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Taj Garden Retreat or the "Little Crown
Jewel Of Kumarakom" is one of the rustic reminiscence
of the British Raj, left behind by the colonizers. It was
originally built by an English missionary 123 years ago and
was called Baker's Bungalow in those days. The palatial building
housed almost four generations of the Baker's Family. After
all people do get spellbound by the captivating Kumarakom
beauty.
Location
Away from the maddening crown, it is nestled along the Vembanad
lake, about 14 km from Kottayam.
Character and Style
The architecture of the Taj Garden Retreat in every sense
is that of a colonial bungalow. It is bedecked by azure backwaters,
swaying palms, and floating houseboats. This colonial bungalow
houses Villas, heritage rooms, charming cottages, and houseboats
that are anchored in placid lagoon. You can rejuvenate and
forge the city rush, learning the art of doing nothing or
indulging completely in experiences such as adventure, nature
walk, cultural insights, gourmet delights, Ayurvedic rejuvenation
and spiritual healing.
The hotel has 22 air-conditioned rooms including suites.
There are luxury Villas with private pools, sit-outs and open-air
garden showers. The Vembanad Lake is a welcome view from the
large Verandahs and the sit-outs. Then there are luxury Villas
with lily pond view and without private pools. These spell
luxury and style, adorned by none. The deluxe cottages, cottage
rooms, and the standard rooms have the poolside and lagoon
views. Living in anchored houseboats is an unforgettable experience
in itself. Add to it the luxury of Taj Garden Retreat style
and you get a perfect accommodation for a completely relaxing
vacation.
Facilities
The hotel provides a library, fitness center, souvenir and
bookshop, broadband internet access, color copier, multimedia
computers, babysitting, car rental, currency exchange, express
laundry, florist and 24-hour house doctor and travel desk
assistance. Meeting rooms and banquet facilities are also
available.
Activities
You can learn pottery, using the traditional potter's wheel,
take a ride on traditional canoes, go for Backwater cruises
on a Kettuvallam (Keralites houseboat) or for night fishing
on a country boat. You can indulge in water sports and adventure
like Banana boat rides, Jet scooter, Jet wings, Knee boarding,
Speed boat rides and water skiing.
The hotel organizes various local excursions that are simply
not to be missed. These include 'God of small things' tour
(trip to Ayyamanam village), 'Mokshya manokamana' tour (tour
of 4 ancient Shiva temples), Alleppey sight seeing Spice\
Rubber Plantation visits, Sunset cruise Temple arts appreciation
tour and more. If you like to have more of Kerala culture
you can take cultural tours and visit the Kathakkali dance
performance and Kalaripayattu performance in martial arts
school.
You can rejuvenate mind, body and soul with the Ayurveda
and Yoga programs of Taj Garden Retreat. The Ayushman Ayurveda
Center offers Ayurveda treatments 7 to 35-day therapeutic
courses to treat various ailments, and traditional Ayurveda
oil treatments, steam therapy, yoga, and meditation. The center
has an Ayurveda Doctor, trained Masseurs, and two massage
rooms.
Dining and Drinks
At Taj Garden Retreat, you can experience an eccentric dining
experience with finest Keralite, Indian, Continental and several
international cuisines. The Baker's Dining room is truly a
gourmet destination and the Sunset Bar is the perfect place
to relax and savor exotic cocktails, viewing the charming
Vembanad Lake.
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