With the onset of the monsoon, nature is at her best. Watch nature script a drama on one of the cosy beach resorts that dot the coastline in Thiruvananthapuram. The sea, the clouds, the rain and the greenery create a visual symphony for city-weary eyes. Take a weekend off with your family to indulge in the lap of nature or go on a picnic with friends to make the most of the season. MetroPlus selects four places that promise to pamper you during your mini-break.
The Gateway Hotel, Janardhanapuram, Varkala
The resort, which is set atop a sandstone cliff, overlooks the shimmering blue sea. It is an ideal place to head for the weekend. Those who want a mini-vacation with the family can opt for the resort’s two-night summer package. Wake up to a hearty breakfast and spend the day playing tennis, volleyball, badminton or table tennis with the family. If you find the weather too warm, how about taking a dip in the pool? Or, head to Kappil beach and work on that tan. The hotel also offers a day package, wherein guests can quench their thirst after their travel with a refreshing welcome drink and spend the day enjoying the hotel’s facilities. Lunch and evening tea is provided by the hotel.
Contact: 0470 6673300
Thapovan Heritage Home, Nellikkunnu
A holiday experience atop a hillock overlooking the beach. Relax in tune with nature, taking in the greenery all around. On offer are two packages, a day package from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and a day/night package with 24 hours check-in/check out time. You are treated to a welcome drink and in your double room accommodation, enjoy a fruit basket with the choicest of the seasonal fruits on the platter. Choose your favourite dishes for lunch from the a la carte menu. Enjoy evening tea and snacks. To top it all, get yourself a soothing massage at the resort’s Ayurveda centre. The day/night package, in addition to the above, has breakfast and dinner in the package. That’s not all. Savour the joy of a two-hour cruise through Vellayani lake. Contact: 0471 2480453 / 2482430
Estuary Island, Poovar
A lake, a river and a sea meet here! That is only one of the many reasons that make this an ideal place for a tryst with the opulent scenery. Go on a one-day trip with friends or family or both to explore this scenic place. Reach there by 10 a.m, sip the welcome drink and forget the world while you de-stress on the resort with a game. Tennis, football, basketball, volleyball and cricket can be played depending on the number of people in your group.
The resort has custom-made activities for groups, especially corporates. Dive into the swimming pool and let your cares float away (there is a separate kids’ pool as well). However, if it is quietude you seek, then go fishing. There are many indoor games to choose from too. A boat takes you to the beach. Buffet lunch and evening tea and snacks are included in the package that winds up by 6 p.m. Contact: 9446508591, 9446305591
The Travancore Heritage, Chowara
Pamper yourself with a break at this resort that seamlessly blends tradition with luxury. Be it the cosy old-world cottages or the rooms, all of which give you a panoramic view of the beach and the sky, this is the place to unwind after a tiring week. In addition to one-day packages that permit visitors to enjoy all the facilities at the resort, the two-night-three-day package is ideal for those who want to spend the weekend far away from the madding crowd. Soak in the serenity or enjoy swimming and walking along the beach. In addition there are Ayurveda massages to soothe your body as well. However, if you enjoy games, there are facilities to play beach ball or volley ball. Lunch and tea are provided for those on a one-day trip. Special rates are offered to groups of visitors. Contact: 9446474894
