A Trip to Kumarakom - CGH Earth By Debika Sen

A Trip to Kumarakomk - CGH Earth

By Debika Sen

Sitting on my porch, sipping my steaming masala chai (Indian spices infused in my tea), I felt the first of the many sprinkles of rain. I closed my eyes and drifted back to God’s Own Country – Kerala. Instantaneously, I was transported to Coconut Lagoon, CGH Earth, a Heritage 5 star resort nestled in the heart of Kerala’s serene backwaters in a sheltered and enchanting cove in Kumarakom.

Kumarakom is an Indian “Venice of the East” a man-made island reclaimed from the Vembanad Lake. This little Hamlet was named after a deity at the oldest temple, Kumaran’s Akam also known as Kumarakom and is enriched with vegetation, inhabited by a variety of birds, monkeys, mammals, and sparse tigers. It is also a haven for writers, photographers and honeymooners as well as Wellness aficionados.

This sanctuary encourages the soul to rejuvenate in the quiet sanctity of Mother Nature. Renowned for being the largest rice fields in Kerala it was established by an Englishman, Henry Baker is 1847. Mesmerized by the rustic beauty, he was granted permission to cultivate 500 acres of the land from the king of Travancore. Baker transformed half of the land into rice fields. A pioneer in the establishment of rubber plantations, Baker also planted mangroves not only protecting the embankments but also imperative in balancing the ecology of this area.

Adding to his enrichment of the agglomeration of islands, some were salvaged from the backwater and others formed naturally. A large piece of untouched land was left for the birds, and later developed into a bird sanctuary.

Arriving late night into Alleppey I was transported to Coconut Lagoon CGH Earth by a motorboat. As we snaked through the narrow waterways, my eyes grew accustomed to the darkness and my ears sharpened to the nocturnal sounds of the insects and birds. The breeze from the lake cooled my humid body as I observed bats flying across the sky, frogs croaking on the riverbanks and insects swooping down to get a sip of my sweet blood infused with red wine. Life in the village was still, the humans were resting. It is an experience where words cannot describe the emotional impact of blending seamlessly with earth, water and heaven.

Upon reaching the property, I was greeted by a beautiful sari clad lady who handed me a cold wet towel to wipe my face, while the next graciously served me with cold coconut water and  another welcomed me to my second home away from home.

Coconut Lagoon – CGH Earth is a property where rural homes are transformed into elegant guest rooms in Heritage Bungalows, Mansions and private pool villas enhanced with vintage Kerala architecture.  The layout of each accommodation, dining area and reception hall reflects the Vastu Shastra (Feng Shui) of nature and Mother Earth. Each complex has a biography, rich in its own story, material, and ornate decorations, lending to the ambience of this slice of heaven.

The property has been developed with much thought and passion and one of its most outstanding features is the uniqueness of each room which is one of a kind.

There is so much adventure to be sought on this miniature island – a variety of birds, for example the Darter, one of many under conservation. A short walk across a wooden bridge brings one to an Ayurvedic Center, where a doctor will speak with you and prescribe the exact remedy required to eradicate your ailment. This can be followed by an Aryuvedic massage where strong deft hands massage your oil stained body vanquishing those aching joints and muscles.

Any time of the day indulge in a cruise through Kumarakom’s canals to experience the scenic views. Its back drops consist of luscious vegetations – coconut trees, swishing of the waters as the boats glide effortlessly across its surface, women washing their clothes on the riverbanks, children screaming with joy while splashing in the water and at a distance, men fishing.

One of the popular highlights includes a one hour sunset cruise as a flute player gently blows into his instrument creating soothing music as you drink in the ambience of your surroundings.

You may also visit a butterfly garden with an expert, who will teach you to identify the different butterflies as they flit from one flower to another and within Coconut Lagoon exists about 54 species of dragonflies and damselflies – proof of a rich, flourishing ecosystem.

Since transportation in the backwaters is restricted by boat, Coconut Lagoon has created its very own floating tea shop where the smiling Tea lady will personally serve you tea and cookies.

End your evening with a spectacular authentic dance performance at the hotel. The dancers and musicians will perform a traditional 18th century Keralite art form.

A magical vacation beyond one’s expectations!

Currently, Debika is the Founder and President of A Classic Tours Collection, an immersive tour operator that takes tour participants across continents on unique tour experiences.

Website:  www.aclassictour.com

After entering the travel industry as a receptionist, Debika discovered a fascination for designing trips. As she began to understand the mechanisms of what makes a trip great, Debika embarked on designing trips that today focus on - and fulfill - a spiritual and emotional need for travelers. It was her passion for unique tours that culminated in the launch of A Classic Tours in 2008, based in Redondo Beach, CA. Over the past decade, Debika has grown her tour offerings, team and business, and has offered over 30 experiences across 20 countries.

Notably, Debika created the Women’s Empowerment Tour after being selected for - and participating in – The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. During this time, Debika developed the unique Women’s Empowerment Tour of India, which led to additional tours of historical importance, from Women Empowerment tours to Tahiti, Croatia and Japan, to her one-of-a-kind journey into Imperial Russia and The Occult.

In her downtime, Debika is an avid reader and writer, putting together articles about travel and insights gained through travel, and devouring a multitude of books on travel and history. She also enjoys seeing movies and of course, traveling!