AKATHUMURI MESMERIZES THE WEARY

Akathumuri is at once remote geographically and historically. Nothing significant has ever taken place there. It is well connected by roads. It has a Railway Station where leisurely passenger trains halt for a minute or two. Travellers in the Express trains never even know that their train has roared past Akathumuri as they journey from or to Thiruvanathapuram, the capital city of Kerala. Akathumuri had remained forsaken for quite a long time.

The astounding progress Kerala has made over the years has had its impact on Akathumuri as well. Panayil Kadavu bridge ended its isolation from civilization. The momentous decision by Mr. A K Antony to open up professional education to private sector through self financing institutions brought a Dental College to Akathumuri. Progress finally began to extend to remote places in Kerala, a welcome shift from the concentration in urban locales.

Akathumuri derives its name from Akathumuri Kayal. The Kayal (lake) nestles the village of Akathumuri. As we stood on the shores of Akathumuri Kayal we were mesmerized by the scenic beauty. The placid water was unpolluted, something that was unheard of in other places in Kerala. The location reminded me of Corral Island, close to  Pattaya in Thailand. The difference was that tourists abounded at Corral Island whereas we were the lone tourists at Akathumuri.

There are two resorts on the shores of the Kayal. One is adjacent to the Dental College. It has a number of cottages that provide world class facilities. One can relax in the cottages enjoying the natural scenery and the sumptuous food served by the Chef. The view from the cottages is magnificent. Coconut palms extend over the whole tract around the Kayal. There is an island in the Kayal one can access through boats. A temple beckons the worshippers.  Cruise in the Kayal refreshes and rejuvenates the weary traveller. Next resort has a good restaurant, but offers no cottages. It provides a house boat that  takes us around the Kayal for fixed hours. It is like strolling on water savouring the best nature offers.  Food is served on board. The delicacies have a taste of Kerala. It is Kappa (Tapioca) and fish curry for starters. Lunch is a surprise. It is rice with traditional curries like sambar, avial, thoran, rasam along with fried Karimeen (Starfish) fresh from the Kayal and prawn and lobster preparations. The cruise winds up with an offering of fried banana fruit and tea.

The villagers are ordinary folk who carry on their lives like villagers in the rest of the state. Some are fishermen, some are traders, some engage themselves in varied trades and some are labourers. The rich have large houses, but the majority live in ordinary houses. The place is clean and people are friendly. The economy is agrarian.

Akathumuri has unexplored territories. The background is rural. Natural beauty welcomes the weary. It is unpolluted. It is undeveloped. It is not in the tourism map. The sprawling greenery is a treat. One can go for angling, swimming and boating in the Kayal. Akathumuri is relaxation exemplary.

Anjengo or Anju Thengu of historical significance is a close neighbour. The establishment of facilities at Anjengo by the Europeans was the harbinger of colonialism that had subjugated our forefathers to abject slavery. Remnants of occupation are still visible.

Akathumuri is in  Thiruvananthapuram District of Kerala State in India. It can be accessed from Thiruvananthapuram by road via Attingal through Vakkom or from Korani in the NH 47 through Chirayinkeezhu. The distance from Thirvananthapuram is approximately 51 KM.

Standing on the shores of Akathumuri Kayal we asked ourselves, “Why did we go to Corral Island when we had magnificence right at our door steps?”