We could smell the rain in the air as we veered away from the busy highway at Pattanakad. A narrow road that cuts through history-laden Vayalar transports us to a typically quiet village setting. A bend in the road and the car cruises through the gate of Vasundhara Sarovar Premiere, a premium, five-start resort located on the tranquil backwaters.
A cursory look at the watch told me that the drive from Kochi took hardly 45 minutes. There is another option of getting to the resort - a complimentary transfer to the resort by boat from Valamangalam.
The first sight that will hook you is the spectacular view of the backwaters at the distance through the spacious lobby done up in traditional Kerala style, with the mural paintings, silver headgear of elephants, all suggesting that you are being welcomed into the midst of a pooram or a typical temple festival. Celebrations begin from that point on.
“We have 60 rooms, suites, floating cottages, heritage villas and a houseboat, with all modern amenities and tastefully furnished to match the theme and setting of the resort,” says Prashant Venugopal, Sales Manager, as he takes the wheel of a buggy to take me on a guided tour of the property.
Prashant kept talking as I was immersed in the silence, the wind rustling the swaying palms and the lovely expanse of backwaters straining to enter the shore. The air was ripe with the pleasant, dewy petrichor of the previous night’s rain. The pathway, the lush green, manicured lawns were still damp.
Most of the rooms of the two-storied main building offer a view of the backwaters, while the others open to the lawns or the swimming pool. Zephyr, the poolside café and bar is almost full with people who have taken a break from swimming. The pool merges into an artificial pool created by harvesting rain water giving it a feel of an infinity pool.
Stay at the floating cottages is perhaps what makes the Vasundhara Sarovar Premiere experience different. The rooms are spacious, the bathrooms clean and they come with a private Jacuzzi that overlooks the backwaters. “These cottages and the heritage villas are much sought after. The suites also offer a magnificent view. The heritage villas, 200 year old structures, have been transported and placed exactly as they were originally. We have only given it cosmetic touches like placing handmade tiles from Athangudi for the flooring to give it the ethnic look and turning the rooms air-conditioned. Also in demand is the two-room, fully air-conditioned luxury houseboat with a Jacuzzi on the upper deck,” says Anand Nair, General Manager.
Various facets of Kerala have been introduced in the interiors and décor by using coconut shells, coir, coconut wood floorings etc. The pattern is clear. The resort has attempted to bring in an authentic Kerala experience without compromising on the five-star, luxury quotient.
The wellness activities in the resort include a spa for Ayurvedic, Western and oriental treatments, with an exclusive room for couples that comes with a private Jacuzzi. A yoga and meditation deck that offers a bird’s-eye view of the resort and a panoramic view of the backwaters, herbal and vegetable garden complete the facilities. “For the coming month of Karkidakam we plan to offer a special five-day Ayurveda package even for non-residents with prior appointment. This will basically be a rejuvenation package,” informs Dr. Vishal, who is in-charge.
Mystic Spice, the all day dining place and Chemmeen the seafood speciality restaurant that opens every evening provide various options from buffet to la carte, from traditional Kerala specialities to North Indian delicacies as well as Oriental, Mediterranean and European menu. Diet food as prescribed for those who stay here specifically for the Ayurveda treatment is also made available.
“There’s something for everyone here. We are ready with halls for conferences and weddings. For the regular tourist we have cultural programmes at the amphitheatre that can be watched even from the comfort of the room balconies, conducted tours to neighbouring tourist spots, cycle tours to the nearby villages, speed boats, canoes, pedal boats, houseboats, a fishing deck, recreational facilities, a children’s play area and so much to make your stay with us memorable,” says Anand Nair.
It’s evening. The chayakada or tea shop on the promenade close to the backwaters has opened. There’s a small crowd, all of them back from the complimentary sunset cruise on a ferry boat, waiting for the crisp parippuvada and other Kerala snacks and hot tea.
It was time to return. The car pulled out of the resort. Soon we were back to where we belong, the crowd, speeding vehicles, long highway. I seemed to enjoy all this, perhaps refreshed by the few hours spent in unalloyed, pristine Nature. My stress seemed to have melted under the swaying palms, carried away by the silence and the gentle waves of the backwaters.
For details and reservation contact: 0478-6613030, 8089066002.
