TiEcon 2012

An intimate destination that offers rich and varied experiences

is proud to open the doors

to our beautiful and unique state in the southern tip of India and extend a traditional Indian welcome to TiE delegates at the upcoming

Charter Member Retreat We present Kerala; a land which holds something for everyone

Kerala is a small, coastal state in the southern-most tip of India. It has beaches, lakes, rivers, canals, picturesque hills, vibrant urban spaces, sleepy rural ones, great local, national and international travel connectivity, and up-to-date communication systems

This popular tourist destination is an interesting blend of traditional and modern. Kerala society is a cosmopolitan mix of Hindus, Christians and Muslims, who bring their historic bearing on the culture, cuisine, art and architecture of the region

A traditional society on par with advanced nations ●

Kerala’s social development indices are famously comparable to that of the developed world

●

The state has near 100 per cent literacy

●

Kerala boasts world-class health care systems, and medical tourism is a nascent sector

●

It has the lowest infant mortality and the highest life expectancy rates in the country

●

The highest physical quality of life in India

Have you heard of the

Kerala model?

• A high quality of life across the state, comparable to developed countries, on a fraction of the income • A highly aware population and workforce; active politically and socially Environmentalists Richard Douthwaite and Bill McKibben say that the

Kerala model

is one that is sustainable and raises hope for the third world

Kerala, a biodiversity hotspot, is an ecologically aware region, and focuses on sustainable and eco-friendly development.

It is an international prize-winning destination for its eco practices

The state has two ideal spots for the

Charted Member Retreat Both places have • International airports with connectivity to America, Europe, Africa and the rest of Asia • World class hotels • State of the art conference facilities • Excellent road transport facilities for internal travel

Ernakulam Thiruvananthapuram the state capital

widely known as the commercial capital

There are a wide range of

Accommodation

Options

International Hotel Chains Prestigious Indian Hotel Chains Boutique and Eco Hotels Le Meridien, Crowne Plaze, Holiday Inn, Ramada, Kempinski Taj, Oberoi, CGH Earth CGH Earth, Neemrana group, High-end homestays

Some facilities are standard at all

convention centres in Kerala • High-speed Internet access in all meeting/event locations • Video conferencing services • State of the art audio-visual equipments

Ernakulam-based Le Meridien has one of the biggest convention centres in Kerala, with air conditioned space, 12 halls with seating capacity ranging from 50 to 2,500

Space stats ERNAKULAM

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

●

Le Méridien - 225 Rooms

●

The Leela - 183 Rooms

●

Crowne Plaza - 200 Rooms

●

Taj Green Cove – 125 Rooms

●

Ramada Resort - 45 Rooms

Kerala has an excellent network of transport operators who offer luxury cars or coaches with Experienced, English speaking drivers

What does one do on a trip to Kerala

What does one do on a trip to Kerala Houseboat tours Traditional goods boats are converted into leisure houseboats without losing their rustic charm, and used to navigate the breathtaking network of backwaters, lakes and narrow canals of the region. You can spend a peaceful day on the quiet waters, observing rural life on the sidelines

What does one do on a trip to Kerala Ayurvedic Massages Any trip to Kerala is incomplete without a rejuvenating massage with traditional oils in an ancient technique that is guaranteed to leave you feeling relaxed and looking glowing

What does one do on a trip to Kerala Shopping for spices, clothes, antiques Walk along a bylane or a local market and pick up pepper, nutmeg or cinnamon

What does one do on a trip to Kerala Savouring the local cuisine Kerala cuisine reflects the influences of the communities that make up this vibrant society. So, you can start with a Christian breakfast of melt-in-the-mouth appams, have a Hindu vegetarian sadya lunch and finish the day with a Muslim pathiri and meat dinner

What does one do on a trip to Kerala Checking out the unique local performances You can find places that host daily shows of dance or martial art forms such as Kathakali or Kalaripayattu

Off the beaten track

What does one do on a trip to Kerala

Relaxing in a arty cafĂŠ If you think that the best way to enjoy a location is to sit back and people watch, sipping a cold coffee sitting in the midst of some excellent art is one option

Off the beaten track

What does one do on a trip to Kerala

Trekking If you are a outdoor person, Kerala’s native birdlife and flora will probably make a fascinating couple of days of study

Ten paradises of the world Time magazine