We reached Cochin by air from Chennai and motored through Kottayam to the boat jetty. The drive on the roads which took an hour made us catch a glimpse of rich flora and fauna of the Malabar Coast. The swaying coconut trees stand as sentinels on the road sides and the meandering rivulets resemble a silver streak in the vast expanse of greenary.

On reaching the boat jetty we were shifted to motor boats from a van. We were ready to set sail on the majestic Vembanad Lake, which is a large fresh water lake. The cluster of Islands which comprises Kumarakom is set in idyllic surroundings in the lap of nature’s luxury.

Kumarakom conjures up images of Ayurvedic treatment lush green foliage and what not. It is here former Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee took to the Ayurvedic therapy. There are plenty of resorts with myriad quaint rest houses. These cottages are aesthetically designed with a mixture of antiquity and modernity. The quintessence of Kerala’s culture is show cased in various forms. We witnessed the famous Kathakali dance the same evening on reaching Kumarakom. The dancers with heavily painted face depicted scenes from Ramayana.

Exploring nature should be included in our schedule. The cornucopia of flowers in myriad hues is visually stunning. The scene of emerald waters dashing against rocky shores is a treat to watch.

We then set of on a small ship to enjoy the sunset cruise the following day. The Scenario of crimson red sun slowly vanishing in the azure horizon and its reflection on the turquoise blue waters made us go rapturous. We criss-crossed the islands inhaling the fresh unpolluted air and saw to our hearts contents the gentle wafting of the tall trees and plants and tasting fresh toddy and steaming hot tea. I was reminded of Venice when we went on a village cruise. The water ways with palatial mansions on both sides caught in the embrace of verdant forest creates a niche in the hearts of the tourists. There are striking similarities but instead of Venetian gondolas we have canoes and boats. Since Kerala is famous for oil massages we had an inkling of the massages by going to parlours. There are Yoga teachers to teach the nuances of the Asanas.

The mouth watering array of delicacies was served for lunch and dinner. Coconut seems to be the mainstay of the preparation. Jackfruit payasam is also a special delicacy here probably because it abounds in Jackfruit trees. Special mention should be made about the tasty tender coconuts.

It is an ideal get away for the fatigued city dwellers. It is a Romantic place set admidst nature’s varied tapestry. The atmosphere is redolent with fragrance of floweres and medicinal plants. The magical coastline with its mesmerizing Islands can be aptly called as the ‘Dream locale’ of Kerala. With heavy heart we bid adieu to bewitching Kumarakom.