When the curtain unfolds at the touch of a button in a suite at Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, it almost feels like a veil is being lifted off a canvas to reveal a watercolour painting. Beyond the pool and the palm trees stretches the Vembanad Lake gilded by the afternoon sun. Inviting you into this painting is a wooden houseboat bobbing at the water's edge.
Bolgatty on a boat
A few months ago, the Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty introduced its first luxury two-bedroom houseboat. The Nattika can cruise up to 10 guests for four to eight hours around the backwaters of Mulavukad, Moolampilly, Vaduthala, Chittoor and Eloor from Bolgatty.
One step inside the houseboat, and you're afloat in luxury. Sunlight floods in through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The living room is appointed with swish furniture, a Smart TV, Wi-Fi, video games, board games and a karaoke system, though you have every reason to plug out. Two airy, cosy bedrooms, with ensuite bathrooms offer sweeping views of the backwaters and a staircase leads to another deck with a dining area, two washrooms and lounge.
On board, you can sit back and enjoy a foot massage as you gaze at the sunset. Or watch the tiny flickering bulbs draw fish to the nets. And as you watch the backwaters go by, gorge on a traditional Kerala meal (precooked at the hotel) served by your private butler.
Kerala beyond the backwaters
As part of the World of Hyatt's FIND experience, an initiative that encourages guests to explore Kochi's rich culture and heritage, you can also go on a guided tour to India's very own Niagara Falls located about two hours away in Thrissur. You may recognise it from the movies—Baahubali, Dil Se and Raavan. Athirapally Waterfalls, the largest in Kerala, are part of the Chalakudy River that tumbles down from 80ft. While the 30-minute trek through steep, rocky paths to reach the foot of the falls can be strenuous for some, the incentives along the way kept us going. At first, we heard the faint gurgling. Soon, we caught a glimpse through the towering trees and amid the overarching forests. As we got closer we were rewarded by invigorating sprinkles that cooled us down from the scorching heat. And as the sun's blinding rays moved behind us we could see the entirety of the falls—fierce, frothy streams cascading over myriads of rocks slapping against a final bed of stones to create water sparks and mesmerise hundreds of onlookers.
Before heading back to the hotel, you could stopover at Samroha Resort, which is just a few minutes away, to freshen up or feast on a traditional meal at the cafe that opens up to views of the waterfalls.
Beginning this year, the hotel also added a visit to Kerala's Kumbalangi village, which is about 45 minutes from the property, to its itinerary. No part of the coconut goes to waste in Kerala, and the best example of this practice is seen in this village. In one corner women wheel out coir, in another they craft brooms, and at the other end they weave baskets, using every inch of the coconut. Here, you can also cruise along the backwaters in a traditional wooden boat and make a pit stop to try your hand at fishing with Chinese nets. Nowhere in the world will you see these fishing nets. Not even in China, your guide will tell you. The hotel also provides guided tours to the historic Fort Kochi, which is about an hour away.
All the sightseeing and walking can work up an appetite and tire your muscles. So it works out well that the hotel has an extensive food as well as spa menu. Back in your cosy suite, you touch the button once again, and drop the curtain on a day well spent.
Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, Mulavukad, Kochi, Kerala. Doubles from Rs15,900*.
A four-hour tour aboard Nattika costs Rs40,000* and an eight-hour tour costs Rs80,000*.
The FIND Experiences range from $57 (Rs4,058*) to $132(Rs9,399*).
*Prices are subject to change.
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