Lakes, Legends and a Lot of Laughter

A family getaway at Ashtamudi Lake, filled with scenic views, seafood feasts, and the occasional near-drowning.

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Serenity on Ashtamudi Lake… where every ripple has a story.

Just back from a 2N/3D family trip to Ashtamudi Lake… a merry band of 11 souls with uncles, aunts, cousins, and the usual delightful bedlam that comes with family holidays.

We stayed at Club Mahindra Ashtamudi, a truly gorgeous resort with sweeping views of the lake. The weather was kind… mild, breezy and blessedly lacking in the usual Kerala humidity that could melt the resolve of even the most optimistic traveller.

Day One: Jatayu Soars, and So Do We (in a Cable Car)

Before checking in, we made a detour to Jatayupara… home to the magnificent sculpture of Jatayu, the heroic eagle from the Ramayana. The museum beneath the sculpture was closed for renovations during our visit, but the cable car ride to the top was absolutely worth it. It spared us the climb of 826 steps and offered breathtaking views; cool winds and a sense of calm that made us linger longer than we planned.

At the summit sits a little temple dedicated to Lord Rama, and the area around it is home to an entire monkey community… well-fed, mischievous, and quite the local celebrities among tourists.

Day Two: Uno, Uncles and Unholy Hours

Evenings at the resort were for lazy strolls, laughter and some truly competitive card games. We introduced the older generation to Uno… and by 3 a.m. the young and the young-at-heart were still going strong. The elders kept forgetting to declare “Uno” and ended up drawing half the deck each time. Hilarity ensued.

Day Three: Adventures by Land, Lake and Lung Capacity

Then came the now infamous pool incident… I may have briefly resembled a drowning penguin, but all’s well that ends with spluttering, with dignity restored and only mild existential terror. Let’s just say I discovered my survival instincts in style.

The day improved from there. We spent half a day on a houseboat, gliding across the lake while I got a turn steering it… albeit briefly. The food on board was divine… Kerala-style seafood at its best. Fried pearl spot, spicy crab curry, fish curry, and the ever-reliable tapioca, perfectly spiced and steamed. Afternoon Tea was served with banana fritters, my personal weakness.

Later, we also hopped into a smaller motorboat to explore the mangrove forests around Munroe Island. We waded through shallow, sandy waters, clambered up mangrove roots like adventurous (and occasionally unsteady) coastal monkeys, and watched the older folks navigate the boats with equal parts caution and comic flair.

Despite the railway misadventures on both ends… Vande Bharat’s questionable logistics and Mysore Express’ utter chaos… the trip was an absolute delight. The laughter, the food, the lake breeze and the little moments of mayhem made it one of those holidays that will be retold for years. Sometimes, the best memories come wrapped in a bit of madness.