When I think of it, it’s pretty surprising that it took us this long to get to Kumarakom.
‘Better late than never’ became even later thanks to a red alert in the district because of heavy rains in early August. We finally got there at the end of August.
Where to stay in Kumarakom
We had finally pulled the trigger on CGH Coconut Lagoon when we found a good offer. Thankfully we didn’t have to pay much extra for the new dates.
For the last mile, you have to resort to a ferry to the resort. #oksorry Well, there is a road, but why kill the mystique. This is their jetty, where you wait for your ride. Yes, it has a toilet, in case you’ve been holding it all in during the 2.5 hr ride from Kochi Airport. 😀
Kannur was only a vague plan for some other time, until Theyyam became a bucket list item for D. Then we got hold of a schedule and a guide and landed in Kannur. Well, actually our Kannur flight got canceled, and we landed in Calicut, but that was a minor inconvenience. Passing by many places we only knew by name was a nice experience too.
Where to stay in Kannur
We had originally booked a place called Anansa Boutique Hotel but they canceled us a couple of months before the trip. Ah well. That got us to Sunfun. Our room was on the top floor, and only just ok, but the rooms on the first floor looked a lot better.
Bekal, and specifically the Taj Bekal has been on the Insta feed and friends’ recommendation list for a long time. And that’s how we ended up creating a mini break for 3 nights, with the express aim of going there to do nothing.
Getting there & getting around
Bangalore has multiple daily flights to Mangalore, and it takes just an hour. Mangalore to Taj Bekal is a 1.5 hr journey with most of it on a fantastic highway. You can get a cab from the airport for Rs.2900. I had read that we could get an Uber, but I couldn’t find any.
We found Bekal Taxi Service thanks to a signboard right outside the hotel. Shyam responded promptly on WhatsApp, and gave us good rates for both the local sightseeing as well as the Airport drop. Clean vehicles, and punctual.
Stay @ Taj Bekal
We booked early enough to get a decent deal – around 17k/night incl breakfast and a 25% off on meals, spa etc. We chose to skip the ‘all meals included’ package though it could be useful if you plan to simply vegetate at the hotel. Taj Bekal is pretty enough, with sufficient (paid) activities to make that an option.
Our room was at one end of the property. We didn’t mind the 5 min walk to the lobby, restaurant etc, and you could get yourself a buggy if you’re lazy, but if that’s not your preference, it’s probably a good idea to make an early request especially if you choose a package.
The room itself was quite large, and the highlight was the swing bed on the balcony. A great way to spend your time doing nothing.
After Kovalam and many trips to Kochi, the toss up was between going to the north (of Kerala) or discovering a bit more of the south. We chose the latter and specifically Varkala for now, but need to get moving in the other direction soon! “Keral Pradesh ke Varkal mein vacay” was how my Insta reel went. But yes, playing tourists in our homeland is now an annual practice.
Kumbalangi, as made famous in Kumbalangi Nights! The second time we play tourists in Cochin.
Grand Hyatt. We had to see the place after Jayasurya’s Sunny. What a view! They have a sunset cruise, but we were told that that the boat was ‘unwell’! But the fantastic views along the walking path made up for it.Dinner at Colony Clubhouse & Grill at the hotel. Surprisingly good food! Tip: Choose the city side view for a changeBreakfast at Gokul Oottupura, behind the Siva temple. Now a regular part of the itinerary.There’s something about Puri Bhaji in Kerala 😀 By the way, their dosa chilli chutney is amazing.Fish curry meals at The Grand is another fixed part of the itinerary. Welcome to the Aquatic Island Resort, KumbalangiIt’s all ‘floating’, and the bedroom is below the waterline. No, you don’t get to see it as you might in a submarine. First stop – Chellanam harbour. Less than 30 mins away. Walk the causeway there. For local cabs, call JJ Tours and ask for Vivek. Puthenthodu beach. In the evening, you can watch the Beach Soccer League in full flow! 🙂Cross the district border to reach Andhakaranazhi in Alleppey. Vivek’s suggestion. Quiet, with only locals around. Images never do justice. Anjilithara Road is just a mud track at one end, but the sereneness is out of the world. 5 mins walk from the resort. The breakfast view from the resort restaurant.Cherai for lunch. This is Chilliout. Funny name, but clean and pretty!Not to mention, great seafood. Squid and tuna. Cherai beach seemed surprisingly not much to talk about. This is high tide, but…Kuzhuppilly on the other hand, was lovely. Stretching indefinitely, and full of erm, love birds! The Vypin lighthouse as seen from the Puthuvype beachPuthuvype beach. Unfortunately not very well maintained. The National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom (I kid you not) aka Vallarpadam Basilica Remember this, from Kumbalangi Nights? If you know what OMKV stands for, you might drop in only for that kick! But you also have a beautiful sunset view here. One that you can enjoy while you eat absolutely local stuff. The Pal kappa was so-so, but we loved the kappa (beef) biriyani It’s hard to say goodbye, but we’ll be back in a bit
