Ashatmudi Backwaters

We landed at the Kochi International Airport in the wee hours and hired a cab for our resort to Ashatmudi. At the first sight you fall in love with the greenery. The green of Kerala, God’s own country, is refreshing and soothing. The people are very friendly and justify its claim to being the state with highest literacy. As the cab left the airport, we got chatting. O holiday trip! Within minutes the driver was conversing like an old acquaintance. He took us through scenic route and even took a little detour to a few breath-taking locales and beaches.

Ashtamudi (meaning eight corners) is the second largest lake in Kerala. The lake flows through the Neendakara estuary to the Arabian Sea. Ashtamudi is famous for its backwaters. We checked into our resort and were escorted to a floating cottage. A unique architectural marvel! The entrance is from a stone path, the cottage has all the amenities, and as you slide the glass door and step into the balcony, a huge expanse of brackish water greets you. Slow languid waves hit the edges. As the evening spread, local fisherman cruised in their indigenous canoes offering fresh catches. The soothing sound of the lapping waves added charm. The waters sparkled in the twilight and twinkled with the stars at night. The cool breeze soothed our minds. The gentle rocking of the cottage, a lonely light far off on a boat and endless water– perfect setting to sooth the tired body and mind.

Heeding to our host, we got up early, and with steaming cups of coffee, sat in the balcony to witness a natural spectacle. It was dark all round, and slowly but surely, the deep dark blue lifted at the horizon. Chirping birds fluttering around the serene waters, fishing nets swaying to the gentle breeze is a surreal experience. A hint of pink, followed by crimson turning tangerine, and the majestic sun rising in all its glory. Sun rays spread like a Japanese fan. The sun lifted at a leisurely pace playing hide and seek with fluffy wispy clouds and the azure brightened. The celestial display was mesmerising. Dumbfounded, we enjoyed the scene as the sun shone bright and a warm day dawned.

After a thoroughly delectable Kerala breakfast, we were off to cruise on the gentle backwaters which boast of a unique wetland ecosystem. Our boat moved through canals across water bound villages and scenic landscapes. We experienced the timeless beauty of nature and it was so relaxing. The guide moored on a little hamlet, and we took a little tour of coconut plantation. Life here is simple, relaxed and peaceful. As our boat meandered back, we enjoyed breathtaking views surrounding the lake. The vibrant green coconut trees dotting the sky line, a little boat, fisherman singing, all appeared like a scene freshly painted. Birds fluttering around made us exclaim gleefully, “Kingfisher!” We clicked to our heart’s delight – titanic pose, at the ship’s wheel, splashing water!

We fell in love with Ashtamudi! With blissful nature, placid backwater, and spectacular sun rise! With the sedate, serene surreal place, an antidote to the tedious frivolous trappings of our north!

Suruchi Kalra Choudhary