Inside the Other Garden of Eden

Wake up to the
chirping of birds
and open your eyes
to the unobstructed view
of the misty mountains

 

Let the dew drops kiss you. Let the gentle cool winds sing you a lullaby. Let the warmth of sunlight embrace you. In the simplest way, nature refreshes one’s body, mind and spirit at the ‘My Garden of Eden’ plantation resort.

Spread over 23 acres of lush greenery is a charming hill station, Meppady, in the unexplored Wayanad region of Kerala. Life at this premium plantation retreat, situated six kilometres from the Rippon Junction on the Wayanad-Ooty road, is incredibly unique. And Dr. Srikumar, a paediatric neurologist, could not find a better name for this natural extravaganza than ‘My Garden of Eden’.

Six years ago, it was a run-down plantation neglected by its owners. When Srikumar first visited the place, he felt that it would make a wonderful resort.

‘’For five years, we passionately worked to transform this property into a tropical paradise,’’ he says.

Night is an incredible experience here. The distant roar of the cascading waters of the Chaliyar river ally with the chorus of nocturnal insects. Sometimes, one experiences a little shiver when trumpeting elephants can be heard from the nearby woods. Gradually, everything becomes silent. And, unknowingly, you become part of nature’s tableau.
 

Wake up to the chirping of birds and open your eyes to the unobstructed view of the misty mountains. Walk around the cottage and feel the loveliness of the woods, looking like a silver line in the sunrise and watch the sparkling diamonds on the leaves, left by the sun rays, wet in the mist.

Amidst the woods, there lie seven independent luxury villas, all of them, overlooking the mountain range of the Western Ghats. The spacious verandahs offer a priceless panoramic view of the misty mountains as far as the eye can see.

Each cottage remains isolated amidst the verdant woods and has sloping red-tiled roofs. From every room, guests can have the best possible view of the surrounding landscape as well as enjoy their privacy.

For a regular workout, there is a badminton and basketball court, a swimming pool and facilities for cycling. Besides, one can practise yoga or enjoy reading, stretched out on a comfortable hammock in the nearby woods.

It’s an ideal spot for a romantic getaway, an amazing honeymoon, a writer’s haven, and a top choice for outdoor adventures in the wild.

(The New Indian Express, Sunday Magazine, June 2011)

Little Master of the Net

Krishna Narayan is popular on the web for his cricketing skills

Shot! Through the covers and... it’s a four.’’ Standing in a corner of the living room, a little boy is busy driving, flicking and punching with his Mongoose bat after tossing a tennis ball against the wall.

After every stroke, his commentary follows. At another time, he can be seen throwing the ball quickly against the wall and trying various modes of catching. He cannot live without cricket even for a minute inside his home.

Meet Krishna Narayan, a native of Vallikkunnu in Malappuram, and a Class II student of St. Paul’s School, Thenhipalam, perhaps the most illustrious seven-year-old Keralite on the web at present.

Playing every shot with natural ease, Krishna gives the impression that he was born to play this game, even though it is pretty early to make such predictions.

“This guy will break all the batting records,’’ said former West Indian captain Richie Richardson, in a written comment after seeing Krishna’s video on Youtube. Dav Whatmore and Anil Kumble too echoed the Windies maestro’s words. What’s more, Krishna is the only Indian cricketer who is sponsored by Mongoose Cricket Limited, London. Stanford Cricket Industries, Meerut, provides him custom-made playing equipment for free.

“All these are nothing but God’s grace,’’ says Rajesh Kumar, Krishna’s father who is a software programmer.

Nearly five years ago, Rajesh, an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna, bought a mini plastic bat for his child during a visit to Guruvayur Temple. The living room soon turned into a cricket pitch, with Krishna playing textbook strokes with a straight bat, and with style and elegance. In course of time, tennis ball and wooden bat replaced the plastic equipment. And one day, Rajesh shot his son batting, using his camcorder, when he was three-and-a-half years old.

 “Actually, my intention was to evaluate his batting,” says Rajesh. “But my nephew Jithin insisted that I upload it on Youtube. Though a bit reluctant, I agreed. And now I believe everything happened because of that.”

Soon, there came the first comment from the United States for the ‘young little cricketer’ video. Later, a personal message arrived from Rejith Rajendran, an official of the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) offering support. Later, Rejith introduced coach Biju George of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) to Rajesh.

“My acquaintance with Biju Sir has been one of the most happiest and luckiest moments in my life,’’ says Rajesh.

Having seen the video, which now has 4.18 lakh hits, the Ireland-based Lekka Sports asked Rajesh to submit his son’s bat size to Stanford Cricket Industries (SF), with whom they have a business arrangement. But the reply from SF was an apology saying that such mini-size equipment was not manufactured by them.

Rajesh sent the link of the video to the company. SF official Anil Sareen was so impressed by the batting display of Krishna that the company offered to sponsor custom-made equipment for the wunderkind.

Then came another surprise—a complete sponsorship deal from Mongoose Cricket Limited. However, Rajesh accepted the equipment sponsorship only from Mongoose. “At that time he was playing with a tennis ball. I could not predict whether he would continue playing with a cricket ball in future. Besides, I did not want to compel him,” Rajesh says. “For Krishna, the greatest achievement was the selection to the National Cricket Academy, Bangalore, for a camp in the under-12 category in February 2010. Unfortunately, the camp was postponed to a future date and later called off.”

Meanwhile, the little-master-in-the-making is looking prim, even without his incisors. Where have they gone? The answer is a cute smile. He hardly speaks, and scurries over to where he likes to be the most: the practice pitch.

He is extremely happy at getting a chance to play in the nets for the photographer. “I hardly get any practice these days because of the rain,” the boy complains, as his father helps him to wear the chest guard and thigh pad. In his white T-shirt and white pants, and wearing custom-made pads and a helmet, Krishna looks impressive.

At the nets, Krishna is unstoppable. He hits with enormous power: the ball moves like a rocket. The cover drive is his favourite, but no shot seems difficult. “Krishna,” Rajesh says after nearly half an hour. “It’s enough. Only three more balls for you.” But Krishna is not willing to stop. “Father, I just want to hit those stumps,” the boy says, pointing at the wicket placed at the short cover position for taking photographs.

And just to prove that it is no empty boast, the little master’s stunning drive, off the third ball, knocks down the stumps with a bang. A big win for this little champion, who longs to meet Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman and Anil Kumble.

(The New Indian Express, Sunday Magazine, July 2011)

Royal Mansions Go Back to the Future

Praveen Maranat and his wife, the host of the Maranat Mana

 Till recently teetering on the verge of decay, they are now being revived by their owners. We are talking about the palatial kovilakams and manas of Kerala. These mansions, which once symbolised Kerala’s aristocratic tradition, are but leftovers of a regal past ever since the state seized property from the feudal lords during the land reforms of the 1960s — without compensation. Gradually, residences of erstwhile landlords and wealthy Brahmins, which epitomised traditional architecture with ornate wooden interiors, slipped into oblivion.

Though many of those imposing structures were demolished, a few defied the test of time. Now, they are becoming a boon to the inheritors who are turning them into homestays, courtesy ‘experience’ tourism — a new trend in north Kerala’s Malabar region.

The imposing Nilambur Puthiya Kovilakam in hilly Malappuram, residence of the local Samoothiri (Zamorin) rulers of Kozhikode, and Maranat Mana, a traditional Namboothiri Illam (mansion) of Pandikkad (around 90 km from Kozhikode), are among them.While the latter has been in business over the last two years, the Nilambur Kovilakam Heritage Homestay will become operational by August this year.

Tourists can experience and understand the rich tradition of the Brahmins and Kshatriyas. They can get a feel of the architecture using rosewood and teak, take part in customs and practices, watch traditional art forms and have rejuvenating ayurvedic oil baths.They will have to abjure smoking and alocohol, and eat only vegetarian, though.

“Guests have to adhere to the centuries-old customs and traditions we follow,” says Praveen Maranat, who runs the Maranat Mana Heritage Homestay. “Nothing is arranged specifically for them. If they come during Onam, they can join us in harvesting paddy and other rituals, or help in cooking. The atmosphere is very informal. They are served the same food, cooked that day. Nothing extra, not even chilled water.’’

However, not everyone is allowed to stay. “It may sound strange, but we have to ensure they understand our way of life. I insist every tour operator visit the place before sending guests,’’ says Praveen, who put the conditions on Mana’s website and brochure.

According to Praveen, this is the best way to maintain such buildings and preser ve religious customs.“My family has imposed on me certain dos and don’ts. As long as I don’t break any, they will cooperate with me,’’ Praveen says.
 

Guests stay in the refurbished three-storeyed Patthaayappura (out-house) of the 160-year-old house. The only place where guests are not allowed is the Ganapathy temple. It is a stopover for tourists from Wayanad, Bengaluru, Guruvayur and Gudalloor. Last season, Praveen had mostly European and American guests for 52 days, through various tour operators like Blue Yonder, Incent Tours, Le passage and Southern Journey. “As a beginner, tour operators feel it’s a big success,’’ he says.

Puthiya Kovilakam, more than 300 years old, is one of the finest examples of Kerala’s architecture.

It is based on nalukettu (four complexes around a rectangular courtyard) style. It’s a panthrandukettu structure with four nadumuttams (courtyards). Apart from 18 large rooms, there are two halls which can host 200 people.

C K Ravi Varma and wife Sreemathy Varma are the only inmates of this huge building. “We intend to preserve this traditional cultural monument,’’ says Ravi Varma. The maintenance is very costly and requires many servants. Besides, there is no point in renovating a building without inmates. We need only a small portion for ourselves.

So we thought of developing four rooms as homestay.” Queries are coming from across the globe. “Many foreigners have asked whether they can conduct Kerala-style marriages in the building. Now, we are thinking of renting it out for such purposes.

But guests will be restricted to 40,’’ he adds.

(The New Indian Express, Sunday Magazine)

Wholesome Healing for Body and Soul

Harivihar

Dr. Srikumar and his wife Dr. Neetha, hosts of the Harivihar

The place is hushed, footfalls fall softly on the ancient, cool floor.

The rooms are cool and dark with windows framed in dark wood.

Those who come from far and wide, seeking ayurvedic cures for their maladies, find solace in Harivihar, once a kovilakam—a feudal house in which the royal mistresses of Kerala lived—situated in Calicut. The 160-yearold Harivihar is an example of a growing trend in Kerala—palaces disowned by impoverished or disinterested nobility being passed on to new owners who turn them into pricey ayurvedic centres, attracting foreign clients and wealthy Indians.

Harivihar, once the ancestral home of the Kadathanad royals, is now one of the leading Ayurveda, Panchakarma and Yoga centres in North Kerala. The mansion now belongs to the ayurvedic doctors, Srikumar and wife Neetha, whose grandfather had bought it from the family in the 1950s. Situated in Bilathikulam, Calicut, and built in the typical Malayalee architectural style, Harivihar Heritage Homestead offers authentic ayurvedic treatments and a unique experience of pristine living in a heritage homestead set among ancient trees and undulating, landscaped lawns.

The corridors flanked by aged teak pillars are shady and pleasant for the convalescent to stroll along; the large pond at the rear of the palace with dark, stone steps leading down is an ideal spot for reflection.

“We have been getting good response from people across the world. Every season, guests from Europe arrive through tour operators such as Thomas Cook, Kuoni and Le Passage,’’ says Srikumar.

Harivihar’s expert ayurvedic physicians suggest treatments like Shiro Dhara, Kizhi, Shirovasti, Pizhichil or Njavarakizhi according to each patient’s need. A complete package of medicine, food and culture is calculated to attract the seeker of exotica—yoga, discourses on the Vedas and Indian mythology as well as performances of traditional art forms like Kathakali.

The food at Harivihar is vegetarian; elaborate and cooked according to prescribed ayurvedic methods, abjuring strong spices, thus retaining the natural flavours of the ingredients. Guests are also treated to cooking demonstrations.

The royals of Rajasthan are known to have turned their palaces into thriving hotels. Those of Kerala seem to prefer the calmer nuances of ayurveda.

(The New Indian Express, Sunday Magazine)

A Policeman and A Poet

Premadas Iruvallur

Premadas Iruvallur has been a serving in the state police force for the last 17 years.

But, the rigours of his serious profession have not managed to keep the 43-year-old away from his passion for the written word.

The senior Civil Police Officer, working at the office of the Kozhikode City Police Commissioner, is all excited, and the reason is the film ‘Breaking News Live,’ in which Premadas makes his debut as a lyricist.

The Mollywood flick, starring Kavya Madhavan and Vineeth, is all set to hit the screens this month, and for Premadas, who has already won laurels as a painter and poet, this is another dream come true.

 “I always wished to write songs for films and be a part of mainstream cinema. Of course, I am really excited,” he gushes. The three songs penned by Premadas for ‘Breaking News Live’, the directorial debut of Sudhir Ambalappatu, have been set to music by Mohan Sithara.

Premadas’ love affair with the Malayalam language and literature began during his college days.

Even after joining the police force in 1995, he continued writing poems and sending these to vernacular newspapers and magazines for publishing.

“Several poems were published and this encouraged me a lot. I also found time to visit sets of TV serials and films, and showed my literary work to directors. Somehow, I was invited by serial director Baiju Devaraj to write the title song for the popular megaserial ‘Ente Manasaputhri’. That was my big break,” he said.

Later, he wrote songs for six telly shows and got several awards, including the Malayalam Television Viewers Association Award (MVTA).

 A recipient of the Chief Minister’s Police Medal, Premadas feels that writing poetry and painting ease the tension and stress of the job.

“Definitely, there is tension related to job and often its redundant. But, doing this kind of creative work has a refreshening effect on me. Every day morning, I practice the art by doing some drawings and writing something. People always wonder how a police man can find time for this work. But, if you have the will and lead a disciplined life, you can find enough time. More importantly, I am getting good support from higher officials, colleagues and my family,’’ he said. About future projects? Premadas hates to be in a hurry in this new track.

"I believe in doing quality work and am least concerned about the quantity. I have immense love for my mother tongue. For me, lyrical quality is important and would like to associate with such kind of projects,’’ he said.