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Tangible
tranquillity...
How about a cruise along the emerald backwaters, palpable
with its exquisite coconut groves, an exciting voyage through
the threshold of nature enjoying the soft breeze in the sunset?
"Swagatham" (Welcome) to a little paradise in
God's own country - 'Kumarakom' a small, serene village
on the banks of Vembanad Lake, an amazing place, with mangrove
forests, paddy fields, coconut groves, canals adorned with
water lilies, is a fast developing tourist destination, just
10 kilometers away from Kottayam.
Majestic 'Kettuvallams' the giant country crafts that
carry coconuts, spices and other commodities, floating through
serene waterways is a magnificent scene in Kumarakom. Kettuvallams,
which are made out of huge jack wood planks tied with coir
and coated with black resin made from boiled cashew nut shells
were an economic mode of transport for the villagers. Now
the sophisticated Kettuvallams with attached bathrooms, open
lounge, deck kitchenette and a crew comprising oarsmen, cook
and guide are the most exciting tourist attractions. When
on the kettuvallam do not miss out on the local delicacy -
kappa (tapioca) with karimeen (a freshwater fish)
Kumarakom
Island is a domicile for exotic birds like snake birds,
night herons, cormorants, egrets, Siberian storks and local
birds like water fowl, cuckoo, owl and water duck. Boats are
available from KTDC tourist village to bird sanctuary, but
it's advisable to walk for1.5 kilometres without harming the
fragile ecosystem. The best time to go for bird watching is
around 6.30a.m. There are various resorts, which offer packages
including boating, fishing and sightseeing. There are also
resorts offering ayurvedic treatments, meditation, angling
and swimming.
Some of the Resorts offering attractive packages are:
1) House Boat Holidays
Kumarakom Tourist Village, Kavanattinkara, Kottayam- 686 563,
Ph: 0481 525864,
Fax: 525862.
Email: kumarako@vsnl.com
2) Kumarakom Waterspaces, Kumarakom North, Kottayam- 686
563
Ph: 0481 525864, Fax: 525 862, Email: kumarako@vsnl.com
3) Coconut Lagoon,
Ph: 0481 525834, Fax: 524 495
Email: casino@vsnl.com
4) Golden Water Luxury Resort,
Ph: 525826, Fax:525638
Email: goldenwaters @satyam.net.in
5) Lake Resort
Ph: 524900, Fax: 524987
Email: klresort@vsnl.com
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