Onam – Styled Internationally

It’s always the interplay of cultures. Local brands try styling themselves internationally and international brands apply local flavor to themselves. In Kerala, Onam is the greatest occasion for this interplay.

While the local brands focus on NRIs, the global brands focus on RIs wearing and sporting the traditional feel. Lee and Wrangler are two such magnificent examples from this season.

Lee was always great with local visualizations and this year’s is probably the best from them or any brand, for that matter.

Electric Bloom, this Onam

Onam was all about sunny days and flowers. Not necessarily that way, anymore. Just like flowers fill all around during the day, blasting lights take on the night in charm. Electric bloom in the night complements the floral bloom during the day. This should be a very refreshing change from the very obvious and usual Onam pictures!

From the Thirunakkara Bus Terminal

The Thirunakkara Maidan lit by Josco

Central Junction

(Obvious!)

Logos Junction

Surprise Entry: Kairali Ford, S.H. Mount

Lap 11 Kottayam

Lap 11 Kottayam is an on-board lap at 11 in the night, on a 10km one-way circuit combining existing roads in town. Watch it and then scroll down for the details.

Is it something official?
No. It’s purely for fun. There’s no official ‘track’ or ‘circuit’.

Why a lap at 11 in the night?
Because it’s impossible during the day. You’d take hours to complete one.

Okay, give the circuit map.

Does all the traffic rules apply?
YES. ALL THE TRAFFIC RULES. Please DO NOT attempt violating any.

Anything to be cautious about, in particular?
Yes, a few.

The stretch from Rubber Board to NH 220 entry at Kanjikuzhy, is very narrow and winding.

Take good care while joining NH 220 and turning back, heading town. It’s often a confusion-point.

The Caesar Palace junction at M.C. Road (Nagampadom) too, can enjoy some extra care.

And the time being night, most one-way routes are considered and used as two-ways by some. It’s advised to stick to the left lane always, to account for this.

Final comment?
Shasthri Road is the real stunner.

Go-Karting + Billiards. YAY!

Notice (May 2012): Unfortunately, the place is closed indefinitely.

This place was a real discovery. A Go-Karting track and a Billiards club at just 26kms from town.

The place – Pala Fun Track at Arunapuram, Pala – is set alongside the Meenachil River. The standards-compliant Go-Karting track is about 250metres long and is designed amidst rubber tress planted in straight rows – something that makes it unique, very unique.

Then there are the two lush-green professional-quality Billiards tables. The room is filled with multi-channel music. It is relaxingly cool and calm; thanks to the wooden ceiling. Even if it’s the first time you’re holding the cue, the personnel attending you will be more than happy to guide you with the basics and you will start playing in minutes.

With the Indian GrandPrix scheduled for October 2011 at Noida, Delhi, having something like this – a karting place in proximity – is sure to pump up the experience.

Phone Number:
+91 924 912 0777

Working hours:
(Before leaving, call the above number to confirm that they’re opened)
4 pm – 8 pm, Mon-Fri.
10 am – 8 pm, Saturday & Public Holidays
Remains Closed on Sunday.

Tariff: Rs. 100/7 laps of Go-Karting.   Rs. 60/hour for 2 players for Billiards.   Rs. 80/hour for more than 2 players.