Another Dimension, Another Duniya, 2, Fast Facts
Cochin
 Taj Malabar Hotel , Willingdon
Island, tel # 0484-666811,668010: The most atmospheric and luxurious
hotel of Cochin. The main reason for staying here is the wonderful
view of Cochin that it commands. The hotel, strategically located,
looks out on one side to the backwaters and on the other side
to the harbour. Opt for a corner room at least a few floors up
that has both views, though they are more expensive. Room tariffs
run as high as $105 a night.
Backwaters
Taj Garden Retreat, Kumarakom, near Kottayam, tel # 0481-668377:
Located 15 kilometres west of Kottayam. Once the family mansion
of rubber planters and Christian missionaries based in the backwaters,
the Baker's Bungalow has been converted into a hotel with just
six rooms and a dining room. Fourteen others are available in
the houseboats anchored at the water's edge.
The Retreat is situated
smack in the middle of Kumarakom bird sanctuary (where Siberian
birds arrive in the winter and there are interesting bird nesting
areas) as well as on the shores of Lake Vembanad and has lush
riverside gardens around it. The entire Kumarakom area was once
a large rubber plantation and an interesting side trip at Kumarakom
is to visit the island in the middle of the lake. Expensive.
 Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom, near Kottayam, tel # 0481-668221,
fx 0481-668001: This hotel run by Casino, a Kerala hotel group
has only recently opened. Thirty seven traditional Keralan cottages
have been uprooted from elsewhere in the backwaters and re-located
at Kumarakom for this waterside resort. Good restaurant and good
ambience. A boat can take you one zipping right into the lobby
of the hotel! Expensive.
For more information on Kerala check out our section on Kerala.
Click here. |
