ELEMENTS OF PARADISE: Kumarakom, with its trees and boats, is a repository of beauty

For a narrow strip-600 km long and 120 km at its widest-Kerala boasts of an amazing array of tourist attractions: wildlife, art forms, historic monuments, ayurvedic health centres, exotic cuisine ... Not for nothing is the southern state recognised as one of the world's 50 must-see destinations in a lifetime by National Geographic Traveler. Much of that distinction could be credited to its panoramic backwaters, the most sought-after being Kumarakom.

Slumbering on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is an enchanting picnic spot. The best way to experience the backwaters here is to cruise down in traditional houseboats known as Kettuvallam. The bird sanctuary here is an ornithologist's paradise. There are also a variety of cruises to suit time and budget. The backwaters host many special events in August and September. Of these, the electrifying boat races that set Kumarakom on fire are unmissable.

An interesting way to reach Kumarakom is to go half-way by road (Kottayam: 10 km; Cochin: 78 km) and take the ferry from Thanneermukkam. There are several resorts, houseboats and KTDC accommodation to choose from. In God's Own Country, Kumarakom-Kerala's own lake country-is one place which all people must visit at least once. Only to be enticed again.

TOURISM NEWS

GO GOA: The 365 Days A Year Destination. That's the punchline adopted by Goa's Tourism Department to tackle diving tourist arrivals. The department is churning out a slew of marketing initiatives to enhance its brand image as the most versatile destination in India. Tourism Director N. Suryanarayana says that no efforts are being spared to attract every strata of tourists by promoting unconventional tourism products like back-waters, heritage houses and eco-tourism; sprucing up existing resources and adding five new deluxe luxury hotels. "We will certainly be the first choice for every kind of tourist," Suryanarayana promises.

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

SYLVAN SURROUNDINGS: Harsil

Harsil, Uttaranchal: This quiet resort, tucked away amid towering mountains at a height of 5,000 m, is a veritable tribute to nature. Apple orchards, stretches of blooming flowers, an unending expanse of meadows, waterfalls and valleys-each component of nature beckons tourists to this tranquil town. Sightseeing here includes the Wilson Cottage, built in 1864, and Sat Tal (seven lakes) that offers a rewarding trek and is an ideal camping site. For the religious minded, Gangotri is also adjacent. Harsil is well connected by a motorable road. Jolly Grant (244 km) is the nearest airport and Rishikesh (224 km), the closest railhead. Apart from a tourist bungalow and a forest rest house, accommodation options are also available in the form of hotels.

-Compiled by Shilpa Rohatgi

HOT DEALS
Past in the Present

Experience bliss 3,000 ft above sea level at Panhala, Maharashtra, an ideal getaway with serene environs and a rich historical past. The four-day trip (October 12-15), organised by The Explorers, costs Rs 2,250 per person. The last date for registration is September 12. Call (022) 200 4774/ 4775 or e-mail info@explorersindia.com. For more information, log on to www.ExplorersIndia.com.

Animal Farm

Get adventurous. Watch tigers, elephants and leopards at the Nagarhole Wildlife National Park on the bank of river Kabini, Karnataka. Stay at a forest lodge. Cost: Rs 7,300 onwards per person on twin-sharing basis for a two-day excursion. Till September 30. Log on to www.bharatdekho.com.