Thursday, October 15, 2009

Poovath Heritage-- An erstwhile Dutch palace par excellence

Poovath Heritage, housed in a tastefully done up Dutch palace in Fort Kochi allows you to enjoy a tryst with serenity. Walk down the memory lane in this spectacular Dutch palace from the colonial era. Sitting pretty on the Sea side, it offers a leisurely holiday option for you to enjoy the tropical sun and sea at your own pace. Enjoy the panoramic views of the Arabian Sea, watch the traditional fishermen operating the fabled Chinese nets dotting the waters or stop by to relish a sumptuous fare of spicy and tangy sea food delicacies, cooked with the local flavours.

Regal and stately, Poovath has eight well appointed deluxe rooms and two master suites to cater to the diverse tastes of the visitors. There is an outdoor pool and for a private experience every bath attached room is provided with a bathtub. The multi cuisine restaurant serves an array of flavours including Continental, Chinese and Italian apart from regional and national favorites. Live cultural shows are conducted at the lawns to bring alive the vibrant culture of this state. You can expect some of the most modern conveniences including doctor on call, free parking and travel desk to make your stay easy and enjoyable.

Poovath wins a few brownie points for its strategic location in Fort Kochi that still retains the colonial flavour of the yore in its pretty alleys and colonial buildings and the Dutch synagogue. Soak up the cultural influences of Portuguese, Dutch and British, explore the well preserved vestiges or live like a local in this laid back destination; no matter what you choose to do the fact is that Poovath would be a perfect base to explore the surroundings.

Monday, September 7, 2009

Rainforest Resort

Have you been thinking of a holiday where you face the waterfalls? If so, the Rainforest, a boutique resort located at the famous Athirapally waterfalls will be a good choice for you. Perched on the edge of the Sholayar Range, a holiday in Rainforest lets you take a glimpse of the vast variety of flora and fauna around. Tourists who like wildlife will find their holiday here exciting as they get to catch glimpses of wildlife.

One of the highlights of the resort is that it overlooks the 80ft waterfalls. There are different rooms at the resort - Luxury, Premium and Celestial. Each of the rooms have well-furnished bedrooms, large beds and attached bath with hot and cold running water. The designs of the rooms are such that they all enable a view of the waterfalls. Holiday-makers who stayed at this resort thoroughly enjoyed looking outside the window.

If you are staying at Rainforest Resort, you can feast on some authentic Kerala Cuisine available at the resort's alfresco dining area called 'Foliage'. Since this restaurant is open on all sides, the guests can enjoy the beautiful view even while you are lunching or dining. 'Charcoal', an outdoor grill which offer barbecues is a nice place to head to in the evenings. The chefs here prepare your grill under a jack fruit tree. The calm and serene environ of the resort may encourage you to read. And if you are in the mood for some reading, browse through the books at 'Pachyderm' – a library and recreation room. While you are neck deep in the books, take a breather and order a tall glass of juice from the juice bar.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Bangaram Island Resort

Bangaram Island Resort is a popular holiday destination situated at the Lakshadweep Island. The beach is sparsely populated and is a nice venue for those who feel solitude is an ideal match. The resort is a right base for a combination of adrenaline pumping activities and relaxed pursuits. If you happen to be a lover of nature, there aren't many places that will fascinate you as this. The coconut groves and the sandy beaches are the right venues for you to have a quiet time. If adventure is what you have in mind, then chose your pick from scuba diving, snorkeling, white water rafting and kayaking.

The excitement of holidaying at Bangaram Island Resort starts much before you actually land there. To reach there, you have to board a flight from Cochin and endure an hour long flight to reach Agatti. It is from Agatti that you are required to take a boat trip to the Bangaram island. The boat will glide through the coral reefs and give you a fantastic view. This will be a curtain raiser to a delicious holiday awaiting you. As soon as you step on the beach, you will be welcomed by the vast beach and the lagoons. You can spent your day lazing on the beach and getting a sun tan. Party at one of the clubs in the nights. This would be a perfect excuse to show off your freshly- acquired tan.

What makes the accommodation at the Bangaram resort appealing is that it is simple, yet comfortable. Though the interiors are minimalist, it has incorporated all the modern amenities to cater to the need of the modern-day traveller. The formal ambiance of the luxury hotels have been completely avoided to give the travellers a cozy dwelling. Beach huts or bungalows – the choice is yours. If you are happy with the tiled-roofs and thatched verandah, then don't think beyond the beach hut. But if you want more luxury and privacy, then bungalows will be a better option. You can chill out during the evenings with a glass of cocktail and at the resort bar.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Koder House

Koder House is a cozy and charming hotel cut out for a relaxed holiday. Located at Fort Cochin, one of the hippest towns in Kerala, this boutique hotel comes as a whiff of fresh air. Fort Cochin is a confluence of different cultures and has traces of Dutch and Portuguese influence. It opens up windows into the culture and history of Kerala.

Koder House was initially owned by the Cochin Jewish family and has played host to many distinguished guests. The hotel's name is listed in the INTACH's list of heritage sites. This is enough proof of the hotel's superior quality. The hotel is free from the unnecessary frills and offers a very relaxed and laid back ambience. Holiday-makers who are looking for a respite from the regular luxurious hotels, will get a break here.

If you are tourist who thinks beach is a priority, then look no further than the Koder House. Its easy accessibility to the beach gives it an upper hand. So frolic on the beach or just laze around with a book and get yourself a tan. Privacy is one of its highlights. The hotel has just six luxury suites to its credit, so there are more chances of you getting an isolated holiday. Deluxe suites are available for tourists who want to stay in a lavish place. If you don't have a big budget, then settle for Junior suites. The hotel is renovated to give it a contemporary feel, yet it is not completely stripped of its regal character.


While you are staying at Koder House, dine at the 'menorah' restaurant. You can sample from an array of Continental and Indian cuisines. Since the hotel is close to the beach, it is only natural that the cuisine is dominated by seafood. The restaurant faces the plunge pool and adds to its tranquil ambiance. The guests can add a different dimension to their holiday by getting themselves pampered at the serene spa. The spa gives you a mix of age old Indian Ayurveda therapies, coupled with modern European concepts. Stay at Koder House and have a refreshing holiday.

Monday, August 3, 2009

Taj Green Cove

Taj Green Cove , situated at Kovalam, is unarguably one of the most sold out hotels here. Kovalam, a popular beach destination in Kerala is infested with resorts and hotels. Since Green Cove falls under the chain of Taj Hotels, it has a clear edge over most of its competitors. You can expect the same standards of quality and hospitality that you find at the Taj Hotels world over. Taj green Cove is just a meagre 12 km away from the Trivandrum Airport and almost an equal distance from the railway station. Easy accessibility is the key here.

Taj Green Cove has large and spacious rooms, thanks to the 10 acres of land it occupies. The tourists can take a look at the catalogue and chose from the various rooms and suites here. Each room is distinct and has exclusive features unseen in the rest. The rooms here are in tune with ethnic Kerala designs. You will be pleased with the airy rooms and the wooden floors. But we give you a go ahead because the hotel has snugly incorporated the modern comforts as well. If a good view is on the top of your list, zero in on the Superior Garden/ Sea View rooms. Check into a Deluxe suite and enjoy the privacy of an independent balcony and the luxury of a French window. Presidential pool Villa is for the traveller who always wants the best of what is available. This is the most luxurious stay available at Taj Green Cove. This suite has not just two bedrooms, but two separate sitting rooms. And add to it the comforts of a private pool and a sundeck. Heights of luxury, we say!

Tourists who think good food is a prerequisite for a good holiday should definitely stay at Taj Green Cove. You have a wide variety of cuisines to choose from. A different one for every mood. If you are in the mood to bite into something light during the day, you can try out a casual eatery here. And if you have fine dining in mind, it offers that too. The 'Coffee shop' at Taj Green Cove creates a rustic temperament. When you are in Kerala, it will be a great loss if you miss out on the authentic Kerala cuisine. That is why you should dine at 'Curries', the Indian restaurant which serves spicy dishes. Let your hair down at 'Neera', the in -house bar. A nice place to relax with a glass of cock-tail.

Come to Taj Green Cove, if you have a beach holiday in mind. And what awaits you here is more than a beach holiday. You can couple it with a spa experience. We think any Kerala holiday should be supplemented with a day at the spa. Enjoy the rejuvenation therapies which have a strong base in ancient Indian wisdom. And before you leave Taj Green Cove, remember to check out the souvenir shop and buy something for you and your loved ones to treasure.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Lemon Tree Vembanad Lake Resort

Lemon Tree Vembanad Lake Resort is a fabulous resort located at Muhamma, one of the popular towns in Alappuzha. The most attractive feature of the resort is that it faces the fabled Vembanad Lake The resort is a blend of old world charm and contemporary amenities. This combination makes it a desirable place to stay and appeals to both the lovers of tradition and modern comforts.



Vembanad Lake Resort is just a one and half hours drive away from the Cochin International Airport. With 26 aesthetically done up rooms, this resort is a real delight for the holiday makers. Each of the rooms have a special something attached to it that sets it apart. It could be the architectural uniqueness, variety in design or the overall character of the rooms. No two rooms are the same.



The multi cuisine restaurant 'Heaven ‘N’ Earth' at the Lemon Tree Vembanad Lake Resort is a connoisseur’s delight. The guest get a chance to enjoy the typical Kerala cuisine here. Digging into the conventional cuisine is a must if you want to experience Kerala in its entirety. This is your chance to try out the famous snack 'Vattayapam' which is sweet and fluffy. You can also sample the Red Fish Curry which is spicy and goes well with boiled rice.


While you are holidaying in Lemon Tree Vembanad Lake Resort, you can indulge in plenty of activities. An ayurveda massage to rejuvenate your senses and a spell of water sports for the adventure enthusiasts are what you can look out for. A conference centre made in a theater like fashion which can seat upto 100 people is another highlight of the resort. Whether you want a family holiday or a corporate get away, Lemon Tree Vembanad Lake Resort is an ideal place for it.

Kerala Palace Hotel- A trip down the memory lane

Kerala palace hotel,located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake would ensure a panoramic view of the spectacular scenery around and the bucolic village life to make your stay in this hotel a memorable experience. Beat a retreat into nature's lap and break free from the hustle and bustle of the city life. True to its name , Kerala palace heritage is not just any other structure but a medley of tastefully and passionately restored structures sourced from ancient homestead and palaces of the yesteryear to infuse a fresh lease of life to these exquisite structures apart from unfurling the culture and tradition to the modern world.

Kerala palace is a stunning ensemble of some of the best known structures of Kerala, built strictly according to 'Vaasthu' specifications and building plans. The wooden interiors, the open courtyards and the long verandas invoke a nostalgic memory of the golden past. Live like a local and enjoy life in its fullest in these tastefully done up interiors. The restaurant serves ethnic dishes apart from other options while the superb outdoor activities on offer would keep you hooked all day. From boat cruise, to village tours and leisurely strolls, the list is never ending.

The laid back surroundings and the sleepy villages where life still go by as if it was a hundred years back and the vast backwaters would enliven your mornings. In case you are looking for something off the beaten track, Kerala palace Kottayam would be a great bet. Ideal for both business meetings and family get togethers, it makes a romantic honeymoon choice as well. The hospitable staff and the most modern conveniences would make your stay truly irresistible that you would be tempted to come back for more !