Memorable break in Cherai

After many travel plans and contemplating, planning and contemplating; I finally reached my gynaecologist’s clinic with the necessary scan reports. My heart was beating in the anticipation of my Kochi trip, which was at the mercy of my doctor’s approval. With nothing but utmost concern for my little one, I entered my doctor’s cabin and waited for her not to disrupt my husband’s weekend break.
“Low lying placenta,” she looked at me concerned. “Oooooooooooh,” went my heart. “In some women, we find this, but you can go ahead, just be very very careful”. Then a very concerned doctor added, “No relationship at all.” I smiled and nodded, thinking, “We’ll have to do with that.”
Reached home, half excited, half tired and logged in…. There our flight is booked, ooooooooooh just in time for the last lake facing villa on Cherai Beach Resort!!!
Started our day really early – 2.30am and I woke up before my alarm. Reached the new Bangalore International Airport and were greeted by the frenzy of fellow travellers. More than an hour later, we set our foot on the Kochi airport to be greeted by Ranjit our chauffer. After a drive of 25 minutes and crowded streets with school children dressed for 15th August, we reached our destination - Cherai. Once we entered Cherai, all we could see around us was the soothing stretch of the infinite backwaters with a sole fisherman trying a catch.
Siddhs checked in and as he followed the bell boy, I could see a smile spread on his lips slowly to give a wide grin. That was just the beginning of our memorable holiday.
Phew... satisfied as all the bookings were completely my call.
From a neat reception, we passed some heritage villas and straight into the backwaters and into our pretty villa. It was a feeling I always remember and a holiday I’ll always cherish. Our villa in the middle of the backwaters came with a nice sit-out. I was happy to see that the resort follows eco-friendly guidelines, as milk packets were replaced by a huge milk container; guests were urged to save water and energy (with sign boards); also you could request housekeeping not to change the bed lining in a bid to save water :).
Friendly staff greeted us as we went for a walk along the backwaters. We went looking for the beach and interestingly the heavy tides crashed on the rocky shore just a few steps outside the resort. The stormy sounds from the beach called us and the sight of roaring tides crashing into the rocks created quite a contrast from the soothing backwaters, we visited a few hours ago.
Afternoon was spent sight-seeing with us struggling to communicate to the only- Malyalee-sparingly- English speaking Ranjit. We saw quite a number of antique replicas, a Malyalee traditional masala box, caught my eye.
But we were more than happy to return to the resort via a ferry ride. The delicious spread of Indian food with a Kerala section, aroused my appetite before I slumped into a deep slumber after a long and joyous day.
The look of the resort was a treat in itself with heritage villas, each uniquely designed to represent Kerala’s beautiful architecture. The paths were dotted with small bridges, sit-outs, swings and a tree house to complete the ethnic look.
Next day was even exciting as I made my way to the Ayurmana Spa for Siddhs’ Ayurveda massage as Siddhs arrived in a boat – truly majestic. The masseur Lallu, a young but experienced man, worked wonders on Siddhs’ body as he greased and massaged it.
In the streamer and Siddhs was rejuvenated into a new being. The Uzhichil massage was a stress buster, no wonder, Siddhs now thinks of Lallu, after a hard day’s work. I couldn’t resist the boat on my return journey to the resort and Siddhs dragged me along. The boat gives a nice feeling of being transported through the water with a very cheerful boatman, posing beautifully for my camera.
In all our holiday was spent relaxing in the hammock under coconut trees, walking amidst beautiful waters and greens, sipping hot tea in our cottage sit-out, watching the fishermen artistically fish for their booty, casual fishing in the backwaters, watching the high tides crash on the rocky beach or simply taking in the view from your villa.