Kovalam Beach – Kerala Beach Holidays

March 3, 2008 at 5:10 am (Hotels in Kovalam, Kerala, kerala holiday destinations)
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The Kerala beaches on the crystal waters of the Arabian Sea are little pieces of heaven on earth. The Kovalam beach is one of the first Kerala beaches to be brought to limelight and is now the most popular of them all. The coconut and palm fringed crescent silver beaches at Kovalam are a dream getaway for the work toiled mind. If it is an exotic honeymoon you are looking forward to, or an escapade from your hectic schedule, Kovalam in any case is perfect. Overlooking the sapphire waters of the Arabian Sea, Kovalam in Malayalam means a coconut grove.

The Kovalam consists of three crescent shaped beaches. The southern-most beach is the Lighthouse Beach where most of the tourists spend their time. At the south of the beach one can locate the Vizhinzam mosque with a picturesque setting. The middle beach, Hawa is the morning base for the local fishermen. The northern-most beach is Samudra, populated just by a few wooden fishing boats, a team of palm and coconuts, and bondless sand.

The increasing tourist interest in ancient Ayurvedic therapies have seen the springing up of quite a few spas and Yoga centers in the vicinity. So if you are looking forward to pamper yourself with a massage or two, do not worry, Kovalam is all geared up to serve your interest.
Kovalam- Location

Located 16 km south of Thiruvanthapuram, the state capital, Kovalam is connected by regular bus services to Thiruvanthatpuram, Kanyakumari and Periyar. Thiruvanthapuram is also home to an international airport, an important railhead and well connected roads.

Tourist Attractions in Kovalam

  • Vizhinzam mosque
  • Lighthouse
  • Castle Kovalam (now a hotel)
  • Monuments commemorating 15th century poets Ayyippilla and Ayyanappilla

Tourist Attractions near Kovalam

  • Padmanabhaswamy Temple
  • East Fort Ganapati Temple
  • Pazhavangadi Bhagavathy Temple
  • Attukal Hanuman Temple
  • St.Joseph Church, Palayam
  • Christ Church, Paslayam LMS Church
  • Palayam Lourdes Church, Near PMG
  • Jn. Pentacostal Church
  • Charachira Jama Masjid, Palayam
  • Jama Masjid, Beemapally Mosque
  • Thampanoor Hidayuthul Islam Madrasa

Accommodations Available
The ever increasing popularity of Kovalam has resulted into the upcoming of a plethora of luxury and budget hotels and resorts to suit individual budget. Some of the hotels are:

  • Hotel Samudra
  • Kadaloram Beach Resort
  • Green Cove Resort & Spa
  • Swagath Holiday Resort
  • The Travancore Heritage

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Wilson Tourist Home – Budget Hotel in kovalam

February 29, 2008 at 5:33 am (Budget Hotels, Economy Class Hotels, Hotels in Kovalam)
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Wilson Tourist Home – Low Hotel in Kovalam

The Wilson Tourist Home away from the bustling city life offers to its guests captivating views of the blue waters of the Arabian Sea. Take a stroll down the beach or a peaceful sunbath, Wilson Tourist Home offers seclusion and serenity at its best.

How to reach Kovalam:
Distance from Airport: 12km
Distance from Railway Station: 16kms

Major Tourist Attractions of Kovalam:
Padmanabhapuram Palace: Built in 14th century, the Padmanabhapuram Palace in Kovalam is near the Veli hills. Located at the foot of the Veli hills this palace is a remarkable specimen of woodwork reflecting the Kerala architecture and it was the residential palace of the Travancore rulers.

Sankhumugham Beach: A few kilometers from Trivandrum, the Sankhumugham Beach is the favorite haunt of sunset watchers. The fascinating sunsets or sunrise in this beach allures the tourists from all over.

Varkala Beach: If you wish to take a fascinating view of the blue waters of the Arabian Sea from a high cliff then Varkala Beach is the perfect place to be. Situated 55 kms from Trivandrum, this is an important pilgrimage centre and the beach is lined with a row of shops which sells exquisite handicrafts as well as beautiful garments and accessories.

Water Sports in Kovalam: Kovalam is the ideal place for swimming, kayaking, skiing and surfing. Indulge yourself in sunbath under the exotic tropical sun or just swim in the blue placid waters of Kovalam.
Accommodation facilities in Wilson Tourist Home:

Wilson Tourist Home in Kovalam is located just near the beach with every room offering a panoramic view of the sea. The hotel also has cottages set amidst lush green lawns. Truly a class apart, this beach hotel has all the amenities and is quite well furnished. There are 40 rooms in the hotel.

Room Facilities:
Shower, Television, Attached Bath, Hot and Cold Water, Safe Deposit Lockers, 24 hour Room Service, Direct dialing facilities.

Dining facilities in Wilson Tourist Home:
Wilson Tourist Home has an excellent thatched restaurant which serves lip smacking local delicacies for the travelers

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Hotel Taj Malabar Kochi Kerala

February 28, 2008 at 3:54 am (5 Star Hotels, Hotels in Cochin, Kerala)
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Hotel Taj Malabar Kochi
5 Star Hotel in Kochi

The tranquil waters of the Beautiful backwaters and the palm fringed emerald canals are fast gaining momentum as one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Kochi earlier known as Cochin is an important port in Kerala and is used as most tourists as the pivot to their itinerary to Kerala. They mostly arrive at Kochi first and then move on to their onward destination from Kochi. However, Kochi itself deserves quite an attention as a tourist destination by its own right- its long sandy beaches lined with Chinese fishing nets, numerous churches, synagogues and other leftovers of a colonial past. Likewise, the accommodations available at Kochi are numerous. Besides, Kochi is an important business centre which accounts to the inflow of a large number of corporate travelers to Kochi. These corporate visitors and much of the foreign tourists who visit Kochi are usually on the look out for deluxe accommodation which comes in the shape of 5 Star Hotels in Kochi. Located on Wellingdon Island with a view of Kochi Harbor, the Taj Malabar Hotel Kochi offers deluxe accommodation and impeccable service. Its favorable location is convenient for both leisure and business travelers. This hotel is owned by the famous Taj Group of Hotels.

Location
Hotel Taj Malabar Kochi is located on Willingdon Island at a distance of 45 km from Airport, 10 km from Railway Station and 15 km from Bus Stand.

Accommodation facilities in Taj Malabar Hotel Kochi:
Taj Malabar Kochi has 96 guest rooms including 9 suites for its guests. The lavishly done up rooms are well equipped with contemporary amenities to make the guest feel at home. Coupled with this is the impeccable service of the ever-smiling staff who would go that extra mile for their guests’ convenience.

Dining facilities in Hotel Taj Malabar Kochi:
The Taj Malabar Kochi offers a plethora of dining options. Thai Pavillion is the place to be if you are a Thai food buff. Rice Boat Restaurant serves seafood and Keralian cuisine. The Dolphin’s point serves barbequed goodies. For beverages and light snacks check out Waterfront Café, the 24 hour coffee shop. Mattancherry is the Lobby Lounge bar set in a Colonial ambience. The Pool Side Bar serves a wide range of exotic cocktails and mocktails and snacks, all through the day.

Local Attractions
Fort Kochi beach, St. Francis Church, Chinese Fishing Nets, Beautiful Backwaters, Vasco House, Santa Cruz Basilica, Jewish Synagogue and Jew Town, Bolgatty Palace, Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace), Hill Palace, Palliport (Pallipuram) Fort, Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, Museum of Kerala History, Parikshith Thampuram Museum, Cherai Beach, Veega Land, Marine Drive, Willingdon Island, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium

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Backwaters in Cochin – Kerala Backwaters

February 27, 2008 at 3:55 am (Kerala, kerala holiday destinations)
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Cochin Backwaters

The tranquil waters of the Beautiful backwaters and the palm fringed emerald canals are fast gaining momentum as one of the most popular tourist destinations in India.

Cochin, the Queen of the Arabian Sea presently known as Kochi is an important port in Kerala and is used by most tourists as the pivot to their itinerary to Kerala. They mostly arrive at Kochi first and then move on to their onward destination from Cochin. However, Cochin itself deserves quite an attention as a tourist destination by its own right- its long sandy beaches lined with Chinese fishing nets, numerous churches, synagogues and other leftovers of a colonial past. Endowed with a cluster of small islands and palm fringed waterways, Cochin forms the base of most of the backwaters tours. Boat cruises to Willingdon Island, Mattencherry Place, Bolghatty Island are sure to take your breath away.

Tourist Attractions in Cochin:
Chinese Fishing Nets- Chinese fishing nets, called `cheena vala’ in Malayalam, flank the entrance to the Kochi harbour. Some say that traders brought these huge cantilevered fishing nets here from the court of Kublai Khan. Others suppose that they were introduced by the Chinese explorer Zheng He. Cochin is the only place where these nets are to be found outside China. These massive nets almost 10 m high and their silhouette against the coastline in Cochi have become quite a tourist attraction.

Fort Kochi beach- the finest beach in Kochi, this beach is located 12 km from Cochin city and the main attraction of this place is the old fort sporting indo-European architecture which overlooks the beach.

St. Francis Church- St. Francis Church was the first European Church to be built in India. It was earlier dedicated to saint Antony, the then patron saint of the church and remained so till 1663. The Dutch invasion saw the demolition of all the converts and churches except the Franciscans’ church which was turned into their government church.

Other Tourist Attractions in Cochin
Backwater Tours, Vasco House, Santa Cruz Basilica, Jewish Synagogue and Jew Town, Bolghatty Palace, Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace), Hill Palace, Palliport (Pallipuram) Fort, Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, Museum of Kerala History, Parikshith Thampuram Museum, Cherai Beach, Veega Land, Marine Drive, Willingdon Island, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium

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Windermere Estate Munnar

February 25, 2008 at 5:24 am (5 Star Hotels, Hotels in Munnar, Kerala)
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Nestled at 1600m, surrounded by emerald green forests that merge with the tea gardens of the Western Ghats, Windermere Estate is a fascinating retreat on a cardamom plantation. Located high up in the mountains 3 km from Munnar, the hotel is 110 km away from Cochin International Airport.

There are 5 farmhouse rooms, 4 garden facing rooms and 8 spacious cottages at Windermere Estate Munnar that are lavish, well-ordained and tastefully decked with wood paneling. Each room is marked by a languid atmosphere. Besides, all rooms are bestowed with -
# Radio
# Channel Music
# Doctor on call
# Internet access
# Color television
# Telephone (ISD/STD)
# Round the clock Room Service
# In-house Laundry and Dry cleaning facility
# 24 hour supply of hot and cold running water with attached bath

Following are the dining facilities available at Windermere Estate Hotel Munnar-

Restaurant: Gorge upon mouth-watering Indian, Chinese, Tandoori, Continental, Mexican and ethnic local delicacies at the elegantly designed multi-cuisine restaurant.

The Pub: Unwind with some delightful wines and liquors at the well-stocked bar.
Other facilities:

Other remarkable facilities furnished by Windermere Estate Munnar are -

# Travel Desk
# Currency Exchange
# Sightseeing trips
# Safe deposit locker
# Trekking in the forests
# Bonfire and barbeque at Boulder garden
Local tourist attractions

Following are some popular tourist hunts in Munnar -

Anaimudi Peak: The highest peak in South India, it offers exceptional venues for camping and trekking with an elevation of over 2695 meters.

Nyayamakad: Home to amazing waterfalls, the enchanting surroundings of Nyayamakad make for an excellent picnic spot and trekking point. Located between Munnar and Rajamala, the waters here gush down a hill from a height of about 1600 meters.

Echo Point: Located about 15 km from Munnar, this picturesque place derives its name from the natural echo phenomenon here.

Rajamala: The natural habitat of the Nilgiri tahr, found in small herds in Rajamala, and estimated to be over 1300 in the region.

Mattupetty: Nestled at a height of 1700 m, Mattupetty is known for its highly specialized dairy farm – the Indo Swiss Livestock Project, where over a 100 varieties of high yielding cattle are reared.

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T&U Leisure Hotel in Munnar

February 22, 2008 at 5:26 am (4 Star Hotels, Hotels in Munnar)
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Set amidst green valleys and plantations, T&U Leisure Hotel Munnar is located 500 meters from the Munnar and 100 km from Cochin International Airport. One of the finest accommodation options in Munnar, the hotel is an ideal destination for the business traveler and holidaymaker alike.

Accommodation:
30 exquisite rooms offering picturesque sights of the green tea gardens await you at T&U Leisure Hotel Munnar. These brilliantly festooned rooms are spacious and categorized into standard rooms, deluxe rooms, and luxurious suites. Each of these well-furnished rooms is accompanied by a soothing ambience. Besides, all rooms are bestowed with-

  • Radio
  • Channel Music
  • Doctor on call
  • Internet access
  • Color television
  • Telephone (ISD/STD)
  • Round the clock Room Service
  • In-house Laundry and Dry cleaning facility
  • 24 hour supply of hot and cold running water with attached bath

Dining:
Some delectable Continental, Chinese, North Indian and traditional Kerala preparations are catered at the charmingly ornamented multi-cuisine restaurant at T&U Leisure Hotel to satiate your gastronomical desires.

Other remarkable facilities furnished by T&U Leisure Hotel are -

  • Travel Desk
  • Sightseeing trips
  • Currency Exchange
  • Safe deposit locker
  • Conference/Banquet Hall
  • Mini Health Club & Recreation Centre
  • Bonfire and barbeque in the evening

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Pathiramanal Lake Resort – Hotel in Alleppey

February 8, 2008 at 6:36 am (Budget Hotels, Economy Class Hotels, Hotels in Alleppey)
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Pathiramanal Lake Resort

Introduction:
Situated amidst the emerald backwaters of Alleppey, Pathiramanal Lake Resort is known for its distinctive style of exotic nature-friendly design with wooden construction. Located in close proximity to the Pathiramanal Island on the amazing backwater of Lake Vembanad, one of the largest fresh water lakes in Asia, this hotel provides one of the better accommodation options in Alleppey.

Accommodation:
Each of the well-appointed cottage style rooms at Pathiramanal Lake Resort is a cocoon of comfort, with a languid atmosphere prevailing. These air-conditioned rooms are adorned traditionally and have spacious sit-outs facing Lake Vembanad. Besides, all rooms are bestowed with -
* 24 hour supply of hot and cold running water with attached bath
* In-house Laundry and Dry cleaning facility
* Round the clock Room Service
* Telephone (STD/ISD)
* Color television
* Doctor on call

Dining:
Cherish the experience of tasting scrumptious Chinese, Continental, North Indian and traditional Kerala delicacies at the restaurant at Pathiramanal Lake Resort that would surely make you crave for more.
Other facilities:

Other remarkable facilities furnished by Pathiramanal Lake Resort are -
* Travel Desk
* Currency Exchange
* Backwater cruise
* Ayurvedic Massage

Following are some popular tourist hunts in Alleppey -
* Alappuzha Beach: This beautiful beach has Arabian Sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and freshwater rivers overlapping it.
* Kuttanad: Resembling Netherlands geographically, this is an expanse of waterlogged land lying below sea level.
* Champakulam Church: One of the oldest churches in Kerala, the St. Mary’s Church is believed to be one of the seven established by St. Thomas.
* Chettikulangara Bhagwathy Temple: A large number of devotees visit this temple as it is believed to have miraculous powers to cure diseases and grant wishes to the devotees.
* St. Andrews Church: Established by the Portuguese missionaries in Alleppey, this church celebrates the feast of St. Sebastian with lots of festivity.
* Krishnapuram Temple: A two-storied building, this temple displays the typical Kerala style of architecture.
* Backwater Cruise: The beautiful banks of Alleppey can be explored through these backwater cruises on exquisite houseboats.

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Alleppey Back Water Resorts – Hotel in Alleppey

February 7, 2008 at 6:20 am (Economy Class Hotels, Hotels in Alleppey)
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Alleppey Back Water Resorts

Introduction:
Nestled amidst a picturesque location, Alleppey Back Water Resorts is one of the finest lodging destinations at an affordable price in Allepey. Be it for business purpose or simply for leisure, your intention would be duly fulfilled at this pleasant hotel.

Accommodation:
There are heritage style air-conditioned and non air-conditioned rooms at Alleppey Back Water Resorts. Each of these luxurious rooms is marvelously decorated and offers an enchanting view of the vast Arabian Sea. Besides, all rooms are bestowed with -

* 24 hour supply of hot and cold running water with attached bath
* In-house Laundry and Dry cleaning facility
* Round the clock Room Service
* Telephone (STD/ISD)
* Color television
* Doctor on call

Dining:
The multi-cuisine restaurant at Alleppey Back Water Resorts has in its store some lip smacking delicacies from traditional Kerala cuisine, including the delectable seafood. Served with utmost hospitality, the food would definitely work out your taste buds.
Other facilities:

Some other remarkable facilities furnished by Alleppey Back Water Resorts are -
* Travel Desk
* Currency Exchange
* Conference facilities
* Backwater cruise
* Boat rides
* Health spa

Following are some popular tourist hunts in Alleppey -
* Alappuzha Beach: This beautiful beach has Arabian Sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and freshwater rivers overlapping it.
* Kuttanad: Resembling Netherlands geographically, this is an expanse of waterlogged land lying below sea level.
* Champakulam Church: One of the oldest churches in Kerala, the St. Mary’s Church is believed to be one of the seven established by St. Thomas.
* Chettikulangara Bhagwathy Temple: A large number of devotees visit this temple as it is believed to have miraculous powers to cure diseases and grant wishes to the devotees.
* St. Andrews Church: Established by the Portuguese missionaries in Alleppey, this church celebrates the feast of St. Sebastian with lots of festivity.
* Krishnapuram Temple: A two-storied building, this temple displays the typical Kerala style of architecture.
* Backwater Cruise: The beautiful banks of Alleppey can be explored through these backwater cruises on exquisite houseboats.

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Hotel Rockholm – Kovalam Budget Hotel

February 4, 2008 at 10:45 am (Budget Hotels, Hotels in Kovalam)
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Hotel Rockholm Kovalam

Just a 15 kilometer drive from Trivandrum, Hotel Rockholm is located on a seaside rock in Kovalam. Located on the seashore, splashed by the waves of the Arabian Sea, Hotel Rockholm offers the best amenities and good quality service to its guests. The personalized service of Hotel Rockholm creates a feel at home ambience.

Location:
Distance from Airport: 14km
Distance from Railway Station: 14kms

Major Tourist Attractions of Kovalam:

Padmanabhapuram Palace
Built in 14th century, the Padmanabhapuram Palace in Kovalam is near the Veli hills. Located at the foot of the Veli hills this palace is a remarkable specimen of woodwork reflecting the Kerala architecture and it was the residential palace of the Travancore rulers.

Sankhumugham Beach
A few kilometers from Trivandrum, the Sankhumugham Beach is the favorite haunt of sunset watchers. The fascinating sunsets or sunrise in this beach allures the tourists from all over.Varkala Beach
If you wish to take a fascinating view of the blue waters of the Arabian Sea from a high cliff then Varkala Beach is the perfect place to be. Situated 55 kms from Trivandrum, this is an important pilgrimage centre and the beach is lined with a row of shops which sells exquisite handicrafts as well as beautiful garments and accessories.

Water Sports in Kovalam
Kovalam is the ideal place for swimming, kayaking, skiing and surfing. Indulge yourself in sunbath under the exotic tropical sun or just swim in the blue placid waters of Kovalam.

Accommodation facilities in Hotel Rockholm:
Hotel Rockholm in Kovalam is located atop a cliff near the towering lighthouse in Kovalam. Truly a class apart, this beach hotel has all the amenities and is quite well furnished there are 22 sea facing rooms in the hotel. Managed by a traditional Anglo Indian family, the hotel is a blend of Indo European culture.

Room Facilities
Shower, Television, Attached Bath, Hot and Cold Water, 24 hour Room Service, Direct dialing facilities, Hotel Rockholm in Kovalam has an excellent restaurant for the travelers

Other Facilities
Medical, Safety Deposit, 24 hour reception, Currency Exchange, Credit Cards Accepted

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Hotel Spice Village Periyar

January 29, 2008 at 6:36 am (Economy Class Hotels, Hotels in Periyar)
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Hotel Spice Village Periyar

Hotel Spice Village in Thekkady located near the Periyar National Park amidst acres of greenery is the perfect place for an ideal holiday.Hotel Spice Village Periyar provides to the tourists the best amenities and personalized services within its luxurious ambience. Enjoy the beauty of nature by staying in Hotel Spice Village.

There are a group of bungalows in the village scattered around the village and they overlook the beautiful natural environ of the area.

Nearest Airport:
Cochin Airport: 140km
Madurai Airport: 200km

Nearest Railway Station:
Kottayam is 114 kms away

Tourist Attractions of Thekkady and Periyar:
The tourist attractions of Thekkady are its Spice Plantations and the Periyar National Park.
Periyar National Park:

Set on the lofty Western Ghats the beautiful Periyar National Park is famous for its different species of flora and fauna. The National Park which also is a Tiger Reserve is the home for a number of animals like Gaur, Wild Pigs, Sambar, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Dole or Indian Wild Dog. The most adorable ones are the Elephants which attracts the tourists to Periyar.
Periyar Lake:

While in Periyar, one should take a boat cruise along the Periyar Lake, to view its vast range of flora and fauna. Animals at times flock around the lake and it’s a wonderful sight for the visitors.
Kumily:

Just near Periyar, Kumily is one of the growing spice plantations of Kerala. From the daily edible spices to different other spice varieties, Kumily is now a growing township which is also known as the Spice Village.

Cardamom Hills:
These are the mountainous regions in Kerala which produces cardamom, pepper and coffee. The thick plantations spread over the hilly area have earned the place the name of Cardamom Hills.
Accommodation facilities in Hotel Spice Village:

Situated amidst sprawling acres of greenery and herbs and flowers, the Spice Village Thekkady is the perfect place to enjoy the beauty of nature from the cozy comforts of your room. There are beautiful cottages in the hotel which have a luxurious ambience and overlook the landscaped gardens and lofty hills in the surrounding. There are 52 cottages in the hotel which are well furnished and well equipped with the new age facilities. The architecture and décor reflect the traditional Kerala style which is also evident from the terracotta tiled floors.

Room Facilities:

  • Balcony
  • Water Supply
  • Attached Bath

Dining facilities in Hotel Spice Village:

Pamper your taste buds with excellent multicuisine delights cooked up by the master chefs of Hotel Spice Village in Thekkady.
Banquet and conference facilities in Hotel Spice Village:

There are conference and banquet facilities in Hotel Spice Village.

Other Facilities:
Laundry
Boat Trips
Travel desk
Health Club
Jungle Treks
Indoor Sports
Ayurvedic Spa
Swimming Pool
Money Exchange
Doctor on call
Sight Seeing Tours
Safe deposit lockers

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