Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Peek into Coorg from Kannur

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nature

PaithalmalaKF04nov2013
Paithalmala is an enchanting hill station and a trekkers’ delight. This hilly region, about 1372 metres above sea level and 65 km away from Kannur, is the highest geographic peak of Kannur. Nestled along the Kerala-Karnataka border, it is one of the favourite spots for nature enthusiasts, photographers and trekkers alike.
Paithalmala2KF04nov2013
Paithalmala, situated near the Kodagu forest, is located along huge mountains spread over 500 acres of land amidst dense forest.

There are two trekking seasons at Paithalmala-monsoon and summer.

Monsoon trekking offers an adventurous experience and is the best time to capture the beauty of the mountains enveloped in a blanket of mist. However, trekking during monsoon is more difficult because of the extreme weather. Trekkers are also cautioned about leeches and occasional elephant visits. So, the best time for trekking is January to March.

Trekking begins through the dense forest followed by the plain grassland on the hilltop. An observatory tower built by the tourism department on the hilltop can be reached after a 45-minute walk from Paithal valley. The tower offers a breathtaking view of the valley and one see most parts of Kannur.

The best part of the trek is the walk from the observatory tower to the dense forest.

One can walk along the top of the hill enjoying the mesmerising beauty of the Coorg forest and Paithal valley. Small streams and ponds within the forest are special attractions.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Lifestyle> Travel / by DC / Serin Sam / October 25th, 2013

Chinapa’s countdown

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

Nikhil Chinappa (EPS)
Nikhil Chinappa (EPS)

One of the biggest festivals of the country, Sunburn will no longer have one of the country’s popular favourite artistes, Nikhil Chinapa. Instead, Chinapa will be seen collaborating with LIVE Viacom18 as the festival director, “I am going to be working with them as an artist. I do not aim to make the festival bigger and better than Sunburn,” he begins. As for the new festival, Chinapa says, “We haven’t decided a name. I want the festival to be amazing. Order a masala dosa but what matters is who you are eating it with, what time of the day it is, what music is running in the background and if the girl at the opposite table looked at you and smiled. I think all these factors make the experience amazing.”

The festival, scheduled from December 26 to 30 will be electronic and may coincide with Sunburn’s dates. “My vision is to have 17 screens at the end of 10 years. I will also include camping in the third year of the festival,” he adds. Chinapa promises a lot of new talent, artistes from abroad and of course his wife and DJ Pearl.

The venue will remain the same, Goa, though Chinapa agrees that down South, the East Coast Road in Chennai could also be a great spot to host the festival. “I think go-MAD is doing pretty good when it comes to Chennai. They should make it the biggest festival in Chennai. I did come for the latest version and it was well done.” He is also organising a festival for 21 year olds. “This fest has no alcohol and will teach youngsters to be music producers. The fest will be conducted by professionals,” he concludes. More information about the new festival will be announced later this month.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Hyderabad / by Mrinalini Sundar / ENS – Hyderabad / October 25th, 2013

Lakhs throng Talacauvery

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All

Devotees thronging Triveni Sangama at Talacauvery in Bhaghamandla on Thursday | Express photo
Devotees thronging Triveni Sangama at Talacauvery in Bhaghamandla on Thursday | Express photo

The Madikeri- Bhaghamandla- Talacauvery Road was jampacked from early Thursday as lakhs of devotees arrived for the ‘theerthodbhava’ near Brahmakundike.

It is believed that every year on this day at a specified time water from the Cauvery springs up in the form of a small fountain from ‘Brahmakundike’ at Talacauvery. And this water from this temporary fountain is considered to be holy.

A team of archakas, led by Ananthesh Kedilaya, announced the arrival of theerthodbhava at 12.01 pm, following which they sprinkled the holy water on the devotees near the Bramhakundike.

Kodagu police had enforced strict monitoring around the region to ensure that people do not enter Bramhakundike until after the theerthodbhava to prevent any untoward incidents such as a stampede.

SP M N Anucheth was seen standing near the pond and personally supervising arrangements with his subordinates.

Cultural programmes were performed by various artistes throughout the day. Ninada from Ponampet sang Kodava devotional songs while B A Ganesh from Shanthalli rendered Kannada devotional songs. Padmanabha and team from Melkote played the Nagaswara and Ramanajneya Bhajana team from Madikeri sung bhajans.

For the second consecutive year, the temple committee provided lunch for the devotees. MLA K G Bopaiah and Kodagu ZP vice-president B Usha Devamma supervised the catering arrangements.

The theerthodbhava was witnessed by the temple Thakka’s Kodi Madappa, Kodi Motaaiah, Balladka Appaji, MP A H Vishwanath, Deputy Commissioner Anurag Tiwari and others.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service – Madikeri / October 18th, 2013

International band to shoot music video in Karnataka

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nature, World Opinion

The international band Naguale has chosen Karnataka to provide the backdrop for its music video. The band from Romania has zeroed in on Coorg and Mangalore to shoot its brand new video, which is a collaboration with Punjabi rap artiste Sukhbir.

(Naguale band member Ovidiu…)
(Naguale band member Ovidiu…)

“India and its colourful culture is hot on the international circuit right now. Since the song also features Sukhbir, they wanted an Indian touch to the video. I suggested that they come and shoot in Karnataka since such a varied choice of locations are available here,” says Akshat Mudbidri, who’s managing the band’s India operations.

Naguale will begin shooting in Coorg shortly, with the coffee plantations and Coorg culture receiving prominence. “We will then proceed to Mangalore and capture its scenic beaches. Local art forms like Yakshagana and tiger dance will also feature on the video,” explains Akshat.

Ovidiu Baciu, one of the members of the band, confirms that they have been getting glowing reviews about Karnataka and were looking to shoot amid nature and lots of culture, “So we’re here,” he says. The three member band will also have Bangalorean models grooving in the background to the song that’s titled Killa.

Shankar Mahadevan named ambassador of Storm Music Festival

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Popular composer Shankar Mahadevan has strengthened his ties with camp-out event Storm Music Festival, by coming on board as its ambassador. He says it was “natural” for him to associate with such an “energising” event.

Mahadevan headlined the second edition of Storm music fest, which was held in Karnataka’s Coorg earlier this year. He mesmerised fans with a performance in collaboration with Indian Ocean.

Apart from Mahadevan’s name and face, the festival will see his participation in identifying hidden musical gems from across the country and the world.

“I first heard about the Storm Festival over two years back. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that India has a festival where music lovers can camp-out amidst tight security, where there’s a strong check on drug abuse and everything is organised to the T…,” Mahadev said in a statement.

“The experience is so energising that you want to come back to the festival every year. So, it was only natural that I joined hands with a beautiful festival such as Storm, which is truly a musician’s paradise with great talent from India and across the world,” he added.

The Storm Music Festival debuted in 2012. Its third edition will take place Jan 31, 2014 to Feb 2, 2014 at a new venue, which will be unveiled shortly.

Storm Festival director and Liquidspace Entertainment Pvt. Ltd managing director Lavin Uthappa is happy to associate with Mahadevan, who has won four National Film Awards.

“We’re honoured that Shankar Mahadevan felt a sense of belonging as a musician when he came to Storm earlier this year. The sense was strong enough for him to share his time and wisdom with us to make the festival larger and more vivacious in its entirety.

“It was during Storm earlier this year, when we briefly spoke of together making the festival magnanimous and reach out to every music lover across the world,” he said.

source: http://www.business-standard.com / Business Standard / Home> News-IANS / Cinema-Showbiz / by IANS / Mumbai – October 10th, 2013

Reality bites for Bhamaa and Deepika

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

The story of Ganesh’s character in Auto Raja — which is based on a collection of tales about several auto drivers in Bangalore — is not the only one that has been inspired by elements of reality. The film’s female characters — who are played by Bhamaa and Deepika Kamaiah — are also based on real-life people.

(Bhamaa )
(Bhamaa )

Director Udayprakash says, “Deepika’s character is a strong corporate woman and I’ve met a person like her when I was working at a television channel. Our company started a radio wing and appointed a lady to head the channel. Her way of handling work was very different. She seemed more like a commanding person, and wanted to get work done at the earliest. However, this attitude didn’t go down well with her subordinates. But little did people know that she was a good-hearted person. I gave Deepika shades of her character.”

Bhamaa plays a village belle in the film, and this character has also been inspired by a real-life person. “Bhamaa’s role is loosely based on a girl who used to sell coconut water near a hospital in Rajajinagar. She later become an actress and did pretty well in the industry. I wanted someone who has certain innocence and Bhamaa fit the role perfectly. She comes in as a village girl and transforms herself by the end of the film. She has even lost some weight for the role,” says Uday.

The director also says that all the characters in the film are based on real-life people. “Even the supporting characters are based on real-life people. The film is a take on reality,” he says.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Entertainment> Regional> Kannada> Coconut Water / by Sharanya CR, TNN / June 17th, 2013

Vivanta by Taj, Madikeri makes it to Conde Nast Traveller hot list

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy

Mumbai :

Vivanta by Taj, Madikeri, Coorg, has made it to the Conde Nast Traveller US, UK and India’s Hot List 2013.

The Conde Nast Traveller list showcases some of the most authentic havens for travellers across the globe. The list is published every year.

Situated at an altitude of 4,000 feet within 180 acres of a subtropical rainforest, the review says the hotel is the perfect retreat for nature lovers and sybarites. It offers panoramic vistas of the mountains. The surrounding rainforest’s lush canopies are home to over 350 species of flora and fauna.

Each Vivanta by Taj hotel presents experiences rooted in the local culture. At the Madikeri hotel, guests can get their hands dirty in a 2500 square feet pottery studio, or interpret an elusive rainforest with the `rainforest insider’, or explore the Vivanta Conservatory: a living chronicle of the land of Kodavas, or enjoy a personalised 101 candles dining experience in a large outdoor amphitheatre, or listen in on Dr Belliappa, the noted historian of Coorg, as he narrates tales from Madikeri.

The two-year-old brand, Vivanta by Taj, was ranked 36 in the Top 50 most sought after hotel brands in the world in the World Luxury Index 2013, compiled by the Digital Luxury Group, in association with Ecole Hoteliere and the Luxury Society, which is an international ranking and analysis of the most searched for brands within the luxury industry.

source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com / Business Line / Home> Companies / by The Hindu Bureau / Mumbai – June 25th, 2013

Lakhs throng Talacauvery

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Nature

Devotees thronging Triveni Sangama at Talacauvery in Bhaghamandla on Thursday | Express photo
Devotees thronging Triveni Sangama at Talacauvery in Bhaghamandla on Thursday | Express photo

The Madikeri- Bhaghamandla- Talacauvery Road was jampacked from early Thursday as lakhs of devotees arrived for the ‘theerthodbhava’ near Brahmakundike.

It is believed that every year on this day at a specified time water from the Cauvery springs up in the form of a small fountain from ‘Brahmakundike’ at Talacauvery. And this water from this temporary fountain is considered to be holy.

A team of archakas, led by Ananthesh Kedilaya, announced the arrival of theerthodbhava at 12.01 pm, following which they sprinkled the holy water on the devotees near the Bramhakundike.

Kodagu police had enforced strict monitoring around the region to ensure that people do not enter Bramhakundike until after the theerthodbhava to prevent any untoward incidents such as a stampede.

SP M N Anucheth was seen standing near the pond and personally supervising arrangements with his subordinates.

Cultural programmes were performed by various artistes throughout the day. Ninada from Ponampet sang Kodava devotional songs while B A Ganesh from Shanthalli rendered Kannada devotional songs. Padmanabha and team from Melkote played the Nagaswara and Ramanajneya Bhajana team from Madikeri sung bhajans.

For the second consecutive year, the temple committee provided lunch for the devotees. MLA K G Bopaiah and Kodagu ZP vice-president B Usha Devamma supervised the catering arrangements.

The theerthodbhava was witnessed by the temple Thakka’s Kodi Madappa, Kodi Motaaiah, Balladka Appaji, MP A H Vishwanath, Deputy Commissioner Anurag Tiwari and others.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service – Madikeri / October 18th, 2013

Taj Madikeri, Westin Chennai Velachery among world’s hot new hotels

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

SUMMARY
TripAdvisor has recognised 33 hotels in 18 countries worldwide that opened within the last year.

Westin Chennai Velachery
Westin Chennai Velachery

TripAdvisor has announced its inaugural list of hot new hotels, recognising 33 hotels in 18 countries worldwide that opened within the last year. These properties have provided guests with memorable experiences, according to the survey done by the travel site.
“TripAdvisor has identified the new hotels that have made lasting impressions on our community since opening their doors,” said Barbara Messing, chief marketing officer at TripAdvisor. “Whether traveling internationally or close to home, we encourage travellers to check out, or ‘check-in’ to these new hotels on the scene that are getting high reviews from other travelers.”

Hot New Hotels – Asia
1. Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai, China
2. Four Seasons Hotel Baku, Baku, Azerbaijan
3. Vivanta by Taj Madikeri, Madikeri, India
4. Raffles Makati, Makati, Philippines
5. Fairmont Makati, Makati, Philippines
6. Vana Belle, A Luxury Collection Resort, Koh Samui, Chaweng Beach, Thailand
7. InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, Da Nang,Vietnam
8. The Westin Chennai Velachery, Chennai (Madras), India
9. Four Seasons Beijing, Beijing, China
10. Four Seasons Shanghai Pudong, Shanghai, China

Hot New Hotels – World
1. Hotel Casa San Agustin, Cartagena, Colombia
2. Kura Design Villas Uvita, Uvita, Costa Rica
3. Taj Palace Marrakech, Marrakech, Morocco
4. 21c Museum Hotel Bentonville, Bentonville, Arkansas
5. Kempinski Hotel Cathedral Square, Vilnius, Lithuania
6. Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai, Shanghai, China
7. Refinery Hotel, New York City, New York
8. The Ampersand Hotel, London, United Kingdom
9. Four Seasons Hotel Baku, Baku, Azerbaijan
10. Zero George Street, Charleston, South Carolina

source: http://www.financialexpress.com / The Financial Express / Home> Travel & Tourism / by FE Online / New Delhi / October 17th, 2013

Tableaux steal the show in Gonicoppa Dasara

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence

A tableau depicting ‘Draupadi Vastrapaharana’ from the Mahabharath being taken out during the Gonicoppa Dasara procession in Virajpet taluk of Kodagu on Monday / The Hindu
A tableau depicting ‘Draupadi Vastrapaharana’ from the Mahabharath being taken out during the Gonicoppa Dasara procession in Virajpet taluk of Kodagu on Monday / The Hindu

As many as 20 tableaux depicting various themes were taken out at Gonicoppa, marking the culmination of the cultural show of the Gonicoppa Dasara festivities in Virajpet taluk of Kodagu on Monday.

The tableaux procession was inaugurated by the president of the Gonicoppa APMC Achapanda Mahesh around 3 p.m. today. Of the 20 tableaux, as many as 12 depicted various social themes while the rest derived their themes from the Mahabharata, Keshav Kamath, a prominent citizen of Gonicoppa town told The Hindu. The procession went through the two-km route on the Gonicoppa main road ending at the Sri Uma Maheshwara Temple in the evening.

Social themes harped on issues such as the vicious shadows of terrorism, ill effects of drunkenness, pernicious effects of plastics and garbage, elephant menace that was rampant in Kodagu, dangers of sagging electric wires resulting in the electrocution of people and so on. Vehicular traffic was affected in the town till 5.30 p.m. following the tableaux procession. A large number of people watched the proceedings in the afternoon, Mr. Kamath said.

Madikeri spruced up

A cloudy atmosphere prevailed in Madikeri in the evening where Dasara festivities were slated to begin on Monday night. As many as 10 decorated mantaps (Dasha Mantaps) would emerge from as many temples late in the night in a car procession in the city towards Bannimantapa for the rituals in the morning on Tuesday.

The mantaps that would come out are from the temples of Sri Kote Maha Ganapathi, Chowtti Mariyamma, Kote Mariyamma, Dandina Mariyamma, Kanchi Kamakshi, Pete Sri Rama Mandira, Dechur Balaka Balarama Sri Rama Mandira, Chowdeshwari, Karawale Bhagavathi and Kodandarama. A large number of visitors were streaming into the city toward evening to witness the annual spectacle, Mahantesh, a resident of the city, told The Hindu.

The police have made elaborate security arrangements to prevent untoward incidents by setting up check-posts at vantage points. Parking arrangements have been made at several locations.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Madikeri – October 15th, 2013