Kochi Metro in its complete sense – Skywalk at Vytilla Junction!

There is awesome news for all the Gallans out there!!! With a view to tackle the traffic congestion and to help the pedestrians in the city, a skywalk is planned to be erected at the Vyttila junction, which will also be the first of its kind in Kerala. The city authorities have got approval from the State Road Safety Council will implement the project in consultation with the National Highway Authority of India. Rs.6crore is allotted to the authorities for the completion of the project. A flyover will also be constructed as a part of the project.

 

Design layout of the proposed sky-walk at Vytilla junction

This Gallan hears that the skywalk will feature hotels, shopping malls, ATM's etc. The skywalk will also provide a picturesque view of the city. It is also learned that similar skywalks are planned to be constructed at Kacheripady and Kaloor Junctions. :O

This can be seen as a major move to transform Kochi into a metro and step up the infrastructure facilities in the city. Yet another reason for us Gallans to take pride in being Kochites

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JT Pac Kochi to stage ‘Chanakya’

JT Pac to stage 'Chanakya' (Hindi play) on Sunday, 11 September 2011. Staged by Manoj Joshi Creations, this powerful play depicts the single-handed effort of one man at unifying squabbling kingdoms to create a one gigantic force called Bharat. Also dealt with in detail is the story of Chandragupta, who went from being a timid prey to establish the eminent Mauryan clan under the able guidance of Chanakya.

As the story weaves itself around Chanakya's attempt to outlive internal discord among kingdoms, external threats, polluted politics, and despicable corruption of public servants, one is left wondering how less the situation has changed to this day – what with politicians and leaders pursuing their personal agenda over citizens' welfare and problems with unrest within and outside the country.

Originally written in Gujarati, the play was later translated to Hindi to gain a wider reach with its underlying message of the power of unity to inspire change. Directed by the popular Bollywood actor Manoj Joshi, "Chanakya" has already completed 400 successful shows in India and is now set to go international!

Details:

Play name : Chanakya

Director : Manoj Joshi

Written by: Mihir Bhuta

Producer: Mayur Barot & Charu Joshi

Venue : JT Pac, Tripunithura, Kochi.

Time &  Date : 7:00 PM on 11 September, 2011.

For more details and to book tickets, log on to  : www.jtpac.org

Book

your tickets soon. 

 

There is No Onam without Avial!!

The title says it all…This Onam, we Gallans are up for a treat from our favourite band Avial. The festive season in Kochi just got levitated to the next level with the introduction of the "Aana Kallans" to kochi.

 

For Onam, traditionally every home in town will be the place for the sadya and avial would be the star on the menu. We are keeping to the tradition at Kochi and we have Avial to make our lives Happy here! On September 11th at the Marine drive Kochi get ready for the greatest treat of this year. The best part is that the performance is free! Never thought this Onam could be this much fun? Yes its just become one overwhelming Onam , so get all your friends for the show and have a blast at the musical fiesta.

More details to follow!

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We call Kochi home, we call Kochi, the most electrifying place to be in the state, but do we really mean those words we boast about our place? Have we ever thought of contributing in some way to make our home place a better place? This is your chance!

 

The Fort Kochi beach has been listed on a number of lists among the top tourist destinations of the world, we have visitors from across the world coming to Fort Kochi every year, but the most embarrassing scene for any one is the Fort Kochi beach. The beach is seen littered with all kinds of garbageand not to mention the sea weeds.

This Saturday , September 10th 2011,  is the time  for waves and sands at the Fort Kochi beach. This is nothing but the coming together of people who wish to make the Fort Kochi beach clean! If you feel the need to make this place "God's own country" , then do join the cause have fun with like minded people and walk away with that sense of achievement of giving something towards the very place we call home!

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Tackling e-waste: CREDAI clean city movement!

Waste management is a number one problem for any developing city and our battle with the waste management menace is as famous as tintumon jokes! A totaly new level of waste management problems will arise from the e waste generated from the city. Unlike the household waste the e-waste needs scientific handling and recycling as it is harmful and a lack of effective e- waste disposal will lead to many health problems.

The confederation of Real Estate Developers of India, Kochi is now taking steps towards a better e-waste management system in town. The CREDAI is planning to

establish e-waste collection centers and also set up centres for purchase of e-waste from the public. The proposal submitted to the Kochi corporation includes sorting of waste at source, recylcing of materials and handling of hazardous waste. The proposal is expected to come up in the next council meeting of the Kochi corporation.

The Credai and the Kochi corporation had come together in installing a plastic shredding unit at Ravipuram, this was the first public- private joint model for waste management in the state. It is during this project that the Credai noticed the e-waste handling problems of the residents. Thus the Credai reached an agreement with Earth Sense Recycles Pvt Ltd for the collection and disposal of e-waste . The Earth Sense Recycles will collect and store the waste at its godown at Kanjikode , Palakkad, the company will also pay a sum for the recyclable materials.

The credai mission for a clean Kochi also sees to it that the roads and drains of the city are clean and beautification works are also carried out. This is a noble step taken up by the Credai Kochi and this Gallan can already envisage a smarter kochi with Credai!

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Rent-a-Bicycle : Kochi gets some new wheels !

It's been quite a while since this Gallan last streaked around the city with a bicycle, but if the recently introduced Athi's Bicycle Club is even as half as good as it looks to be, you'll be seeing a lot more bicycles around the city!

This daring venture has no precedent in the country, and is drawing as many skeptical raised eyebrows as it is enthused and delighted cyclists. Their mission, as stated, is "To promote bicycling as a sustainable mode of transportation by establishing a cross-city bicycling club and introducing a linear, integrated and flexible mode of bicycling." Quite a mouthful, but what it comes down to is this: Once registered as a member, you can pick up a bicycle at any of the existing racks across this city and others in the state and deposit it at any other rack after use, for the rate of Rs.2/hour. You don't have to worry about maintenance, since the bicycles are constantly maintained. There are happy hours from 9 PM to 6 Am as well, during which usage is free! Quite appealing indeed, even to the hesitant novice cyclist.

Once this catches on, this should provide a welcome relief from the traffic and pollution issues that have been plaguing this city for years now. The Club, unsurprisingly, is not just introducing one innovation, but many. Custom high density parking racks, ATM like features of using a bicycle, GPRS features, ad space on bicycles, etcetera.. It also appeals to government bodies and other organizations to promote a bicycle friendly attitude without resorting to unreasonable demands such as dedicated tracks.

Membership to the club is absolutely FREE !!! All contact is done via cell phones and an innovative tracking software which uses individual lock IDs and tracking numbers. They even maintain a record of the distance travelled by you, which is sure to come in handy to the exercise enthusiasts. Such a system is based on trust and understanding, naturally, so heavy fines are levied for misuse to discourage those trying to abuse or exploit the system.

As ABC is a cell-phone based bicycle sharing system, its always essential to know the cell-number associated with it, and that is 96455 11155.  For the Gallans who want to know more and would wish to give it a shot, other major details of the ABC have been given below… Hope to ride with you soon!

How to join the club?

As the membership is free, there should not be anything that keeps you away from it. And for registering, you just have to SMS your full name, address, profession and a valid land-line number (or mob number of any relative with name) to the above said cell number. Bicycles are locked with number locks and its opening codes are sms'ed to club members. ABC doesn't have an office as such, its a network of cyclists, dealers and cycle mechanics.

Age Restriction: Membership restricted. Minimum age should be 17 to join the club.

This 24 x 7 service has bicycle racks kept all over the city. You can take a bike from any rack and return to any rack, not necessarily to the same one.

Racks directory of ABC in Kochi city:

- At Palarivattom, behind Kakkanad bus stop

- Kaloor Kadavanthra road

- North railway station entry

- Kacherippady junctionn

- High court, near Joy Alukkas wedding centre

- Menaka, opposite to Pioneer Towers

- Padma junction,

- KSRTC bus stand

- South – opposite railway station

- Panampilly nagar, opposite Manorama building

- Thevara junction

- Kadavanthra bus stop

- Vytilla north, auto stand

For more details, visit www.athirup.com

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Railway ticket counter at Kakkanad !

Its a hap-hap-happy news for all the Gallans out there.. The Southern Railways are gonna open a railway ticket counter at the Kakkanad Civil Station ! That means life is going to be more easy for a lot of  Gallans who belong to that part of the city or to its vicinity.

The new counter will be inaugurated on 30 July 2011, that is, hardly a few more days after. Public Works Department has been handed over with the duty of materialising the project. All the major services like ticket reservation, online ticketing facilities and season ticket booking will be available at this upcoming counter. And like every other rail ticket reservation counters in the country, this one will also function from 8 AM till 6 PM everyday.

Now, if you think that its a good initiative by the Railways Department, and again if you think that its a good job done by this Gallan in letting you Gallans know about it, you may please share this post with your fellow mates.

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Sree Krishna Inn – An other homely veg experience

As somebody who eats absolutely anything on a plate, this Gallan has got to tell you pretty much about the Sree Krishna Inn at Warriam Road. But before that, if anyone of you reading this haven't been to this place yet, please don't wait to finish, please start off to there, have enough of what all you wish to, return, continue reading and then find if whatever told here is true and genuine.

Talking about the place.. Perfectly placed within the city. Design of this house converted restaurant is as inviting as the people inside of it. A true heaven for all the veg lovers. Infact, a heaven for the all as this Gallan, who is not a vegetarian, did love the food there!

Dosas, chaat varieties, north Indian.. The Sree Krishna Inn has a big list of varieties to offer. Of which, the dosas and chaat items would belong to the 'must try'category. No much idea about the North-Indian offerings. Must be good, but their 'alu-paratha'  wasn't much good though.

There are two unique things that are to be noted at this place.. First would be its interiors and the second is the music played there. They have made it a point to keep the homely feel live by arranging some good old furniture sets inside and some beautiful Hinduism themed paintings. The interiors give a soothing feel to ones mood. Instrumental symphonies of classic movie songs played in the background adds to it. A perfect hangout in all sorts. You can feed yourself well, both your tummy and mind.

The 'Pros' of this place would be its great ambiance, tasty and healthy food and good number of options to choose from. Its just the pricing that could be put under 'Cons' tag. But this Gallan can guarantee that the total experience is worth the money spent there at Sree Krishna.

And if you are this kind of a Gallan who feels "It doesn't matter to me even if they serve veg food.. As long as the food is good.", the this place is a must try for you. Stopping for now. " THIS FOOD….. IS GREAT!".

Address:

Warriom Road, Near to Jos Junction (M G Road)

Ph: 0484 2366664

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SALE SALE SALE – Kochi Tuskers Kerala up for grabs ? :O

Less than a season after the team's debut, the owners of our city's beloved IPL team, the Kochi Tuskers, are looking to offload their stakes in the team. They are currently in talks with potential buyers. While it is still a shadowy matter, one of the sources in the team revealed that "As per IPL economics, each franchise should be ready to take into their stride losses of around 1-1.3 billion annually for the first four to five years. This can be quite taxing for the present shareholders." We'd imagine so, as 1-1.3 billion translates to a mind boggling one hundred to one hundred and thirty crores… annually. The majority of the stocks are currently held by the Anchor Group and Parinee builders, two Indian corporate companies.

For a low profile team that's only got one season under their belts, they haven't performed too badly; finishing eighth in the final rankings. Other issues have plagued them, though including the now defunct plan to build them a new home stadium and a row between the franchise owners and the muncipal authorities at the Kaloor Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

The team has attempted to solve the issue via legal redressal, requesting a 25% reduction in fees in exchange for a similar reduction in the number of matches played by the team. The franchise owners are working on it in their own way, as a source in the Anchor Group hinted that the team might explore the possibility of playing exhibhition matches abroad – which could be indeed quite profitable given the team's huge fan following among the NRI community.

Aah.. Would this be the sign of 'beginning of the end' to Kochi's IPL dreams..? Lets wait and watch.. Aint it, Gallans?

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Samagra Yoga: A Better Way to Live

This Gallan's been planning to work on getting into shape for a while now, and decided the time was ripe to get started. And what better way to do it than yoga? There are quite a few yoga centres in Kochi, but one stands out in its holistic approach to the science. Samagra Yoga Centre, founded December 15th 2010 by G. Devan, Jaiji V.G., Sugandhi P.V., Dr. Rashmi Pradeep and Advocate Ashok Kumar, is unique in several ways. Firstly, it is a non-profit organization, fueled by its founders' passion for yoga. Not only does it offer extremely flexible timings, which allows clients to make appointments at desired times, but it also tries to ensure that yoga as a way of life benefits the client. It is a means to improve and uplift his or her life by enhancing the body, mind, psyche and spirit instead of simply being a way to stay in shape. When practised and taught in this way, the sessions here become less of a drudging chore and increasingly something to look forward to each day. It is also reputed for being the only yoga centre with an authentic instructor in the ever-popular Transcendental Meditation (TM).

While the benefits of yoga and meditation are acknowledged universally, many are still unaware of its lesser known advantages. Not only does it dramatically improve personality and allow you to maintain a calm and serene outlook on life, it also improves the condition of those suffering from asthma, diabetes, cholesterol, BP and other ailments. A previous customer, Casey says: "I was one of the first people to join when they started the yoga centre. I had just undergone a rigorous treatment in ayurveda but wanted something more to deal with my backache. They gave me individual sessions and ensured that the classes were tailored to suit my needs. I regularly practice yoga now and am thankful to Samagra Yoga Centre and the instructors there. "

The centre offers numerous courses other than the standard yoga course. This includes Reiki, Counseling, Dietary advice, Yoga therapy, Transcendental Meditation and Spiritual Retreats. So don't wait for tomorrow to change the way you live your life – embrace a life of yoga today!

Contact Information:

Samagra Yoga Centre,

Lourde Hospital Road,

Pachalam, Kochi-12

Ph: 0484 4038427

Mob: 7736596155

E-mail: samagra_yoga@yahoo.in

Web: www.samagrayogaindia.com*

*site under construction, got to know that it will be up soon.

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Sunny & Rosie – The Darts Champions

Sunny Paul and Rosie Sam won the Men and Women category of the District Open Darts Tournament, 2011 held at Cochin Club, Church Road, Fort Kochi on Sunday, 3 July. The event was organised by the Cochin Club in association with the All Kerala Darts Association. Shahul Hameed and Samor K. Joseph came 2^nd and 3^rd in the men's event while Asha N. Kamath and Inderpreet Kaur came 2^nd and 3^rd in the women's event.

Samor K. Joseph beat Daniel F. Kiem in the finals and Tushar Kapoor bagged the third position in the Junior Under 18 years category. Antonio Louis and Sukhpreet Singh took the 1^st and 2^nd positions in the Under 10 category using magnetic darts and board.

Team Sam Academy conducted a Darts Training camp for the 23 participants and the Kerala Team preparing for the Nationals. Namadeva Prabhu, the 1^st All Kerala Darts champion gave away the prizes to the winners. Congrats to the winners and specially to all the participants,

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‘Bons Tempos’ – The latest party brand in Kochi by The Gateway Hotel

The Gateway Hotel (previously Taj Residency) doesn't want to be left out with the party scene in Kochi. Specially, when the other biggies in the town like Ramada Resorts and Dream Hotel are coming up with branded parties… As thus comes yet another blessing for all the party-freak Gallans, the "Bons Tempos" days from The Gateway Hotel !

Bons Tempos is planned to reamain as a season of parties, with afternoon DJ Party on every Friday and High Energy Events on Saturdays at the 'Harbour View' Bar space of the Gateway

…And for the Gallans out there wondering what exactly the name 'Bons Tempos' mean.. It simply means "Good Tempos".. Thanks to Google Translate.

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District Open Darts Tournament & Darts Coaching Camp

A Darts Coaching Camp and a District Open Darts Tournament, 2011 will be held at Cochin Club, Church Road, Fort Kochi. The Camp and Tournament will be for Men, Women and Juniors Under 18 years on Sunday, 3 July, 2011.  For kids from 5 to 9 years or 4^th standard school children or below the event will be using MAGNETIC Dart board and Darts for ensuring safety.

Entry fees is Rs.50/- and the tournament will commence from 11 A M.

The event is being organised by the Cochin Club in association with the All Kerala Darts Association. For details call 98953 83783.

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The Taste of Kochi a.k.a Kayees Biriyani !

One and only answer to the question "What could be tagged as the Taste of Kochi? ". For it has won the likes of generations, and will keep doing the same. Yes, its about the Kayees Biriyani that this Gallan is talking about, undoubtedly.

There are quite a lot of eat-outs in Kochi that has a five star rating given by the Gallans, like the Pai Dosas and Rappai's Fast Food. But Kayees Biriyani should be the only one rated '10 on 10′ among those. When talking about Kayees, this Gallan needs to be specific. As to, which restaurant of theirs is being talked about. This time, its about the Kayees Hotel at Durbar Hall Ground Road.

The overall experience was very good. Was welcomed in by a young man, who also helped this Gallan to find a place of his liking. The orders were taken right away and was asked to wait for a short while. The aroma of the mutton biriyani that they bought for itself made this Gallan feel that the wait wasn't a waste.. Yummm… The biriyani was so tasty that, once after starting to eat it, this Gallan couldn't even realise that the waiter was still standing near to know if he had to bring hot water or cold one. Awesome tasty, mesmerizing aroma and an Exotic biriyani altogether!

Being bowled over by the taste of their first serving, this Gallan decide to try their chicken variant too. It was yet another praise deserving decision, and it doubled the joy, at an extra cost of Rs.95/-. And the mutton biriyani came for Rs.105/-. The yummy dates' pickle is a unique offering from Kayees. You gotta ask for it, if at all they din't serve it. And yeaah.. a bit costlier when compared with the other hotels in town. But again.. you won't get to eat the Kayees biriyani elsewhere..

One can always find every kind of crowd at the Kayees. Be it family groups, gang of youngsters, aged couples (and young too ;)), business people, celebrities and every other kind of crowd category… Its the Kayees' ambiance that makes it possible. But make sure you reach there either after 11:30 AM and before 2:00 PM OR after 6:00 and before 10:00 in the evening, if you really don't wanna get disappointed.

The first Kayees Hotel was set up at New Road, Mattancherry, and its still there, beholding all the power and prestige. This place is, for sure, the ultimate. But the one that this Gallan spoke about isn't anywhere behind. Need to say that it may be a bit better than the Mattancherry one, with respect to the quality of biriyani rice used. Both the places are infact a must try. This Gallan recommends.

Location:

Durbar Hall Road, Near Jos Junction (M G Road), Kochi

Phone: 0484 2354321, 048406584321

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SENSATION PER PARTY – DJ Night in Kochi

Setting trends is meant only for the talented. Introducing the new trend in town, "SENSATION PER PARTY" by Team Sensation…

When? From 7:00 PM on Saturday, July 9  to 12:30 AM on July 10 (2011)

Where? Nyle Plaza Hotel, Vytilla, Kochi.

FREE entry for couples and ladies !

For more details, call : 09995222367

The TEAM SENSATION Story:

'TEAM SENSATION' is a DJ band formed by DJ ArEz and DJ Jeff Netto in link with SAMBAS KOCHI. The idea behind is to connect Electronic music with Indian and Western Music. TEAM SENSATION will perform with Other artist of Classic and Western. Trying to create a combo of feelings, emotions, and groove at the same time. TEAM SENSATION is now fully loaded as a band and as a group to make people groove and dance.

TEAM SENSATION is the fruit of a long dream. As friends, DJ ArEz and DJ Jeff Netto started thinking about this from 2008. They could not proceed because of their studies. Then ArEz started remixing BOLLYWOOD numbers. His second Album, 'EVER GREEN @ TURNTABLE' came out to be a hit in he country and achieved a whooping 2000 plus downloads. That was the turning point. As a art of long search,DJ ArEz and DJ Jeff Netto Together made the group. And the name was suggested by 'SAMBAS KOCHI'. And that was the beginning.

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DHUN – A Musical evening with Talat Aziz at JTPAC

Enjoy romance in the rains at JT Pac with Talat Aziz. This Gazal maestro who completed his 25 Years Silver Anniversary with the launch of a special audio and video album in 2004, is now ready to enchant Kochi'tes with his voice and Gazals at the Jose Thomas Performing Arts Center (JT Pac). The ghazal maestro will take you on a nostalgic trip down memory lane with his soulful music on Sunday, 3 July 2011 at 7pm.

For reservations and bookings, contact on 09349528057/09349528107 or log on to www.jtpac.org

More about Talat Aziz:

Talat Aziz took his initial training from Kirana Gharana, formed by Abdul Karim Khan Saheb. Talat was trained primarily by Ustad Samad Khan and later by Ustad Fayaz Ahmed who were great musicians of repute. And for his ghazal training he became a disciple of Mehdi Hassan in 1978. With the help of Jagjit Singh he released his first album in 1979, Jagjit Singh Presents Talat Aziz. Talat also sang some ghazals in films like Umrao Jaan and Bazaar, which were super-hit. Talat released many albums like Jagjit Singh presents Talat Aziz, Talat Aziz live,Images A team Come True Lehren, Ehsaas, Suroor, Saughaat,Tasavvur , Manzil, Storms, Dhadkan, Shahkaar, Mehboob,Khubsoorat,Irshaad, Khushnuma, to name a few with his latest offering in 2009 Caravan e Ghazal in which Sonu Niigaam also participated in a duet 'Qurbaton mein bhi' a ghazal written by Ahmed Faraaz. He is equally versatile while singing a popular sufi number like "Damadam mast Kalandar" or the soul stirring rendition of "Aaina Mujhse Meri" from the film Daddy. Talat Aziz has been singing in concerts for over three decades and has traveled the globe with his sell out performances. His live performances draw enthusiastic audiences all over the world. He completed his 25 Years Silver Anniversary with the launch of a special audio and video album in 2004 at the NCPA Mumbai.

Content Courtesy: www.jtpac.org

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Namdev and Nimmy champions of the First All Kerala Darts Championship

The First All Kerala Darts Championship was held by Team Sam and Cochin Club at Cochin Club, Church Road, Fort Kochi on Sunday, 26 June 2011. Rieko Kitahara, a Japanese dart player and executive in the IHI company at Vallarpadam inaugurated the championship and demonstrated throwing techniques for the benefit of the participants.

In the Men's category Namdev Prabhu defeated P.S. Giridhar in a closely fought final to win the title and secure a place in the Kerala Team for the Nationals to be held in Hyderabad from 5 to 7 July. Manish Bafna came in third place.

Inderpreet Kaur (Nimmy) won the Women's title defeating Asha Kamath. Samor Joseph took the Junior Under 18 years trophy overcoming a 40 point lead by Sukhpreet S.  Partheshwar Sharma took the third place. Nimmy got a double title as she won the Under 15 title beating Sukhpreet.

The game was played on the single leg 301 points to zero format mainly and limiting the ending to three busts with the final bust (crossing 301 points) recorded due to lack of time.

Meanwhile, Team Sam has promised to come up with more Darts tournaments in future. An Ernakulam District Darts Championship is also scheduled to be in August. Good times ahead.

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Rappai’s – The Fast Food pride of Kochi reviewed

This Gallan is damn sure that 9 out of 10 Gallans reading this would already know about this place… But being an identity aspect of Kochi, this Gallan can't resist to write about this not so big hole-in-the wall outfit, that has grown into one of the biggest institutions in the city. Yes, this Gallan is talking about the Rappai's fast Food at Palarivattom.

The very first thing that comes to the mind of this Gallan when he hears about Rappai's is the 'Bademiya' Kebab centre in Mumbai. The 'Rappais' has won similar kind of acceptance as that of the Mumbai 'Bademiya'. Both are small set-ups, but, at the same time, big brands. People of all class come down to these places whenever they feel like treating their taste buds.

The taste of food served at 'Rappais' has traveled miles. Named after the food monster of Kerala, Mr. Rappai a.k.a 'Theeta Rappai' (eating Rappai), this place is not just famous in the city, but in the entire state. This Gallan has many friends from other districts who always makes it a point to eat from Rappai's whenever they visit Kochi. And talking about Mr.Rappai, unfortunately who is no more now… He was this person who could have 750 'idlis' or 25 Kg. of 'halwa' or drink 25 litres of 'pal-payasam' at one go… and still say "I'm hungry"..

Have any item from the 'Rappais' menu, it would definitely not disappoint you. But their most famous combination is the 'Porotta-chicken Fry'. Yummmm…. The beef varieties and 'dosas' are also a recommended combo. as said before, there is nothing to worry about taste when its Rappai's.

A common dislike factor about this place as felt by many is that the food is greasy. This Gallan has a question here..  Are they the only people serving greasy food? Even places like KFC serves greasy chicken, right? Din't find anything wrong with it, as far as there is some taste.

At the remaining 1 out of 10 who haven't been to the Rappai's yet.. " Shame shame.. Puppy shame"

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A smart route map for Kochi Metro Rail

The dream IT project of Kochi, the Smart City, may soon get metro rail connectivity. The state government has decided to extend the alignment of Kochi Metro Rail to the proposed Smart City site.

The authorities will soon start the study for foxing the alignment for the new route. "We have decided to extend the alignment. It will be fixed without much delay," said Minister Aryadan Mohammed who is in charge of the Railways in the state.

According to the existing plan, the metro rail starting from Nedumbassery will end at Petta in Tripunithura. The authorities are exploring the possibilities of two routes. The first proposal is to extend the metro rail line to InfoPark at Kakkanad from Petta. The second option is to provide a connecting line from Petta to Kalamassery so that the trains will run in a circular route around the city. "We have to conduct studies about extending the project to Kakkanad. The study will start after getting the directive from the state government," an official with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation said.


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Kerala Chief Minister:No need for anxiety with regard to Kochi Metro project

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy today said there was no need for any anxiety with regard to land acquisition for the much delayed Kochi Metro Rail project, which is now estimated to cost about Rs 5000 crore. The land acquisition process has to be completed within six months. The government would be formulating a new land acquisition policy keeping in mind the hardships of those who were forced to surrender their land at Moolampally, he said.

Those giving land for development projects would be entitled to various concessions and would also get market value for their land, Chandy said addressing a high level meeting of ministers, MLAs and businessmen on the Kochi Metro Rail project. The Kochi metro would be a transparent project and all information would be available on the website. Within a month, an office of the project would be opened here, he said. The government had set apart Rs 25 crore for widening of the Thammanam-Pullepady road, which would be used to divert traffic once the North overbridge, the busiest in Kochi, is widened.

Union minister K V Thomas, state minsiters-- Aryadan Mohammed, K Babu, T M Jacob, V K Ibrahim Kunju, MLAs, MPs and Kochi Mayor Toni Chammany were among those who participated in the meeting. Electricity minister, Aryadan Mohammed said government's wish was to complete the project within 4 years once it gets clearance. According to estimates, the project cost could touch Rs 5000 crore, he said. Railway officials also took part in the meeting. The Kochi Metro, to be based on the Chennai model, is being planned to run between a 26 km stretch from Aluva to Tripunithura and is expected to ease traffic woes in the state's

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“You could be the face of the town” with Lawrence & Mayo

Here is yet another chance for Kochi'tes to be an icon of the limelight. 'Lawrence & Mayo', biggies in eye care industry, brings  for you the "You could be the face of the town" event for the young and aspiring dudes and dudettes of the city.

Finalist of the event will get an opportunity to model for a print ad campaign for 'Lawrence & Mayo'. Also, an opportunity to walk the ramp with leading models during an event in July hosted by Lawrence & Mayo ! Now you've got one more reason to not hide yourself.

Last Date for Registration: 6 July 2011.

For registrations, visit : www.facebook.com/popcornevents

Contact Detail: 0484-6060630, 9809047786

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First All Kerala Darts Championship in Kochi !

The Team Sam-Cochin Club Darts Championship, which is going to be the first of its kind in the state, will be held at Cochin Club (Church Road, Fort Kochi). The tournament will be for Men, Women and Under 15 and 18 years Juniors. Entry fee is Rs.100/-

Championship Date: Sunday, 26 June 2011 (commencing from 11 AM).

The event is being organised by the Cochin Club in association with Team Sam Academy. This Championship will be the criteria for the selection of the singles and doubles KERALA STATE DARTS TEAMfor the 9^th National Darts Championship to be held in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh from 5^th to 7^th July, 2011. Winners would be given with trophies and certificates…

Go give it a shot, Gallans.. 

For more details, call 98460 42421.

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SmartCity Kochi project set to finally take off by October

The much awaited SmartCity Kochi project got a fresh set of deadlines and impetus today after a meeting of the delegates from Tecom, the promoters of the SmartCity Kochi project, with the Kerala Government in Trivandrum. Tecom would reopen its Kochi office before August 31, 2011 and present the concept master plan by September. The work on the first phase 3.5 lakh sq.ft. building would start by October 31 and this would be rolled out by October 31, 2012.

Briefing the media, Chief Minister Shri Oommen Chandy said, "This is the realisation of a long cherished dream. The SmartCity Kochi project has been finalised and new deadlines have been set. The project would be carried out within the framework of the existing agreement worked out by previous Government. As any change in the agreement at this stage would further delay the project, we opted against it. However a major change is that now the Central Government SEZ norms will be applicable to this project."

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First phase of Smart City Kochi project to be commissioned soon

The first phase of the proposed mega IT project, Smart City Kochi, would be commissioned before Oct 31, 2012, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said Thursday.
The Oommen Chandy-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government, which had first finalised the project during its previous term, held its first meeting Thursday with the builder of the project, Smart City Dubai.

Addressing reporters here along with the Dubai officials, Chandy said all the issues have been cleared and an action plan for the project has been drawn up.

'Before August 31 this year, their office that was closed down last year at Kochi would be reopened. On Oct 31, the foundation stone of the headquarter building of the project would be laid and the same day the construction work for the first phase (3.5 lakh square feet) would begin and it would be finished latest by Oct 31, 2012,' said Chandy.

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Open Bowling Tournament in Kochi

The thump is back.. And this time with more vigour. Amoeba, together with the Popcorn Events & Entertainment and Green Field Sports, brings yet another Bowling tournie to the city… TheAmoeba Open Bowling Championship !

It has just been a few weeks since the same team had organised the Corporate Bowling championship. It was totally a new experience, not just to the corporate world, and was welcomed by the city in a great manner. Keeping it in mind, this Gallan is sure that the coming Open Bowling Championship is definitely not gonna upset. When the gaming giant Amoeba joins hands with the creative  crew of Popcorn Events, there is nothing less that we could expect. 

So Gallans… Make sure that you bowl it over… 

Championship Details:

When? 30 June, 1 & 2 July 2011 (3 day championship)

Where? Amoeba gaming, Gold Souk Grand'e, Vytilla.

For more details and registrations, call 81293 85111

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Kochi Party Alerts – Get ready with your dancing shoes on…

The party season is back in Kochi… This Gallan has more than an update to share this time. And also waiting for a few more.. Here are the details and posters of the ones that have already been confirmed.. With lot of options open, you don't have a reason not to party.. 

1) Trip Theory with Dj Dominic Rozario:

At QUBE, Ramada Resorts. From 8 PM to 2 AM on Saturday, 25 June 2011.

Entry strictly for couples.

For details, call: 09895329117, 09895861921

2) Commercial Dance Music at AvA Lounge, DREAM Hotel:

From 9 PM Saturday, 25 June 2011 to 2 AM Sunday, 26 June 2011.

Couple entry FREE. 

For details, call: 0484 4129999

(The 'cdm' would be a regular party event at the AvA Lounge on Saturdays from now)

3) PINK WEDNESDAYS, again at AvA Lounge, DREAM Hotel:

An exclusive offering for the ladies and couples. Sorry, no stag Gallan allowed. 

And guess what… The DJ would also be a lady for the night…!!! Not even a stag DJ. Hahah.. 

For details, call: 0484 4129999

('PINK WEDNESDAYS' would be a regular party event for ladies at the AvA Lounge on Wednesdays from now)

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