How would you like waking up in a home that has the serene backwaters flowing next to it or how about a corner office that gives a view of the majestic seas every time you look out through the glass windows? Now how would you like it if they came in a package of two? Ok, the place we were talking about is no other than our very own beautiful city. Perhaps, we the people of Kochi are taking this beautiful city a little too granted at times. Kochi has historically been something of melting a pot of cultures. The Chinese, the Jews, the Portuguese, the Dutch, the British have all been here at some point in time lending a flavor of theirs to the indigenous Malayali culture to create something that is uniquely Kochi; something that reminds one of all those travelers yet somehow distinctly different from all of them. The synagogues, the churches, the old trading towns, the imperial palaces all hold a treasure of history, stories, myth in their bosoms. Kochi is an explorer’s dream. But that’s only one side of Kochi, there is exhilarating, exciting flip-side to it; the swanky urban side, the side that makes you go,” Kochi pazhaya Kochi alla.”The best of modern amenities, world class malls, cosy cafes and cool hangouts; the new side of Kochi can give any other city in the country a run for its money.

Did You Know? 

Kochi is ranked 164th among the emerging cities in the world, mind you the entire world? It is among the most vibrant tier-2 cities in the country and is one of the most affluent ones according to a recent report published by National Institute of Urban Affairs. Extremely well connected, you can fly into it, drive in or even better, sail into it through its mega port and then carry on through the backwaters that flow through it. While the city is getting bigger and better, we look at four mega projects that shall give Kochi the final push, taking it to dizzying heights of economic prosperity.

“Kochi has what it takes to be a world-class city. It’s bolstered with the IT sector, Infopark’s expansion, and the advent of Smart City. With the improvements in the logistics of ITCT (International Container Transshipment Terminal), infrastructure of the LNG Terminal, investments in the Petrochemical industry and modernization of the refinery industry (BPCL), Kochi has the vision to transform. With the Metro coming too, Kochi will be the next best investment destination.” Paul Raj President, CREDAI Kochi

Life in a Metro : KOMET

Amanda Burden, a renowned architect once said, “A city has to take the long view, the view for the common good.” Imagine this; you park your vehicle at Kaloor at a well-managed parking area, walk a few paces and take a seat. It’s just been a quarter of an hour,and you suddenly hear an announcement saying it’s the Aluva Station. You are at your destination, in 15 minutes flat! Well, just omit the ‘imagine’ word in the previous sentence, because this is how the reality of Kochi is going be, soon. The soon to be inaugurated metro, laid over a distance of 26 km all the way from Aluva to Thripunithura, with an extension to Kakanad and Infopark, is going to change your lives in many ways. For one, you shall be less grumpy; all the things that can drive you crazy, you give them all a miss: the honking auto `chettanmars’, the over-enthusiastic bikers, the sometimes pitiable condition of our roads, all of it. And, what’s more, all your journeys shall take half the time it presently takes. If the thought of saving time on your journeys makes you rub your hands in glee, wait till we tell you what else the KMRL (the metro folks) have up their sleeve. The tie-up that they had with Axis Bank for the access cards means you are not fishing for change at the ticket counter. A single swish of the card will do the trick. If you think that’s one more card on your already stuffed wallet, we have good news; the metro card will also double up as a transaction card for your bank (now you know why they brought Axis Bank onboard.)

Commute with UMTA

Well the metro folks also thought that it would be unfair to the people of Kochi to give just trains, so guess what they did; they create a body called UMTA that focuses on the development of the transport system of Kochi, holistically. So what plans do the UMTA have? Many actually; they plan to make Kochi make something of a commuter’s haven.Look at one of their plans; 78 air-conditioned ferries would be introduced in Greater Kochi in a phased out manner in the coming few years. How cool is that? Ah! Some bright, sunny days ahead for Kochi.

Not your average park: Infopark

Infopark celebrated its 10th birthday in December last year, and it had big birthday plans. The major part of the plan read EXPANSION. With the first phase of Infopark already taken, the work on the second phase was in full flow then, and now it is all ready to go live. Built on an area of 160 acres on the banks of Kadamprayar River, the second phase of Infopark already has IT firms queuing up. On completion,It will have a built up space of more than 8 million square feet taking the total built up an area to an astounding 16 million square feet. And, what’s more, the second phase is attracting some of the biggest names in the industry, as the Australian-based IT giant Cognizant who has already sealed a deal for a mega campus in the Infopark. The Bangalore-based construction behemoth, Brigade group, has also built its iconic World Trade Centre in Infopark and had it inaugurated recently. Infopark has also accomplished the feat of getting IIM-K to set up its first satellite campus within its premises.

Building a smarter city : Smart City

After all the initial hiccups, Smart City is ready to get into action. What is Smart City after all? It’s an IT special Economic Zone that is being built in the Kakkanad area in Kochi. So how smart is smart city? Incredibly smart, actually. What else would you call a project that would generate close to 90,000 jobs and a revenue of a few billions on completion? Jointly built by the Kerala government and TECOM, a UAE-based investors group (who knows the competence and capability of Keralites better than the Arabs), Smart City pitches Kerala firmly on the IT map of the country. The first phase of the Smart city that has a total built up area of 650,000 sq ft and a floor space of more than 100,000 sq ft is almost ready and is soon expected to go up and running. Smart City is expected to bring in a flurry of IT professionals from all over the country adding more color to the demographics of the already vibrant Kochi.

With the two major IT parks taking shape brilliantly, it brings in a scope of an exclusive IT corridor at Kakkanad. This sounds like the next best thing that could happen to the already throbbing economy of Kochi. Well, it could also mean the end to the good old Bangalore dream of every engineering kid in Kerala. Instead, we shall have the Kochi dream!

“Kochi is one of the front-runner cities in India,which has the potential to advance into a strong region for software development. Infopark has attracted over a 3,000 crore valued investment and it targets to bring in another 2,500 crore through the development of our 2nd phase; which will generate over a lakh of IT employments in the city.” Hrishikesh Nair CEO, Infopark

The petrobucks : LNG Terminal

LNG Terminal Pushing aside its South-Asian competitors, the LNG Terminal in Kochi is emerging as the favorite bunker outlet. The tax rates being one of the lowest is one reason for this and so as the geographical position of the terminal. The customer feedback on the on the quality and the pricing of bunkers sourced from Kochi have also been very encouraging. The volume of container movement has increased considerably in the last one year and is expected to rise by 30 percent in the next one year.

Giving it the bird’s eye view, Kochi seems to be growing in leaps and bounds transforming itself into a city of dreams.If you are not in Kochi yet, we think you should be looking for reasons to get here.

The post Destination Kochi : Why Kochi Should Be Your Next Investment Destination appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

Like Lewis Carroll’s Alice, Subaida went down a rabbit hole and was whisked away to a magical land where things get curious by the minute. In her story, there are no elusive characters, mysteries to unearth, magic potions and invisible cats. Her journeys through the heart and soul of Kerala took her through impossible situations and unbelievable characters. An excellent trainer and exuberant traveller, Subaida made her fun trips into a travelogue in Asianet, Walk with Subaida. The episodes that she completed gave her experience, anecdotes and places to write about, enough to fill many novels. As if in a dream she continues to embark on one mad journey after another.

Subaida’s Pick: 5 Destinations in Kerala

Maanpara, Nelliyampathy 

I just let myself loose at Maanpara. I was running around the entire hill. It is an unforgettable experience. The jeep ride to Maanpara in itself is an experience. The experienced drivers give you mild heart attacks racing with each other through the narrow path. When you reach the top, you feel like you are touching the clouds. The view from the top is breathtaking.

The journey through the Ghat road begins a few kilometers from Nenmara, a town you can reach either from Thrissur (50 km) or Palakkad.(25 km) by road. The Pothundi Irrigation Dam, with a garden in front, is about 8 km from Nemmara on the way to Nelliampathy. Pothundi is a 19th century dam with special features. It is basically an earth and rubble dam with a concrete core. A special mixture of lime and jaggery was used as cement.

Kuttanad 

Never again will we be able to enjoy the spectacular view and feel the amazing air, as Kuttanad is a dying land. So everyone should experience that place now or it will be never. Forget who else is with you or watching you. Enjoy the rains and run around the paddy fields. At that time nothing else matters. Petty politics, the thrive to prove yourself, the battle with the unknown, all are forgotten.

Kuttanadu is a region in the district of Alappuzha, in the state of Kerala, India, well known for its picturesque vast paddy fields and its geographical peculiarities. It’s the region with the lowest altitude in India, and one of the few places in the world where farming is carried out below sea level.

Mankayam Eco tourism Project, Thiruvanathapuram  

Mankayam has a spectacular view. You get a rain forest experience there. The waterfalls, Kalakkayam and Kurissadi are amazing. Go for trekking in the Varayadin trail. Take a dip in the water. Feel the dust. It is a safe haven for women. There are women securities posted here round the clock.

Mankayam eco tourism project was started off recently. Mankayam is situated at Idinjar Falls in Palode in Nedumangad, 45 kms away from Thiruvananthapuram city. There are many waterfalls here. The water spectacle can be enjoyed throughout the year. At the Mankayam ecotourism zone, visitors can seek the assistance of guides with the entire activities coordinated by the Vanasamrakshna Samithi.

Muzhupilangad Beach, Thalassery

Muzhupilangad beach has clean waters. Just get on a boat ride with the local fishermen. Catch some fish. Enjoy the ride. I was yelling on the top of my voice when we reached the deep seas. The camera almost slipped from hand, but that episode turned out to be stimulating. The entire beach is kept tidy always. One should definitely lie down in the beach to count the innumerable stars in the sky.

Off national highway 17, between Kannur and Thalassery, lies Muzhupilangad beach. It is the only drive in beach in Asia.

Munnar Top Station 

It has been said and over said about the top station, Munnar. Even then, to say Top station has one of the most spectacular views, will not be an overstatement. On one side is Tamil Nadu. The view of the tea plantations from above, while among the clouds, will live with you forever.

Top Station is 32 km from Munnar. Frequent public buses operate between Munnar and Top Station. Stay at Munnar and take a short trip to Top Station.

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