SEARCH Friday, November 20, 2009

Kerala Backwaters : Places To Stay: KUMARAKOM Kumarakom’s backwaters are all scattered with luxury resorts on the waterfront. Most of these aren’t accessible by road and you have to get there by boat. But they all have guarded parking areas, so your car will be quite safe.   IN DETAIL Planning And Route Maps And Directions Things To Do Coconut Lagoon Run by CGH Earth Group, the same people who run the very interesting Brunton Boatyard Hotel in Fort Cochin, Coconut Lagoon (pictured here) is a haven of eco-tourism. The comfortable rooms are delightfully scented by orient aromas and the bathrooms are interestingly open air, but well secluded. Hammocks line the waterfront for just lazing around. If you’re the kind who wants to walk and explore, then the property itself is large and interesting to amble around. For reservations, call the central reservation office. Ph: 0484301171 www.cghearth.com for more information. The Kumarakom Lake Resort Ph: 0481 2524900, 2524501 KTDC Backwater Resort, Kumarakom Ph: 0481-2525864 E-mail: watersca@sancharnet.in, kumarako@md3.vsnl.net.in www.ktdc.com/WaterScapes.htm THEKKADY Spice Village Also a CGH Earth property, the village is scattered over a large area and the ideal base for a few days in the cool clime of Periyar. They have special rates for longer stays. Do meet Girish, the naturalist, and ask him to show you the slide show about Periyar. For reservations, call the central reservation office. Ph: 0484301171 www.cghearth.com for more information. Taj Garden Retreat Thekkady, Kerala Ph: 04869- 222401 to 222406 / 222273 Email : retreat.thekkady@tajhotels.com www.tajhotels.com