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Another weekend is approaching
It is cloudy at Kadamakkudy Islands. Sunsets are not that spectacular. Lighting is also not at its best for photography. The setting is perfect for cycling. Look forward to exploring Kadamakkudy Islands on my cycle.
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New addition
I have the 600mm for birding. Have the 50mm and the 35mm for street and nature. I wanted a mid range one and here is the Sony 18-105. Hope to get more creative with this one.
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Kadamakkudy seafood festival 2026
KADAMAKUDY SEAFOOD FESTIVAL 🐟🦀 Greetings from Nihara Resort & Spa, Kochi! We are delighted to invite you to our Kadamakudy Seafood Festival from 16th to 25th October 2026. Experience the authentic flavours of Kerala with an exciting buffet spread of seafood specialities, live grills, traditional local delicacies, meat and poultry dishes, and delicious desserts. 💰…
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Life in Kadamakkudy Islands
Could not go to Kadamakkudy for birding due to other commitments, and at the same time this jungle babbler was waiting in the backyard.
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Life in Kadamakkudy Islands
A weekend cycling trip to Kadamakkudy and a soda sarbath at the Dream cafe, mingling with the local people..Most probably, the dream cafe at the fag end of Valiya Kadamakkudy is the only outlet where you get something to eat and drink from 5 am till 9 pm everyday Monday to Sunday
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Life in Kadamakkudy Islands
The day was cloudy. When I reached Kadamakkudy I realised that it is high tide as well. The number of birds was very less. Clicked some, nothing very good. While driving back I saw these women harvesting the Pokkali rice. It was something pleasant. Special thanks to the Pokkali farmers who are still continuing with…
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Life in Kadamakkudy Islands
Recently we had this interesting duo from Hyderabad, grandfather and grandson exploring Kadamakkudy Islands together. Their bond was remarkable. They enjoyed an immersive boat ride during sunset and the early morning Kayaking during sunrise. Happy guests make us happy and motivated. That is the driving force at Kadamakkudy.org. If you are planning a visit to…
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Life in Kadamakkudy Islands
Michael is a local man, an expert in swimming, fishing and a small time tourism operator. He takes visitors to the interior areas of Kadamakkudy, especially mangrove forests, which cannot be accessed by other mechanised boats. The canoe is very stable as it is designed to carry passengers. We recommend this canoe to small groups…
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Life in Kadamakkudy Islands
No two days are same at Kadamakkudy. Sometimes no two hours are same. Here I share two photographs of the sky captured within a span of 1 hour. Kadamakkudy has something to offer to every visitor..
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Life in Kadamakkudy Islands
Yesterday I was at the bird photography exhibition at the durbar hall art gallery at Kochi, the nearest city to Kadamakkudy Islands. Could meet many bird photographers and the photos they captured in and around Kerala. Many of the clicks were from Kadamakkudy Islands.
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Life in Kadamakkudy Islands
The evening boat ride is over. The sun disappeared in the vast horizon to light up another continent. The guests are very happy. They sang a song together, took a group selfie, got into their car and left. Then for a while I was alone and this happened.
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Life in Kadamakkudy Islands
Yesterday we had a team of four women visiting Kadamakkudy Islands. While planning their visit, their primary concern was about the safety aspects of their boating trip of two hours at Kadamakkudy during sunset time. Quite understandable. We worked closely with Anish the boat owner / driver to ensure that all safety arrangements are taken…
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Life at Kadamakkudy Islands
Kayaks may look similar, but the kayaking experience differs based on the kayaking routes. I call this one as the sacred route. It is away from the crowd. The route is green. Timings are great to enjoy the sunrise and sunset. The guide is highly committed, trained and with international experience in adventure sport.
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Life at Kadamakkudy Islands
When I was about to complete my birding for the day, I met Poly, another bird photographer with immense knowledge about birds of Kadamakkudy Islands, the environmental threats they are facing with too much intrusion into their nesting grounds especially mangrove islands. According to him there are people who even open up cycling tracks through…
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Life at Kadamakkudy Islands
These Indian spotted bill duck are really beautiful. Captured at Kadamakkudy Islands during one of my solo nature walks.
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Life at Kadamakkudy Islands
Life at kadamakkudy islands – The beautiful Brahmini kite with its catch. Captured by Vishwas Bharti during our early morning canoe ride at Kadamakkudy Islands.
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Life at Kadamakkudy Islands
Sunrise canoe ride at Kadamakkudy Islands followed by nature walk, bird watching and bird photography. A beautiful experience
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Piece of life from Kadamakkudy Islands
We had this young couple as our guests today. They went on kayaking during the evening sunset experiencing golden hour kayaking. The photograph is captured by the Kayaking conductor who understands the guests very well. Tomorrow sunrise savari in a canoe is planned for them.
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A piece of life at Kadamakkudy Islands
The islanders are very simple and innocent people. Most of them are earning their livelihood from fishing and agricultural activities. These days tourism is opening up additional revenue streams for them. In the photo below is Michael who was into fishing and now a tourist boat operator and guide. We work closely with him in…
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Places to explore near Kadamakkudy Islands – St. George Church
More than two centuries old church built in the Portuguese way. If you like history and architecture, you must include this place in your Kadamakkudy itinerary. This is Baroque architecture, specifically showcasing Portuguese Colonial Baroque style (often referred to as Indo-Portuguese or Goan Baroque in South Asia). Key Architectural Features Visible
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Grey Heron
The grey heron (Ardea cinerea) is a long-legged wading bird of the heron family, Ardeidae, native throughout temperate Europe and Asia, and also parts of Africa. It is resident in much of its range, but some populations from the more northern parts migrate southwards in autumn. A bird of wetland areas, it can be seen around lakes, rivers, ponds, marshes and on the sea coast. It feeds…
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Mother’s instincts
The Indian spot-billed duck (Anas poecilorhyncha) is a species of large dabbling duck that is a non-migratory breeding duck throughout freshwater wetlands in the Indian subcontinent. The name is derived from the red spot at the base of the bill that is found in the mainland Indian population. When in water it can be recognized from a long distance…
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The great egret
The great egret (Ardea alba), also known as the common egret, large egret, great white egret or great white heron, is a large, widely distributed egret. The four subspecies are found in Asia, Africa, the Americas, and southern Europe. Recently, it has also been spreading to more northern areas of Europe. Distributed across most of…
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The common kingfisher
Appeared as a tiny dot far away. That is when the power of Sony E Mount FE 200 600mm F5.6 6.3 G OSS comes in handy, even with an older model Sony alpha 6400 model APSC camera.
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Spotted red-wattled lapwing at Kadamakkudy Islands
I keep seeing this one at a particular place during low tides. According to the descriptions available, it might have laid its eggs somewhere there. If I am lucky, I may be able to see the little ones coming out. The red-wattled lapwing (Vanellus indicus) is an Asian lapwing or large plover, a wader in the family Charadriidae. Like other lapwings they are…
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Kingfisher calendar
Clicked at the Mannamthuruth ferry area which is a secret destination for birdwatching and bird photography. These days it is easy to spot kingfishers here between 6.30 and 7.30 am and 3 to 4 pm. This destination can be easily accessed by the kochi watermetro. You can join me
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Celebration of the kingfisher
Today started as a bright and sunny day. Cycled to the nearest birding location which is a secret location in the birdwatching community. Spotted the kingfisher. Clicked one shot and the drizzle.
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Punctuality lessons
Reached this spot in search of birds by 8.30. Could not spot any. They all disappear by 7.30 or 8 at max. The best time for bird photography in this region is between 6.30 and 7.30 am. there is no other go but to click once I start with my Photowalks. Here is river Periyar…
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Post processing light room vs chat gpt
Here is the one with Lr Here is the one using Chat GPT Results look almost same. But the one enhanced with chat gpt will be marked as made with Ai. Here is the original before post processing
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Birding & Meditation on the banks of river Periyar
Birding on the banks of river Periyar. Mostly at Kadamakkudy Islands
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Kozhikotta
Along with birding comes the chance to taste the local delicacy kozhikotta from the local hotel. This is a must have dish during Easter time. Since it needs very less fuel to make it, with the rising cooking gas prices, kozhikotta have found its place in the regular menu. Today’s star of the birding session…
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Thank You Mrs & Mr. Gautam
Had the opportunity to photograph Kadamakkudy Sunrise along with Mr. Gautam from Baroda, who is an ardent sun photographer and globe trotter. Thank you for the wonderful time together at Kadamakkudy Islands…
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Why this bottle matters…
The Kadamakkudy Gold: Supporting Our Micro-Enterprises What started as a simple errand for my daughter turned into a realization about the heart of our local economy. For years, my daughter has insisted on only one source for her coconut oil: a tiny, one-room micro-mill in our village. When she says it’s the best, it is.…
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Kadamakkudy – Spontaneous meetings
Completed almost two hours of birdwatching and photography. Always I had to tell myself to not to consider this hobby for a job. The beauty is in having no plans and agendas except enjoyment. That state offers many spontaneous things. One of it is my chance encounter with friend and ex-colleague Khamis, after almost a…
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Blue tailed bee eater – Merops philippinus
For more details visit the link below https://ebird.org/species/btbeat1?siteLanguage=en_IN
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Sighted Pacific golden plover
Sighted pacific golden plover at Valiya Kadamakudy, in the paddy fields near the toddy shop on the Valiya Kadamakudy road. https://ebird.org/species/pagplo?siteLanguage=en_IN
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The glorious St.George Church
Here is the glorious St.George Church, which is one of the main landmarks of the region. This church is more than two centuries old. I love the architecture. Very near Kadamakudy.
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Black winged Stilt
Sighted black winged stilt at Valiya Kadamakkudy. They were sighted in the pokkali fields near the toddy shop on the main kadamakkudy road
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Varapuzha Varaha Swamy Temple
Sree Varaha Temple is a historical temple very close to Valiya Kadamakkudy, the biggest among the 14 islets of Kadamakkudy Islands.
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Deepavali – the festival of light
Happy Deepavali Wishes. The festival of light, symbolising the elimination of darkness by light. In a way photograph is alchemy of colours reflected by light..
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Birds and animals can distinguish between a hunter and a photographer
Believe me, birds and animals have a special ability to sense danger. They can distinguish between a photographer and hunter. They can distinguish between good and bad. They will not fly away that fast from a photographer with a good heart😊
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Seek, you will find..
Seek, you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you..This is very true when it comes to wildlife and bird photography. Somedays one may not find anything to photograph. You may feel like calling it a day. It is at one of those moments this beautiful bird came from somewhere and allowed…
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A chance encounter with the miners..
Today’s morning walk combined with bird watching and photography was a bit disappointing due to the adverse conditions. It was cloudy and foggy. To add to that it was high tide, which makes it difficult for the birds to find their food, the end result, no birds. Yes, every day cannot be exciting. Even a…
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Trees dressed with silk clothes..
While going back from Kadamakkudy Islands, I stopped near this temple for a chai. A very interesting sight caught my attention. I saw trees dressed in silk. That seemed very interesting. Asked some people around about it. Wanted to know whether it is part of any ritual. None of them knew about it except one.…
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Portraits of Kadamakkudy Islands
Yesterday it was very cloudy, so I did not go to Kadamakkudy. Today’s visit was a gamble. This was the first shot of the day. Hope you will enjoy. You might notice the change of name of the blog from kadamakkudy.org to Portraits of Kadamakkudy. Hope this name will reflect what I am doing..Capturing beautiful…
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The best way to start the day.
#walkingwithmycamera along the Kadamakkudy Islands is the best way to start the day..
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Prinia
It was a cloudy day. I wandered around the fields in vain. Could not click any good photograh. Then I thought I will call it a day. Suddenly this little prinia appeared from nowehere and sat on the bushes for a very long time as if it is allowing me to click as many pictures…
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This is one reason for carrying two cameras to Kadamakkudy
I went with my camera connected with the telephoto lens for photographing birds. From experience I feel that morning 6:30 to 7:30 is good for bird photography as the lighting is generally good at that time. Unfortunately today it was very cloudy. If not birds, then the landscapes are equally interesting. Either one has to…
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Camaraderie of bird photography enthusiasts
Oct 2nd, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi is a national Holiday for India. The best possible tribute I could make to the greatest evangelist of peace and nonviolence was to be with nature. Did some bird photography at Kadamakkudy Islands. Because of high tide, the number of birds was low. As if to compensate for…
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Look forward to bird photography with two experts at Kadamakkudy..
Iam still learning to take reasonably good pictures with my first telephoto lens for bird photography. Here is one reasonable good click from Kadamakkudy Islands. A cormorant..improving photo after photo. Tomorrow two expert bird photographers are visiting Kadamakkudy Islands. Hope to meet them and hear their stories from their rich experience.
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Street photography
In the era of mobile phones equipped with cameras of reasonable resolution, street photography is a hobby anyone can start any time without any additional investment. In street photography one has to capture the scene without the knowledge of the subject and the photograph must convey something. In the photo above I thought it will…
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The Koracle fisher folks of river Periyar
They come from the neighbouring states for fishing. They have their unique way of fishing using Koracles. Their entire family is on the move and they work together. They talk in a special Tamil language which is difficult to follow.
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Organizing and participating in mangrove based tourism can land you in trouble
Encroaching in to the mangrove forests is legally banned. Avoid all boating and kayaking going near the mangrove forests around kagamakkudy and kochi and for that matter anywhere in India can invite huge penalties and even imprisonment.
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Lesser whistling duck
The lesser whistling duck (Dendrocygna javanica), also known as Indian whistling duck or lesser whistling teal, is a species of whistling duck that breeds in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. They are nocturnal feeders that during the day may be found in flocks around lakes and wet paddy fields. They can perch on trees and sometimes build their nest in the hollow…
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Seeing Pokkali rice on a dining table for the first time..emotional.
Many thanks to Mr.!Prince the General Manager of Nihara resorts for inviting me for dinner today. Getting an invitation in the capacity of a blogger for the first time made it even more exciting. The food spread at their riverside grill had everything perceivable for a seafood grill starting with a prawns soup. Kozhuva peera,…
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The common moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) sighted today at Valiya Kadamakkudy
The common moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) sighted at Valiya Kadamakkudy today
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A long shot to perfection
Capture the scene or wait for perfection. As far as I am concerned, capture the scene, even if it is an imperfect shot is better than waiting for the perfect to happen on the first go itself. This is my first attempt to capture a bird in flight with a hand held telephoto lens…
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Kadalum Karimeenum seafood festival from Oct 2nd to 11th, 6.30 pm to 10.30 pm at Riverside Grill
An ultimate celebration of Kerala’s seafood and tropical flavours – where tradition meets innovation. Step into a vibrant coastal journey with our themed seafood festival, Kadalum Karimeenum, showcasing the rich abundance of Kerala’s shores. From signature seafood delicacies and tropical infusions to live counters and creative chef-led specials, every dish is crafted to capture the…
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At it again..the agony, ecstasy ..of bird photography
All geared up for bird photography again. Ever since I lost my two zoom lenses, I was keeping away from bird photography for a while. Now I am back at it, definitely not with a bang. I started very late, that is my 11:30 am to be precise. The weather was very warm and the…
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Best photographer badge winning photograph by Paul Manjooran
Here is a great photograph of the heron stretching it’s neck out of the bushes at Kadamakkudy Islands. Image captured by Paul Manjooran interested in wild life photograhy and travels extensively for this purpose.
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A recurring bamboo story which happens every year..
At this time of the year the Chinese fishing net operators come in search of the yellow bamboo which is light in weight hence will float in water. They create a floating boundary fence around their Chinese nets to prevent aquatic plants or hydrophytes entering their fishing nets. The rainy season is slowly coming to…
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Impact of Anand Mahindras tweet on Kadamakkudy – A positive risk
Will Kadamakkudy Islands become like the goose with the golden eggs? The chances are very high. After Anand Mahindras latest tweet, the inflow of tourists have increased rapidly and is getting beyond the capability of these tiny islands with its enormous bio-diversity to digest. If not managed properly, soon this place will become another glorified…
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Walking with my camera
Inside the Varapuzha Bascilica which is more than a century old and just a stone’s throw away from Valiya Kadamakkudy. A water metro station is coming up here as well. Once operational, it will open up another entry point to Kadamakkudy Islands with wider approach roads. Varapuzha has plenty to offer for those interested in…
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Best photography badge – Bird photography at Kadamakkudy Islands – Renjith K Joy
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EsriN7qoA/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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A tribute to the organic farmers
There are many organic farmers in and around Kadamakkudy Islands. Farm visits is a very good option to spend some quality time with local farmers. They produce mainly vegetables and flowers beside the regular crops like Pokkali rice, coconuts, nutmegs etc.
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Walking with my camera
Walking with my Sony Alpha camera with Sigma 20mm f1.4 lens through Nihara resorts & Spa, Kochi, Kerala, India
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Inside a Kerala traditional house
Look at the symmetry of door frames and the wooden ceiling all done in teak wood. iPhone click
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Street photography
The bullet bike and a like of old shops with the traditional wooden shutters. Nostalgic..
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Basking in the glory of the sun set..
The sun was setting when I spotted this face which had the special aura of the golden hour lighting. Clicked..greeted each other and parted our ways to meet some other day. If I remember his name correctly, he is Joseph Chettan, one of the boat operators at Kadamakudy Islands.
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New birds spotted at Kadamakudy (Valiya Kadamakudy)
Thanks to our ex-postman Mani from Valiya Kadamakudy. He shared these photos with me.
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Alchemy of the old and the new…
Today I went to Kadamakudy Islands with the hope of creating some good content for this blog. As usual, Kadamakudy did not disappoint me. Here is one of those clicks which captures the perfect mix of good old canoes and the brand new kayaks. this is a perfect capture of the changing face of Kadamakudy…
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People who keep Kadamakudy and its neighbourhood clean…
While clicking randomly at Kadamakudy, I came across Rizwan from Orissa who collects all plastic waste in his three wheeler cycle and sells them at the collection centre. That is real hard work under the scorching sun. Being a cyclist myself, I can understand the effort required to pedal the fully loaded miles at a…
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life is beautiful when a GSD is at home….
Life is beautiful when a german shepherd dog like Theo is at home….
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Experience the joy of making delicious pazhampori..
Shijo, where are you? I am at the Carmel store Varapuzha to buy some pazham pori. Is it special? Yes. Then Shijo sent me these photos; Pazham pori, also known as Ethakka Appam or Nendrapazham Appam, is a hugely popular and beloved snack from Kerala, India.It’s essentially a banana fritter made by deep-frying ripe bananas…
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Holidaying with holiness….
I am not sure whether the content of this post suites a travelblog or not, and at the same time the alarming rate of arrogance, racist slurs, road rage, airport rage, cheating, drukenness, drug abuse, shop lifting, littering etc justifies the positioning of this content in kadamakudy Island’s travelblog. Not even one task is completed…
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Catching clam / kakka / kallummakaya
These women in Kadamakudy are so skilled, committed, daring and hardworking. Here is a woman catching clam (shell or kakka) in the local language Malayalam. They continue this process for hours together buried neck deep in water. The kakka fry and the kakka ularthiyathu is a popular Kerala dish and is available in the local…
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From today’s Kadamakudy cycle trip
The cycling trip to Kadamakudy highlighted the area’s unique charm, emphasizing that each day spent there offers a distinct experience. The beauty of Kadamakudy remains consistently captivating, attracting cycling enthusiasts who appreciate its natural surroundings and leisurely exploration. The journey showcases the vibrant landscapes and diverse scenery that Kadamakudy presents. Captured in a video, this…
Kadamakkudy.org
Promoting sustainable tourism at Kadamakkudy
