Dear Friends, Valued Guests, and Fellow Lovers of Kerala’s Soul,
As the first light of November 1st kisses the misty backwaters here in Kumarakom, my heart swells with that familiar mix of quiet joy and deep gratitude. It’s Kerala Piravi, our Kerala Day,and how this day always feels like coming home, doesn’t it? I’m Salim M Das, your host at Illikkalam Lakeside Cottages, and from the wooden verandas where the lake whispers secrets to the swaying palms, I wanted to reach out personally. Not with grand speeches, but with the kind of words you’d share over a steaming cup of filter coffee on a lazy morning.
This year, as we mark 69 years since our beloved Kerala was born from the dreams of so many, I find myself pausing a little longer by the water’s edge. We’ve all been through our share of storms, the relentless rains that test our resilience, the uncertainties that pull at our roots, and those quiet moments when life feels a tad heavier than the humid air around us. I know, because I’ve felt it too. Running this little haven by Vembanad Lake, I’ve seen the weariness in travelers’ eyes, the way some of you arrive carrying the weight of the world in your suitcases. And yet, every time, Kerala wraps you in her green arms and reminds you: it’s okay to just breathe.
That’s the magic of our state, isn’t it? Born from the union of Travancore, Cochin, and Malabar on this very day in 1956, Kerala isn’t just land, it’s a living poem of compassion, culture, and unyielding spirit. From the spice-scented lanes of Kochi to the hilltop serenity of Munnar, and right here in Kumarakom where the houseboats glide like gentle giants, we’ve woven a tapestry of kindness that holds us all. On Kerala Piravi, I think of the Malayalis scattered across the globe—our nurses healing hearts in distant hospitals, our entrepreneurs chasing sunrises in new horizons, and families like yours, holding onto traditions through video calls and shared recipes. If you’re feeling a pang of nostalgia today, know that you’re not alone. We’re all threads in this vibrant weave, and your stories make our Kerala richer.
Here at Illikkalam, we’ve always believed hospitality is more than crisp linens and home-cooked sadhya, it’s about listening, about creating spaces where you can let go. Picture this: waking to the symphony of birds flitting between coconut groves, sipping payasam under the stars, or simply sitting with the lake as your only companion. We’ve poured our hearts into making our cottages a slice of that Kerala warmth, a place to recharge, to laugh with loved ones, or to find solace in solitude. Whether you’ve stayed with us before or are dreaming of your first visit, know that our doors (and hearts) are open. Come as you are; we’ll meet you with empathy and a smile.
As the day unfolds, let’s celebrate not just our past, but the promise of tomorrows yet to bloom. May this Kerala Piravi fill your cup with peace, your home with laughter, and your spirit with the quiet strength of our evergreen land. Thank you, always, for being part of our journey.
With deepest affection from the lakeside,
Salim M Das, Consultant, Illikkalam Lakeside Cottages Kumarakom, Kerala