tribal community and is unique, since only in Kerala, do both upper and lower castes share an important position in a major form of worship.

Ayesha Manzil is a beautiful, old colonial style mansion overlooking the Arabian sea in Tellicherry . Its present owner the charismatic Mr Moosa and his charming wife Ayesha are the soul of Malabar.They produce the finest of cuisine in the local Malabar flavour like no other.

Driving eastward into hill country one comes to Wayanad where Tranquil Resort is a Plantation Hideaway set within a 400 acre Coffee Plantation Estate located 6 km from Sultan Battery, Wayanad which affords the adventurous soul with breathtaking views, scenic treks and un-spoilt surroundings.

Tree- houses in the foothills and verdant forests till the high ranges , quiet getaways and serene backwaters , martial arts , ancient rituals and even ayurvedic massages.

Feels great to see the original Malabar town beckoning again to come and explore the Kerala's best know secret!

Delhi food street -Hauz khas village

Delhi Intensive - Old Delhi

Hauz Khas Village -Urban Village no-1 – DELHI’S FOOD STREET

Its been 2 decades since someone had quite aptly described Hauz Khas Village  "
"Hauz Khas Village’s preferred mode of locomotion is designer bullock cart,
raising designer dust, causing designer dislocation of spine on encountering designer pothole!!! Well , designers are also the ones who put it on the world map such that its not uncommon for a curious traveller who has just descended in the capital to ask for Hauz Khas Village in the same breadth as Khan Market or Emporio.

The one big difference is that Hauz Khas village is for the youthful frolickers, creative minds, musicians and followers of the Republic of Bohemia!! With art galleries , boutiques, travel cafes such as Kunzum and special interest travel such as mine - Oasis World and several other specialists such as Wild World India and Banjara Camps each catering to their select clientele.

Its making most of the news for the food these days!
The biggest draws are  Amour ( Mediterranean ), Yeti ( Himalayan) & Out Of The Box ( a nice pub being renovated after recent Fire!) opening up again for a grand view of the monuments lake and greenery from their rooftops , and Kafe d’or ( mostly Italian) and hold your breadth --- Tango - a Latino Restaurant run by Bhuvanesh!! Smaller coffee places such as Bagel Cafe , Emma’s cafe and Flipside cafe
Already establishing themselves in the village are Gun Powder a very affordable eatery for south Indian or Peninsular non veg and with the finest lake view.
The Living Room cafe & Kitchen is one of the finest and  Mediterranean food joints in town and quite atmospheric in the evenings with some great music on most weekends.

With all other regular eateries such are Naivedyam and Park Balluchi still going strong die hard Foodies are hoping to see better days!

There is a much improved parking lot and steet lighting and unlike before most visitors can now still get a taxi or an autorickshaw driver to come here without a major  scuffle. The Metro lines being complete it is not too faraway ( 2 kms) from Green Park station

One of New Delhi's most fabulous patches of greenery surrounds Hauz Khas Village , a nice walkaway around a lake and some impressive Lodi Sayyid period monuments dot the region.Adjacent to the crowed lanes of the village another world thrives. Some very docile spotted deer roamed around quite abundantly in this lung of South Delhi being blessed with good vegetation and water bodies was a haven for the winged and feathered species ! The Island on the lake looks like a good breeding spot for waterbirds.

Thankfully not too much designer hype but still very bohemian good clothes , shawls, some decent food, gifts, jewelry, leather, art galleries, travel agencies, fashion institutes, advertising agencies, event managers but more importantly its quite quiet and laid back. Its quite stylish and has got some real wacky names and unlike a standard DDA shopping market
All in all its nice to be part of Hauz Khas village after the last two decades of rumble and tumble.Please visit and call me if you need directions.

Ramesh, 2 Hauz Khaz Village ,Ground floor New Delhi -110016,
26851454, 9810009248

The Heritage Walk of Old Delhi – Jain Mandir, Bird Hospital, Gauri Shankar Mandir, Dariba Kalan, Jama Masjid, narrow streets and alleys of the 17 cent walled city, Kinari Bazaar, Gurdwara Sis Ganj, end the walk with a mouth watering Indian cusine at Haldiram’s.

There seems to be a renewed interest in revisting our heritage . Everyone is talking about it.

Why not explore it.

The tour begins at 0800 hours except Sunday being a closed day. 
Jama Masjid, the magnificent Friday Mosque which dominates the landscape walking through a myraid of galis ( narrow lanes) in the Chandni Chowk area which is one of the busiest market area in India with spicy roadside cuisine, jewellers, retreaded tyre shops, cycle repair shops, spices, office stationery and decorations for every Indian ceremony.
Hindus, Muslims, Jains, Christians and Sikhs enjoy a symbiotic relationship for centuries. 
Their places of worship are all well worth a visit as they are living example of peaceful coexistence. However like many places in India dressing appropriately is the key and helps in bridging western and Indian cultures. 
Remember on such cultural trips to avoid exposing your limbs and covering your hair with a scarf is important in the religious places of worship; shoes and socks are to be removed. At the Jama Masjid ladies are provided with a mandatory gown to be worn over their clothes. In the Jain Temple it is always neccessary to remove leather garments and even belts.

The food is definately worth a try. Try and nibble a few kababs or even try a spicy vegetarian parantha and top it with some local sweetmeats.

Ramesh, 2 Hauz Khaz Village ,Ground floor New Delhi -110016,
26851454, 9810009248



Mehrauli Walk

Mehrauli is extremely interesting; it is Delhi’s oldest continuously inhabited locality since the 8th century. Obviously, the long history translates into a number of old buildings and structures, dating back to the close of the 12th century, and right up to the end of the British Raj. Through the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries, Mehrauli became a popular retreat for the British and the rich and powerful of Delhi: those who could afford it invariably built a mansion here where they would come now and then from north Delhi for a holiday. 

The walk begins by strolling up the easy slope to a crossroads, the Mehrauli Bus Terminal. This is a crowded and busy area, and helps being watchful of buses racing along at full speed as they move in and out of the terminal. The first of Mehrauli’s interesting buildings: the Public Library is a circular building, fringed by a verandah of pleasant arches, topped by a dome. A small, obviously colonial building, newly whitewashed and in thankfully good condition. The hillock is dominated by the Tomb of Adham Khan a general in the army of Akbar – the greatest of the Mughal Emperors. We walk up the stairs and wander into the tomb and take photographs. Like most places in India children from the neighborhood are in abundance noisy but cheerful born posers for the camera. Cross the main square opposite the tomb for the road to the Dargah.

The Dargah, is the shrine or tomb of the 13th century Sufi saint Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki, and one of Delhi’s most important centres of pilgrimage. Over the years much of the shrine has lost its original form hence we skip the details but stop by on the way to admire the impressive step well - Gandhak ki Baoli, recently cleaned by the Archaeological Survey of India. We walk on, passing two tall stone structures on either side of the lane. These formed the Naubat Khana (the drum house) to the dargah. Musicians would sit in the balcony of the drum house, and play on kettle drums to welcome visitors to the shrine. The structure on the left has been taken over by a local gurudwara . The structure on the right is more or less intact, made of good solid stone with beautifully carved oriel window supports on the sides. We continue our walk past the Naubat Khana, to the doorway of the Dargah. There are shopkeepers here selling chadars of green cloth embroidered in glittery golden tinsel; rosaries; roses; and other votive offerings. We turn right and walk on till the lane opens out into a square, with the red sandstone-and-white marble gateway of the Zafar Mahal, where the last Mughal Emperor and his beautiful queen Zeenat Mahal were kept captive before being transported to Rangoon. 

This palace has lots of intriguing features, so takes up a good bit of our time. When we emerge, turning left go up a narrow lane past two old tombs, both four-sided, somewhat conical domed roofs. One’s been turned into a grocery shop; the other appears to be a home. The lane—by now less than four feet across—slopes up slightly and joins the main road of Mehrauli Village. A man is selling raw sugar - gur in its myriad forms: large discs of orange-gold, sacks of pale yellow shakkar; heaps of brown bura powder. All of it smells gorgeously intoxicating, but with the dust of the road right there and the numerous flies, one may wonder how hygienic all of this is. Further down the road, past shops selling gaudy polyester saris aglitter with sequins and tinsel, a man is selling large bunches of brown tobacco, hung upside down from the rafters of his shop. Below stands a row of earthen chillums and gleaming hookahs and household articles and utensils.

Even though this was once the main Mehrauli-Gurgaon road, be prepared- it’s narrow: two cars coming from opposite directions can cause a traffic jam if there happens to be a hand or bullock carts not to mention a cow spawled in the middle of the road !!! all jostling for space with screeching scooters , motorbikes and vegetable carts . 

In 21st century India can technology be far behind even in medieval villages . Optic fibre is being laid in the same place local municipal crew is slogging hard with some smelly sewer work: they’re manually lifting filth out of the open drains and piling it into a deep-sided cart pulled along by a large and patient bullock. We hold our noses and race past—only to run into the mother of all traffic jams: a buffalo with a consignment of large steel pipes or bricks has spilt across the road, effectively choking half of it off with an impatient lorry driver, and pedestrians alike. 

We squeeze past, walking intrepidly through the slow moving traffic further down the road, looking at traces of old architecture: semi-circular arches, Greek columns and shuttered windows in buildings; traditional dripstones with sandstone supports in another. We go past the Jamaluddin Building—conspicuously labeled, its name and date (1940) spelt out in plaster below the ornate facade—and the Kali Prasad Haveli, a much more typically Indian mansion. 

The road opens out at the Jahaz Mahal, the boat shaped building beside which men sit selling spices: huge yellow heaps of turmeric and bright red dried chillies contrasting with the dull red and grey bulk of the building. We wander around Jahaz Mahal, admiring the carving on the pillars and braving the treacherously narrow, steep staircase to climb up onto the roof and look out over the water body - Hauz Shamsi beyond. 

It’s a long walk back to the parking lot, but its worth ending the walk at via the beautiful flower market .

Nizamuddin Visit

13^TH CENTURY SUFISM IN 21^ST CENTURY NEW DELHI

Ever wandered what Sufism is all about???

Nizamuddin like many other villages of New Delhi has an interesting medieval touch is in the heart of town not very faraway from Humayun’s Tomb and at the end of Lodi Road 

If one wanders here in the evenings one can get a feel of Sufism is "the name given to the mysticism of Islam" 

Sufism spread within a century to nations as diverse and widely separated as Persia, India, Indonesia, Syria, Egypt, Mesopotamia and North Africa. 

Sufism had succeeded in inculcating the sentiments of fraternity, equality and equity, coupled with sense of service to humanity, in the followers, irrespective of race, community, caste, creed and colour
It is founded on the pursuit of spiritual truth as a definite goal to attain. According to many scholars, it is impossible to relate Sufism to any religion outside of Islam however for centuries in India its followers had a sizeable number of Hindus and even today the shrine is revered by Hindus and Muslims alike who believe a prayer here at difficult times can do wonders..

It gets it name form Hazrat Nizamuddin the famous saint who lived here in the 13th century. His Tomb became a shrine and is headed by a Pir who is a descendant of Hazrat Nizamuddin’s sister as he himself was a celibate. The Sufis followed austere lives but that life is difficult to follow and now in modern day 21st century Delhi this practice became almost non existent and donations from visitors keep the place going. Nizamuddin is dotted with many tombs as it was considered a peaceful resting place. Amir Khusrau the famous poet, Jahanara the daughter of Emperor Shahjahan, Mughal emperor Mohamed Shah the brothers of the last Mughal Bahadur Shah Zafar all have their tombs here. 

Inayat Khan Sufi the mystic who has a good following in Europe also has a dargah here. His mother was was a descendant of Tipu Sultan family from Mysore and migrated to the west in the early 20th century and settled in Suresnes near Paris. Inayat Khan's daughter Noor-un-Nisa served with British military intelligence during the Second World War but was captured by the Nazis in France and executed at Dachau concentration camp in 1944, posthumously receiving the highest civilian wartime awards of both France (Croix de Guerre with gold star) and Great Britain (George Cross).

For those not initiated to Sufism do not be disheartened as Nizamuddin is worth a visit even for the quwwali music which is played every evening and fine mughlai cuisine in the very affordable restaurants around the village. However like most public places in India it helps to dress modestly. Carry a scarf!!!!

Ramesh, 2 Hauz Khaz Village ,Ground floor New Delhi -110016,
26851454, 9810009248

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For entry into India 
Any person, Foreigner or Indian, (excluding infants below six months) arriving by air or sea without a vaccination certificate of yellow fever will be kept in quarantine isolation for a period upto 6 days if:

1. Any Foreigner or Indian arrives in India within 6 days of departure from an infected area.
2. Any Foreigner or Indian has come on a ship which has started from or transited at any port in a yellow fever affected country within 30 days of its arrival in India provided such ship has not been disinfected in accordance with the procedure laid down by WHO.

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For further details and updated information, please visit 
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DELHI LATEST FOOD STREET Hauz Khas Village

CRITIQUES RESTAURANTS ET CAFE Hauzkhasvillage.in

TLR – The Living Room Cafe & Kitchen

Ici vous serez servis dans un cadre lounge et tendance. Des succuleux plats de poissons en passant par les hamburgers maison ou les desserts comme en Europe, vos papilles vont se régaler. Une agréable pause occidentale dans votre vie indienne. Toutefois la qualité a un prix : prévoir au minimum 500rs par personne..

BAGEL CAFE

Dans un cadre décontracté, la sympathique équipe du Bagel café vous proposera sa spécialité : les sandwichs dans du pain Bagel. Vous trouverez ici du véritable cheddar ou encore du saumon fumé. Et on ne vous parle pas des desserts ! A recommander pour une pause déjeuner avant une balade dans le parc.. Prix à partir de 200rs par personne.

KUNZUM

Inimitable café a Hauz Khas village ! Ce concept de café destin é aux voyageurs voulant échanger autour d un café ou laisser leurs impressions sur un des nombreux carnets de voyages est séduisant. Dans un cadre cosy, vous vous préparez vous-même votre café, profiter du wifi pour montrer votre blog a vos nouveaux compagnons et laissez un mot sur votre dernier voyage pour donner un tuyau au prochain baroudeur qui lira ce carnet ! Si le concept du tout gratuit est super, n oubliez pas de laisser quelque chose car sans cela un lieu aussi magique est pratique ne pourrait pas exister ! A voir absolument !

YETI

Dans un cadre traditionnel, cet oasis de calme vous permettra de souffler un peu du bruit des rues de Delhi. Découvrez leurs plats traditionnels allant des Momos, succulents raviolis, en passant par les Combos , idéaux pour avoir un aperçu général de la cuisine Nepalais et Tibétaine le tout servi par un personnel très a l’écoute et en costume traditionnel. A essayer!

NAIVEDYAM

Ce très bon restaurant spécialisé de la cuisine de l’Inde du sud est souvent complet le soir donc pensez à réserver ! L’utilisation d’épices moins piquants que ceux de la cuisine de l’Inde du Nord permettront aux estomacs fragiles de se reposer. Vous serez accueillis avec une petite soupe de bienvenue qui vous ouvrira l’appétit. Essayez donc leurs très bon Dosas vous ne serez pas déçus. Très beau cadre et prix plus que raisonnables (comptez 200rs pour un repas complet).

PARK BALLUCHI

Le Park Balluchi, dépasse les autres restaurants de part sa taille et son environnements feuillus.

Son menu est principalement non végétarien et offre une cuisine d’Inde du nord. Il sert non seulement la cuisine d’Hyderabad, d'Awadh et du Punjab mais également des plats végétariens et non végétariens du Cachemire et de la frontière du nord-ouest dans un style purement Balluchi. Une large variété de mise en bouche et de plats principaux non-végétariens sont servis sans compter de nombreux pains indiens (nans entre autre).

Ce restaurant propose également une série de bons vins et spiritueux. Vous pourrez aussi le privatiser lors des soirées a thèmes puisqu’il peut accueillir jusqu'à 200 personnes grâce a un système de buffet et un espace en extérieur.

Ce restaurant est aussi bien adaptes aux grands groupes qu’aux couples a le recherche d’un diner romantique ainsi qu’aux familles.

Comme vous devez entrer dans le parc du village pour y accéder, les voitures sont gardes a bonne distance et vous effectuerez une petite promenade dans le secteur boisé avant de vous restaurer. Pour ceux ayant du temps ou des enfants pleins d’énergie, venez tôt faire un tour dans le parc, observez quelques cerfs communs, lapins et paons curieux, afin de vous ouvrir l’appétit puis restaurez-vous dans cet endroit où la nourriture est véritablement délicieuse ! ! !

GUNPOWDER

Certainement un des restaurants avec une des plus belles vues de Delhi. Situe a une centaine de mètres du parking a l‘entrée du village, ce restaurant se trouve au 4eme étage d’un vieil immeuble avec une vue imprenable. Il s’est vu décerné le Prix du Times Food en qualité de meilleur restaurant de cuisine de l’Inde du Sud non-végétarien. Ainsi pour tous ceux qui pensaient que la cuisine d’Inde du Sud était uniquement végétarienne avec les Dosas, Idlis et Sambhar, voila un endroit a essayer !

Pourquoi le nom de Gun powder? Pas uniquement car ils servent cette sauce épicée! En effet ils proposent également du Porc aux épices, du chamois, du poisson au curry, de l’appam et du stews typiques du Kerala et du Chettinad, ainsi que des plats de l’Andhra pour tous les gouts. Ils proposent également de bons curry végétariens avec du pumkin (ma mère ne croira jamais que je viens de dire ca !).

Les fumeurs profiteront du beau balcon pour admirer la vue!

Ouverts tous les jours à l’exception du lundi.

A ce moment Hauz Khas Village est vraiment "Food Street" pour nous!

Chaque fois que je sors de mon bureau à Hauz Khas village, je vois un panneau nouvelles d'une nouvelle cuisine pour frapper. L'estomac de Ferozshah Tughlak doit être barattage dans sa tombe. Nous avons maintenant un Salon de Thé d’Elma ( Tres Anglais!!!) a commencé par le proprietaire de The Living Room . Golconda Bowl pour les amateurs de la nouriture Hyderabadi. Deux places avec terrace sur le toit - Amour pour la vie dure Italienne et Out Of The Box apportant dans le village notre deuxième pub pour faire la fête avec des amis dans le soir. Attendez! la liste n'est pas terminée, nous avons "Dabbang bombe" Sonakshi Sinha et son partenaire avec Kafe'd'Or sur la rue principale avec de la nourriture de style européen mais comme d'habitude l'attente d'une licence de bar. Alors mesdames et monsieurs qui est la rue marche ancien a Delhi avec 10 retaurants dans 150 metres à Delhi? Oui mes amis sans doute s'est Hauz Khas Village!!!!

CONTACTEZ NOUS : RAMESH 9810009248

KANNUR ; THE ORIGINAL MALABARI - YOUR MOMENT HAS COME

KANNUR ; THE ORIGINAL MALABARI - YOUR MOMENT HAS COME

Its been over 4 decades that I keep travelling to my hometown in the heart of Malabar in North Kerala. It was notorious for producing Chief Ministers who abandon it once they reach the capital Trivandrum. 
My mother Girija hails from the prominent Nair Tharavad of Kambiam Vallapil tucked away in Cherukunnu village close to the Someshwari temple and not too faraway from Annapoorneshwari temple. Since we are a martriarchal society our childhood memories of our clan revolve around this huge Tharavad in Cherukunnu. My father Narayanan Nambiar hails from another such family Kuttiat Othayath of lesser grandeur of Mundyad village near Chova enrouite the upcoming Kannur airport. Thankfully education, marxism, land ceiling laws in Kerala and India's rapid progress put an end to those feudal times and during the lifetimes of our grandparents itself we lost all our land and wealth and were plunged into relative poverty. Nairs, Nambiars, Menons who are common surnames in our clan are hardly the dominant players in politics, business and bureaucracy of Kerala or the Kannur region.Now the positive side of its hidden treasures…………………

Tucked far away from the madding crowd, lies Kannur, the most enchanting district of North Kerala.The scene is breath taking. The Lakshadweep Sea washes the sands of sugary beaches laced with rows of geen coconut palms. Some of the beaches of this Moppilla bay are even drivable. Long rivers break into silvery spray and merge into the blue green waters of the Sea. Kannur is a land with a resonant past. Myths and legends abound..

Kannur district derived its name from the location of its headquarters at Kannur town.The old name 'Cannanore' is the anglicised form of the Malayalam word Kannur. According to one opinion, 'Kannur' is a derivation from Kanathur, an ancient village, the name of which survives even today in one of the wards of Kannur Municipality. Another version is that Kannur might have assumed its name from one of the , deities of the Hindu pantheon, a compound of two words, Kannan (Lord Krishna) and Ur (place)making it the place of Lord Krishna. In this context, it is worth mentioning that the deity of the Katalayi Sreekrishna temple was originally installed in a shrine at Katalayi Kotta in the south eastern part of the present Kannur town.

The ships of Solomon, they say: anchored along our coasts to collect timber for building the 'Temple of the Lord '. Kannur finds a mention as NAURA in the 'Periplus of the Erithrean Sea' a Greek work of great antiquity. For Long, local Rajas held sway over the land.The Kolathiris were based at Chirakkal.The Pazassi Raja ruled from Kottayam in Tellucherry taluk. The Beebi (Queen) of Arakkal, Kerala"s only Muslim royal family controlled parts of the coast and even the Laccadive Islands'The quest for spices lured several European powers to this land.The advent of the Portuguese ( 1498) marked the beginning. They were followed by the Dutch and the English. Fortifications at Tellicheriy and the Fort St. Angelo attest to their arrival while Mahe closeby was controlled by the French and the policemen today continue to wear the typical hat of the gendarme!!

The Malabar region in Kerala was once a British principality of India with more allegiance to Madras and Mysore than to Travancore and the region was divided to form the northern part of what is today called Kerala.

Though Malabar has no geographical boundaries, no presence on a map of India, it is a word known the world over as a state of mind: laid-back, slow, to live and let live.

Start you journey from the North of Kerala ideally from Neeleshwar Hermitage.

Set in twelve acres this fine beach hotel sits on the unspoilt beach offering 12 cottages beautifully decorated with hand made furniture and other artifacts. Apart from the beach which is safe for swimming the resort has a beautiful swimming pool overlooking the sea.

This is a part of Kerala where the everyday, the exotic and the esoteric merge quite seamlessly and gives one a feeling of timelessness.

During your visit in winter one must try and watch a Theyyam ceremony .Theyyam is a popular Hindu ritual form of worship in and around Kannur As a living cult with several thousand-year-old traditions, rituals and customs, it embraces almost all the castes and classes of the Hindu religion in this region. The Theyam ceremony of our family is very interesting and the central character is the wise old bard Thondachan. The performers of Theyyam belong to the indigenous tribal community and is unique, since only in Kerala, do both upper and lower castes share an important position in a major form of worship.

Ayesha Manzil is a beautiful, old colonial style mansion overlooking the Arabian sea . Its present owner the charismatic Mr Moosa and his charming wife Ayesha are the soul of Malabar.They produce the finest of cuisine in the local Malabar flavour like no other. The bungalow was built in 1862 by Murdoch Brown , an Englishman who set up a 300 acre Cinnamon plantation, 10 kms away from this house, which still exists and is the only one of it's kind in the country.

Driving eastward into hill country one comes to Wayanad where Tranquil Resort is a Plantation Hideaway set within a 400 acre Coffee Plantation Estate located 6 km from Sultan Battery, Wayanad which affords the adventurous soul with breathtaking views, scenic treks and un-spoilt surroundings. Guests are welcome to view the inner workings of the functional coffee estate, right from the planting and harvesting until the final drying of the cherries and also the cultivation and curing of the world famous vanilla bean.

Tree- houses in the foothills and verdant forests till the high ranges , quiet getaways and serene backwaters , martial arts , ancient rituals and even ayurvedic massages .. come and explore the Keralas best know secret Malabar……….