Tucked away amidst lush green paddy fields, coconut groves, interspersed with meandering lagoons and mangroves that are home to birds… Kumarakom is an incredibly beautiful place. Located on the Vembanad Lake, this is a perfect backwater destination.
It was one of those windy monsoon days. I walk from the car through a tiled pathway that borders the burgeoning lake to reach Saro Lake County. Despite a huge green umbrella, I'm wet. There is something lovely about the monsoon, so I'm not complaining.
Saro Lake County has two cosy air-conditioned villas, overlooking the lake. One of them has two bedrooms with attached bathrooms, a spacious dining space, and a sparse library. The other has a single bedroom with the verandah providing a dining space with a breathtaking view.
The rains lash relentlessly. I pull up the blinds and spend hours gazing at the water roll down the French windows. I am tempted to curl up on the cot with a book from the library and listen to the rain pounding out a rhythm.
On a clear day there's so much more you can do than being confined to the villa. A boat cruise on the lake and numerous canals is the most popular activity. Cycling to the nearby villages or going on a guided tour of the Kumarakom bird sanctuary, just a stone's throw away, are also must-dos. Or just relax by the lake or go fishing.
The cuisine here is as distinctive as the place. Deeply influenced by the coastline and flavoured by the all-pervasive coconut, everything here is garnished with spices. The chef has a simple, traditional menu with plenty of fresh karimeen and prawns. There are also special vegetable combos with lots of coconut for the discerning vegetarian.
SARO LAKE COUNTY, KUMARAKOM
USP: Watch life go by…
Tariff
Lake View Villas Single: Rs. 4,000. Double: Rs. 5,000. Taxes extra. This rate is applicable for the Continental plan (room and breakfast).
How to get there
The resort is 15 km from Kottayam by road. From Ernakulam it is around 75 km and from the Kochi Airport, 90 km.
Things to do
A day cruise on houseboats, country crafts or motorboat can be arranged on request.
Go fishing and get your catch cooked.
Go cycling and bird watching.
Play a game of badminton at the resort court or go for indoor games such as carom and chess.
If you have time you can take a boat ride to Alappuzha and visit the places of interest there.
(The writer was at Saro Lake County at the invitation of the resort.)
