The first thing I'd like to do on arriving at Kumarakom? Take a refreshing dip – of course. The chequered pool bordering the lake looks inviting and lovely. As I laze in the pool, I take in the vast expanse of the lake simmering and the warm afternoon melts away into a buoyant mellow. The wind rushes along to meet me like a long lost friend, warping its arms around me lovingly. While swaying palms, nod in agreement - as if enacting a secret prank.

Worshippers of the sun, here's the temple. The tropical sun promises to give a healthy tan. The heat doesn't burn as the wind, skimming the lake is cool and invigorating. And if really gets too hot to handle, dive in. If the pool is not challenging enough, try out the lake itself!

I pamper myself at the Jacuzzi enclosure. The best thing is that from the pool I can enjoy the greatest shows on earth. The sunrise and sunset on the backwaters, is an experience like none other. Along with the side-shows which are equally delightful – a starry night or a moonlit night. Intermittently, I saunter along to the Ettukettu for a shot or two of my favourite drink. Or a couple of beers. You could also order fresh fermented coconut sap (Toddy), heady and sweet, especially in the mornings

After a few laps, no one blames you if you're hungry enough to eat, like they say in Malayalam, a whole elephant! Good enough for me. They have a barbecue in waiting ready to dole out succulent seafood in traditional Kerala style. And the choicest Mutton Kebabs, Mughlai style. Yum Yum.

There are many wonderful things you can do at Kumarakom. Wake up early in the morning for the grandest show on earth. The sunrise. In the mornings, the lake is calm, misty and sensuous. And the sun breaks with a smile and stretches its arm across the river to wish you good morning. Take out a ride in one of our boats and watch waterfowls come to life.

A trip to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary what you shouldn't miss.  The best time for this is between November and March, when a range of migratory birds from Siberia make it their winter home. Some of the species include the Snake bird, Little Cormorant, Crow Pheasant, White-branded water Hen and Tree pie. Occasionally you can catch the native kingfishers setting the waters ablaze in a psychedelic flash of colours. The night herons, the Golden-backed woodpeckers are added delights.At the fourteen-acre bird sanctuary one can glimpse many a rare bird – some of which, sadly, may not be around forever

Vallamkali, the famous Snake Boat Race are spectacles enacted on the onset of the Onam season. The backwaters of Alleppey come alive with the rivers becoming flush after the rainy season. It becomes the venue to Kerala's major attraction – the Nehru Throphy Snake Boat Race which take place in August – September every year. Magnificently decorated long boats – with raised sterns which resemble the raised hood of cobras (hence the term, snake boat) rush through the waters in a flash of oars and a roar. Oars swinging to a fast-paced rhythm. And the snake boats shoot across the emerald stretches. Enthusiastically powered by over 150 singing and drum beating oarsmen. The spring season is at its charming best. A spellbinding display of strength and beauty. The backwaters will be teeming with exhilarated spectators cheering (some of whom come from the farthest corners of the world). Other major events are the Payipad, Pulinkunnu and Aranmula races.

Your stay at the Kumarakom Lake Resort is sure to revitalise your life. Not only will you be more relaxed, you can find yourself more confident, more youthful. With the wonders of Ayurveda, you can discover yourself. The Vedic science activates the human body, body and the mind in unity. There is something about Kerala that certainly revitalises you. There is a certain green energy – the landscapes are cool to the eyes. The sky is blue intermittently filled with fluffy clouds. The blessed rains and the calm lakes, wash away your tensions. The air is clean and scented with a million flowers. And then there is the soothing ancient remedy of Ayurveda, combined with Yoga and Meditation. The oil massages are rejuvenates you. The aptly selected herbal diets replenish you. And meditation recharges you. Yoga regimens make your body supple and strong. Its time to discover what more life has to give you. Apart from the usual material successes. Come discover life anew in Kerala. At Kumarakom. This is the time. This is the place. Come get nourished in body, mind and soul.

Ayurveda, the knowledge of life (Ayu means life, Veda means knowledge or science) traces its antiquity of over 5000 years. It is a holistic system of medicine that has imbibed the essence and fragrance of Mother Nature. A tradition of health care that cannot still be explained by the strict logic and theories of modern medicine. And yet cures many diseases incurable to modern medicine!

Dharma Ayurvedic Haven manages the Ayurvedic Centre at the Kumarakom Lake Resort. The centre has qualified doctors and trained personnel

DHARMA AYURVEDIC HAVEN was established in 1965 by a family of renowned traditional physicians practising the Dravidian style of Ayurveda for centuries through generations. Today, Dharma is trusted as an exclusive centre where genuine age-old traditions and treatments are still practised by highly qualified and reputed physicians. Dharma has frequently been in the news for creating remarkable results in succession by curing patients from illnesses unresponsive to modem medicines and treatments.

They are straight out of a fairy tale. Cute cottages blending old-world charm with befitting modern amenities. The intricately carved wooden walls and the roof within the cottage are of hand polished wooden panels.