Text by: Tanya Munshi
This is not a place you will find easily, Bamboo Fresh is a popular family restaurant in Thaliparamba, around 45 minutes drive from Ezhimala. En route Pariyaram Medical College, Bamboo Fresh comes as a pleasant surprise as you drive through winding roads and traffic and it appears just in time when the hunger pangs start driving you crazy.
I have been told that Beef Ulliyathu, is best had at Bamboo Fresh, and when I see my friends drool with the very mention of this spicy Keralite beef preparation, I believe them. But otherwise, the food at Bamboo Fresh is nothing really that great. But yes, they make their Keralite cuisine quite well, but one shouldn't expect anything out of the ordinary when it comes to Chinese, Continental and to some extent Indian.
Most of the times that we have gone (i.e. twice out of three) - prawns, fish pollichathu (usually, a whole Red Snapper marinated with spices, wrapped in coconut leaf and steamed - I have tasted better in Fort Kochi) - are not available. If at all they serve you here, its one piece of Kingfish (enough for per person only), and the price does not do justice to the quantity.
We remember, on our first visit to Bamboo Fresh, we tried out Chinese! The Chilly Prawns had hardly 3-4 small prawns and the small bowl was only loaded with masalas. I know you must be thinking how silly of us to try Chinese at these places, but come on! Spending so much time in God's Own Country, makes you want to give your taste buds a break from the usual coconut and curry leaf flavoured dishes.
Even the Chinese seemed to have a Keralite touch to it, so we try and stay away from experimenting with Chinese (even when we pine for it once in a while.) In Kerala, beef and rice dishes are usually a little cheaper than other dishes. So a small portion of Beef Ulliyathu cost us Rs. 60/- only, yeah that cheap! So if you dig beef (buffalo) then go right ahead.
More so, they are usually understaffed and don't take peak times such as weekends too well. We had a waiter tick us off because we asked him to bring the main course after the starter and not together; because in all the rush, he got everything together - soup, starter and main course. He did come later to apologize though, but I guess, human nature is such we only tend to remember the negatives.
I don't blame them as lack of heavy duty competition does result in slack behaviour, not up to the mark quality and quantity of food and less professionalism. It hurts more when you drive so far only to get small portions of food. And since the people there don't seem to have much of a problem, Bamboo Fresh has clearly not made any efforts to improve the quality of food and match the quantity with the pricing. They have a swanky reception and seating area, an ample parking space - but that won't save me from my hunger pangs, would it?
I may like to add one thing however, they call themselves the 'Eco Friendly' Restaurant and I am yet to find out how. The decor is very well done, where they have recreated a huge Banyan tree with coir and it appears as though we are sitting under a Banyan tree enjoying our meal.
If its called 'Bamboo Fresh' - I wonder why they have a Banyan tree decor? Shouldn't it have Bamboos? Maybe they could have called it the 'Banyan Tree' Restaurant! The only thing that is 'Eco Friendly' about them is that they give you parceled food in cloth bags and not plastic bags, but food comes in plastic containers! There hasn't been the need for an air conditioner, especially since we have visited Bamboo Fresh in the evenings, so I can't say about the day time use of air conditioners.
While you eat, a small LCD TV will display the delicacies on offer at Bamboo Fresh with classical music playing as background music. While eating the small portions if you look at the TV, your stomach will fill up fast, as the quantity shown on the screen is more than it appears on the plate. It's good to try it out once, who knows, you may find something that suits your palate, taste and size of tummy.
*Pricing:
Sweet Corn Chicken - Rs. 50/-
Beef Ulliyathu - Rs. 60/-
Chicken Fried Rice - Rs. 80/-
Chilli Prawns - 120/-
Dragon Chicken - Rs. 100/-
Overall Rating:
Ambience - * * * * *
Service - * * *
Presentation of food & drinks - * * *
Quantity of food served - *
Quality of food - * * *
Price - * (expensive)
Location:
Bamboo Fresh Restaurant
Thaliparamba
Phone: 0460 - 2200755
*Please Note - Pricing may change/ vary according to location and time.
Showing posts with label Ezhimala. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ezhimala. Show all posts
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Monday, February 15, 2010
Travel> Bekal Fort
Image1: Walking up the ramp
Image 2: Frozen in time
Image 3: The gate ruins of Bekal
Image 4: Inside the fort
Image 5: Walking inside the fort
Image 6: Walking up the fort at Bekal
Image 7: View of the Arabian Sea from the top
Image 8: View from the Bekal Fort
Image 9: Inside the premises of Bekal Fort
Image 10: Restoration in progress at Bekal
Image copyright: Tanya Munshi
Constructed between 1645 and 1660, Bekal Fort is one of the biggest forts in Kerala spreading across 40 acres. This sea fortress is located in Kasargod district of North Kerala, around 49kms south of Mangalore and 93kms north of Kannur.
Built with laterite stones this fort is of prime archeological importance in the country. Bekal Fort is recognized under the Ancient Monuments and Archeological Sites Remains Act 1958 (24 of 1958).
Bekal owes its history to the 12th century Mahodayapuram Perumals who were succeeded by the Ikkeri Nayakas who later fortified Bekal during the 16th century. Sivappa Nayaka of Bednore (Ikkeri Nayakas) had built Bekal Fort during his reign from 1645-1660. By 1763 Bekal Fort was captured by Hyder Ali and after the defeat of Tipu Sultan in 1799, the East India Company took over the fort.
Bekal Fort is known to have secret passage ways that helped the armies to enter or return into the fort. A popular spot for local film shootings, Bekal is undergoing major restoration work in its premises. It is highly advisable to visit Bekal in the morning hours before 12 noon or in the early evenings post 4 pm as it can get very hot and there aren't many trees to offer a much needed shade to escape the Kerala sun.
Timings to visit Bekal is between 8:00 am to 5:30 pm. The entrance of the gate will remain open from 8:00 to 6:00 pm. Entrance fee is Rs. 5/- per head for Indian tourists and Rs. 100/- for foreign tourists. For still camera and video camera they charge a fee of Rs. 25/-.
There's Nirvana Luxury Cottages close to the fort with an in-house multi-cuisine restaurant Kia-Ora (Phone: 0467-2272007/ 2272900. Email: nirvanabekalfort@gmail.com).
After a visit to Bekal Fort, just 7kms away you can visit The Lalit Spa and Resort and enjoy a healthy and hearty meal. As a first timer, it maybe difficult to spot this resort, so it is advisable that you keep driving towards Mangalore, on the same road keeping the railway tracks to your right. Once you spot a nursing medical college (a glass building), keep a look out on your left for a sign board which says 'Lalit Spa and Resort - 3kms' and follow the arrows as you drive through the interiors. The roads are yet to be developed, but don't let that deter you from driving up till the end. The Lalit Spa is located at a dead end and you can't miss it thanks to the red arrows pointing to the direction. A visit to the resort is a must especially after a hot and sunny day spent at Bekal Fort.
Travel> Arakkal Museum
Image 1: Exhibits at the Arakkal Museum
Image 2: The Arakkal Geneology
Image 3: A peek outside the window from the Arakkal museum
Image 4: Geneology of the Arakkal Family
Image 5: Cabinet
Image 6: Exhibits at the museum
Image 7: Furniture at the museum
Image 8: Welcome to the Arakkal Museum
Image 9: The Arakkal Crest
Image 10: Arakkal Beebi and Sulthan Ali Raja
Image copyright: Tanya Munshi
The Arakkal Ali Rajas the only Muslim royal family of Kerala came into power after the reign of the Kolathiri Rajas in 1772.
Dedicated to the only Muslim royal family in Kerala, the Arakkal Museum is the only part of the Arakkalkettu (Arakkal Palace). The Government of Kerala has converted the durbar in the palace into a museum. It was inaugurated as early as in July 2005 and is still owned by the Arakkal Family Trust and not under the Archaeological Survey of India.
One of the earliest records of the Arakkal family has been traced as early as 12th century AD. Unlike most matrilineal dynasties in Kerala, the Arakkals were led by the senior most members, irrespective of their gender. If the ruler was male, he was referred to as Ali Raja and if the ruler was a lady, she was referred to as Arakkal Beebi. The Arakkal Ali Rajas the only Muslim royal family of Kerala came into power after the reign of the Kolathiri Rajas in 1772.
Arakkal - the island of Minicoy which is the southernmost island of the Lakshadweep, owes its heritage to the Arakkal Ali Rajas, which is now a part of the Maldives. The Ali Rajas surrendered the island to the British upon returning back to independent India.
The Kolathiri Rajas and the Arakkals helped the Portuguese when they arrived in the Malabar region in the 15th century. After 100 years of existence, the Dutch sold the St. Angelo Fort to the Arakkal for a princely sum of one lakh rupees in 1770 AD. The Arakkals gained importance in the Malabar region after they secured fort and their association with the kings of Mysore.
But with the arrival of the British, everything changed. From start they were against the kings of Mysore and following the first war of Mysore in 1790 the British General Abercomby defeated the Arakkal family and seized the St. Angelo Fort. Since the Arakkals wanted peace, an agreement was made between the British and the Arakkals. They received the title of Sultan during the 15th century, and their dynasty came to an end by August 1947.
Dedicated to the only Muslim royal family in Kerala, the Arrakkal Museum is the only part of the Arakkalkettu (Arakkal Palace). The Government of Kerala has converted the durbar in the palace into a museum. It was inaugurated as early as in July 2005 and is still owned by the Arakkal Family Trust and not under the Archaeological Survey of India.
With an entrance fee of Rs.5 and camera fee Rs.50, a trip to Arakkal Museum is a must. At the reception, you can purchase a copy of ‘The Ali Rajas of Cannanore’ by Dr. KKN Kurup (under the Publication Division University of Calicut), priced at Rs. 100.
There are quite a few items on display that reveal the nature and the lifestyle of the Arakkals. Archaic telephones, telescopes are the highlight of the museum. As you enter you will be welcomed with the genealogy of the Arakkals which is quite interesting.
How to reach Arakkal Museum
The Arakkal Museum is situated right opposite to a petrol pump. It is not very far from the St. Angelo Fort. You can take an auto to the museum as it is located on the main road with a petrol pump right across the street.
Travel> Ezhimala
Image 1: The view from the top
Image 2: About Mount Dilli Lighthouse
Image 3: View of the Zamorin Beach
Image 4: Ezhimala Fort under restoration work
Image 5: Mount Dilli Lighthouse
Image 6: Pristine beaches of Ezhimala
Image 7: The Lighthouse
Image 8: View of the Ezhimala Fort ruins from the lighthouse
Image 9: Humbled by the ocean view
Image 10: As you enter the Mount Dilli lighthouse
Ezhimala is a collection of hills forming a peninsula, 38 km north of Kannur. It stands at a height of 286 m above sea level. Ezhimala is home to the country’s premier defence naval training establishment known as the Indian Naval Academy.
During the 5th century AD, there were three kingdoms in Kerala. Ezhimalainad was to the extreme north, which later came to be known as North Malabar, Cannanore and Kasergode areas. Since Ezhimalai or Mount Eli was the capital of this area, it acquired the name of its capital.
The mention of Ezhimala dates as early as 1298 by Marco Polo. According to some, Ezhimala happened to be one of the first Indian lands to be spotted by Vasco Da Gama.
Eli Mala in Malyalam means Seven Hills. As the name suggest, Ezhimala is a collection of hills forming a peninsula, 38 km north of Kannur. It stands at a height of 286 meters above sea level, and was the capital of the ancient Mooshika Dynasty of the Sang period and is still believed to be of premier historical importance. It was during their reign that the terms ‘Elimala’, ‘Mount Eli’ and ‘Mount the Eli’ were coined.
An erstwhile thriving sea port and centre of business in ancient Kerala, Ezhimala had also been one of the major war zones in the 11th century that was held between the Chola-Chera Dynasties. Now Ezhimala is home to the country’s premier defence naval training establishment known as the Indian Naval Academy.
With prior permission from the Naval Academy, you can visit the Mount Dilli Lighthouse between 3:00 to 5:00 pm, which is situated inside the naval base. Its not a very high lighthouse, but its worth a trip as it gives you a breathtaking view of the virgin beaches of Ezhimala and Zamorin. The entry fee for the lighthouse is Rs. 10/- for adults, Rs. 3/- for children, Rs. 25/- for foreign tourists, camera charges Rs. 20/- and video photography Rs. 25/-.
Just next to the lighthouse, you'll see a tiny fort which is known as the Ezhimala Fort and is under major restoration work. There isn't much to see and do there as of now, however, its worth a wait for a few more months when the fort will be ready for public viewing.
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