Kumarakom

A Day at Waterscapes

‘Waterscapes’ is an exotic backwater resort run by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation. It is the only resort located in the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. The cottages, scattered along the banks of Lake Vembanad, are constructed on stilts and are nestled in mangrove woods.

Four of the cottages are just metres away from the lake. Their wooden walls and the green tiles ensure that the rustic beauty of the surroundings is unpolluted by their presence. The canals flowing between the cottages and the narrow passages to each cottage add to the pastoral splendour of the place.

The resort has 40 cottages; each cottage has a large bedroom, private bath and shower, television and telephone. There is also a swimming pool, an Ayurvedic rejuvenation centre, a multi-cuisine restaurant, a conference hall and a beer parlour. Car-hire, laundry, banquet service and medicinal and recreational facilities are also available.

The land where the resort stands was a part of the Kavanattinkara estate of Alfred George Baker.  As such, there is easy access to the backwater life, the mangroves and the bird sanctuary, which was started by Baker. For an eco-tourist, it is a veritable paradise. There is also a bird watching tower on the premises. Two more towers are to be set up soon with one dedicated to research.

Traditional Houses in Kumarakom

Regional Agriculture Research Station, Kumarakom