Ira's new friend Mahalaxmi is different from everyone else in the class. When Mahalaxmi can't come on the class trip to Mysore, Ira knows she has to find a way. But will Mahalaxmi let her classmates help her?

A visitor mistakes Ritu’s bird call for an ostrich’s and wants to see the bird. But there are no ostriches on Henry Island! where will Ritu find one to show him?

The verdant and beautiful Kerala, well known for its flora and fauna and for its rich tradition of temples, has today become one of the must see destinations in the world. Temples have always been an integral part of the culture and tradition of Kerala. This small state has become famous for its efforts to preserve the ancient culture of the big temples as well as the small family shrines, keeping their rich variety and tradition intact. These temples play an important role in spreading the greatness of Kerala in countries all over the world. Temples of Kerala have never been mere places of worship; they have played a pivotal role in the social, financial, cultural and educational fields of the state. For the rehabilitation of the poor and the deprived many schemes have been implemented by the temples like providing food and shelter to the needy. Today, if there is a great progress in the field of tourism, the temples have certainly contributed much to it. A large number of foreigners come to the state to study and understand Kerala’s traditional temple arts like Kathakali, Chakiarkoothu, Ottamthullal etc. On the happy occasion of bringing out this book, we have endeavored to include details of the prominent Ayyappan temples outside Kerala, along with those of the great temples within the state. The intention is to make this a comprehensive reference book for all well-known temples in India. May all our readers be blessed by the Almighty with peace, prosperity and good health.

The verdant and beautiful Kerala, well known for its flora and fauna and for its rich tradition of temples, has today become one of the must see destinations in the world. Temples have always been an integral part of the culture and tradition of Kerala. This small state has become famous for its efforts to preserve the ancient culture of the big temples as well as the small family shrines, keeping their rich variety and tradition intact. These temples play an important role in spreading the greatness of Kerala in countries all over the world. Temples of Kerala have never been mere places of worship; they have played a pivotal role in the social, financial, cultural and educational fields of the state. For the rehabilitation of the poor and the deprived many schemes have been implemented by the temples like providing food and shelter to the needy. Today, if there is a great progress in the field of tourism, the temples have certainly contributed much to it. A large number of foreigners come to the state to study and understand Kerala’s traditional temple arts like Kathakali, Chakiarkoothu, Ottamthullal etc. On the happy occasion of bringing out this book, we have endeavored to include details of the prominent Ayyappan temples outside Kerala, along with those of the great temples within the state. The intention is to make this a comprehensive reference book for all well-known temples in India. May all our readers be blessed by the Almighty with peace, prosperity and good health.

Naati Charami is a fine cultural and traditional blend alongside a contemporary and modern India, spanning from the days of new independence to the turn of the millennium. The story follows its 3 protagonists through conflicts between love and duty; idealism and reality; and values and individuality. Swati is an epitome of love and adherence to dharma fortifies her path. Her internal struggle in line with social situations and unwanted surprises that resulted as the byproduct of womens education and emancipation are beautifully observed. Staunch traditions and destiny plunge Lakshmi Prasanna into the center-court of life. Her determination and strength hold her stead through trials and triumphs and her brilliance is dazzled with unparalleled success. Charmi becomes a pawn in the balance of the old and the new. While she is the center of her parents' universe and her every desire is lovingly catered to, her life takes on an unexpected turn when she is denied freedom in her most important decision yet.

* A fun ' find-it' book with a high-speed chase after a peacock - through a bustling market, onto an umbrella, up on a tree... and find out where else! * Written in short, crisp sentences that children will enjoy reading aloud * Colourful pictures with energy and detail create vibrant scenarios in which children will enjoy spotting the perky peacock * Plays on the idea of the peacock as a motif, common in India. The visuals pick up on that to bring in a range of other motifs.