Author name: Sreekumar EV

All, Humour

Meet the Bridezilla!

Meet the Bridezilla!
Here’s Abhirami Prasannakumar from Toc H Public School, Vyttila, who decided even gravity couldn’t stop her! Bagging first place in the Oppana competition at the CBSE Kochi Sahodaya Kalotsav hosted by Cochin Refineries School, Abhirami put up a performance to remember—limping, smiling, and dancing all at once. After tumbling off a two-wheeler just two days before the big day, she became the unstoppable force that turned a doubtful entry into a sparkling victory, thanks to the intense training sessions with coach K.M. Majeed. Talk about dancing through pain—this bride truly swept everyone off their feet!

Images Inspired

MUNNAR- THE LEAF RESORT

The Leaf Resort, Munnar – Nature, Comfort, and a Whole Lot More

Tucked into the rolling hills of Munnar, The Leaf Resort is a blend of nature, comfort, and thoughtful hospitality. Whether you’re coming with family, a group of friends, or even on a work trip, this resort gives you the right mix of peace and play.

Rooms & Service
Let’s start with the basics. The resort has excellent rooms—clean, spacious, and well-maintained. The service is consistently friendly and attentive, with staff ready to help without hovering. Parking is hassle-free and free, giving you one less thing to worry about on arrival.

Dining with a View
One of the standout features is the double-decker, glass-walled restaurant. It’s not just a place to eat—it’s a spot to sit back and take in the scenery while enjoying your meal. The restaurant is well-stocked and offers a variety of dishes. Whether it’s local Kerala flavors or continental options, the kitchen delivers.

Conference Hall
While the conference hall is modest in size, it’s well-suited for small functions, team meetups, or corporate parties. It can be adapted into a dance floor or extra dining space. Hosting a wedding reception here might be a tight fit, but for intimate gatherings, it works just fine.

Resort Facilities
The Leaf offers a thoughtful range of amenities:

Free Parking – Park with peace of mind.

Secure Safe Box – Keep your valuables safe.

High-Speed Wi-Fi – Stay connected effortlessly.

24-Hour Front Desk – Help whenever you need it.

Mini Refrigerator – Keep your drinks and snacks fresh.

Restaurant – Culinary delights at your doorstep.

Nature Activities & Experiences
A Walk in Nature
Take a break from the noise of daily life. Go on a peaceful village walk that leads you through rivers, the Lakshmi tea estate, Chokanad tea factory, and the historic CSI Church. Don’t miss the spice garden—the aroma alone is worth the visit.

Birdwatching
Reconnect with nature and its rhythm. The resort has about 16 bird species within its grounds. Guided walks with a naturist are available to help you spot them. It’s a quiet, refreshing experience—especially if you’re used to the buzz of city life.

Butterfly Garden
Step into a rainbow of wings. The butterfly garden inside the resort is a favorite with kids and adults alike. It’s a visual treat and a great way to connect children with nature beyond screens.

Indoor & Outdoor Games
There’s no need to stay idle here. The resort features a variety of games like billiards, archery, chess, hand football, carrom, and table tennis. It’s a great way to stay active and have fun, especially if you’re traveling with family.

Towel Art
Want to learn something new while you’re here? Join an evening towel art session and get creative with towel origami. It’s fun, quirky, and a small touch that reflects the resort’s attention to detail.

Yoga
Each morning from 7:30 to 8:30 AM, join a yoga session led by a certified practitioner. It’s the perfect way to start your day in the lap of nature. Best part? It’s complimentary.

Pools, Culinary Fun & Local Flavor
Infinity Pool & Private Pool Villas
The infinity pool offers sweeping views of the Lakshmi hills and surrounding greenery—it’s truly a spot to unwind. If you’re after a more exclusive experience, opt for a private pool villa for some serene alone time.

Culinary Lessons & Kerala Tea Shop
Learn local recipes from expert chefs during interactive cooking sessions. Afterward, head to the on-site tea shop for a steaming cup of Munnar chai with some tasty Kerala snacks.

Evenings & Entertainment
Campfire
Evenings here are best spent around a warm campfire, music playing softly, and the cool Munnar air wrapping around you. It’s cozy, social, and the perfect end to an adventurous day.

Candle Light Dinner
It might sound like a cliché, but there’s something timeless about a candlelight dinner in the hills. Misty air, soft lights, and just the two of you. It’s a must for couples looking to make memories.

For the Adventurous
Jeep Safari
Want to explore the wilder side of Munnar? The resort can connect you with trusted drivers for a jeep safari to nearby highlights like Ponmudi Dam, Echo Point, Mattupetty Dam, and more. Half-day or full-day trips are available.

Trekking Trails
Put your phone away and hit the trails. Choose between a half-day hike up Lakshmi Hills or a full-day trek through Pothamedu mountains and the Shola forest. You’ll pass tea gardens, waterfalls, and panoramic viewpoints. The resort arranges transport to and from the starting point.

Family Friendly Touches
Kids’ Play Area
Kids are more than welcome here. A dedicated play zone includes swings, see-saws, and indoor games like caroms, table tennis, and chess. It’s designed to keep them entertained and active.

⚠️ Note for Elderly Guests
The terrain within the resort is steep in some places. Moving from rooms to the restaurant might be difficult for older guests. If mobility is a concern, ask for buggy service—it’s available and highly recommended for safety.

🌟 The Leaf Resort – Report Card 🌟
Category Rating (★ out of 5)
Rooms & Comfort ★★★★☆
Service & Staff ★★★★★
Restaurant & Dining ★★★★☆
Cleanliness ★★★★★
Family-Friendliness ★★★★★
Nature & Outdoor Activities ★★★★★
Business Facilities ★★★☆☆
Accessibility ★★★☆☆
Overall Experience ★★★★☆
Final Word
The Leaf Resort is more than just a place to stay—it’s an experience in itself. With its perfect mix of nature, comfort, activities, and thoughtful service, it stands out as one of the best family-friendly resorts in Munnar. Just remember to pack comfortable shoes, a sense of adventure, and maybe a sweater for those cool evenings.

All, Humour

Cadets in a Tight Spot: Salute or Shade?

Cadets in a Tight Spot: Salute or Shade?

It was a scorching duty day — the judges sat roasting in the sun while assessing a band competition, and NCC cadets were assigned to hold umbrellas over them. But then came the twist: each band struck up the national anthem. Now the cadets were in a fix — do they stand to attention or keep shading the judges?
In true multitasking style, they managed both — holding the umbrella steady and standing at attention like pros. The crowd couldn’t help but cheer.

All, Humour

“The Spark in the Crowd”

“The Spark in the Crowd”

Caption:
“At Tripunithura’s anti-drug pledge, she didn’t just say the words — she owned them. Head high, eyes lit, smile with just a hint of mischief — the kind that says she’s thinking ten steps ahead. In a line of students, one spark always catches the light.”

Want it even more lyrical or bolder?

All, Humour

“Marching Hearts”

“Amid the sharp drills and synchronized steps of the Independence Day parade rehearsal at Kakkanad, a quiet moment stole the spotlight — two policemen sharing a smile with a young child, reminding us that strength isn’t just in uniform and order, but also in connection and kindness.”

All, Humour

Kerala Police teaching kids to fight back, and this one’s clearly a top recruit.”

Kerala Police teaching kids to fight back, and this one’s clearly a top recruit.”
“At the Kerala Police stall, kids were being taught a vital self-defense move: if someone tries to grab you, go straight for the eyes. Simple, effective — and in this young recruit’s case, a little too effective. Moments after a policewoman demonstrated the move, he turned around and tried to practice it on her. Let’s just say she didn’t see it coming (almost literally). Lesson learned: never underestimate a child with clear instructions and full commitment!”

All, Spot

“Under the bridges, life floats on

“Under the bridges, life floats on — North Indian fishermen in their humble kotta vanchis, weaving through Kerala’s backwaters, while a container truck hangs above like a strange visitor from another world.”

All, General

Green Hopes on the Move

Green Hopes on the Move
Rahul Gandhi walks into Kochi as part of his Bharat Jodo Yatra, framed beneath a lush green canopy en route to Edappally Junction. The moment hints at aspirations for greener political pastures—a symbolic stride toward renewal. While the elections didn’t reflect that shift, the Yatra marked a step forward in reconnecting with the people and reshaping his political presence.

All, Festival

A Fleeting Smile, A Lasting Impression

A Fleeting Smile, A Lasting Impression
Renowned classical dancer Rajashree Warrier, celebrated for her unwavering discipline and deep-rooted dedication to her art, breaks into a rare, heartfelt smile during a dance training session at Changampuzha Park. Known for her no-nonsense demeanor, moments like these—where joy gently escapes her otherwise composed exterior—are few and far between.

Perhaps it was the grace of a young protégé’s performance. Or simply the quiet satisfaction of seeing the art she so fiercely guards bloom in the next generation. Whatever the reason, this fleeting smile tells a story of pride, love, and the quiet rewards of a lifelong passion.