Kumarakom's Hidden Gem: Lakesong Resort Awaits Your Escape!
Lakesong Resort: Kumarakom's Hidden Gem… or Maybe Just My Gem? A Rambling Review
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups, 'cause this ain't your typical hotel review. This is my experience with Lakesong Resort in Kumarakom, and trust me, it's a bit of a rollercoaster. Prepare for some tangents, because that's just how my brain works. So, let's dive into this watery paradise, shall we?
Accessibility: A Decent Start, But…
Let's be real, accessibility is SUPER important. And Lakesong tries. They've got facilities for disabled guests, an elevator (thank the heavens!), and the website says wheelchair accessibility. Now, I didn't personally need a wheelchair this trip, thank goodness, but I did spot some ramps and what looked like accessible paths. However, I also noticed some cobblestone walkways that might be a bit tricky. So, it’s a mixed bag. (Rant Alert!) I wish hotels would JUST be fully upfront about this stuff. Don't just say "facilities for disabled guests"! Give specifics! But hey, at least they tried.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Couldn't personally verify, but the layout seemed potentially workable. Someone needs to be the guinea pig on this one and give me the deets!
Getting Around: From Airport Chaos to Watery Bliss
- Airport transfer: They offer it, which is a MAJOR win. Trust me, after battling the Cochin airport, the thought of arranging transport myself sent shivers down my spine. Especially after the flight had some… shall we say… turbulence.
- Car park: [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Valet parking: Plenty of parking. Thank God because I hate circling for spaces, adds to the stress, and I can't even remember the last time I drove on my own! No complaints here.
- Taxi service: Available. Which is also great, because even after the transfer, getting around Kumarakom is best left to the pros.
Arrival & First Impressions: That Kerala Magic
Coming from the chaos of the city to the tranquility of Kumarakom is a literal breath of fresh air! The resort itself is stunning. Lush greenery, the backwaters shimmering… it's postcard-perfect. Okay, I admit it: I audibly gasped when I stepped out of the taxi.
- Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Front desk [24-hour], Concierge: Smooth sailing. Quick, easy, and they actually listened when I requested a room away from the… well, the potential party animals (no judgment!).
- Doorman: Always there to greet you! A total game-changer when battling luggage in the humid heat.
Rooms: My Nest
The room… ah, my little sanctuary. I booked a non-smoking room, obviously (I'm not a monster). The design is elegant, with simple, natural wood and tones.
- Air conditioning: Essential in Kerala. Glorious, cold air.
- Air conditioning in public area: Same.
- Alarm clock, Blackout curtains: Essential to combat the afternoon sun and let me catch some ZZZZs
- Bathrobes, Slippers: Luxury!
- Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Free bottled water: Essentials. That morning coffee was LIFE.
- Daily housekeeping: Clean as a whistle. And trust me, I’m a messy one.
- Hair dryer: A must.
- In-room safe box: Always appreciate that.
- Internet access – wireless, Wi-Fi [free], Internet: The Wi-Fi held up beautifully, even during peak hours.
- Mini bar: Tempting. Maybe a bit too tempting.
- Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Shower, Toiletries, Towels: Basic. Necessary.
- Satellite/cable channels: Mostly watched Bollywood for lols
- Seating area, Sofa: To relax.
- Smoke detector: Safety first!
- Soundproofing: A major plus at night.
- Telephone, Wake-up service: Didn't touch it, but there.
- Window that opens: Nice to connect with the world, but I kept it closed most of the time.
- Desk, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace: I don't work on vacation, but good to know.
- Additional toilet, Bath Tub, Closet, Mirror, Reading light, Refrigerator, Separate shower/bathtub, Telephone, Umbrella: Extras
- Bathtub, Bathtub phone, Carpeting, Extra long bed, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, On-demand movies, Reading light, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Feed Me!
This is where Lakesong REALLY shines. Food is important, people. And the food at Lakesong was fantastic.
- Restaurants, A la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: SO. MANY. CHOICES.
- Breakfast [buffet]: The buffet was EPIC. A feast for the eyes and the stomach. The dosas? To die for. The fresh fruit? Perfect. I may have gone back for thirds… or fourths. No regrets.
- A la carte in restaurant: Good options too!
- Happy hour: Always a good thing. Especially after a long day of… relaxing.
- Poolside bar: Did I mention the pool with a view? Sipping a cocktail while watching the sun set over the backwaters… pure bliss. (And yes, I may have had two… or three.)
- Room service [24-hour]: Because sometimes you just need a late-night snack in your bathrobe.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Finding My Zen (or at least Attempting To)
- Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view: Stunning. Refreshing. Instagram-worthy. Need I say more?
- Spa, Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: The spa was… divine. I got a massage (a bit of a splurge, but totally worth it) and practically melted into the massage table. Pure, unadulterated relaxation. It was so good, I almost fell asleep mid-massage!
- Fitness center: Didn't visit. Vacation= No gym.
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath: Tempting but skipped.
Cleanliness and Safety: A Sigh of Relief
- Cleanliness and safety, Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: You can tell they take hygiene seriously. Very reassuring during these uncertain times. I felt incredibly safe throughout my stay. The focus on cleanliness made me feel comfortable and helped me switch off.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes: All the usual suspects, and they all worked perfectly.
- Business facilities: Didn't need them, but good to know they're there for those who are forced to work.
- Convenience store, Gift/souvenir shop: Perfect for grabbing forgotten essentials and souvenirs for the folks back home.
For the Kids: (I Didn't Need This, But…)
- Family/child friendly, Babysitting service, Kids meal, Kids facilities: They are geared up for families. Again, this didn't apply to me, but I saw several families, and the kids seemed happy.
More Tangents! The Quirks and Imperfections:
- The "Shrine": Okay, so they have a little shrine on the property. A nice touch. It's not a major selling point, but it adds to the place.
- The “Soundproof rooms” claim: It was mostly true. The backwaters are naturally noisy, with the sounds of birds and
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Because we're not just planning a trip to Lakesong Resort in Kumarakom, India, we're living it, right here, right now. Well, at least I'm living it, and you, the fortunate reader, get the messy, chaotic, and hopefully hilarious aftermath. Let’s call this… The Kumarakom Kook-Out: A Lakesong Lovechild (and other assorted disasters).
Pre-Trip Anxiety Bonanza (because let's be real, travel is just a series of anxieties packaged with pretty landscapes):
Weeks Before: Found myself staring at flight prices like they were ancient hieroglyphs. "2000$?! For air?! Did I accidentally stumble across a secret portal to the moon and not realize it?" Panic set in. Googled "cheap flights to Kerala" approximately 87,000 times. Considered selling my kidney. (Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and would not actually do that. Maybe.)
Days Before: Packed. Unpacked. Repacked. Then, started questioning EVERYTHING. “Do I really need 6 pairs of underwear? What if I get… intense diarrhea?!” Bought Pepto Bismol in bulk. Found myself muttering travel insurance mantra to myself. “Cover my losses, cover my losses, cover my losses.”
The Night Before: Slept for approximately 3 hours thanks to pre-trip jitters and a rogue mosquito that clearly had a vendetta against me. Dreamt I’d packed all the wrong outfits. Woke up in a cold sweat convinced I'd forgotten my passport, then frantically checked… three times. Yep, the trip was on!
Day 1: Arrival – Paradise Found (and Maybe a Little Lost):
Morning (Cochin Airport Chaos): Cochin Airport was a sensory overload. The air shimmered with humidity, the smell of spices tickled my nostrils, and the sheer crowd jostled me like a pinball. Found my ride to Lakesong – a driver who, bless him, drove like a caffeinated cheetah. Swerved past cows, tuk-tuks, and what I think was a rogue elephant. (Maybe it was just a very large cow… I’m still not sure.) The scenery was beyond, but I was too terrified to appreciate it.
Afternoon (Lakesong Bliss – Part 1): Finally arrived! Lakesong. Oh. My. God. Lush green spread out before me, the backwaters shimmering like a thousand emeralds. The cottages, like little floating jewels, seemed… perfectly serene. The staff greeted me with that classic warm Indian hospitality, and immediately I felt like this was the escape I needed. Dropped my bags, and took a moment to breathe. "I'm here. I'm actually here." A small, almost stupid, grin spread across my face.
Late Afternoon (The Great Kayak Mishap): Decided to be all "adventurous." Opted for a kayak on the backwaters. Seemed simple, right? Wrong. Twenty minutes, I quickly realised that I was a terrible kayaker. I paddled in circles. I bumped into reeds. I almost tipped over (several times). Ended up looking like a frantic, flailing turtle. My inner monologue was a delightful cocktail of profanity and self-deprecation. Eventually, out of sheer exhaustion, I managed to navigate myself back to the resort. Crawled out, drenched in sweat and self-pity. The humiliation level was unprecedented.
Evening (Dinner and Deliverance): Dinner was a revelation. The Keralan cuisine… OMG. Spicy, fragrant, and absolutely delicious. Sat on the veranda, listening to the crickets, and feeling the humidity slowly melt away my kayak-induced rage. Felt… good. The day, despite its setbacks, felt like a victory.
Day 2: Houseboat Heaven and Cultural Confusion:
Morning (The Houseboat Dream… and Reality): The highlight of the trip! The houseboat was incredible. The staff was attentive, the food even better than the day before (if that’s even possible!). Slowly cruising along the backwaters under the sun. It was truly surreal. I watched the world go by: fishermen casting their nets, villages nestled in the greenery, women washing clothes. It was a scene straight from a movie, and I felt like I was living in it.
Afternoon (A Questionable Cultural Encounter): The houseboat docked in a village. We went for a curious tour into the local community, where… well, let's just say my attempts at interacting with the locals probably ranged from "awkward" to "downright embarrassing." I tried to learn a few Malayalam phrases. "Angane undu" became my go-to greeting (probably sounding incredibly silly). I attempted to help a woman weave a basket. Ended up tangled in the reeds and causing more problems than solutions. She laughed, I laughed (mostly at myself). Still, I left with a profound appreciation for the kind of their smiles and their ability to find humor in my clumsiness.
Evening (Sunset Serenity and Mosquito Mayhem): Watched the sunset over the backwaters. It was genuinely breathtaking. The sky exploded in colours. For a moment, all the anxieties, the struggles, the chaos… faded away. It was pure peaceful. Then, the mosquitoes arrived. Relentless, buzzing, bloodthirsty little demons. Covered myself in repellent but still got bitten. Vowed to invent a mosquito-zapping device upon my return. Went to sleep dreaming of bug-zappers.
Day 3: Yoga, Spices, and Departure Anxiety (again!)
Morning (Yoga and Humility): Attended a yoga session at the resort. Figured, I am here in Kerala. I must do yoga. The instructor, a serene woman with eyes that could see into my soul, guided us through the poses. I, however, looked like a confused pretzel. My balance sucked. I wobbled. I giggled. My inner monologue was a mix of "Ouch," "What am I doing?" and "This is probably not what I was meant to achieve." Still, I felt a teeny, tiny bit more centered afterward. Victory, again!
Afternoon (The Spice Market Spectacle): Visited a spice market in town. The aromas – cardamom, cloves, cinnamon – were intoxicating. Bought enough spices to open my own store, even though I have zero cooking skills. Bargained like a pro (or at least, thought I did). Came home with a mountain of spices and a slightly bruised ego. Still, it was great to get into the atmosphere.
Late Afternoon & Evening (The Farewell Fizzle and Flight Fear): The afternoon was spent in a haze of packing. Suddenly, the trip was over, and the joy turned to a mix of gratitude and dread. Then, I had a last-minute panic attack. "What if I forgot something? What if my passport is expired? What if the plane crashes?" Then, I started on a whole train of thought of all the things I didn't do. "Did I swim enough? Did I photograph enough the scenery? Did I talk to the people more? Did I live?" Went to bed with a sense of regret, even as my head hit the pillow.
Departure Day (Cochin, Goodbye, Until Next Time): Said my goodbyes to the resort. The staff waved so heartily, that I almost wanted to extend my stay. I vowed I would learn how to kayak and do sun salutations before my next visit. The flight back was long. I slept. I ate. I felt a very weird, very strange feeling of both sadness and excitement.
Final Thoughts (aka, rambling conclusions):
Lakesong Resort was an absolute gem. The backwaters are magical. The food is divine. The people are warm and welcoming (even if I do sometimes make a complete fool of myself). I learned a lot. I laughed a lot. I probably ate too much spice. And yeah, I made a mess of things, a classic tourist in paradise.
But that's the point, isn't it? Travel isn't about perfect itineraries or flawless execution. It's about the mess, the humor, the heart, and realizing that even when you're lost, you're somehow exactly where you're supposed to be, in the moment.
So, yeah, the Kumarakom Kook-Out: A Lakesong Lovechild (and other assorted disasters) was a win. I cannot wait to go back, and who knows, maybe next time I won't crash the kayak. Maybe. Probably not.
Udawalawe's Eagle's Nest: Your Luxurious Safari Bungalow Awaits!
Kumarakom's Lakesong Resort FAQs (Because You'll Need Them!)
Alright, so you're thinking of going to Lakesong Resort in Kumarakom? Smart move, but also, maybe you need a little tough love and the *real* scoop. I've been there, I've sweated (mostly due to the Kerala humidity, though a few moments of pure panic contributed), and I've got the lowdown. Buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized travel blog. It's me, just being me.
The Big Kahuna: Booking and Arrival Shenanigans
1. How do I actually book this place? And should I even try?
Booking is, thankfully, pretty straightforward. They have a website (shocking, I know), and you can typically find them on the usual suspects like Booking.com and such. But here’s the real talk: check *all* the booking sites. Seriously. Prices fluctuate like a crazy stock market on a day George Clooney is involved. I once saw a difference of nearly a hundred bucks *a night*. So yeah, shop around. And yes, you absolutely SHOULD try. Lakesong is worth the effort (though I secretly hope it's *not* because I don't want it to get so popular I can't snag a room!).
2. Getting there... Ugh. Is it REALLY a hassle? And what about the infamous ferry ride?
Okay, the journey. It IS a bit of a trek if you're flying in. Cochin International Airport (COK) is your best bet. From there, it's about an hour and a half to two hours by car. The roads… well, they're Kerala roads. Expect some bumps, potential traffic (especially near the cities), and the occasional cow casually strolling across the asphalt. But the ferry ride? THAT’S where the magic begins. It’s part of the whole experience. Picture this: gliding across the shimmering backwaters, the air thick with the scent of spices and damp earth, palm trees swaying… It's breathtaking. Honestly, I’m getting goosebumps just thinking about it. Make sure you get a good book, some water (because, humidity), and just… breathe. The ferry is key. I swear, it’s detox for the soul.
Rooms & Amenities: The Nitty Gritty (and Maybe a Little Bit of Dirt)
3. What are the rooms like? Are they actually nice, or just Instagram-worthy?
Okay, okay, I’ll be real. The rooms are GOOD. Like, *really* good. They are indeed Instagram-worthy, but they're also comfortable and clean. I stayed in a Lake View Villa and, OMG, the view. It was like waking up inside a postcard. The bed was dreamy, the bathroom was spacious (key!), and there was a private balcony where I could drink my morning coffee and feel… peaceful. Which, let's be honest, is a feat in itself. The decor leans towards traditional Kerala style – think wooden furniture, cool tiles, and lots of natural light. The imperfections? Well, I did spot a teeny-tiny gecko (harmless, thankfully) on my first night. Embrace it. You're in nature! And the power outages could happen, so be prepared for a few minutes without electricity.
4. Pool, Spa, Wi-Fi – Spill the Beans!
The pool is beautiful. Gorgeous. It’s the kind of pool you see in movies and think, "Yeah, *that* would be nice." It’s impeccably clean, and the setting? Divine (especially at sunset). The spa is… well, the spa is an experience. I had an Ayurvedic massage, and honestly, I drifted off somewhere between heaven and a warm blanket. It's seriously relaxing. Wifi? It’s… there. Let’s put it that way. It’s good enough for emails and browsing, but don't expect blazing-fast speeds or an online gaming session. Just… embrace the digital detox. You’re on vacation! Actually, I *lost* my phone in the pool, but the staff was very helpful and found it pretty quickly, so kudos to them.
Food, Glorious Food (and a Few Minor Gripes!)
5. The food! What's the deal? Is it worth the price?
The food is a highlight, period. OMG, the breakfast buffet! So many options, from classic South Indian dishes like idli and dosa (get the sambar!) to Western choices. And the fresh fruit? To die for. Dinner is an experience too. The seafood is ridiculously fresh (hello, grilled prawns!), and the Kerala cuisine is just… amazing. Spicy, flavorful, and utterly addictive. Is it expensive? Yes, a bit. It’s a resort, after all. But the quality is outstanding, and the setting makes the extra cost worthwhile. The restaurant even offers cooking classes! Totally worth it.
6. Are there any… issues? Anything that could potentially ruin my perfect vacation?
Alright, the truth. The service is generally very good, but occasionally things can feel a *little* slow. It is "Indian time," which can be good to unwind and enjoy, but it might get you if you're in a rush. One time, I waited a solid hour for a cup of coffee during breakfast. It wasn't a huge deal, but hey, I needed my caffeine fix! And the mosquito situation… well, it’s Kerala. Bring bug spray. Lots of it. Also, pack a small flashlight; it gets dark out there at night, and you might have a bit of a walk back to your room. But honestly? These are minor quibbles. The overall experience more than makes up for any tiny imperfections.
Activities and Experiences: Beyond the Pool
7. Is there anything TO DO, or am I just stuck lounging? (And, honestly, is that so bad?)
Okay, even *I* got bored of just lounging (gasp!). You can take a houseboat cruise on the backwaters, which is an absolute must-do. Seriously, do it. You can go on a guided village walk to see what a local's life is like. The resort offers bike rentals, which are fun for a short jaunt. You can also try your hand at fishing or go early morning bird watching. Don't forget to just wander around the resort. I just walked around with a book, occasionally taking photos of the gorgeous landscape, or just sitting and watching the sunrise/sunset. You can also just… relax. Read a book, sit by the pool, and do absolutely nothing. It’s allowed, and it’s glorious.
8. The Houseboat Experience: You said it's a MUST? Tell me more!
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