POPULAR HANGOUTS IN COCHIN

KOCHI MAY be a happening place, but it was yet to imbibe the hangout culture that had caught up in a big way in similar cities across India. The restrictions put by the police after fall of dusk and the nuisance created by flashers, way-side Romeos, drug addicts are just some of the issues that people face. But things are changing abruptly. The mushrooming of ice-cream parlous, eat-outs, the Hill Palace Museum, Horticultural, and Internet kiosks with cabins are increasingly becoming the hangouts for the young crowd. The scenario is on a change mode as big malls are going to open soon. Bay Pride mall was the only real small mall, but now the Oberon mall supposed to be launched by August 2008 will be a big boost. Also other malls will be launched by 2009 such as Lulu mall (suppossed to be biggest mall in India), Forum Mall in Maradu, Gold Souk in Vytilla, Abad mall in MG road etc. (still a lot I dont remember).

Going by the metro meter there's good reason to believe that Kochiites are under the spell of fast foods.

The increasing crowds at the fast food joint like Pizza Hut, Chic King, Hot Breads et al are a testimony to this fact. Natty and neat, Chick King has literally revolutionised the fried chicken industry in the city! The crunchy chicken, the French fries, the bun and the coleslaw salad truly makes it the divine combination. Forget about what the health freaks tell you. (0)

KR Bakers is popular for its sweets and its fast version of slow food. In spite of being a bakery, it serves all the dishes that would constitute a full meal. Their USP is that since the food is always ready, it is served quickly and therefore is ‘fast food’. Its menu features parathas, chapatis, various vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, fresh juices and aerated drinks. You can also check out the pastries and confectionary items here.

Tandav is more a nightclub than a bar and has a dance floor. It's become quite a popular hang-out in Cochin. Tandav is a place to chill out. Some will call it a fun place; some may call it a pub. For others it can be a nightclub and for some a discotheque. It is basically a place for people to have fun. The DJ and the bouncers are the final authority at the place and there are two types of membership, one by invitation and the other though open will be thoroughly scrutinised

The other pubs or kind of place for night life are Formula 1 DJ pub - First and Best Dj pub of Kerala featuring the resident Djs, Experience the House, rave, Hip-Hop and all... The one and only real Hang-out of Kerala. It is located at MG road sputh end near Medical Trust. It is owned by swedish nationals. Its part of True wealth Hotels (P) Ltd.

Youth feel that the potential offered by the romantic backwaters, the shimmering beaches and the public parks should be better utilized. Kochi lacks a lovers' enclosure, a place where couples and pairs can spend some time together. There are whole lot of places to hangout in Kochi, but we have to provide an environment for people to come out.

At Fort Kochi, there is Kashi Art Café, where couples can chat amidst a good ambience, savoring snacks and lunch, while taking a look at the exhibition of paintings. Some hotels there serve food in the jetties jutting into the backwaters.

Hmm so far we never talked about the most popular hangout in Kerala - The Marine Drive.

Major fast food joints, including Marrybrown, DiMark, Barista, Coffee Bar are present along the walkway. The view of the setting and rising sun over the sea mouth, and the gentle breeze from the Vembanad Lake has made Marine Drive an important tourist destination in Kochi.Hundreds of people (both natives, and tourists) throng the walkway during the evenings. The walkway starts from the High Court Junction and continues until the Rajendra Maidan. There are also several boat jetties along the walkway.

Here are the list of popular hangout in city -

1) Marine Drive

2) Subhash Bose park

3) Durbar Hall grounds

4) Pizza hut

5) Chick King, Baskin Robbins

6) Bimbis

7) Avenue Regent

8) FortKochi beach, Chinese fishing nets, walkway

9) Mattancherry - synagogue, art galleries

10) Wellington Island park

11) Bolghatty island

Also areas like Vpeen walkway, Cherai beach, Hill palace in Tripunithura with deer park, Childrens park near subhash bose park, Veega land for whole day fun, Puthuvype beach and light house, Boat ride in Vembanad lake near Marine drive, also parks in Maradu. Then the suburban areas like Ezhattumukham etc. But by the launch of malls all life style is going to change.

When you consider the other cities in Kerala or south India, Kochi stands out. Trivandrum doesn't even have a great hangout other than Kovalam beach. Now a days Shanghumugham beach is also on upfront. The city of Trivandrum does not have a reputation for being a place that is youth friendly. It is also the only capital city in South India that has not taken to the mall, multiplex and Mocha (a Coffee shop chain) concept. Youngsters don’t have many choices when it comes to places where they can hangout with their friends. (no hangouts in Trivandrum)

SEE IT OUT ALL.

Again at last finishing of with another snap of marine drive.

Awaiting you comments.

Regards,

Vivek Shenoy P

07.45 PM

05-07-08