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.

From the Thirunakkara Bus Terminal

The Thirunakkara Maidan lit by Josco

Central Junction

(Obvious!)

Logos Junction

Surprise Entry: Kairali Ford, S.H. Mount

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.

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.

Working hours: 10 am – 8 pm, Mon-Sat.
Tariff: Rs. 100/7 laps of Go-Karting.   Rs. 60/hour for 2 players for Billiards.   Rs. 80/hour for more than 2 players.

The movie is some months old, but the situations are more or less the same!

The 2000 ft-above-sea level spot is a 5km uphill drive from Teekoy Church Junction, which is 7kms from Erattupetta on the Erattupetta – Vagamon route.

As of now, it isn’t crowded or noisy. Silent & calm. You’re suggested to enjoy the experience as soon as possible – before it gets transformed into a typical tourist spot. There is no shops around. But there’s a Church and the Ayyampara temple right at the peak. Park your vehicle somewhere in the sides, get out and stroll around like we did:

…And slowly get your mind imprinted with views like these:

Now that you want to be there, here are few tips:

• There are a few KSRTC buses passing through Ayyampara, starting from Erattupetta depot.
• If you’re driving, keep yourselves ready to face one of the above-mentioned buses coming downhill. The road isn’t wide enough for a normal/smooth pass-by.
• When traveling from Kottayam, it’s suggested to use Pala as a halt/stop over if needed. Top up fuel if needed.
  For food – Pala Food Court at Santhome Shopping Complex, opposite Kottaramattam private bus terminal and Indian Coffee House near the Thodupuzha-Erattupetta diversion point (near KSRTC bus depot) are recommended.
• If you stay late into the evening, you could see mild-but-vast glow up to the skies from the towns watchable from there – Erattupetta, Pala, Ettumanoor.
• The place is kept 100% litter-free and keep it up.

Off you go then, to the point of tranquility.

However, there is just no decline in the passion. Hoardings are planted at almost all junctions, mostly celebrating Brazil and Argentina.

Nagampadom Temple Junction

Jabulani replica on display at Sony Center, Logos Junction

Promotional stuff at Sony Center; Sony being a FIFA partner

Watch the movie.

Have a glimpse!

Many thanks to the organizers for bringing Avial to Kottayam. It was really a fresh, neat and superb experience. The audience stood testimony for Avial’s favourite-ness, especially among the youth.

The concert started at 7pm and rocked till 9.15pm. Rocksault, a TVM based rock band – winner of the rock competition held earlier that day opened for Avial. How much this meant to them was totally evident from the energy they spit during their opening performance. (Purple Blood, another TVM based rock band came second).

Enough talking. Here goes the photos and below them, videos.

Video

Avial performing Chekele Live

Arikaruka

• Listen to Avial Songs