Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Mahindra Backwater Retreat Ashtamudi


Kerala, this gorgeous land in the southern most tip of India. It has one of the most romantic landscapes of the world. Nature is eternally clean here. This narrow strip of a land with the sublime heights of Sahyadri Mountains on one side and the awesome ocean on the other is any sight visionary dream comes true. Kerala, known world over as God's own country is the land of countless pleasures. Selected by the National Geographic Travelers as one of the ten 'Paradises of the world’ and, 50 places of a lifetime Kerala is an overwhelmingly green land. Smooth lands of emerald backwaters, long charming shorelines adorned with palm groves, spice-scented hill tops covered in mist, lush jungles, exotic wildlife, spectacular art forms, colorful festivals and unique culture and traditions.

Backwaters are unique to Kerala. It is a network of lakes, canals, and estuaries opening into the sea. The backwaters are a self supporting eco-system teeming with aquatic life. The canals connect the villages together and are still used for local transport. There are almost a dozen of such backwaters in Kerala of which Ashtamudi is the second largest.

The heavenly pleasure of Ayurveda treatments, quiet coves and endless beaches? These are just a few of the attractions of Kerala, an oasis of relaxation in magical South India. Kerala takes you on a journey to 15 top tourist destinations, dedicating a double page to each of the region finest hotels. Insiders present the "land of cheras," or coconut palms, in all it’s splendor to travelers who delight in exploring and savoring the unusual.


Ashtamudi means, 'eight-armed', after the eight arms of the lake The Ashtamudi Lake is the gateway to the backwaters. Located in Kollam district, Ashtamudi is famed for its panoramic for its magnificent views. There are coconut groves and palm trees all along the banks of the lake and the monotony is broken by the quiet town of Kollam. The Kollam Boat Club provides boats to cruise on the lake. You can also go on a backwater cruise starting at Kollam and ending the journey at Alappuzha. Beside the coconut palms, all along the waterline one can see the famous Chinese fishing nets.Kollam was once the port of international spice trade. 30% of this historic town is covered by the renowned Ashtamudi Lake. The eight hour trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is the longest backwater cruise in Kerala.


Directions by Road
- KSRTC operates Deluxe, Express and Fast Passenger, buses connecting important towns in the state.
- Kollam is an important railhead of the Southern Railways
- Railway Station at Kollam is situated just 1 km from the heart of the town Chinnakkada


Resort Facilities
Resturant & Lounge The restaurant is built in an imaginative manner on the shore of the Ashtamudi Lake, providing a marvellous view. Chefs prepare culinary specialties to the guest's wishes. The main food will be of the multi-cuisine and ethnic Kerala origin. The wide variety of preparations both vegetarian and non-vegetarian are available to please the gourmet. There is also a wide choice of other Indian, Chinese and continental specialties. There are specially trained chefs to prepare tasty Ayurvedic recipes.


Unit Amenitites
The spacious rooms in five chalets are all built in aesthetic traditional and eco - friendly methods. They are comfortable, with separate toilet and bath tub in the western style. All rooms are furnished with fan and low noise air conditioning. From every room you have a beautiful view over the garden and the lake


Activities - Indoor & Outdoor
Pictionary, Card Tricks, Table Tennis, Play Station, Cards, Carrom, Ludo, Evening Program, Snakes & Ladders, Swimming Class, Yoga & Meditation, Glass Painting Class, Clay modelling, DVD Library, Cricket Volleyball, Speed Boat Cruise, Motor Boat Cruise, Pedal Boat, Kayaking, Fishing, House Boat Cruise, Children’s Play Area, Coir Tour, Thenmala Tour, Temple Tour Sauna.


Other places of Interest
Thangasseri, Mayyanad, Matha Amrithanandamayi Ashram Valikavu, Chavara, Sasthamkotta.


(For booking you can reach me on steven.qvi@gmail.com or +4411 3811 5177 )

1 comment:

  1. Hi Steven,

    This is a very nice review. Do you know of any good resorts in Munnar (Kerela) and Goa?

    Please do write to me on bhatian@yahoo.com

    Regards,
    Neeil

    ReplyDelete

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