Year 3 -11 March 2026- Kerala Back Waters – Marari Beach Resort India

I woke at about 6.45 am and got up to complete the blog which I had started last night.  The sun had only just started to provide light and the water was still and a little mist hung over it to start with and then cleared. Fish were coming to the surface and leaving ripples and the cormorants were having their breakfast as the dived down to surface with a fish which they guzzled down their throats. There were lots of patches of weed on which Egrets and Herons sat. It was so quiet and peaceful until the chef on the houseboat in front was washing in the lake and clearing his nose rather loudly and in a vulgar way.  

The crew were at the back preparing themselves for the day and brought me a cup of tea. I finished the blog and admired the scene before me which was beautiful.

Jules was up just after 8.00am and we had more tea.

The crew left our mooring about 8.15am and we set off back to the hotel the mooring and from which we left -The Kumarakom Lake resort.  It seemed longer than the day before yesterday. King Charles and Queen Camilla came here in about 2013 to celebrate Charles’s 65th birthday when he was Prince Charles.

The journey back was about 45 minutes and from the canals we were soon back into Vembanad Lake. The light was lovely as the sun came up properly and we were able to see the fishermen at work on their canoes as they fished early. The birds were out in force and we saw many kites, egrets and herons as well as cormorants on sticks drying their wings no doubt having had a good breakfast.

We also went along the edge of the shore and there were quite a number of nice hotels and villas with swimming pools, lakes and little channels off the lake. We soon came to our mooring and we had to say goodbye to Danesh, Sandeep and Rama who had looked after us so well. The deal was as we got off early without breakfast we then had breakfast in the hotel. This was a great buffet and we enjoyed it with some great coffee and choice of food. We were watched by egrets who were quite tame and came close to where we were eating, waiting for some morsel.

Once we had had enough we met our driver and then drove toward the coast toward the Marari Beach. We drove along the waterways and at one point went over a Kilometre long bridge which was also a dam with salt water on one side and fresh on the other. They did not want the two to meet as this could damage crops and the freshwater ecosystem.

After about an hour we came to the MararI Beach Resort so we will see if it reflects the description set out below.

The internet says -Marari Beach, located in the Alappuzha district of Kerala, is an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful and serene beach experience. Named after Mararikulam, a picturesque fishing village along the coast, Marari Beach is perfect for beachgoers who want to relax amidst swaying coconut palms and golden sands, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The beach offers a tranquil setting for long walks, and visitors can indulge in traditional Ayurvedic wellness treatments for a rejuvenating experience. While the beach lacks water sports and beach shacks, tourists can rent beach chairs and umbrellas to enjoy the serene environment. Exploring the neighbouring villages by strolling or cycling offers a glimpse into the slow-paced life of the local fisherfolk. Observing them at work and engaging in conversations might even lead to an impromptu boat ride, if the fishermen deem it safe.

Marari Beach experiences warm and humid weather throughout the year. The beach's proximity to other attractions like the backwaters of Alappuzha, Alappuzha Beach, the Lighthouse, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, and the International Coir Museum makes it a convenient base for exploring the region.
The nearby Marari Beach Resort offers a unique blend of luxury and local charm, situated on a strip of land with the sea on one side and backwaters on the other. The resort provides Ayurvedic treatments administered by qualified doctors, ensuring a holistic and side-effect-free wellness experience. Additionally, the resort features an organic garden spread over four acres, where guests can pick fresh vegetables and fruits and cook them with the help of the in-house chef, adding a unique, farm-to-table experience to their stay.
Marari Beach is not just about sun, surf, and sand; it offers an immersive experience into the life and culture of the local community, making it a perfect getaway for those seeking relaxation and cultural exploration in a serene setting.

We were met at reception and given the usual cold towels and pea tea as a welcome drink. Once the formalities were done a lady showed us to a map on a board of the site and explained about the resort. This is 16-acre site and there are about 160 rooms or huts as they are dotted around with straw rooves. There are 3 restaurants, a spa, shop, swimming pool, beach, tennis court, badminton court and various activities which go on during the day i.e. yoga, nature walks, cooking classes etc.

We were then taken to our hut which was a garden villa with plunge pool which was very nice. It had its own entrance and stable door and the villa and pool had its own wall around it. The room was large and the bathroom was essentially outside under a reed roof with the corner open to the sky.

We soon settled in and had a dip in the pool and relaxed. Jules then felt hungry and we set off to explore. It is a huge site and luxurious in some ways but it is difficult to keep such a site manicured and leaf less due to the trees and forest in which it is situated. We had to use the map to guide us and we found the swimming pool which was large with sun loungers around it. We found the main restaurant and then walked toward the beach where there was a beach café where we got a drink and a snack.

We walked down to the beach and the sand was hot and there was a good sea breeze. There was some swell so we did not see people swimming but it was a nice setting. The beach went on for miles either side and there were ships some miles offshore.

There were egrets everywhere and lots of palm trees to walk through.

We returned to our villa and relaxed again and got our washing in for laundry.

At about 5.30pm we went to the main pool for a proper swim and to read. We returned about 6.30pm when the mosquitos began to appear. They gave us a stick to burn in our outdoor bathroom and they brought a smoking urn to put outside our door. We therefore showered quickly outside and then dressed for dinner.

We walked to the main restaurant and could smell a citronella type smell as they had been going round with this due to the mosquitos. There was a buffet at the restaurant which provided a very good selection of food which we enjoyed. There was live Indian music with drums and what looked like an electric violin.

We enjoyed and eventually returned to our villa and we had lights on in our little pool. We decided not to go for a swim tonight as we did not want to be bitten. We therefore retired to read and sleep.        

 The picture of the day is a typical houseboat and about the size of the one we had.

Need/Opportunity Year Three

In year three I will be going from Thailand to Sri Lanka, India, Maldives and then on to Mauritius, Reunion, Cape Town, St Helena, Azores and back to the UK. 

I am looking for one crew from Mauritius/ Reunion Island to Cape Town (mid June to end of July). If of any interest do email me.

The blog will continue as we continue the journey. If you have any comments or suggestions about the blog then do email me on hine.nick9@gmail.com