Mayapott stream and the River Periyar

 Mayapott stream and the magical powers of nature! 
Article Source http://mayapott.com/blog

 

Mayapott villa being closely located at the seat of the Periyar Tiger Reserve and the Kattappana Cardamom village,it would be interesting to read about the origin of River Periyar along with Mayapott stream.

How big is river Periyar?

This river would be originating through Sundaramala and that is Sivagiri peaks, Tamil Nadu. It comprises of 240 kms length and it is having the catchment area of approximnately 5397 sq kms and out of this 5280 is present in Kerala. It would be flowing in north direction and Thekkady would be joining and it is the Periyar tributary. A Mullaperiyar dam has been constructed at Mullayar and Periyar confluence and that would be creating reservoir, lakes and national parks as well. Some of the water would be getting diverted in the east direction and that would be mainly towards Tamil Nadu and that would be done through the help of a tunnel and then it would be getting joined in Vaigai River. It would be flowing in north and west direction and that is mainly through Elappara, Vandiperiyar and Aiyyappankoil and that is formed through Cheruthoni, Kulamavu and Idukki.

Now, it would be flowing in north west and then at Vembanad lake that is present at Kochi. The Tamil Nadu area that is belonging to Periyar basin would be drained through Nirar tributary and then it would get diverted in inner-state Parambikulam-Aiyar project. This river would be getting bifurcated into Mangalapuzha and Marthandavarna branches. The former one would be joining Chalakkudy River and then it would be getting empty into Lakshadweep and then at the Munambam where as the latter one would be flowing in south direction and that is mainly through Udhyogamandal and then it would be joining in backwater Cochin system and that is at the varapuzha. It is having a towering height if 2694 m.

 What is the historical significance of  river Periyar?

River Periyar is also has witnessed advent of some historical spiritual leaders. The great Aadi Shankara had his origins at Kalady on the banks of river Periyar. St. Thomas, one of the 12 apostles of Jesus, who spread Christianity in Indian soil also established the first Church on the banks of this holy river at Malayatoor, which is also the one of the greatest piligrim centres of Asia as far as Christianity is concerned.

 Also during the mid monsoon in the Malayalam month of Karkidakam, the Hindus of all sects offer homage to their departed souls at Aluva Shiva Temple, were the river splits and rejoins  at a mystical point with great vibrancy and magnitude. This is festival day is called the famous Karkidaka Beli or pooja.

 What does Mayapott mean?

Mayapott Villa is also blessed to be at the source and origin of river or contributory river to the Kattappana river that is located just 14 kms from  Thekkady town and the distance is only 25 minutes if you make a leisurely drive through picturesque and serene state high way – Kochi Kumily via Idukki.  The word Mayapott meaning mystical point is thus derived from the Tamil word Maya .. Mystery.

The source or the stream is still a mystery. From nowhere a stream appears underneath the gigantic boulders of around which the Villa is being conceptualized by the very creative and innovative architect Mr. Rajesh Pottamkulam.  The village where Mayapott belongs is called Kadamakuzy; and the elders of the village attribute some sacred powers to this stream.  Mayapott stream flows for about 8 kms and joins the Kattappana river and then to the  Erayattayar reservoir. And according to them the water has extra ordinary qualities and purity. Even during the peak summer days the trickling of the stream is alive. For travelers and guests who frequent Mayapott for their nature retreat, it has been very soothing spiritual experience; during their stay at Mayapott, weather it is for leisure family holidays, honeymoon, spiritual solitude or discovering themselves along with their close friends to re-bond a hibernating relationships or initiating children who are used only to the urban life style amidst modern concrete jungle; everybody has found this place heaven of solace in the lap of nature.

 www.mayapott.com
www.sisalwellness.com

The Story of Bottled Water (2010)

Cleopatra, the ultimate beauty queen and her wellness rendezvous

 Cleopatra the ultimate beauty Queen: Her milk baths and wellness rendezvous

 Article source http://spicetreemunnar.com /blog

Cleopatra, the iconic Egyptian queen was famous for her beautiful skin and almost perfect feminine features and vital statistics. Her secret was that she soaked in baths of fresh milk & honey. Modern laboratories now know why milk worked such wonders for her skin: The Greek historian Plutarch describes her alleged exoticism as “itself neither altogether incomparable, nor such as to strike those who saw her” – but the legend of her radiant skin and beauty is anything but a mythical wonder.
Cleopatra VII was the last ruler of the Ptolemaic dynasty, ruling Egypt from 51 BC - 30 BC. She is celebrated for her beauty and her love affairs with the Roman warlords Julius Caesar and Mark Antony.

Cleopatra was born in 69 BC - 68 BC. When her father Ptolemy XII died in 51 BC, Cleopatra became co-regent with her 10-year-old brother Ptolemy XIII. They were married, in keeping with Egyptian tradition. Whether she was as beautiful as was claimed, she was a highly intelligent woman and an astute politician, who brought prosperity and peace to a country that was bankrupt and split by civil war. During her love affairs with the roman rulers Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, she had four children too. However, like many Hellenistic queens, she was passionate but not promiscuous. As far as we know, she had no other lovers other than Caesar and Antony. Many believe that she did what she felt was necessary to try to save Alexandria, whatever the price.

The lactic acid in milk is an alpha hydroxy acid, a natural material that dissolves the glue that holds dead skin cells together. Milk can cleanse the skin down to its deepest layers. A milk bath gives you smooth skin because of the vitamin A & D. The lactic acid in milk contains beta hydroxy acids which exfoliates your skin and gives it a healthy natural glow.

To achieve such smooth, supple skin, Cleopatra regularly soaked in milk baths, a luxury befitting only a queen; in today’s economy, milk isn’t cheap, and very few people without claim to a throne, crown, and royal subjects can afford such an indulgence. During your spice Tree Munnar, indulge yourselves in the therapeutic and relaxing spa sessions and the variety bathing experiences in the copper tub would be a unique romantic wellness rendezvous!

Our milk bath, however, isn’t just about healthy, glowing, exuberant skin. There are other benefits to this decadent escape that only Cleopatra was privy – until now. Take a look at these six reasons you should enjoy a relaxing bath tonight or during your stay at Spice Tree for honey moon holidays and for special occasions with your soul mate.This secret beauty formula couldn’t be simpler. Add 2 to 4 cups of fresh milk or buttermilk to the bathwater as the tub is filling. Soak for a good 20 minutes. Gently rub your skin with a washcloth or loofa to slough off the dead skin. Rinse your body thoroughly after soaking. Very hot baths are not good for those with high blood pressure, and they can be draining for anyone. Skip this bath if you are allergic to milk or are lactose intolerant.

 What are the benefits of Milk baths?

1. Release Tension

When you can’t find a good masseur, a warm milk bath is the next best thing to release the bodily tension that causes soreness, tenderness, and other unwanted aches. The heat increases elasticity in your body, allowing it to relax and loosen up. When you’re ready to get out, gently stretch your muscles to take full advantage of this tension reliever before letting your pains slip down the drain.

 2. De-Stress from the Day

It's common knowledge that a long soak in the tub allows you to relax and de-stress after a hard day, but did you know that the de-stressing effect of a warm bath is a scientific fact? A study from Osaka, Japan, confirms that after 60 minutes of bathing, subjects experienced a dramatic reduction in cortisol and chromogranin, two sensitive salivary stress markers. Of course, you may not have the time or stamina to soak for an hour, but if you take a shorter bath make sure that it’s uninterrupted so you can effectively find your happy place.

3. Induce Fatigue

If you have trouble sleeping, perhaps a bath before bedtime will help you drift off to dreamland. Fatigue is a common experience after a hot bath because when you’re in the warm water your body dilates your blood vessels causing less blood to reach your brain. In response, your heart speeds up to try to circulate your blood faster. Basically, this is your body’s attempt to cool itself when your body temperature rises, and the fatigue is nature’s way of telling you that your body needs to rest.

4. Expunge Toxins

Run bath water cool enough to prevent scalding but hot enough to make you sweat and you’ll release toxins from your body via perspiration.

5. Increase Circulation

When you bathe, the rate of nourishing blood cells traveling to damaged tissue increases allowing your blood to circulate more easily.

6. Boost Your Immune System

 Not only can the hot bath water potentially kill strains of bacteria that may be lurking on your body, but the stimulation of your vascular and lymph system will decrease the risk of colds and other infections as you wash your troubles away.

Johnson Joseph

Director, Sisal Wellness & Hospitality Pvt Ltd, Kochi

www.sisalwellness.com
 Article source http://spicetreemunnar.com /blog

Who is at fault, Natures Fury or Human atrocity?

Land slide and flood in Munnar!

Land slide at Kunchithanni near Rajakadu; is indeed a natures fury and helplessness of human power void of concern and care. The recent landslides during the heavy monsoon in Kerala and especially in the hilly Idukki district may seen in two different perspectives. 1. Over hyped - attention grabbing media presentation and 2. The Ground Zero reality show.

There were two major landslide incidents that occurred simultaneous. At Cheeyappara on the NH 49 and at Kucnhithanni junction near Rajakkadu. 15 kms distance from Munnar. The entire media including print has given and hyped up coverage on the Cheeyappara landslide similar to Solar heat wave, where as the Kunchithanni incident that claimed lives as well as several houses and shops was sidelined. 

The tourism advisory board as well the media should give pro-active warnings to tourists and travelers about the monsoon season and the geography of the hill stations. It is untimely to give warnings after some major accidents. All the vendors as well as tourists should be warned with visible signs about the dangers  near water falls especially in heavy rains. There were some incidents where couple of resorts affected day to day operations, especially in the Pothmedu side of Munnar. Hope this will bring some positive criticism to the ill- planned approved designs on construction in the ecologically fragile Munnar. The Flood water at Old Munnar is also call for serious future planning on bridges and canals for Munnar. The Tourism fraternity also needs to voice out the concerns as it affects the entire fabric of the industry.

 Munnar and Thekkady is well connected to Madurai air port. The news about Kochi airport shut down is glorified where as other options are not show cased! Travelers should be suggested options. We should not make ourselves a mockery of poor disaster management situation.At present the roads are cleared and is motor-able. There is no Utarakhand situation that exists in Idukki district, media should play their role very discrete as any news that is published for public attention would create ripple effect to the tourism industry as a whole which is the only sustainable industry in Kerala after politics!?