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The entire state of Kerala is blessed with plenty of rivers and the resources of many are still untapped. The waterways of Kerala which play a main role in the economy of the state links remote villages and islands with the main land. The water ways provide a cheap and economical mode of transport. The water ways of Kuttanad is now a big attraction for tourist. It is incredibly different experience to cruise in the backwaters in country boats, absorbing the beauty of Kerala villages. The scenery flashes up vivid contrasts of breath-taking greens and deep blues. Boat rides are available for tourist and others at nominal
Sunset Cruise : There can be few better ways to adjust to the pace of backwater life than to spend the warning hours of the afternoon just watching the sun go down. You can do this from a hummock near your bungalow, better yet, from the middle of Lake Vembanad, on board Coconut Lagoon’s beautifully restored Kettuvallam, which has been converted from a transport vessel into a cruise boat expressly for this purpose. Punted by two boatman equipped with long bamboo poles, the boat floats silently out across the waters as flocks of Garganey teals and other migratory and resident birds return to their lakeside roosts in such thick formations they cloud the evening sky. Drinks are served on board, and an extraordinary stillness descends as the sun, a vivid orange orb in its final few moments, slips rapidly below the horizon. Recreation :
For
those who prefer not to Bird Sanctuary : On the southern bank of the Kavanar River, immediately opposite Coconut Lagoon, is a small bird sanctuary, where numerous species of birds, including Darters, Bitterns, Brahminy kites, Marsh Harriers, Teals, and several varieties of Herons roost. Though many of the same birds also frequent the resort’s premises serious bird watchers should carry their binoculars at all times, even to restaurant- it may be worthwhile to visit the preserve as well. A five-minute boat ride (which the Reception Desk can arrange), followed by a short stroll on the other side, will get you there. Walk along the stream until you come to a small log bridge, across it and, presto, you’re in the sanctuary. A 6:00 am start is best. |
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Coconut
Lagoon, Kumarakom |
Kumarakom
slumbers on the banks of the famous Vembanad Lake, which is a part
of Kuttanad ('granary' of Kerala). The Vembanad Lake with its
majestic canals, streams and distributaries along its banks weave an
intricate and enchantingly beautiful web. The gorgeous green
of the fringed palms ripple in the blue waters and blend into
wavelets.
A relaxing boat
trip through the maze of canals adjacent to Coconut Lagoon is a
fascinating experience, and a delightful way to get a closer look at
life in the backwater. One-or-two-hour trips can be arranged in any
one of the resort’s several motor launches., or for the more
adventurous, the hotel has two local-style canoes, or vallams, which
guests can take out on their own. Ask the chef for a packed lunch and lose
yourself on the backwaters for a whole day, if you wish. Or you can
make a foray into Lake Vembanad, where the local village men who
make a livelihood from the lake bob about in its chest-deep waters,
as if performing some strange dance. In fact, they’re trapping
freshwater prawns, creating ridges in the mud with their feet to do
so, and collecting mussel shells from the bottom to be processed as
lime.
venture beyond the bounds of the resort itself, there are plenty of
things to do. The cashew shaped pool, slightly elevated to give a
commanding view across the lake, is popular with everybody,
including the honeymoon couples who swim there in the early evening
to the sounds of Indian classical music drifting across from the
Garden Café. Simple bamboo fishing poles are available, too, and
though the restaurant offers many fine seafood dishes on its
ever-varied lunch and dinner menus, the chef nonetheless promises to
cook any fish an angler catches from the lagoon. Be warned, however,
that no prizes are given for catching a monster from the fish farm
within the confines of the hotel, though no punishment is meted out
for doing so, either.