INDIA EXPERIENCE: Realization of a dream

Saturday, July 14, 2001 & Sunday, July 15, 2001         

            "Where India flows at a relaxed place" was the name of the title of an article found in the newspaper describing the backwaters of Kerala. We certainly flowed at a relaxed pace this weekend. This place is known as the "Venice of the East" or Venice of India.

            We left Thiruvananthapuram at 6:30 a.m. for a four hour drive to Kumarakom Backwaters. On our way at 8 a.m. we stopped for a breakfast in a city called Kollam. This place is famous for CASHEWNUTS.

            At noon we reached the residence of Mr. Jose Pattara, the managing director of the Kumarakom Lake Resort. Mr. Pattara's family gave us a tour of their traditional 200 year old Kerala style house.  Then they offered us a cold Pepsi drink.  This is the first time our students were tasting an American soft drink (Pepsi_ since they left United States.

           As we approached the island from the boat, we were in awe of the tropical paradise. Though the sun was hot but the breeze off the lake was cool. It must have been the perfect day weather-wise. We were greeted by the beautiful people at the resort as we got off the boat. Their smiles were so welcoming.

          The place where the buffet was served was gorgeous. It was a remodeled old Kerala house, complete with a detailed roof, courtyard and pillars.  Each cottage was also an old Kerala house. Every detail was perfect. We were so excited to walk into the air conditioned room, with comfortable beds and beautiful decor. The open bathroom and hot showers were treats as well.  The pool overlooking the lake was refreshing.

         We took a two hour boat trip through some of the backwaters. The scenery was beautiful, as well as the sunset. Our guide Hari, or Guruji, said, "This is a rare moment in your life", that pretty much summed it up.

        The food was also absolutely delicious. We ate some traditional Kerala 'cuisine', idly, chutney, dosa, pappadum, lassis, and pineapple juice.

        The Kumarakom Lake Resort was so beautiful, peaceful, and quiet, no one wanted to leave. Some of us received Ayurvedic messages. However, afterwards we went to have lunch at a beachfront resort. We ate traditional Kerala food with newly caught different fish on a banana leaf.

       This weekend has been so memorable and relaxing. The class was lucky to experience some pristine beauty of Kerala, and we will be rejuvenated for the week to come.

"The majestical brilliance of God's Own Country has shown its magnificent colors once again. In the backwaters we were spiritually guided by God's hands through the canals.  The five star Lake Kumarakom resort is honestly the most luxurious but simple oasis my eyes have settled on. The staff and accomodations of Ayurveda couldn't be more impressive"

Jarrod D Gray

"Wow! I died and went to heaven ... Massage was wonderful.  Sunset was just as beautiful as I expected. God did well.  I am dancing inside..."

Barbara Maxwell

"The Lake Resort was a beautiful tropical paradise.  Our cottages were lovely surprises, and the food was phenomenal. We ate traditional Kerala food, prepared fresh by the cooks. We also listened  to traditional Indian music (Carnatic) at dinner, creating a wonderful and relaxing atmosphere. The beautiful lakeside swimming pool was refreshing, and we also had the opportunity to watch the stars from under the palm leaves on the tree house. We are thankful to have this heavenly experience."

Kathleen M Jelen

"This is the most beautiful place we have been to so far. The food was good and the scenery was  better. If I could go back, I would !!! "

Gretchen Martin

"The island we visited was just a magnificent and enchanting experience. From the beginning the boat ride gave us a full view of the expanse of the lake and I suddenly felt small."

Kerrian Walters

"The resort was a surreal experience... like the rest of the country, touched by magic."

            "The side of India that I saw this weekend was the best, perhaps than any other place I've been so far.  I was in awe of the houses that bordered the river. Most of them flooded with 6-12 inches of water. I was spellbound by the people that stood on their porches."

Sarah M Gallop

"More in the west could benefit from the advantages of Ayurveda. It not only helped heal my body, but ease my mind and rejuvenate my spirit. 

I have never even dreamed of a more beautiful and perfect place than this weekend resort place.  On the hottest days, even the slightest breeze feels live a blessing from God."

Unni Krishnan

"This weekend was a great experience, the hotel was amazing, as were the people and food. I miss it already. I fell relaxed and rejuvenated. The backwaters were breathtaking. I savored every second of the view from the boat."

Elise Karberg

"Yesterday I stayed in most beautiful place on earth. The lake resort was amazing. My favorite part was being able to choose my own food. "

Erin Bracken

"The food was delicious at the resort. The boat ride in the backwaters was beautiful. I got to see houseboats and real Indian families on the shore. The simplicity of their lifestyle was very inspiring.  I was under beautiful stars at the resort. I swam in the water and felt the Indian Gods and Goddesses looking down upon me. "

Vincent Shoham

"Our visit to Kumarakom Lake Resort has shown me that India has a lot more to offer than what you think would be here. I truly believe that I have experienced a piece of heaven in God's own Country.  I enjoyed my unique experience to see the backwaters because it was different to see how a village survived there with water surrounding all sides of the land and water was even in their yards."

Kristin Burney

Welcome to the Photo Session  

1.     Kumarakom
2.     Alapuzha
3.     Jose Pattara's Residence
4.     Kumarakom Beach Resort

Back to Summer 2001