Sep 17, 2010 12:52 PM
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If anyone wants to find peace and commune with nature in its pristine glory, you will find no better place than Surya Samudra Private Retreats. Situated on a cliff over looking the Arabian Sea near Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) the Capital City of Kerala, a State in south India, Surya Samudra gives one a feeling of vastness and astounding beauty. The welcome accorded to the guests is very traditional and homely, it make one feel that it is a home coming. The stone sculptures and a large antique Nandi (male bull) occupy the centre stage of the reception. Having made introductions and with assistance by the front office staff, one is lead to the cottage of ones choice. A few steps towards the cottages and one is awed by the scenery that unfolds in front. The cobbled path is strewn with beautiful lanterns carved in stone which would act a guide during in the dark and strategically placed stone sculptures add to the beauty to the place.
Huge trees and plenty of greenery takes you away from the morbid concrete jungle that all of us are so painfully forced to live. Each cottage is unique and takes you back down the memory lane. Typically these cottages are traditional Kerala family houses (Taravad), built of wood stone and brass. One can smell the tradition and history behind each cottage. Immaculately decorated interiors blend extremely well with the tradition. Tiled wooden roof and windows with wooden panels gives one the required privacy and a chance to forget time. Sipping coffee; munching on the short snacks and basking in the open air on an easy chair, one can watch the waves smashing against the rocks and raising up creating a natural spray of fine mist.
True to tradition, the bath and toilets are part of the house but situated outdoors, means one can enjoy their baths with koels chirping their melody, crows adding to the tenor and bees buzzing around a stray squirrel searching for things to do. Food is absolutely a must have, for even if there are restaurants nearby, the in house coffee shop caters to all palates. A typical Kerala spread is a must, dishes prepared to retain their original taste and an aroma of coconut oil and mild spices would arouse ones taste bud to have that one last bit just when the stomach has expanded to its maximum. To laze around in the pool that over looks the sea is a feeling that can be only experienced. While mind is all geared to relax, the body too gets rejuvenated and toned down. A visit to the spa and indulgence cannot be missed for any reason. Ayurvedic treatment with various aromatic & herbal oils and under the guidance of qualified professionals, who know just the spot to release the stress, gives one a feeling of having oneself overhauled. A hot steam bath and a showers makes one feel like Cleopatra decked for the occasion. Sipping wine and enjoying the lively entertainment every evening on a stage with open sea as back drop takes you away to a different world. Traditional Kathakali dance or martial arts performance gives one a glimpse of the cultural Kerala. Twinkling and competing with the stars at night are the small fishing boats that crisscross the waters. As thoughts wander listlessly the vastness and magnitude of space and the power of nature soon overawe the insignificant human being who is but a part of this giant canvas. This place is truly enjoyable in all seasons. If one can do away with newspapers, watches and television, it is timeless. This resort is highly recommended for all those who wish to just live life the way it should be and experience every element of nature.
