Natures paradise

KOCHI: Located just 75 km from the city of Kochi and 15 km from Kottayam by road, Saro Lake County at Kumarakom is the ideal weekend getaway spot for all those wanting that much-needed break from the nitty-gritty’s of everyday life.Set against the beguiling backwaters, the resort has a charismatic aura about it. Bordering the Vembanad Lake is a narrow pathway that leads up to the resort, which comprises of two comfy, air conditioned villas. The awe inspiring silence of the place is interrupted only by the occasional chirping of the birds during the day.The facilities and services offered by the resort are top-notch. The resort chef Kunjunju will dish out a scrumptious feast for you, ensuring that the meal is prepared taking into account your tastes and preferences. For breakfast, we were served authentic Kerala cuisine consisting of chemmeen chiratta puttu (made with Chamba rice), kallappam and egg stew. Kallappam was tender and succulent whereas the chemmeen puttu is a peerless delight for all prawn lovers.As you sit sipping the freshly brewed coffee, you can’t help but feast your eyes on the expansive Vembanad lake right in front of your villa. While at the resort, you can occupy yourself with a host of activities. You can pick up one of the cycles in the resort and go on a village tour or take a motor boat/country boat/houseboat trip through the backwaters. The boats will receive you right from the doorstep of the resort! You can also request for a traditional vallam and try your hand at rowing it.The perfect way to unwind would be to just cast your hook and wait to see if you get lucky! If you do, you can then get your catch cooked by the chef. If you love birds, then you are in for a treat. You can wake up listening to their chirping and twittering and you will also be able to routinely spot the flight of different varieties of birds. Adjacent to the resort is the renowned Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. You can also spend some time at the nearby Bay Island Driftwood Museum. If you prefer to stay back, you can enjoy a game of badminton in the resort courtyard or opt for an indoor game of chess or caroms. You can also indulge yourself in an Ayurvedic massage at the resort.Lake County is a honeymooner’s paradise. It is a romantically ideal setting for couples to celebrate anniversaries, or to simply spend some quality time with each other. The picturesque locale has the unique ability to inspire romance in everyone, regardless of age!If you come over with two other families, you  have the luxury of having the entire resort to yourself, with the skilful chef at your disposal! The rate for a Lake View villa is, single: Rs 4,000 and double: Rs 5,000. For more details, contact 0481-2523777 or 7736000777.