Ducks paddle in a row with an air of supreme serenity hovering above their heads, Kingfishers and Flamingos land and take off in the greenery around and a group of crows squabble over a canned coca cola amidst lush yellow bamboo trees — scenes that indeed contribute to a feel of lazy bliss inside the beautiful environs of the backwater holiday resort Talakadu Jaladhama.
An unmistakable feel of stepping inside Kerala can be experienced in this locale, just 125 kms away from the City. All it takes to reach this 12-acre paradise is a three-hour drive from Bangalore. There is something here to cater to the sober crowd, the fun-loving youngster, the religious-minded as well as a sports buff.
The main attraction here is the Cauvery and Kapila river surrounding the resort with a backwater of 10 kms due to the Madhava Mantri dam at Talakadu.  It is on this stretch that water birds have a field day. Trips on the motorboat, peddle boats, canoes and coracles are more than enough to bring out the child in anyone. A highly appreciable aspect of the canoe boats are the balancing beams provided on either side of the boat so that no one would topple from the boat. The coracles or round rowing boats are a sheer delight when steered quickly. The life jackets provided to anyone who steps for the water rides ensures the enjoyment is a safe one.    
 Those who need a darshan can visit the Shiva temple located on one side of the river. The crystal clear swimming pool is there for those who want to have a great swim, float or play. There are two spacious grounds with nets to play volley ball, throw ball and shuttle.
There is ground for football and cricket too. Two separate, well-lit games rooms have arrangements to play table tennis, carrom board and chess. The last option is a rage with young software professionals. It is a unique game played by two which combines physical activity with simple board game strategies.
Those who just want to unwind can sprawl on the hammocks dangling in the shade between trees all over with a book in hand. Or sit chatting with friends atop any of the four machans. For the night hours, one can sit with a favourite drink in front of the bonfire.
There is the disco with attractive lights and music for those who want to let their hair down. Eighteen airconditioned cottages, tastefully decorated, is where you sleep at night.
They are two-bedded, four-bedded, five-bedded,  six-bedded and even 12-bedded rooms thereby making it very comfortable for a family or group to select  the one which suits them. Close to 80 people can be accommodated here for a night.   
An attractive conference hall for brainstorming sessions is another plus point. No wonder software companies book in bulk for the weekends.
Great food
The quality of food supplied here is another reason to visit. Chef Anshar Alli Khan deserves a huge pat for his work. The vegetarian menu for lunch consists of Aloo Capsicum vegetable, veg Hyderabadi gravy, dal fry, rasam, rumali rotis, Jamun and jeeva rice. The non vegetarian menu consists of Chilly Chicken and Chicken Masala gravy.
For dinner, the veggies can have Kaaju Masaala, chapathis and vegetable fried rice while the non vegetarians can relish Chicken Hyderabadi. The general specialities are butter chicken, kadai chicken and chicken dopi yaza.
 Managing Director T N Narayana,  took voluntary retirement from his service as an Assistant Conservator in the Forest Department to create this beautiful resort in June 2002 from the wasteland it was earlier. “We plan to introduce yoga and ayurvedic treatment in future and more water sports like speedboats, water cycles, houseboats, banana boat ride and floating restaurant”, he says
The only thing that works against the place is the 17-km bad road from Malavalli to Purigali as you near the resort. But this minor aspect can be stomached in light of the fantastic delights in store.
The stay including all meals and activities is Rs 2531 per person per day. If it is only a day’s stay it would come to only Rs 850 with one buffet lunch, coffee and snacks and all activities. A flat discount of 25 per cent is offered on the packages if the booking is done between Monday and Thursday.
For bookings contact: 41239306/07. E-mail: jaladhama@hotmail.com. The resort numbers are 99001-84815/99456-95941.