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We left our houseboat and headed for Coconut Lagoon. On arrival, we were greeted with a fresh coconut, a quintessential Kerala welcome, and to top it off, our room was ready by 10:30am - a whole three and half hours ahead of schedule. Result!
Day 1
This was all about easing into holiday mode. After settling in, we decided to sample some traditional tea, coffee and local snacks. The banana fritters were golden and sweet, and oh so moreish.
Just as we thought, we nailed the art of doing nothing by the pool. A giant monitor lizard wandered by to remind us that we were sharing this slice of paradise with Kerala's wildlife. These impressive creatures live in burrows scattered around the resort and seem to be the unbothered celebrities of Coconut Lagoon.
We gave it a note of respect and returned to our Old Monk Rum, a local dark rum that is smooth, strong and perfect for sipping poolside. Dinner that evening was a triumph of local dishes, served at the buffet restaurant.
Day 2
This was the day of the toddy. Toddy isn’t your average morning beverage but it’s best enjoyed fresh at sunrise when it’s at its fizziest, and most palatable. One of the reception staff secured us some in a rather suspect yellow bag, handed over like we were taking part in a slightly dodgy deal.
Would I drink a litre of it? Absolutely not, but it comes with big promises. Apparently it clears your digestion, and gives you glossy hair, long nails and even improves your eyesight. I sat there waiting to turn into a walking advert for a multivitamin supplement.
Spoiler: It didn’t happen.
Later that day we took a trip on a tuktuk to the local wine shop. The mission - another bottle of Old Monk Rum, essential holiday supplies, naturally.
Our departure
At five in the morning, we glided across the still misty backwaters in a taxi boat to pick up a car to go to Cochin airport for our onward journey to Sri Lanka.
Would I do it all again?
In a heartbeat.
Need a toddy tasting, lizard spotting, rum sipping escape of your own, then NC Travel will take you there.
NC Travel Tip
If this sounds like your kind of escape (and it absolutely should), I can organise everything for you. From booking your houseboat to crafting the perfect itinerary, I’ll be with you every step of the way. Trust me, this is one experience you don’t want to miss.