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Kumarakam beckons Vajpayee

If Prime Minister A B Vajpayee is lucky, he will have the company of foreign migratory birds to beat boredom at the Taj Garden Retreat at Kumarakam later this month.

Vajpayee is to stay at the hotel, bordering the eastern side of the Vembanad lake, from December 26 to January 2.

Though Kumarakam, near Kottayam in central Kerala, is known for the beautiful Vembanad lake, boat cruises, house boats and the enchanting music of coconut palms, it is known for the chirping of birds of foreign lineage too. Kumarakam is a natural choice for hordes of migratory birds of different feathers, including Siberian cranes and Carmorans.

''Migratory birds reach in September and start returning by December. However, the entire flock leaves only by early January, as some wait for their little ones to be ready for their maiden journey,'' said a bird-watcher of the area.

''If the prime minister is lucky he can enjoy the company of the migratory birds till the sun sets over the Arabian sea, a glimpse of which can also be viewed from almost all rooms of the Taj Retreat,'' a local youth said, adding that till a few years ago, migratory birds vanished only towards the middle of January.

''I can't say anything about the movement of birds this year. There are 10 days for the prime minister's visit.''

With the Taj Retreat gearing up to receive the country's premier, hectic activity is visible around and many local people are thrilled.

The hotel authorities told UNI that security officials had identified a room for the prime minister, which was being done up. Facilities were also being added. ''The room has been selected with an eye on security. We have absolutely no say in such matters.''

The ayurvedic health resort within the 14-acre campus of the hotel is also being spruced up as Vajpayee is sure to have a daily massage by a team of ayurvedic doctors attached to the centre and some experts from distinguished ayurvedic institutions in Kerala, like Kottakkal.

The hotel's 150-year-old main building was constructed by a Britisher and his three generations had stayed there till the late 60s.

During the prime minister's stay, no tourists will be allowed at the Taj Garden Retreat. All bookings have been cancelled from the afternoon of December 24.

The tourists, mostly foreigners, have been provided accommodation in neighbouring hotels by the Taj management.

''The hotel has a small lake and a boating facility. What is peculiar about the hotel is that one can get off from the boat and enter the reception,'' said Taj Garden Retreat director T Damu.

''Kumarakom is a beautiful place in 'God's own country'. That may be why the prime minister has selected it for his vacation,'' said a native of Kumarakom who hopes that roads in and around Kumarakam, which are in a bad condition, would be relaid.

''If there is no plan for a cruise in Kerala's biggest lake of Vembanad, he will be tempted to have one after seeing the vast water mass,'' said a top official of the hotel.

Though the menu has not been finalised by his office, Taj Retreat has made arrangements to bring in a team of chefs from its hotels in Bombay. However, Karimeen, a special variety of fish found abundantly in the backwaters, will be prepared by chefs at the Taj Retreat.

Among delicacies prepared with Karimeen, Karimeen Pollichathu is going to be a major item of Kerala dishes to be served to the prime minister.

The hotel is also making arrangements for a one-hour cultural programme, featuring Kerala's traditional art forms like Kathakali and Ottanthullal, in the evenings. Big names in each art form are being contacted for special performances before the premier.

It is learnt that Coconut Lagoon hotel at Kumarakom is being prepared as a substitute.

The Taj Group started Taj Garden Retreat at the heritage home of Baker eight years ago. They took over ownership of the building on lease from the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation.

The prime minister has no other engagements at Kumarakam, except a Bharatiya Janata Party party meeting at Mammen Mappillai Hall at Kottayam on January 1, BJP district president B Radhakrishna Menon told UNI.

However, political analysts attach significance to the visit as Vajpayee is likely to meet spiritual leaders as part of the party's political strategy, in the background of the general elections.

Unauthorised roadside shops are being removeda and no licences will be issued for selling crackers during Christmas and New Year at Kumarakam.

Work on the relaying of the Kottayam-Kumarakam road has been taken up.

Vajpayee is to arrive by helicopter at the Government High School grounds at Kumarakam and proceed to the hotel by road.

UNI

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