Author: Minu Sara Paul

When the District Collector of Kozhikode, Kerala Sri. N. Prashanth announced ‘Operation Sulaimani’ on his Facebook page on 23rd April, 2015, it was the beginning of a fresh leaf of a brand new book. The district of Kozhikode has always known to have a great deal of respect for its guests and there was no better ground than Kozhikode to kickstart this new project.

The collector wrote on his Facebook page:

We often see people standing in long que (sic) for a meal losing their self respect. It’s obvious there are hungry people in this city, as much as those who are willing to give food. District administration has put together a simple system to feed those who are hungry with self respect. A small idea is taking shape in consultation with organisations related to hospitality industry. Instead of alms, this is an attempt to ensure that they can eat with dignity in a restaurant like anyone else. Hotel and Restaurant Associations as well as related organisations have responded positively to this suggestion. By second week of May, we are planning to launch the initiative that ensures that the hungry gets to eat with dignity. Care is taken to have a simple food coupon system that’s difficult to misuse.

The project was christened ‘Operation Sulaimani’ and seemed to be inspired by the Anjali Menon movie Ustaad Hotel. Sulaimani is a spice-mixed black tea which the Kozhikkodans drink after a meal, and even though initially the name was thought to be silly, the Collector said that because it was one word that connected the Kozhikkodans with the gentle act of sharing food with the hungry, this name was apt.

The project has been inspired by the concepts of Caffè Sospeso (Italian for Suspended Coffee) and also Tea on the Wall. The idea here was simple. A person paid for two beverages while he/she only consumed one. So, when a poor person walked into the place and if there was a ‘suspeso’ or a ‘tea on the wall’, they could redeem it. The essential idea of ‘Operation Sulaimani’ is also the same. But the difference is that it is happening on a larger scale, and with the co-operation of the District Administration and the Kerala Hotel and Restaurants’ Association.

Operation Sulaimani

The project is in its initial stages now, and works with a simple coupon system. The restaurants co-operating are:

How It Works

There are boxes kept at these restaurants and the contribution can be directly made there.
If you want to buy the coupons in bulk and distribute them, you can contact the Collector’s office (0495 2371400).
If you want to contribute to the project on occasions of weddings, birthdays, anniversaries etc., you can contact the Collector’s office or the Secretary of KHRA.
You can receive the coupons from the Collectorate, taluk office, the village offices of Kozhikode – Kasaba, Nagaram, Valayanad, Chelavur, Panniyankara, Nellikkode, Vengeri, Kottuli, Kacheri, Puthiyangadi; and also from the Press club. The name and address of the person will be noted down when the coupons are handed out so as to avoid misusing of the coupons.
There is no general fund collection for the project and the team is optimistic that there will be enough kind-hearted and generous minds to keep the project going.

Future Goals

The project was inaugurated on June 14, 2015 after a successful trial run of about 2 weeks, and has garnered support from people in all spheres – political, social, cinema etc. alike. In the long run, because the name and address of the people who redeem the coupons are noted down, there are plans to study the cause of why there are repeated redemption of the coupon by the same people, if at all there are any such cases, and find out ways to tackle it.
As for the future plans of the project itself, the team hopes to extend it to the entire district as the project is now functional only in the city area. There are also plans to extend it to the entire state in the coming years.

Watch the promo video of Operation Sulaimani here:

So that is another golden feather added to the cap of Calicut for sure. Thinking of visiting Calicut? Make it soon!

SpiceTree, Munnar says three cheers to the entire team behind Operation Sulaimani!

Jaggery is as much a part of the cuisine of Kerala as sugar is. A lot of dishes – snacks, desserts are made using jaggery. Experts say that there are many benefits of using jaggery over sugar in your daily diet. Let us look at some of the snacks that are made using jaggery as the sweetener.

1. Kozhukkatta

One of the snacks made in connection to the festival of Easter in Christian households, the availability of kozhukkatta however does not confine itself into that particular time of the year. It is relished as an evening snack in a regular Malayali’s household. Even though the kozhukkatta looks pretty bland, the flavour of grated coconut, jaggery and cardamon when you bite into the rice flour coating makes you want to grab for many more off the plate.

2. Unniyappam

One of the authentic snacks of Kerala, this would be one of those snacks which is available in plenty all throughout Kerala. Almost all the bakeries will have a stack of packets of freshly made unniyappam by the counter if they are not sold out by then. Constituted mainly of rice flour and mashed ripe bananas, the taste of this coconut oil fried delicacy is enhanced by the presence of ghee fried coconut bits and black sesame seeds.

3. Neyyappam

With the same ingredients as that of the unniyappam sans mashed banana is neyyappam. A little to the crispy side to the edges, becoming soft as you bite into it, this is a dish that is available in local tea shops, and bakeries alike.

4. Chakkayappam

Jackfruit is a fruit which is available in plenty in Kerala. They are available for around 6 months a year. The produce is quite high that the pulp of the fruit is preserved using jaggery, ghee, dry ginger and spices, which is called chakka varattiyathu. This is consumed as such, or is used to make other dishes. The base of Chakkayappam is chakka or jackfruit of course. This, along with grated coconut, jaggery and rice flour is filled in either plantain leaf or vazhana leaf (malabathrum leaf) and is steam cooked. The aroma it produces while on the steam is very rich, and it is best enjoyed when it is hot.

5. Sukhiyan

This is again a deep fried snack prepared with jaggery. This is a unique combination of boiled green gram, grated coconut, jaggery, cardamom powder etc coated with a wheat flour/maida – water mixture. This mouth watering dish is the perfect evening snack to be enjoyed with a steaming cup of tea.

6. Kalathappam

A Malabari special dish, it is a rich thick batter of rice flour, jaggery, coconut flakes and fried onions pressure cooked. The sides are dark brown in colour and the knife cuts into the tender and soft middle part which is in delicate layers. The top part is again garnished with fried coconut chips and onion.

Apart from all of these snacks, there is also a jaggery version of jilebi which is an integral part of all small-town, temple, church festivals. The Kerala sadya which is a special occasion meal course is never complete with the jaggery coated banana chips. There are also a variety of payasams like the jackfruit pradhaman, rice payasam, green gram payasam etc. that are cooked with jaggery.

Have you tried any of these delectable snacks? What are you waiting for!

Kerala is a land which gets a lot of rain. The major source of electricity is also water here. So also, there are many dams throughout Kerala for this purpose. But, many of them are not just places of electricity production. It is also very much spots of tourist attraction mostly because the areas they are situated in are are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna.

1. Mullaperiyar Dam

Located on the Cardomom Hills of the Western Ghats in Thekkady, Idukki it lies on river Periyar. This is one of the most controversial dams as there is a dispute regarding its ownership between the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu. Having nearly 120 years of history, this dam is known for its brilliant architecture. There are also facilities for speed boating through the dam. The dam is located around the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and is noted as an elephant and tiger reserve. Apart from this, you can also get a glimpse of live wildlife, birds and animals alike. The sight of submerged trees in Periyar Lake is one of a kind. The place is also home to many rare species of fauna. You will also be able to find teak, rosewood, bamboos etc. The tropical forest gives it a very peaceful and tranquil charm any person can enjoy.

2. Idukki Dam

Situated on Periyar itself, this is an arch dam that stands tall between two mountains called Kuravanmala and Kurathimala. Along with two other dams called the Cheruthoni and Kulamavu, they create an artificial lake. The dam is only open during vacation season. The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is located around it. The place is home to bisons, sambars deers, wild dogs, jungle cats, tigers, wild boars, elephants, and many types of snakes. There are also a wide variety of birds.

3. Thenmala Dam or Kallada Dam

The second largest irrigation project in Kerala, this dam is located on Kallada River in Thenmala, in the district of Kollam. The area in which the dam is located is the first planned eco-tourism destination in India. Thenmala attracts tourists both local and foreign because of the variety of attractions it provides. There is a boating facility on the lake. Rope bridge, biking, trekking, mountaineering etc are other attractions. There is also a waterfall called ‘Palaruvi’ nearby. A deer rehabilitation centre where the visitors are allowed to watch deers in their natural habitat is a major highlight. On both sides of the reservoir lies the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary. This tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forest is home to many endangered species like the lion tailed macaque.

4. Malampuzha Dam

Located in the Palakkad district of Kerala, this is the largest reservoir of Kerala. Lying on the Malampuzha river, a tributary of the longest river of Kerala – Bharathapuzha, and with the most beautiful view of Western Ghats in the background, this is one of the most popular tourist destinations. There is a boating facility available as well. Nearby the dam, there is a garden which offers a wide variety of services. If you happen to go on a weekend or on a public holiday, you will get to see the garden illuminated as well. The ropeway over the garden is a one of a kind experience. There is also a snake rehabilitation centre, rock garden, Japanese garden, freshwater aquarium and a children’s park located nearby the dam.

There are also other dams like the Banasura Sagar Dam in Wayanad, Neyyar Dam in Thiruvananthapuram, Peechi Dam in Thrissur etc. which also gives you fresh experiences. If you thought dams were only meant for storing water and producing electricity, Kerala is one of the best places to undo the notion.

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How much of Hyderabad can you see in a day? If my calculations are right, and if you have the energy, you can see a lot of it.

1. Sunrise at Moula Ali

Located around 10 kms from Secunderabad railway station, this suburb has a Dargah on top of a hill with steps leading to the most beautiful sunrise and sunset view in Hyderabad.

2. Breakfast at Ram ki Bandi

Around 12 kms from Moula Ali, situated opposite the Karachi Bakery near Mozamjhahi market, you will not miss this small place for the crowd it will have in front of it. Open from 3a.m to 8 a.m, they serve a variety of dosas including butter, paneer, cheese, and others. This is one of the most opted breakfast places of Hyderabad.

3. Charminar, Mecca Masjid, and Laad Bazaar

Bangles, Pearls, Charminar, and the Masjid

4 kms away from Ram ki Bandi is the architectural marvel of Charminar. And to its southwest lies the Mecca Masjid, one of the oldest mosques in Hyderabad. The three arched facades of the mosque were carved from one piece of granite, and it is a visually stunning sight with flying pigeons and the water pool.
If you are in Hyderabad, the city of pearls, you cannot go back obviously without pearls. You have shops on either sides of Charminar to get your favourite kind of pearl. To the west of Charminar is a 1 km strip of street called the Laad Bazaar where you will get bangles and other jewellery, shoes, clothes etc. for a very affordable rate.
If you have the time, you can walk to Chowmahalla Palace, which is under 1 kms away.

4. Lunch at Shadaab Hotel

The mouthwatering biriyani and Khubani ka Meetha at Hotel Shadab

All the walking and shopping might have tired you out, and yes, you had an early breakfast. So head to Shadab hotel, less than a kilometre’s walk from Charminar to have one of the best Hyderabad Biriyanis of the town. If you are in town during the Ramzan season, ask for the Haleem as well. And for dessert, order Khubani ka Meetha, a special sweet prepared with apricots.

5. Salar Jung Museum

The adobe of historical treasures – Salar Jung Museum

Less than a kilometre away from Shadab, along the sides of Musi river lies Salar Jung Museum, one of the three national museums of India. As the sun blazes outside, you can enjoy the Veiled Rebecca by the Italian sculptor G.B. Benzoni, the double sided wooden sculpture which features Mephistopheles and Margretta, an array of Raja Ravi Varma paintings, the wardrobe of Tipu Sultan, Aurangazeb’s sword among many, many other important things. You should also look out for the that special clock with an upper deck from where emerges a timekeeper to gong it the number of times as it is the hours of the day.

6. Refresh Yourself at Famous Ice Creams

Before heading to the next location, it will be completely worth it if you take a quick detour to Famous Ice Creams which is under 2 kms away from the museum. You get ice creams in seasonal fruit flavours like chickoo, musk melon, sitaphal etc. at a very cheap rate here.

7. Golconda Fort

Around 9 kms from Famous Ice Creams is the majestic Golconda Fort. This architectural marvel provides a great view of Hyderabad city, and if you are lucky enough you can catch the sun setting in the background of the city. Another interesting factor in the Fort is its brilliant acoustic engineering. If you clap at a particular point in the fort, it will be heard at the highest point of the pavilion which is at a distance of about a kilometre. There is also a light and sound show at the fort with the first show starting at 6.30 p.m.

8. Hussain Sagar

Nearly 14 kms away from the fort is Hussain Sagar, the artificial lake that separates the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. The lit up necklace road around the lake and the lit up Buddha statue is a sight indeed. There are two parks – NTR Park and Lumbini Park situated next to it. From Lumbini Park, you will get boats to go into the small island in which the 18m tall monolithic statue is erected on a lotus pedestal. You can also catch a glimpse of the Birla Mandir around the Hussain Sagar area.

9. Eat Street

A long walk along the Hussain Sagar lake with a lot of choices for food!

Around 2 kms from NTR Gardens is Eat Street, a street full of restaurant outlets set against the background of the lake. Apart from Indian, fast food, desserts, and foreign cuisines, you can also find gift shops here. You can have your dinner enjoying the light breeze from the lake.

10. Prasads Imax

Just above a kilometre from Eat Street is this multiplex-mall housing 5 multiplex screens apart from the second largest IMAX 3D screen in the world. 72 foot high, 95 feet wide, this screen has a seat capacity for 635 people, and you can say the perfect goodbye to Hyderabad after catching the late night show around 10.00 p.m or 11.00 p.m.

Booked your tickets to Hyderabad yet?

You have decided to make a trip. All arrangements done, and now the only thing left is for you to pack. For a lot of people, packing is a big headache, and often forget to pack one thing or the other. Let us look at what all you must carry while you are taking a trip.

1. Tickets and ID cards

A lot of booking is done via online these days. Even though in most of the cases, e-tickets are officially accepted, it is always better to carry a printout of the ticket just in case your gadgets decide to go on a strike. At least write down your ticket or PNR number just in case there is an emergency. If you are travelling by air, many carriers offer web check in. So make sure you note down the details of that as well.

Also carry two ID cards with you. One in your wallet and one in your bag for backup. In India, it can be anything from your passport, or Voter’s ID or your ration card.

2. Money

This is the age of internet banking and ATMs. But, it still wouldn’t hurt to carry some money around with you if there is an emergency. Always remember to split the money and keep. Put some money in all the bags you carry, and some in your wallet as well. Never write down your ATM pin anywhere.

3. Gadgets

Everybody has a smart phone these days which helps us navigate through unknown places. And you are travelling, so there is no way the camera is left unused. But the problem with using them is that the battery drains pretty quickly. So do not forget to take your charger. If you have a portable charger, well and good. You never know when you can charge your phone next. And most people also have a backup basic phone. Take the charger for that as well. And if you want to take your laptops, kindle, tablets, mp3 player or any other gadget, be well prepared for that as well. If you have a camera, make sure you get extra batteries and memory cards.

4. Clothes and Accessories

To minimise the number of clothes you take, try mix and match. See if you can wear different shirts/ t-shirts/ tops with the same jeans/ pants/ skirts. It is always better to carry one extra set of clothing just in case you get drenched, or get splattered with muddy water by an over speeding vehicle. Pack your undergarments, innerwear, and socks separately. Same is the case with jewellery, watch etc. Don’t forget to pack your bath towel as well. Also pack in the order of when you will need them so that you don’t have to unpack the whole suitcase when you need something. Try to iron your clothes before packing as it saves a lot of space. Also, try not to pack your bags to the brim so that you still have space to bring back something from where you are going. Never forget to take an extra pair of footwear apart from the ones you are wearing. If you are taking the flight, carry with you an extra set of clothing in your hand luggage just so that you have something to change into if your luggage goes missing or is delayed due to some unforeseen circumstances.

5. Toiletries

Checklist: Toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, tissue paper, bathing soap, detergent, shampoo, moisturizer, and a comb. Also, take your shaving set, trimmers, nail cutter, hair dryer etc. if necessary.

6. Basic Medicines

If you are under medication, those should be one of the first things you pack. Also carry your prescription along with you to use in case of emergencies. Note in a paper, if you are allergic to some medicine/ contents of medicines, and also the name of your doctor.

Carry also paracetamol, decongestants, medicines for stomach upset, headache, cough, band-aid and ointment for wounds etc. in a small bag. It really does not take up so much space!

7. Others

Check the weather of the place you are going to. Get umbrellas, jackets, warm clothing, blankets, caps etc. considering this. Also pack some amount of food, and water, toss in a couple of chocolates, and a sachet of glucose. Take along with you a small lock and key. Also, write down somewhere your phone number, and also another number to contact in case of emergency.

It is always better to make your own personal list of packing – things you will need all the time. This will be your basic packing list so that you can use it all the time you start packing. If you are a person who travels a lot, get a small handbag of essential things separately just for travelling.

Okay, now you are ready to go!