The 41st edition of the Cochin Carnival promises a spectacular two-week extravaganza in Kochi, Kerala, blending traditional Keralan culture with modern innovation, featuring robotic elephants, international music acts, and the iconic burning of the Papanji effigy.
The Fern Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of a new eco-friendly hotel in Kochi, Kerala, India. The property, formerly known as Trident, has been rebranded and will operate as The Fern – An Ecotel Hotel, Kochi. This marks the brand’s entry into Kerala and offers a unique blend of sustainable practices, modern amenities, and serene surroundings for both business and leisure travelers.
The Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) is set to return for its 12th edition in Kochi, India, from September 26 to 29, 2024. This major event brings together travel agents and tourism stakeholders from around the world to experience the best of Kerala’s diverse landscapes, cultural heritage, and hospitality offerings. This year, KTM will also host a virtual edition to ensure accessibility and continuity in connecting with potential buyers globally.
Tourism Malaysia, in partnership with Batik Air, is hosting a vibrant ‘Travel Fest 2024’ event in Kochi on August 10th and 11th. This event aims to showcase Malaysia’s diverse attractions, special offers, and cultural experiences, targeting Indian tourists who have been significantly contributing to the country’s tourism growth.
Kochi, Kerala, hosted a seven-day WiSci (Women in Science) camp, bringing together 100 schoolgirls from India and neighboring countries to advance gender equality and promote STEM education. Organized by Girl Up, the US Consulate General Chennai, and other partners, the camp provided participants with leadership development, skill-building, mentorship, and networking opportunities in science, technology, engineering, art and design, and mathematics (STEAM) fields.
An Air India Express flight from Bengaluru to Kochi, carrying 79 passengers and six crew members, made an emergency landing in Bengaluru on May 18 after a fire erupted in one of its engines. Passengers recounted the panic situation, with one senior citizen stating that everyone got scared and cried loudly. The crew was praised for their efficient evacuation of the passengers after the emergency landing. No injuries were reported. The airline has issued a statement expressing regret for the inconvenience caused and is working to provide alternative arrangements for passengers to reach their destination.
The 2-km-long Kundannoor bridge in Kochi, connecting the national highway bypass to Willingdon Island, remains in a poor state despite repeated repair works. The bridge serves as a vital link for passenger vehicles, tourists, and heavy vehicles from the port. However, the shoddy repair works by the Public Works Department (PWD) have left the bridge with gaping potholes and undulations, causing accidents and slowing down traffic. The PWD relies on funds from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) for repairs, but the bridge’s condition has deteriorated despite frequent patching. The municipality and commuters have demanded proper resurfacing and better lighting on the bridge and the adjacent Alexander Parambithara Bridge. While the PWD has awarded a contract for resurfacing, the work has been delayed due to late sanction from MoRTH. The PWD plans to begin work shortly, which will involve a six-km stretch of tarring and widening of the bellmouths at the Kundannoor junction. However, a larger port-connectivity corridor project by the National Highways Authority of India is yet to commence due to land acquisition issues with the Cochin Port Authority.
