[ReNik]

Swapnil Regency
Kakkanad 30 floors
http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/4316/regency3au.th.jpg (http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/4316/regency3au.jpg)
Pioneer Infrastructures

Mather Berrywoods,
Kakkanad - 29 floors
http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/7849/berry20woodsimggf3.th.jpg (http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/7849/berry20woodsimggf3.jpg)
Launched as 21 storey

Jomer Symphony
Vyttila, 27 floors
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/8784/hmsymphonytopr1c65zh.th.jpg (http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/8784/hmsymphonytopr1c65zh.jpg)
Jomer Properties

Mather Green Hills
Kakkanad 25 floors
http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/4938/greenhills2nr.th.jpg (http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/4938/greenhills2nr.jpg)
Mather builders

Mather Sun County,
Kakkanad - 25 floors
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/5741/suncountykr2.th.jpg (http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/5741/suncountykr2.jpg)
Launched as 22 storey

Mir Green Metropolis
Kakkanad 24 floors
http://img49.imageshack.us/img49/1364/aboutbig0yn.th.jpg (http://img49.imageshack.us/img49/1364/aboutbig0yn.jpg)
Mir Realtors

Purva Eternity
Kakkanad 23 floors
http://img471.imageshack.us/img471/7194/purvaeternity1wm.th.jpg (http://img471.imageshack.us/img471/7194/purvaeternity1wm.jpg)
Puravankara group

Olive Courtyard,
Kakkanad - 21 floors

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/8325/courtyard4en.th.jpg (http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/8325/courtyard4en.jpg)
Olive builders

[ReNik]

Tech Towers, Kaloor
23 floors
http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/5351/img5cx7.jpg
Mini Muthoot group

A five months old photo by Arunsid
http://i3.tinypic.com/wijyax.jpg

[ReNik]

Jain's Woodford, Panampilly Nagar
http://img66.imageshack.us/img66/6479/zod829he.th.jpg (http://img66.imageshack.us/img66/6479/zod829he.jpg)

DD SamudraDarshan, MarineDrive
http://img448.imageshack.us/img448/4007/ddsamudradarshan15jl.th.jpg (http://img448.imageshack.us/img448/4007/ddsamudradarshan15jl.jpg)

Cheloor Pushpak, Ravipuram
http://img106.imageshack.us/img106/1577/pushpakcochin1oo.th.jpg (http://img106.imageshack.us/img106/1577/pushpakcochin1oo.jpg)

Nagpal SilverStreak, Panampilly Nagar
http://img448.imageshack.us/img448/6103/silverstreak5wy.th.jpg (http://img448.imageshack.us/img448/6103/silverstreak5wy.jpg)


Skyline Topaz, Kaloor - Kadavanthra Road
http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/7997/topaz4jj.th.jpg (http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/7997/topaz4jj.jpg)

[ReNik]

Desai Platinum Planet, Kaloor
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/5876/ddplatinum2wr.th.jpg (http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/5876/ddplatinum2wr.jpg)

Gokulam Anagha, Kakkanad
http://img335.imageshack.us/img335/4646/gokulamanagha5pr.th.jpg (http://img335.imageshack.us/img335/4646/gokulamanagha5pr.jpg)

Abad Olympus, Edappally
http://img386.imageshack.us/img386/6010/abadolympus0on.th.jpg (http://img386.imageshack.us/img386/6010/abadolympus0on.jpg)

Holy Faith Lilly, Edappally
http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/6269/lillyiu0.th.jpg (http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/6269/lillyiu0.jpg)

Olive Heights, Kadavantra
http://http://img276.imageshack.us/img276/8151/oliveheights9kd.th.gif (http://http://img276.imageshack.us/img276/8151/oliveheights9kd.gif)

[ReNik]

Purva Grand Bay
Marine Drive
http://img45.imageshack.us/img45/3622/zod906za.th.jpg (http://img45.imageshack.us/img45/3622/zod906za.jpg)

Apple Heights,
Kakkanad
http://img448.imageshack.us/img448/5522/flairheights1cv.th.gif (http://img448.imageshack.us/img448/5522/flairheights1cv.gif)

DD Nest,
Pullepady- Tammanam road
http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/405/ddnest7pu.th.jpg (http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/405/ddnest7pu.jpg)

Trinity Castle,
Edappally
http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/2268/trinitycastle7pk.th.jpg (http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/2268/trinitycastle7pk.jpg)

Trinity High Grove, Kakkanad
http://img251.imageshack.us/img251/8469/trinityhighgrove6kk.th.gif (http://img251.imageshack.us/img251/8469/trinityhighgrove6kk.gif)

Trinity Crest, Edappally
http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/7356/trinitycrest7vs.th.jpg (http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/7356/trinitycrest7vs.jpg)

Minoa Heritage, Kakkanad
http://img312.imageshack.us/img312/1786/minoa6tb.th.gif (http://img312.imageshack.us/img312/1786/minoa6tb.gif)

Nagarjuna Pearl Bay, Kadavantra
http://img386.imageshack.us/img386/2872/nagarjuna5un.th.jpg (http://img386.imageshack.us/img386/2872/nagarjuna5un.jpg)

Ivory Heights, Pnm'lly Nagar
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/8783/ivoryheights3yk.th.jpg (http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/8783/ivoryheights3yk.jpg)

Swapnil Apartments, Kaloor
http://img164.imageshack.us/img164/1808/swapnilappsmall6ok.th.jpg (http://img164.imageshack.us/img164/1808/swapnilappsmall6ok.jpg)

Serene Orchard, Pnm'plly Ngr
http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/8561/sereneorchard3pm.th.jpg (http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/8561/sereneorchard3pm.jpg)

Mather Dover Court, Pnm'plly Ngr
http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/7591/dovercourt8jc.th.jpg (http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/7591/dovercourt8jc.jpg)

Abad Cloud Nine, Pnm'plly Ngr
http://img276.imageshack.us/img276/4638/cloud96lu.th.jpg (http://img276.imageshack.us/img276/4638/cloud96lu.jpg)

Mather Maison d’Or, Panampilly Nagar
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/962/maisondor0xl.th.jpg (http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/962/maisondor0xl.jpg)

RDS Oasis, Jawahar Nagar
http://img70.imageshack.us/img70/7695/oasis1ew.th.jpg (http://img70.imageshack.us/img70/7695/oasis1ew.jpg)

[ReNik]

A few 20 storeys

Heera Waters,
Chilavannoor
http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/5135/heerawaters1ep.th.jpg (http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/5135/heerawaters1ep.jpg)

Moonstone,
Palarivattom
http://img77.imageshack.us/img77/7451/moon6nd.th.jpg (http://img77.imageshack.us/img77/7451/moon6nd.jpg)
Manjooran group

Skyline Amity Park,
Edappally
http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/9316/amitypark8jn.th.jpg (http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/9316/amitypark8jn.jpg)

Panjos Point,
Near St. Albert's college
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/1094/panjospoint5af.th.jpg (http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/1094/panjospoint5af.jpg)

[ReNik]

More 20 storeys

Kent Glass House,
Vyttila
http://img113.imageshack.us/img113/839/glasshouse4fa.th.jpg (http://img113.imageshack.us/img113/839/glasshouse4fa.jpg)

National Excellency,
Palarivattom
http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/1972/exel7ey.th.jpg (http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/1972/exel7ey.jpg)

Metro Towers,
Mamangalam
http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/6749/metrotowers4pr.th.jpg (http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/6749/metrotowers4pr.jpg)

Jain's Charing Cross,
Katrikadavu
http://img382.imageshack.us/img382/3195/charingcrosse2wt.jpg (http://img382.imageshack.us/img382/3195/charingcrosse2wt.jpg)

[ReNik]

And more..

Holyfaith towers,
Kakkanad
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/9923/towerftheg5.th.jpg (http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/9923/towerftheg5.jpg)

Archive Towers,
Kakkanad.
http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/641/vq6wj8kp5.th.jpg (http://img176.imageshack.us/my.php?image=vq6wj8kp5.jpg)

Shanya Square One,
Thammanam
http://img332.imageshack.us/img332/2917/sqone0cz.th.jpg (http://img332.imageshack.us/img332/2917/sqone0cz.jpg)

H2O Kundanoor
http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/9968/h2otwingl1.th.jpg (http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/9968/h2otwingl1.jpg)
Holyfaith Builders & Meadow Homes

[ReNik]

Skyline Palmshade, Edappally
http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/6408/114118974041031587473457068794.th.jpg (http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/6408/114118974041031587473457068794.jpg)

Abad Oriental Gardens, Mamangalam
North & South blocks resp
http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/7402/1069xc2.th.jpg (http://img169.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1069xc2.jpg)http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/7596/1342xg0.th.jpg (http://img181.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1342xg0.jpg)

Big Apple, Padivattom
http://img1.imageshack.us/img1/2121/big20elevation8xe.th.jpg (http://img1.imageshack.us/img1/2121/big20elevation8xe.jpg)

Abad Green Terrace, Kakkanad
http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/6779/1360df8.th.jpg (http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/6779/1360df8.jpg)

RDS Avenue One, Panampilly Nagar
http://img386.imageshack.us/img386/7806/avenueonw3dd.jpg (http://img386.imageshack.us/img386/7806/avenueonw3dd.jpg)

Trinity Crown, Edappally
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/6817/trinitycrown6qp.th.gif (http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/6817/trinitycrown6qp.gif)

Trinity Coral, Edappally
http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/364/114311851355coralbigqe4.th.jpg (http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/364/114311851355coralbigqe4.jpg)

Santhi Riverdale, Vyttila
http://img353.imageshack.us/img353/1941/riverdalebp2.th.jpg (http://img353.imageshack.us/img353/1941/riverdalebp2.jpg)

[ReNik]

Heavenly Suites
Kakkanad - 16 floors
http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/6757/heavenlysuite19sk.th.jpg (http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/6757/heavenlysuite19sk.jpg)

Panjos Serene
Chilavannoor - 17 floors
http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/6163/serenemain2ox.th.jpg (http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/6163/serenemain2ox.jpg)

Seiken Sailwind
Thevara - 15 floors
http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/6439/thevarabackview2zb.th.jpg (http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/6439/thevarabackview2zb.jpg)

Uparika Malika
Thevara - 15 floors
http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/3049/m8fmv6thso4.th.jpg (http://img177.imageshack.us/my.php?image=m8fmv6thso4.jpg)

Infra Vantage
Kakkanad - 17 floors
http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/4313/vantagemainnightyk7.th.jpg (http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/4313/vantagemainnightyk7.jpg)http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/958/vantagearialct8.th.jpg (http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/958/vantagearialct8.jpg)

[ReNik]

Oxford Symphony
Palarivattom
http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/1919/oxfordsymphonyelevation5ba.th.jpg (http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/1919/oxfordsymphonyelevation5ba.jpg)

DD Roses Gate
Panampally Nagar
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/925/ddrosesgate7gs.th.jpg (http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/925/ddrosesgate7gs.jpg)

Panjos Stadia
Kaloor
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/4348/panjosstadia4th.th.jpg (http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/4348/panjosstadia4th.jpg)

Nagpal Saphire Heights
Vennala
http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/5588/sapphireheights9ng.th.jpg (http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/5588/sapphireheights9ng.jpg)

Sunny Palace
Edappally (National Builders)
http://img157.imageshack.us/img157/4033/sunnypalace3sh.th.jpg (http://img157.imageshack.us/img157/4033/sunnypalace3sh.jpg)

Abad Baypride Towers
Marine Drive
http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/2806/1564ci7.th.jpg (http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/2806/1564ci7.jpg)http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/5708/1217bn6.th.jpg (http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/5708/1217bn6.jpg)

Bluedot Akash Heights
http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/6963/aks6fq.th.jpg (http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/6963/aks6fq.jpg)

Bluedot Soorya Enclave
Kadavantra
http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/6138/bludot29al.th.jpg (http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/6138/bludot29al.jpg)

Golden Heights
http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/2582/zod871sj.th.jpg (http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/2582/zod871sj.jpg)

Abad Aquaris
Alwaye
http://img45.imageshack.us/img45/4628/13040dw.th.jpg (http://img45.imageshack.us/img45/4628/13040dw.jpg)

[ReNik]

Grand Meadows
Kundannoor
http://img124.imageshack.us/img124/3420/building2bt.th.jpg (http://img124.imageshack.us/img124/3420/building2bt.jpg)
Meadow Homes


Manjooran's Orchid Meadows,
Kakkanad
http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/3962/mainli3.th.jpg (http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/3962/mainli3.jpg)


Kalpaka JMJ Residency,
Kacheripady
http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/9532/jmjmainra2.th.jpg (http://img183.imageshack.us/my.php?image=jmjmainra2.jpg)


BCG Vertical Heights, Kakkanad
http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/1315/vhmainjf2.th.jpg (http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/1315/vhmainjf2.jpg)

[ReNik]

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/6392/2210405151b35b25368bdd6.jpg (http://img201.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2210405151b35b25368bdd6.jpg)

What are those towers at the distance ??

[Jay916]

Cochin is India?

[ReNik]

Cochin is India?

Yes... in the South, on the West Coast.

[spyguy]

Nice thread...very colorful buildings.

[ReNik]

Mall O, Edappally - 350,000 sqft
http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/7208/malloax4.th.jpg (http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/7208/malloax4.jpg)

Metro One, Kaloor - 16 floors
http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/2411/phimgnet10pvs6uu.th.jpg (http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/2411/phimgnet10pvs6uu.jpg)

Aerens GoldSouk, Vyttila - 450,000 sqft
http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/7248/soukimagesjpgkochi7ge.th.jpg (http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/7248/soukimagesjpgkochi7ge.jpg)

The Summit, MG Road - 650,000 sqft
http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/5969/muwzfnrc3.th.jpg (hhttp://img177.imageshack.us/img177/5969/muwzfnrc3.jpg)

http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/7590/muwz87iz4.th.jpg (http://img151.imageshack.us/my.php?image=muwz87iz4.jpg)

[ReNik]

http://img108.imageshack.us/img108/2975/1925525891c6fd2447fbzq8.jpg
click on image to view big

The photo is taken facing West. As the photographer (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fs_poetry/) claims it is taken from
the 18th floor of a highrise at Chilavannoor lake, near Vyttila. Look carefully,
you can identify the Ashoka flats (pic below) at the distance !!

Ashoka Apartments - on the right
http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/1880/2064211100203cbb2bdbdw0.jpg

[ReNik]

Recently launched one

Kent Hail Garden
Kaloor - 20 floors
http://img57.imageshack.us/img57/9859/hailgardenele4ks.jpg

[bhasidali]

Supplyco decided to build "Hi tech marginfree mall" in kochi...They pointed out that it is just like the model of Dubai Mall....Building in 1 acre of land in gandhinagar near kadavanthara...

[ReNik]

Great, Bhasid !!

There is more news today.


KSRTC moots city-bus services in Kochi

Staff Reporter - The Hindu

To purchase 1,200 buses within five years

# Six-storeyed parking complex proposed at Boat Jetty bus depot
# City services likely to be based in bus terminal at Thevara

KOCHI. The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) plans to start city-bus services in Kochi. It proposes to purchase 1,200 new buses within five years for the purpose.

Chairman and Managing Director of the Corporation K.P. Somarajan said the proposal had been submitted to the Government. "We will compete with private buses, like in Thiruvananthapuram. As of now, the Corporation does not run city services. A city-bus terminal has been planned at Thevara, where the KSRTC and KSINC have land. Everything will depend on the availability of funds." Full Story (http://www.hindu.com/2006/08/26/stories/2006082621830300.htm)

[ReNik]

Rs.5,000-cr. project for hi-tech city proposed

Special Correspondent -

Shobha Group's plan at Nedumbassery

# Industries Minister says the project will provide jobs to 54,000 people
# To focus on developing infrastructure for a wide range of industries
# Says the Government will play the role of facilitator

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A leading infrastructure
development company, Shobha Group, has approached the
State Government with a proposal to set up an `International
Hi-tech City' at Nedumbasserry in Ernakulam district.

At a press conference here on Wednesday, Industries Minister
Elamaram Karim said the project would involve an investment
of Rs.5,000 crores ($1.1 bn), providing high-paying jobs to 54,000 people.

He said the company would buy land on its own at the prevailing
market rates for the project. It is in the process of purchasing
300 to 400 acres of land close to the Cochin International Airport
Limited at Nedumbasserry.

The company would focus on developing infrastructure for electronics,
biotechnology, medical equipment, information technology and
entertainment industries, in addition to educational and research
institutions. The high-tech city would also have residential facilities
for those employed with the companies operating there.

Mr. Karim said this was undoubtedly the biggest investment
proposal after the Left Democratic Front (LDF) assumed office.

The Government would play the facilitator's role in the project,
setting up a single window facility to offer the clearances required
from various agencies. The Government would not have any other
obligations.

From the main road passing along Nedumbasserry, a 33-metre-wide
road would have to be laid to the proposed high-tech city. The
company itself would construct the road. It had also promised
that the city would follow the best environmental practices. It would
have no polluting industry. Water for its requirement would come
from rainwater harvesting techniques. And it would have its own
power generation system.

Mr. Karim said the proposal, on the whole, was in
the best interests of Kerala. The Bangalore-headquartered Shobha
Group, a giant in the infrastructure development sector,
has as its chairman P.N.C. Menon, an entrepreneur hailing from
Palakkad. He was keen to establish his company's presence in his
home State in a big way, according to Mr. Karim.

He said several top Indian companies, including Infosys,
regularly commissioned Shobha Group for developing the
infrastructure for their units.

[ReNik]

Chakolas Orange Park
Kakkanad - 19 floors
http://img164.imageshack.us/img164/5105/op16hb.jpg

Kent Hyde Park
Thripunitra - 16 floors
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/1743/hydepark012zn.jpg

[ReNik]

CIAL mulling Rs 640-cr IT Park in Kochi
Wednesday July 26 2006 00:00 IST

Newindpress.com

KOCHI: As part of its diversification plans, the Cochin
International Airport Ltd is planning to set up an IT Park
with an investment of about Rs 640 crore. According to
the plan, the IT Park would be set up on 35 acres. About
12,000 job opportunities could be created by the project
which could be completed within five years.

[Jai]

Awesome compilation! Cochin looks to have a great future: incredible natural beauty, huge economic growth, good city planning and not the least, cool projects. It is my favorite mid-rise city in India

I do like the way the architecture evokes the traditional wood architecture of the Kerala, in a very colorful way.

[ReNik]

Cusat plans nanotech centre

Our Bureau

Kochi , Aug. 20

Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) is planning to set up a centre of excellence in nanotechnology. The centre will be the first of its kind in Kerala.

As part of setting up the centre, Cusat authorities have initiated discussions with international experts in nanotechnology. A proposal for opening a research centre in nanotechnology at the university evolved during the international symposium on `Frontiers in nanoscale science, technology and education' here. The internationally known nanotechnologist, Mr Pulickel M. Ajayan, has extended full support to Cusat for setting up the research centre.

Nanotechnology is the art of miniaturisation. It deals with matter at the nanoscale - a nanometre is one-billionth part of a metre. By manipulating atoms at the nanoscale, scientists can create smaller, lighter and stronger materials with required properties. These materials could produce myriad things, including electronic goods.

Prof Ajayan is a research professor at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Scientists from foreign countries are likely to offer their advice and technical expertise for setting up the centre, Cusat officials said.

The new research centre in nanotechnology will be set up as part of the upgradation plans being implemented on the campus with support from the Ministry of Human Resources and Development. The Ministry has sanctioned Rs10 crore for the university for getting upgraded into the level of an IIT.

[ReNik]

Kochi to host Asean meet on FTA
Posted online: Tuesday, August 29, 2006 at 0000 hours IST

NEW DELHI, AUG 28: After resuming talks on a free trade pact, India and Asean are likely to hold another round of discussions in Kuala Lumpur next month and later in Kochi with a view to finish negotiations by the end of this year.

“We would be holding talks around September 18-20. As of now, they (Asean) are studying our new proposal and we are also examining their sensitive list,” GK Pillai, special secretary in the commerce ministry, said on the sidelines of a conference here.
Pillai said the September meeting could be held in Malaysia or in some other country to be decided soon.

However, Asean officials have expressed keen interest in holding the next round of talks at Kochi in Kerala, he said.

Asked about the reason of selecting Kochi and not the national capital, he quipped, “probably they too have heard about Kerala tourism!”
Details from FE (http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=138699)

[yyzrush]

Adah!!
Very soon this will be the Gelf of India,maybe like Du-bai...

[ReNik]

FDI in SEZs to touch $4 billion by next year
ARUN S
Posted online: Wednesday, August 23, 2006 at 0000 hours IST

NEW DELHI, AUG 22: Foreign direct investment (FDI) in special economic Zones (SEZs) would witness a quantum jump to $4 billion by the end of next year from $400 million in the past six months, government sources said.

The major investors would be the Dubai-based Emaar group who are expected to invest a total of $1 billion in the 10 SEZs for which formal approval has been given by the government. Besides, the information technology SEZ Quark City in Chandigarh would have FDI worth $500 million and the Smart City SEZ in Kochi, which has got in-principle approval, would get FDI worth $1 billion, the sources said.
Details from Fin. Xpress (http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=138081)

[bhasidali]

http://www.olivebuilder.com/olivewoodstock.html

[bhasidali]

AC City launches its new structure, renderings will post soon..
Here is AC Orion
http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/3241/orionpersp2bignq6.th.jpg (http://img233.imageshack.us/my.php?image=orionpersp2bignq6.jpg):banana:

[ReNik]

Kerala to have Rs 1.5 bn 'Cochin Media City'

By BIJOY A K
Indiantelevision.com Team
(4 September 2006 6:00 pm)


MUMBAI: God's own country Kerala seems to be on an overdrive when it comes to media initiatives. The state, which already is home to about 13 television channels, will soon have a group of entrepreneurs entering the virgin space of converged media solutions.

Christened Cochin Media City or CMC, the Rs 1.5 billion project revolves around the basic idea of tapping the immense commercial potential in television and allied services under one roof. CMC will kick off in the first half of September 2006 with its first project, a media school. According to CMC VP marketing B. Pratap Chandar, the media school project will be followed by a commercial teleport initiative.

"CMC’s media school would focus on media education, advance research in media studies and critical thinking. We want to make it a premium training ground for those aspiring for a career in electronic media, in particular, and the media in general. Our second project, which is a teleport facility, will launch in 2007", says Chandar, while revealing a bunch of media initiatives that CMC aspires to come up with in due course.
What are the initiatives that CMC is looking for? In short, the following:

# Technical consultancy services to electronic media.

# Content Production and management.

# Production and post-production facilities for the entertainment media.

# Television channel and FM radio station.

# Digital cinema project.

# IT-enabled services, which in India is booming.

# Media marketing, research & information services.

# Publishing.

"The basic idea to bring the entire media activity under one umbrella comes from the emergence of various channels in the slow growth visual media market. Today, there is a proliferation of TV channels in the Malayalam TV industry. By the middle of 2007, Kerala will have the unique distinction of having 20 regional (Malayalam) TV channels addressing a population of 33 million Keralites and a TV advertisement market of Rs 2.4 billion (with an expected annual growth rate of 15 to 20 per cent)," adds Chandar.

CMC's board of directors comprises popular Malayalam actor Suresh Gopi, noted film director Shaji Kailas and cinematographer Rajeev Ravi.

The corporate affairs of the company will be managed by a team of professionals lead by former Kerala director-general of police Rajagopalan Nair in the capacity of managing director. Former chairman of Malabar Cements K Ramakrishnan has been roped in as the corporate advisor.

By setting up its base in Kochi, CMC attempts to utilise coastal town's technological advantages.

"The city offers 15 GBPS bandwidth support at India's lowest cost, 'SEA-ME-WE-3' and 'SAFE' submarine cable connectivity and VSNL’s primary international gateway connectivity, plus Reliance, Bharti, VSNL and (government-controlled) BSNL’s fibre optic backbone connectivity,” says Chandar.

Kochi is also rated as the second best IT enabled services destination in Nasscom’s survey, with operational costs less than 50 per cent when compared to other major cities.

The full-fledged project will be based at the Hi-Tech Park of Kinfra at Kalamassery and permission for land has been sought.

[ReNik]

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/5162/cmc1bq6.jpg

[ReNik]

Kunnel Ariston, Thevara
http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/7167/aristonrf3.jpg

[ReNik]

Confident Corona, Kakkanad - 15 floors
http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/6927/coronaapartmentsjg6.gif

[ReNik]

http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/7120/lttechparkwx5.jpg

With an area close to 600,000 sqft on 10 floors this structure
will be up by March 2007. Most of this building has been
booked by Hewlett-Packard for its development centre.

[ReNik]

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/5306/13062013525d89ef764o1ow.jpg
by e_arunsid

has TCS, Wipro and ACS as its main occupants

[bhasidali]

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/5901/buillz9.th.jpg (http://img228.imageshack.us/my.php?image=buillz9.jpg)

Melody in Aluva from Madhurya Builders

[ReNik]

BCG Misty Meadows, Kakkanad
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/1872/bcg1zo5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Santhi Apartments, Old Tevara
http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/8845/oldthevarviewut0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Kayaloram, Vyttila
http://img160.imageshack.us/img160/2579/kylrm1bg0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Santhi Pratyusha, Chitoor Road
http://img126.imageshack.us/img126/3319/prathyukshaic6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[ReNik]

Abad Sunshine Court, Kakkanad
http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/5579/1602so4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Hi-Line Atria, Perumanoor
http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/986/atriavx3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Presidency Crown Heights, Katrikadavu
http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/2364/elevationprouu6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Mather Falconer, Jawahar Nagar
http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/2299/11552898413583323576680782567123yy2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[ReNik]

http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/2087/pearlparkegm0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[ReNik]

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/1965/gardennewde3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Panjos Garden may have been the tallest when it was built during late 1990s. Now it is easily upstaged by dozens of highrises in its owen vicinity.

[ReNik]

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/990/cochinskylinesiddharth19jueb0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
photo : Siddharth Kuruvila

[spyguy]

I didn't realize there were so many projects going on there.

[ReNik]

Prospects for upgrading Cusat brighten

G. Krishnakumar

# Ministry seeks letter of consent from State Government
# Inter-institute faculty collaboration essential

KOCHI: Boosting prospects of the Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) for being upgraded, the Union Ministry of Human Resources and Development has asked the State Government to give a letter of consent agreeing to change the university's status into a national entity.

The directive comes after an expert committee short-listed Cusat and four other institutions in the country to be upgraded into an Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology. The others are: Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University (IT-BHU), Uttar Pradesh; University College of Engineering and College of Technology, Osmania University, Hyderabad; Bengal Engineering College, Howrah; and Andhra University College of Engineering, Vishakhapatnam.

Ministry sources said the M. Anandakrishnan Committee had recommended that the five institutions could be developed into a cluster. The Ministry would provide funding for academic and infrastructure development. The objective of the project is to develop IIT-like institutions in the country. Full Story - the Hindu (http://www.hindu.com/2006/09/13/stories/2006091310070300.htm)

[ReNik]

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/5025/1154062083894997961794080871938ng1.jpg (http//:imageshack.us)

Skyline - Kerala's biggest builders - back with a bang

[bhasidali]

The Floor Area Ratio of kochi is reduced to 1.5

Before it was in b/w 3 & 4..Now onwards cochin corporation dont give permission above 1.5 :hell:

[bhasidali]

Trinethra Super Retail Ltd (TSRL), plans to open at least 200 new stores in Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh by March.


As part of its plan to consolidate and maintain its leadership in Andhra Pradesh and expand "aggressively" in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala to emerge as the largest player in these destinations,TSRL would be opening 50 stores in Bangalore, 40 in Chennai, 25 in Kerala and 90 in Andhra Pradesh, Pranab Barua, CEO, TSRL, told the media here.


Outlining the group's plans, Barua said their aim was to enter different formats while increasing the number of stores to 205 in 2006-07 at an annual sale of Rs 360 crore. "As the market continues to grow, we will leverage our experience in grocery retail to experiment with various formats and grow our business significantly," he said.


TSRL had identified Kerala as a market of opportunities and had plans to expand very rapidly in the state, Barua said.

The retail chain opened its first store in Kerala at Fort Cochin today and would be shortly opening five more stores at Tripunithura, Kaloor, Edapally, Kadavanthara and Angamally. Besides the supermarket format,the group also intends to open stores in the Quickshop and Supercentre formats.


All the stores in Kerala would be opened under the group's 'Fabmall' brand. By September end, there would be nine Fabmall stores,including two supermarkets at Aluva and Kottayam and a supercentre at Kakkanad, he said.

[kaytees]

The Floor Area Ratio of kochi is reduced to 1.5

Before it was in b/w 3 & 4..Now onwards cochin corporation dont give permission above 1.5 :hell:

That decision will actually push the prices up for commercial and residential properties.

[Deepak]

Hi friends,

Glad to see your great work here.:tup:

cheers..

[ReNik]

That decision will actually push the prices up for commercial and residential properties.


You are right.

Even more, it is not the Corporation now, the power is vested with a bureaucrat - Chief Town Planner of Kerala in Thiruvananthapuram. And invariably all the Chief Town Planners in the past have vigilance chasing them for corruption charges. This power must be vested with elected bodies.

[ReNik]

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/2189/bigcounty9xf.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[ReNik]

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/4199/mysthgt1jv.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Shwas homes

[ReNik]

Filmmakers' hotspot

The Hindu

Kochi is fast becoming a hub for post-production activities
related to the Malayalam film industry. Increasing revenue
opportunities in this field have encouraged actors and
producers to come up with new projects.

Actors Lal and Dileep have joined hands to set up a
state-of-the-art studio complex at Padivattom in Kochi.
They claim that filmmakers need not depend on studios
outside the State once the project gets completed.

Industry observers say that more and more studios
with international facilities are also likely to come up
in the commercial capital soon. With Kochi becoming
a favourite destination for Mollywood, filmmakers
now find the place suitable for both pre and post-production
work.

G. KRISHNAKUMAR

[Deepak]

Kochi, Sept 15. (PTI): With Kochi poised to become the IT hub of Kerala, the Pune-based SRK Group today announced the launching of its Rs 200 crore luxurious and eco-friendly apartments project at nearby Kakkanad.

The group has completed similar projects in the IT hubs of Pune and Bangalore and this is the first time they are foraying into Kerala, CMD of the group, K Rasheed Malik, told a press meet here.

The project 'Sky wings', having over 400 apartments--two, three bedrooms and studio flats, will have hanging gardens in every floor, Malik said.

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/004200609151610.htm

[Deepak]

http://img92.imageshack.us/img92/5387/1864913492b6dfd3531b8tr.jpg

[ReNik]

Mainline vessel calls at Kochi port for servicing

Staff Reporter - The Hindu

KOCHI: MV Ville De Mars has called at Kochi, becoming the first mainline vessel to do so, realising a long-time dream of the Cochin Port Trust to service such ships.

The vessel arrived here directly from Bandar Abbas Port, Iran, on Friday and left for Port Kelang, Malaysia, on Saturday.

The crossed another milestone in becoming the maritime gateway to India by receiving the mainline vessel, said a press release from the trust here.

MV Ville De Mars is a container vessel of Panama flag in the category of mother ships and is owned and operated by the mainline operator CMA-CGM. The vessel has a capacity of 2,935 TEUs. The port achieved the status of a deep-draught port in February this year. This has enabled it to handle bigger vessels in the recent months. Further, the port has announced 50 per cent concession on vessel-related charges for mainline vessels of gross registered tonnage of 25,000 and above and having capacities of 2,500 TEUs or more.

The concessions were announced for achieving direct connectivity to ports in the U.S., Europe and the Far East. Such direct sailings eliminate transhipment of containers from here through other hub ports.

[ReNik]

Medical meets a shot in the arm for the Queen
Saturday September 16 2006 13:01 IST

KOCHI: Kochi is gradually breaking the label that it is an exclusive destination for chilling out. The Queen of the Arabian Sea has now become a hub of medical conferences. Underlining the importance of Kochi as an ideal place for medical conference, two major conferences will begin here on Saturday.

The third national conference of Indian Academy of Pediatrics Childhood Disability Group (IAPCDG) will be held in Kochi at Hotel International. A national conference of experts on mental retardation, cerebral palsy, hearing and vision disorders, learning disabilities, autism and behavioural problems found in children is being organised in the state for the first time. Read Full Article (http://cochinmasala.blogspot.com/)

[JMen]

Couple of new ones from SFS...

Eternia - Edappally
http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/3631/elevationeternitygf8.jpg

Silicon Drive - Kakkanad
http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/847/siliconyd0.jpg

Source: www.sfshomes.com

[JMen]

Santhi Homes - Hill View - Kakkanad - 19 Floors
http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/5610/kakkanadhillviewcj6.jpg

Source: www.santhihomes.com

[JMen]

SRK Constructions - Kakkanad
http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/17/project1ne5.jpg

Source:www.srkconstructions.com

[ReNik]

http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/6788/kakkanadhillviewkr0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Thanx JMen,

If you click "quote" button in this post, you can see how the image is posted.

[ReNik]

http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/5057/eyelevelne7zx5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[ReNik]

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/6643/246333503e742338cb5obl2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Manoj's World flickr gallery (http://www.flickr.com/photos/myfinalfrontier/)

[bhasidali]

Here is from INDIUM builders, Green Terrace, Vyttila

http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/2574/gardenopenpixdr8.th.jpg (http://img172.imageshack.us/my.php?image=gardenopenpixdr8.jpg)

[Deepak]

SKY WING is GRT!!!!!....

[ReNik]

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/5227/246643733f52646e849bzs3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Pete and Ali in India gallery (http://www.flickr.com/photos/52664438@N00/)

[ReNik]

Waterview Apartments, Thevara
http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/7311/ivimagephpry6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

DD West Winds, Ernakulam North
http://img133.imageshack.us/img133/223/westwindsxk8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[ReNik]

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/4776/calmega7av.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[ReNik]

http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/5715/82588283ed68ff4a88ozg2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

sony_photoblog (http://www.flickr.com/photos/myflicks/)

[ReNik]

Possibly this photo (posted earlier) of Chilavannoor skyline was shot from the above skyscraper.

http://img108.imageshack.us/img108/2975/1925525891c6fd2447fbzq8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[ReNik]

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/9894/twin1tv9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[JMen]

http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/728/dsc03231ng8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/3705/dsc03232zv6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/1050/dsc03233sa8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[ReNik]

JMen

I guess you took these from atop Silver Lawns apartments at Edappally. am i right ?

[JMen]

Yep! ReNik

[ReNik]

P.W.C Logistics keen to invest in IT sector in Indian

Leading firms from West Asia have shown keen interest in investing in Information Technology (IT) projects in Southern Indian state of Kerala. Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan told the state Assembly Monday, "The Kuwait-based P.W.C. Logistics and Dubai-based Emaar M G F group have approached us for land to set up IT parks in Kochi"

Guess that takes the number of mega IT Park projects in Kochi to over a dozen now !

[ReNik]

http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/222/1564uw9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/2564/1525ms6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/2342/1527xt1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Watch gallery here (http://www.abadbuilders.com/viewlink.asp?IdPr=88&LiD=311&captn=Status#)

[bhasidali]

CIAL also decided to setup its 2nd IT park near Airport

[ReNik]

Mather Whitewaters phase I & II, Kundannoor
http://img133.imageshack.us/img133/1229/11539784874886137426534632330010id9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


Jewel Heidelberg, near Vyttila
http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/6648/highdelbergprojectye4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[ReNik]

http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/20/lemeridienexteriorviewofhotelln7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


http://img115.imageshack.us/img115/889/lemeridianhotelpm9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[ReNik]

http://img104.imageshack.us/img104/3307/atim1in4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[ReNik]

http://img55.imageshack.us/img55/4667/atim4ol9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[ReNik]

From ‘Black Gold’ to Golden Glitter
RAMAN MAHADEVAN
Posted online: Saturday, September 23, 2006 at 0000 hours IST
Financial Express article (http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=141220)

The port city of Cochin or Kochi as it now known has traditionally been the commercial capital of Kerala. It is fast emerging as one of the most dynamic and commercially vibrant second-tier cities of the country. The phenomenal and sustained boom in investment in real estate is a fair index of the buoyancy of the Kochi economy. The plethora of sleek high-rise apartments and commercial complexes and malls dotting the skyline of Cochin would clearly suggest that the 'Malayali' middle class has finally arrived. Due to its locational advantage, Kochi seems to be gaining most from what appears to be a more generalised all-Kerala phenomenon.

At a purely conjectural level it could even be argued that mediated via Kochi, Kerala is virtually on the threshold of a major economic revival. This spin-off seems to be the outcome of a combination of favourable catalytic conditions. These include the significant inflow of domestic and transnational IT capital (as reflected in the significant growth of the IT and ITES sectors in Kochi) of overseas and domestic NRI capital into the state, the emergence of a new relatively savvy and dynamic entrepreneurial class, willing to seize opportunities for investment and growth both within and outside Kerala. Chakolas, Abads, Mather, Joy Alukkas, Ambadis, Leela group, Muthoot pappachan group, Gokulam, Emke or the lulu group, Malabar Gold, the Shoba group are among some of the well-known business groups who have diversified into real estate in Kochi. The role of 'hawala' and other forms of black money in the phenomenal growth of the service sector in Kerala in general and Kochi needs mention. These trends are crucially a break from the past.

Given its agronomic resource base and the colonial nexus, Kerala has historically been structured as an export-oriented economy with its principal products having strong linkages with the overseas market. The attempt by the State from the 1940s onwards to foist an import-substituting heavy industrialisation model has in the long run proved to be infructuous. Given the exigencies of the emerging international economic order the provincial state seems to be gradually coming to terms with harsh realities.

Kochi's fame lay in its emergence as a major hub for overseas trade for the larger region. It was this pronounced external orientation through trade, which has over the years attracted scores of trading houses from various regions thus providing the city its relative cosmopolitan image. Building on this natural advantage and given the growing importance of international trade, in the post liberalisation era, Kochi is all set to emerge as a major oceanic entrepot in this part of the world. The establishment of the International Pepper exchange at Kochi in 1997 and the rise of AVT and Devon's Spice Company Ltd., as major players in this commodity are indicative of the underlying dynamism among local groups. A slew of massive infrastructural investments both public and private and totalling a whopping Rs 25,000 crore is almost certainly going to transform the economic landscape of this beautiful island city. These include the development of Vallarpadam International Container terminal, the smart city project and a host of private tech parks already under construction.

Prior to the emergence of the modern State of Kerala in 1956 following the linguistic reorganisation of states, Cochin was a tiny princely state, hedged in by the larger princely state of Travancore on the one side and the British-administered district of Malabar on the other. It was the production of spice in this part of India that attracted scores of merchant adventurers be it the Portuguese led by Vasco da Gama, the Dutch and later the British. The vestiges of their presence are still visible in the islands of Cochin. Until the late 19th century Cochin had to compete with other ports off the west coast for its share of external trade.

The roots of modern Cochin can be traced to the mid-19th century following its incorporation into the world capitalist system mediated by British colonialism. Like all other princely states, Cochin was only nominally independent. Its tributary status underlined the essentially subordinate and dependent relationship.

Given the relatively circumscribed area of the state, Cochin, much like Singapore, was cast mainly as an entrepot and a principal hub for import-export trade. From the mid 19th century onwards almost all the major European trading agencies such as Aspinwal, Pierce Leslie & Co, William Goodacre, Harrison & Crossfield etc. had their principal establishments in Cochin. From 1929 when the harbour was thrown open, Cochin emerged as the undisputed commercial hub of the region.

Cochin had to wait for over 30 years before it could shed its historical legacy.

[ReNik]

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/2835/atim9na2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/3951/atim6vx2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/6383/atim5tk2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[ReNik]

http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/5128/21837288916b8dced7ebma2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Chefseehund gallery

[ReNik]

http://img390.imageshack.us/img390/9439/130619608573a7264f0o8ey.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

photo by arunsid

[ReNik]

http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/4028/cliff3av8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[ReNik]

http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/3374/gocenterpiccg7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[ReNik]

Kochi heads for a realty shortage
George Joseph / Kochi September 29, 2006
http://www.business-standard.com/images/common/bs.jpg

Demand from retail sector on the rise with six malls under construction, and several foreign chains planning stores in the city.

Kochi city is likely to witness a shortage of apartments in the near future.

"The growth in the construction of flats in and around Kochi city does not match with the development of the city in the next five-six years" says Dr. Najeeb Zacharia, treasurer of the Builders Forum.

The city and its suburbs requires flats to the tune of 20,000 -25,000 units by 2010, but the actual number being built may be as low as 4000 -5000 in two years.

This will lead to a crisis in one of the fastest-growing cities in India as far as residential complexes are concerned.

In the last two years, 2,500 flats were added, especially in the Kakkanad area, where the administrative headquarters of Ernakulam district is situated.

There was also similar construction in Edappally and Thripunithura.

There had been a growth of around 25-50 per cent in the availability of flats in the last few years.

The mismatch between demand and supply has caused a steep rise in prices too.

The average price per square feet (sq.ft.) has increased to Rs 1500 -2000 against Rs 750 -1000, two years back.

On the plus side, businesses in Kochi city in recent years had been gravitating towards luxury flats and location specific flats offering a waterside frontage.

A top-end flat in a green locality at Marine Drive or Kakkanad area will now cost Rs 3500 -4000 per sq.ft..

In a recent development, Kochi has seen the entry of national players like Puravankara and Shobha Developers and this indicates the enormous opportunity that Kochi offers at present, say sources.

A host of proposed projects like Smart city and Vallarpadam International Container Terminal [[VICT] will make a sea change in the residential character of Kochi city as more than 30,000 professionals are expected to shift into the city, often called the Queen of Arabian Sea.

There is a natural shift towards the interior of Ernakulam district as it offers comfortable accommodation.

Alwaye, Ankamali, Thrippunithura, Kalamssery and some other areas are now gearing up to accommodate the new entrants to Kochi.

A major chunk of buyers, almost half say some, are NRIs and there is good demand for flats at Kochi from buyers based in other cities like Mumbai and Delhi.

This is pushing up the minimum price for an average flat to Rs 20 lakh and those at top locations now cost around Rs 1 crore.

Average price of quality residential flat has now shot up to Rs 80 lakh, but there is growing demand even in this price range.

"Most of our customers are particular about amenities and ideal locations, not the price", a top official of a leading company says.

Zacharia says that the increase in production and land cost has moved ahead of construction cost and hence the increase in price.

The value of land has escalated by 50 to 100 per cent in the last two or three years.

The major problem in the city is lack of land as there is not much land for sale at prime locations like MG Road and Marine Drive.

Around 40 acres of reclaimed land near High Court was awarded to a company at around Rs 350 crore recently.

MG Road prices of land has risen the fastest, depending to location, while land prices on Marine Drive has also risen sharply.

The number of land deals in these areas is limited now as price is rising fast.

Additional demand is coming from the retail sector, say sources, as Kochi is slowly becoming one of the important shopping destinations in South India with around six shopping malls being built at present.

The Lulu group, a leading Persian Gulf-based chain of shopping malls, is coming up with a store at Edappally near Kochi.

Zacharia says that purely investment based purchase of flats is also on the increase although such deals represent only 5-8 per cent of total sales at present.

[ReNik]

http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/8091/newstarlagoonhousingen6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[ReNik]

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/4862/kochi45iq9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[manu]

i m also in

[Deepak]

Living on the bottom of the sea
Friday September 29 2006 14:05 IST

Rosella Stephen



I’m sitting pretty, cradled by my ankles, toes together, heels apart, torso in line with my neck. Breathing evenly. Except for a rush of early-morning breeze and the faint horn of a ship in the distance, it’s quite the Zen moment. And then a male voice filters through: ‘‘This is the thunderbolt posture. For thunder strong thighs.’’ Pretty hard to get back to meditation of any sort after that gem, you’d think. But Raja Ray has a mission: to make yoga a habit for the pampered guest by zeroing in on specific requirements. The aforementioned posture, Vajrasana, for instance, will aid digestion, help stablise the mind, and give you a head full of lustrous locks — whatever suits your fancy.

That’s right, what you want really matters here at the Taj Malabar, be it an hour-long personalised Ayurveda session to tackle dark circles or knobby toes or even a late-afternoon picnic on the seas, courtesy the hotel’s yacht, Cinnamon Coast. In my case, it was the sunset cruise on the channel. On missing the designated cruise thanks to 70 minutes of a warm-oil body massage (Abhyanga), it didn’t take long for someone to produce a speedboat that let me race ahead and heroically climb on to the other boat. All mid-channel and fabulous fun, of course.

That’s when you get a good look at some of the 28 little islands that make this part of Kochi. There’s Vypeen for instance, that has a famous 15th century Portuguese fort. And Bolgatty, with its Dutch palace (1744) that is now a 5-star heritage hotel. And tiny Gundu island, with its ancient coir factory hidden among the palms, actually owned by the Taj. However, it’s still Willington island that has me hooked, man-made but with a charming tale that Captain John Early tells me his grandfather passed on to him years ago.

It begins with a humble coconut, this tale. According to the good captain, when Sir Robert Bristow and his engineers came to Cochin in 1920, it was a regular port where the ships were berthed offshore and were exposed to all the violent forces of the open sea. Bristow wanted to create a port that would accommodate ships alongside the berths. To find a lull point for his island, he dropped a coconut in a tributary of the Periyar river and followed it up with another hundred thousand. They all came to rest at a certain point in the river, a point minus current and wind speed. And this is where the dredged materials from the sea were used to create Willington Island (named after the former Viceroy of India). Incidentally, this was also when you could get more than 100 coconuts for an anna!

Once the new port was set up, a hostel for the seamen was constructed following the Cochin Maharaja’s orders. This, we’re told, was later improved upon and resulted in the historic hotel that changed many hands till it became Taj Malabar. Today, the hotel with its teak-heavy heritage wing and specialty seafood restaurant, Rice Boat, has patrons that include prime ministers and film stars. But the Kochi port remains such an intrinsic part of Willingdon Island and Taj Malabar — the maritime romance filters in wherever you are, even finding its way into your toilette. Seriously. You can actually watch the ships go by (there’s a vessel almost every 10 minutes) from your bathtub; many rooms have a 90’’ view of the sea and the bathrooms have a controlled glass wall.

Talking of baths, Jiva Spa offers everything from a Sushupti massage (that relaxes) to Abhyanga that actually ‘‘nourishes and pacifies the doshas, relieves fatigue, provides stamina, and enhances the complexion and the luster of the skin’’ as promised. The block also has a state-of-the-art gym, infinity pool, jacuzzi, and beauty salon. No wonder both Ray and Abilash, Taj’s in-house Ayurvedic doctor, have clients regularly checking in for both R&R and weight-loss.

Another pleasant surprise at the Malabar is the Thai Pavilion, probably the only restaurant of its kind in Kerala. The Thai chef is away on his annual vacation, I’m told, but two waiters, real old-timers, keep me thoroughly entertained right through the tender satay and fragrant chicken padanus. With Onam promotions lighting up the highways, Jomon and Babu tell me lining up is the thing this season. Especially in front of stores that sell textile, gold and electrical appliances. Another passion with the Kochiites, I learn later, is real estate and SUVs. The former has led to labourers pouring in from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and the north. ‘‘We learn a few English words and then refuse to do any labour,’’ grins Jomon. With the Vallarpadam International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) coming up in collaboration with Dubai Port, there is enough labour to go around. And more Arabs than before, even at the Malabar, where several biggies have checked in with their families. Much of the country’s container traffic, which at present is being transhipped at Colombo, Dubai and Singapore, will soon find its way to the Kochi port once ICTT comes up, it is hoped. Perhaps then Kochi can once again become the maritime gateway to the Indian subcontinent.

Meanwhile, I spot vessels of a different variety dotting the horizon: brightly painted trawlers with names like Comrade and Bhagyalakshmi. Also, like the locals, I learn to take the ferry to get to Ernakulam and Fort Kochi for a bit of sightseeing and shopping. It involves less hassle, can be quicker, and certainly completes the spa experience.

Sightseeing

Like Malaysia’s Melaka, Kochi has its share of landmarks, what with it having been the battleground of European powers, from the Portuguese to the Dutch to the British. There’s the Dutch (Mattanchery) palace built in 1555 that has a portrait gallery of the Cochin Rajas and 17th century murals, all for a Rs 2 entry ticket. There’s also the Jewish synagogue built in 1568, with exquisite hand-painted blue willow tiles imported from China, St Francis church by the Portuguese, and Santa Cruz Basilica. Of course, one cannot bypass the rows of Chinese fishing nets at Fort Kochi and the Mattancherry spice market. Jew Town also has a long line of antique stores, but be prepared to haggle.

How to get there

All the islands — Willingdon, Bolgatty, Gundu, Fort Cochin and Vypeen — are connected by ferry. Bridges also connect Ernakulam with Willingdon Island. The Kochi Airport is about an hour from Willingdon Island.

[bhasidali]

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/4990/2006093022850301zw2.th.jpg (http://img153.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2006093022850301zw2.jpg)

DREAM CITY: An artist's impression of the Skycity project.

Environment Impact Assessment conducted by NIO
KOCHI: With the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Skycity project over, the proponents are awaiting clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests.

A public hearing was held on Thursday in the Collectorate, in which representatives from the Corporation of Cochin, GCDA, State Pollution Control Board and socio-environmental activists participated. They discussed the viability and safety aspects of the project.

The EIA for the project was conducted by the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO). Under the project, the Skycity would begin from Kundanoor Junction in the NH bypass, pass above the Chilavanoor Bund Road and backwaters and extend up to the Sahodaran Aiyyapan Road. From there, it will be connected with the Subhash Chandra Bose Road, said A.R.S Vadhyar, who conceived the project.

Skycity was mooted to reduce traffic congestion in the eastern and southern parts of the city, around Vytilla. The project envisages a four-km-long elevated concrete road, built atop pillars erected at a height of seven metres above the water bodies. There will be 14-metre wide buildings and shops at the centre of the 42-metre-wide Skycity, flanked by two-metre wide footpaths and 4.5-metre wide car-parking spaces.

Roads, which are 7.5 metres wide, would be built on either side. There would be additional facility to park cars atop buildings. A cable car on top will give a good view of the city and could become a tourist attraction. Mr. Vadhyar said that members of the public could use the stretch free of cost. "The cost of the Rs.467-crore project will be recovered from the sale of shops and buildings atop the structure. Vehicles coming from West Kochi can enter the Skycity through the Chilavannur Bund Road, cut across to SA Road or Subhash Bose Road and enter the NH bypass. Thus, they will get easy access to the northern part of Kochi. Vehicles proceeding south can enter Skycity from SA Road and reach Kundanoor, avoiding South Janatha and Vytilla," he said. It will also relieve the burden of people from the eastern and southern side of the city to go to main shopping centres such as M G Road, Menaka and Broadway to purchase goods, said Rohit Vishwanath Prabhu, director (Finance) of the company.

At Thursday's public hearing, participants expressed concern at how thousands of people atop the Skycity will be evacuated in case of emergencies such as fire. :tup:

[ReNik]

View of the same Kundannoor area from the other side
http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/628/1306214121d78717158ofm4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Marinedrive
http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/5782/1306177231d6410bcb8obg5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

More Marinedrive
http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/8099/130617898b3d965371boie6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
from e_arunsid gallery

[ReNik]

i m also in

Great ... we are nearly full strength now :)

[ReNik]

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/5007/manay1nd4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[ReNik]

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/2/alfloc2oc5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[ReNik]

http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/9135/h2otowervs3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[ReNik]

Cochin Domestic handled more than 1 million passengers this year, with more than 3000 passengers passing daily. That takes the total passenger traffic to 2.8 million this year !!

Cochin domestic terminal handles Indian, Kingfisher and Air Deccan flights. Photo from Shabbir (http://www.flickr.com/photos/shabbir/) gallery
http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/4296/260770998c5234f4e66oar1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)