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S
pice Coast Cruises sails in the enchanting backwaters of
Kottayam. It opens up a journey through the heartland of Kerala
in a traditional houseboat - the Kettuvallam. Whilst offering
luxurious accommodation of either one or two bedrooms only natural
and local materials are used for the interiors - coir matted decks and
canopies made of split bamboo and palm fronds. This simplicity is
reflected even in the meals, prepared by the boatman and served on
board. There are no noisy diesel generators on board a Spice Boat.
Electric power is courtesy of the solar panels affixed to the roof. The soft
putting you hear is the sound of the outboard motor running on
vegetable oil which is a safer alternative fuel.
God’s Own Country
Discovering the southern state of Kerala with CGH Earth
S
eemingly endless narrow channelsmeander into large coastal lagoons from the
lush interior of Kerala. It is a bountiful land, full of colour, tradition and fine cuisine
and has aptly earned thismost southern state the accolade of “God’s own country”.
You could just head to Kerala for its excellent beach resorts, but the stunning diversity warrants
further exploration including the historic port city of Cochin with its varied colonial legacy - the
Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch and Portuguese all impacted the history and development of Cochin.
Of course, the extensive network (1,500km) of canals, rivers and lakes that skirt the entire coastline
of the province offer extensive opportunities to embark on cruises, but those seeking a more
regenerative experience will appreciate that Kerala is renowned for Ayurvedic treatment. We are
delighted to feature below some of the varied properties of CGH Earth, who have an impressive
portfolio of resorts throughout the region as well as neighbouring Pondichery and Tamil Nadu.
Kerala
M
oored on a historic stretch of Cochin's famed harbour, the
Brunton Boatyard Hotel is a tribute to another age.
Resurrected from the remains of a Victorian shipbuilding yard,
it gives the modern traveller a unique opportunity to dwell amidst the
shadow-plays of 19th century history. Designed and built in the style
and principle of the early Dutch and Portuguese architecture of Fort
Cochin it is hard to believe that the Brunton is a new building since it
resembles the old colonial buildings of Cochin.
Brunton Boatyard
Cochin
A
yurveda, the ancient Indian science of healing, finds its purest
expression in the tranquil hill country surroundings of Kalari
Kovilakom or on the restful lakeside at Kalari Rasayana. Both
resorts offer the ideal environment for treatment in elegant
accommodation. Totally binding, yet liberating. Extremely demanding,
yet fulfilling. All in an out-of-this world ambience that is not disturbed
by the telephone or the television. Backed by a head-on-shoulders-feet-
on-ground policy that does not permit wine, tobacco and shoes. It is
total surrender to the healing power of Ayurveda.
Kalari Kovilakom
Kollengode
Spice Coast Cruises
Kumarakom
Kalari Rasayana
Kenad