Offsite Kerala 2014.
Pristine
back waters awaited us, lush green plantations awaited us, the magnificence of
the Zuri Resort awaited us….’Kerala’ – ‘Gods own country’ awaited us.
The
departure time was scheduled at 6:55 in the evening, which was eventually
delayed, we had a two hours journey on the airplane followed by two hours road travel
to the ‘Zuri Resort – Kumarakom’, thereafter. Having ample time and options for
dinner, we packed dinner in our tummies before boarding the airplane.
The
plane flew with vigor, leaving the flickering city lights behind, dashing
through dark clouds and soaring higher than them. Yeah!! we were finally off to
Kerala. The agenda was to take the benefit of all the luxuries Zuri had to
offer like the famous Kerala massage, cycling through the rustic village,
fishing in the lagoon and obviously gorge on the local delicacies. My joy knew
know bounds.
A
warm Cochin welcomed us, we set outside with our luggage, a gentleman with a Charlie
Chaplin style moustache holding a placard with “IPAMC” written on it waited
outside. Speaking of moustache, as it is known rice is the staple diet of
Kerala, I am sure moustache is their staple style (applicable to men only). Well,
it was past midnight when we reached the resort tired and sleepy. Still the
charm of the lobby could not go unappreciated. In the centre stood a huge figure
of a ‘Kathakali’ dancer made of white stone, around this statue was a water
fall. The waiting area had a contemporary and classy look. A melodious cry played
as a background score. We were transported to our rooms in a buggy.
The
cottage we stayed in was luxurious and spacious. It adopted international
standards. Although, it did have a Keralite touch to it, like the decorative earthern
ware, the flower shaped fans made of bamboo and the colorful masks of Kathakali
dancers on the walls staring at us while we slept.
It
was 7:30 in the morning, determined to explore and experience ‘Zuri’ to the
fullest, we sprung out of our beds. The view outside the balcony was
breathtaking, a huge man made lagoon was spread outside, surrounded by
greenery. Cranes perched around the lagoon in search for their breakfast. The
climate was cool as it had just rained. Although, the ideal thing to do was sip
a hot cup of tea and enjoy the serenity, but we had planned to go for the 8 o
clock session of yoga. We thought probably the session would be in some room,
but to our surprise it was in the open, under a shed surrounded by the lagoon.
After, an hour of breathing in fresh air and “Relaggzing” (peculiar
pronunciation by the instructor for relaxing) our torso by the yogic movements,
we headed for our breakfast. Breakfast was followed by a training session. It
was simulation exercise, which was fun filled and with important take aways.
(And by that I don’t mean the colorful Bandanas and cow boy hats we got as part
of the exercise.)
The
scheduled time was 3pm to go sailing on the Vembanad lake. After a scrumptious
meal, we rushed to board the premium house boat which was waiting at the shore.
The heat was scorching, we did wish for some rains, to enhance our sailing
experience, but the rain God must have been having a siesta. Nevertheless, we
sat on the front deck of the boat, basking in the sun. Singing old and new
melodies and shaking a leg or two we cruised along. The premium house boat also
offered accommodation, a cosy bed room for two and a dining area, worth having
a slumber for a night. While this was the scene inside. The view outside was picturesque.
The lake we floated on was a huge body of clear water, far away on the shores a
large number of coconut trees had lined up. As the boat moved the warm wind
brushed our faces. As time passed, it started getting cooler, the Sun’s shift
was about to end, and so was our boat ride.
The
third day of the trip and also the last day, I took a sneak peek into some
exquisite areas. One being the swimming pool, which was made with immense
thought. Three artificial elephants placed at the centre of the large pool, showered
water into it through their trunks. The pool was at a height, and it was
surrounded by the man made lagoon little lower. The lagoon was created for
peddle boating and fishing. Where the lagoon ended, the massive Vembanad lake
began. A bridge separated the two water bodies. Another masterpiece was one of
the suite, which had a private pool in it over looking the Vembanad lake far
away.
The
excursion though short, it was a retreat from the fast paced life in the city
and a treat for the body, mind and soul. Each one came back satiated due to one
or more reasons. As for me, few reasons were that I came back with a) wonderful
memories of the time spent with my besties, b) happy taste buds for the delectable
meals offered and most importantly c) enhanced confidence for having succeeded
in the art of cycling. Although, what I did not come back with, was my luggage
which lay quietly at one corner of the reception while I boarded the bus to the
airport. The bus was half way through when I got to know about the bag, I was
lucky enough there was another lot of people traveling late that night. So
eventually, I would be reunited with my bag the next day. However, I kept
thinking “How could that happen to me, I am so particular about my luggage?”
But then it dawned on me that a) I was reunited with my bag as it was wearing
an Identity Card, so who says I am not particular and b) What would be a better
way to end this travelogue, if there wasn’t a twist like this in the end.
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| Mask of Kathakali dancer keeping a watch as we slept. |
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| Flower shaped fan |
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| Premiuim houseboat on the Vembanad lake |
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| Premium houseboat - cozy bedroom |
