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Lake placid

The calm lake is like a large canvas that is occasionally visited by cormorants and cranes

PHOTO S. BINU RAJ

LARGE CANVAS Serene Akathumuri Lake

Relaxing, floating by picturesque scenery and savouring mouth-watering dishes prepared on the spot are images that often come to mind when one mentions a trip through the backwaters. However a trip to Akathumuri gives you an opportunity to experience the backwaters in its true spirit.

During my train journeys, I have often noticed Akathumuri. However, as only passenger trains halt at the Akathumuri station, the place remained elusive. Fascinated by the serene waters of the place, I decided to head to Akathumuri on my two-wheeler.

An adventure

The trip proved to be an adventure as I was neither sure of the way nor what to expect when I reached my destination. I decided to ride my vehicle as far as possible, but to my relief, I found the famous black-lettered tri-lingual yellow sign board of the railway station. The railway station was deserted. A local toddy worker pointed out the way to the lakeside.

My journey proved fruitful. The visual was stunning. The calm lake was like a large canvas that is occasionally visited by cormorants and cranes. As I felt the place had more to offer, I decided to explore the other side of the railway track.

A walkway led to a small coir-making unit. It was educational to watch the coir being made. I tried my hand at the ratt to make rope from the fibre, however it was not as easy as it seemed. Leaving the unit, I noticed a ferry. Enquiries revealed that a country boat transports passengers across the Kovilthottam Lake, which is better known as Akathumuri Lake.I waited in the boat as the oarsman was not to be seen. Alone in the boat, it was soothing to sit back and watch the birds while listening to the gurgling waters.

The oarsman arrived and untied the boat. The boat had to be ferried at stipulated timings, said the oarsman. It was an exhilarating experience to move slowly in a country boat under the morning sky. Only the movement of the oar cut the silence of the serene waters. In yonder distance, coconut trees swayed to the breeze.

Suddenly the loud horn of the train disturbs the tranquillity and in the distant it looked like a metallic snake moving at a fast pace.

The other side of Akathumuri is Kulamuttom, where you can see the beauty of the backwaters in its true colours. From close quarters the lake water resembled a green satin . From little cormorants to herons and king fishers to kite nest, the place was a haven for birds. An island, which emerges only if water level recedes, is a favourite resting spot for tourists. It is an ideal place to lie down and watch the hues of the ever-changing sky. Having discovered the mysteries that lie hidden at Akathumuri, I headed back, with a smile on my face.

How to reach there

Akathumuri is around 50 kilometres by rail from Thiruvananthapuram. It is best to alight at Varkala as only passenger trains halt at Akathumuri. From Varkala drive four kilometres towards south to reach Melvettoor. Turn left from here and drive three kilometres to reach Akathumuri. The road ends at Akathumuri railway station.

S. BINU RAJ

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