Kottayam is a city in the state of Kerala, India and is referred to as “the City of Letters” as many of the first Malayalam daily newspapers, were started and are headquartered here. The nearest airport to this city is Cochin which is 64km north. The city also happened to be where one of my very close college friend had been living and continues to live for more than 30 years.
Houseboat – 10 km from Kottayam is the tourist destination of Kumarakom where one can enjoy the house boat experience in the backwaters of the Vembanad Lake, the largest lake in Kerala. We spent one amazing night in the house boat which came with the driver and a cook. The house boat had 3-bedrooms each with attached baths, a comfortable living room, and dining room. We were served with delicious Keralan food, freshly cooked on the boat.
We just lazed around as the boat cruised along the serene and scenic backwaters, eating delicious food, drinking steaming cups of tea/coffee, watching villages pass by. We watched some other houseboats cruising along the water. The boat reached a small village after sunset as all houseboats have to be moored for the night . We got out of the boat to stretch our legs and also took a walk around the village. Overall, spending one night on the boat would be more than sufficient, as more than that would be boring.
The next day morning, after a delicious breakfast, we were dropped off at Taj Kumarakom hotel where we spent a couple of nights.
Taj Kumarakom – The hotel is very well located by the picturesque Vembanad Lake and we had a great time here with family. We thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality, food, room as well as the spa. The hotel offers a half day houseboat experience. Taj Kumarakom also has a spa where you can have ayurvedic massages and other wellness treatments. We booked for one of their massages and ayurvedic therapy. It was relaxing and well worth the money.
Kottayam – I met up with Anne, my college mate and her family at her lovely home. She had cooked up a delicious lunch for me and my family. Although we had been in touch through social media and phone, we were meeting each other in person after more than 25 years. We chatted for hours over lunch and tea and caught up with each others lives.
Vagamon – Vagamon is a picturesque hill station situated 80 kms from Kottayam dotted with tea plantations and lush green hills. At an elevation of 1100 m, it has a pleasant climate and is a favorite location for film makers and tourists. We went on a half day trip to admire the natural beauty of this place.
