Fragrant Nature is between Kollam and Varkala, near Aquaserene

Fragrant Nature is suitably placed to sample both the backwaters and beaches of Kerala being situated between the key backwater location of Kollam/ Quilon (20km) and the popular sandy beach location of Varkala (15km).

From Kollam you can take a day trip on the backwaters with an eight-hour cruise to Alleppey returning to the resort the same day. Fragrant Nature is itself also located on a quiet backwater which directly connects to Mala Kayal, Paravur Kayal and the Ithikkara River.

The beach destination of Varkala is emerging as a quieter and more attractive alternative as Kovalam declines in popularity owing to over-development and commercialisation. Fragrant Nature makes it possible to enjoy good access to the facilities of Varkala (we provide free transport to the beach) but without staying in Varkala’s tourist developments, surrounded by foreign tourists and North Indian traders.

Your stay at Fragrant Nature is in a village backwater setting amongst authentic Keralean culture and the resort provides a tranquil haven to retreat to each day. While on the resort you can relax undisturbed in your own private garden or rest under the shade of a coconut tree enjoying the gentle breeze from the lake. You can take a punt boat trip from our jetty at the end of the day and meditate peacefully as you watch the sun go down over the lake. From November 2006 you will also be able to relax with a full range of Ayurvedic treatments and massages from our new Ayurvedic Centre.

For activities, Fragrant Nature arranges cultural shows and visits in the local area to see Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Bharatha Natyam, Kalaripayattu, and classical music. We can also arrange visits to see local small-scale industries such as coconut processing and coir production, cashew processing and local hand-weaving. You can learn how to cook Keralean food in a village house from a local housewife (with a guide/ interpreter provided) or go fishing on the lake with a local fisherman. Bicycles are available for hire if you want to explore the local area at close quarters. If you want to see elephants, we are near to Paripally and Boothakulam where there are many temple elephants and during the festival season there are opportunities to see full dress processions. It is also easy to arrange elephant rides and feeding locally throughout the year.

When you are ready to continue your tour through Kerala, via the main backwaters going North, we are only ½ hour by road from Kollam/ Quilon where you can join a houseboat or ferry to travel the waterways through to Alleppey. From here you can continue your tour onward via Cochin, Munnar or Periyar.

Fishermen casting nets on Ashtamudi Lake