Favourite Kerala Hotels |
| Kerala Holiday Guide - Kerala Hotels Guide | |
| Written by Thejal Vasudevan | |
Favourite Kerala HotelsHotels are plenty in Kerala ,but not all meet the standards set by us. And we set our standards real high. We have stayed at each of these hotels and were really pleased with them. We vouch for location, service, attention to detail and friendliness. But each of the hotels have something that sets it apart. That is exactly why we call them our favourites. Read on to know more.
1. Marari Beach Resort ( Mararikulam , Alleppey )We love the beaches. And so do our guests. And we love the Marari Beach in Alappuzha especially and thats why we recommend it to you. We feel that if you are looking for a quiet holiday, then Marari Beach Resort is a safe bet. The hotel’s atmosphere is rustic and subtly captures and recreates the essence of the surrounding fishing hamlets and their age-old harmonious ways of life. With coconut groves all around, the resort in this unexploited beach is the flagship resort of CGH Earth Group. The resort offers ample privacy in its independent villas . The hammocks amidst the coconut grooves are ideal to lie back and unwind with a book.
Complementing the hotel’s setting and aptly mirroring its character, the accommodations are thoughtfully designed along the lines of traditional fishermen’s dwellings and strikes a delicate balance between the modern and traditional forms. There are standard as well as semi-suite style pool villa cottages available. The rooms are aesthetically designed and comes with the courtyard bathrooms. The eat-out joint along the beach and the hotel’s pool side restaurant serves seafood prepared in earthenware pots on a simmering log-fire. The well-stocked bar which faces the lake serves a fine range of international labels along with fiery local concoctions. If you are a sports enthusiast or a fitness freak, then you can engage in a game of volley ball in the evenings. The hotel puts much emphasis on organically grown vegetables and fresh seafood. The hotel also features an Ayurvedacenter and a crafts shop. 2. Coconut Lagoon Lake Resort ( Kumarakom, Kottayam)Coconut Lagoon is a resort designed to resemble a feudal township of the yore and is reminiscent of the medieval Malabar Coast. Located in Kumarakom
on a lagoon in Vembanad Lake, this hotel is accessible only by boat. This is a CGH Earth Group enterprise and it brings the vanishing old-world architecture, way of life and culture to contemporary travelers. More than a mere backwater getaway, what Coconut Lagoon offers is an insight into the native lifestyle: its art, culture and history. The voyage to the hotel from mainland by itself is an unusual experience for most tourists . It gives a first hand experience of the greenery and water culture of the region. The resort is nestled in a coconut grove interspersed with a maze of canals. From carved woods of the ceiling to the intricate brass work , the interiors are the typical Kerala style, blending traditional and modern. The location of the resort facilitates village walks and canoeing and being close to the bird sanctuary makes your stay more eventful. The resort also has a private boat jetty to its credit. We especially recommend the sea-food restaurant and the pool side bar, both of which offer quality service. While you stay at the resort, make some time for an Ayurvedic massage which is quite popular. The restaurants here conduct classical art performances for the benefit of the guests. The hotel has a swimming pool, Ayurveda center, Yoga and meditation center and a Kalari training center. Its a novel way to experience the medieval culture and history of this timeless land. The resort takes special care to promote the message of eco-friendly tourism and undertakes numerous sustainable measures including recycling, composting, waste water treatment, sewage treatment, plastic disposal et cetera. 3. Kumarakom Lake Resort ( Kumarakom, Kottayam )Serene Backwaters, bird sanctuary, mangrove forests, paddy fields, coconut groves and a thriving fishing hub. Sounds familiar? Then we bet you have heard about Kumarakom before. Kumarakom is a hamlet on the banks of Vembanad Lake and Kumarakom Lake Resort is set here in 25 acres of foliage. We strongly recommend it for the balance it strikes between traditional, royalty and comfort. The resort is of superior quality and the fact that it has emerged winner of numerous accolades is a testimony of this.
We love the rustic Kerala teashop ‘Thattukada’, the authentic Kerala seafood bar on the banks of the backwaters and the Ayurveda Spa. The resort also offers contemporary multi-cuisine restaurant, swimming pool, health club and business center. The villas and suites at the resort are a blend of Kerala's traditional architectural charm and luxurious, modern amenities. Choose from Villas, Presidential Suites, Heritage Villas with Private Pool, Meandering Pool Duplex Villas and Heritage Lakeview Villas. Kumarakom Lake Resort is truly a perfect brew of traditional and modern, creating a vacation experience that is indulgent. 4. Lemon Tree Vembanad Lake Resort ( Muhamma, Alleppey )Holiday at the Lemon Tree Vembanad Lake Resort for a blend of comfort and Kerala panache. Located at Muhamma, Alappuzha town, the resort overlooks the expansive Vembanad Lake. Previously known as Grand Nirvana Lake Resort, Lemon Tree is thoughtfully designed merging the old-world elegance and modern day conveniences. All rooms at the resort offer good views of the backwaters. The resort has a heritage feel to it and thats what sets it apart from your regular hotel.
The main attraction at the resort is that it is opposite Pathiramanal, a tiny island which is an abode of migratory birds. It is a bird lover's delight. The specialty restaurant at the resort overlooks the lake and offers spicy Kerala delicacies with other cuisine genres. Other things that you can look out for are the Ayurveda center swimming pool and other contemporary amenities. There is a host of activities to be enjoyed: water sports – ride in a speed boat, water scooter or houseboat through the backwaters, floating deck for leisure activities and guided local sightseeing trips. For accommodation choose from Superior, Deluxe Pool Deck, Honeymoon Suite, Junior Suite or Superior Suite. The rooms are well appointed with a fine décor. Taste the goodness of past topped with modern conveniences at Lemon Tree. 5. Brunton Boatyard Hotel ( Fort Kochi, Ernakulam )For those who want a break from the formal and impersonal ambiance of the Five Star Hotels, yet do not want to compromise on the luxury factor, stay at the Brunton Boatyard Hotel. We would rate it as one of the best accommodation available in Fort Cochin. So if you are planning a stay somewhere in Fort Cochin, then this is a safe bet. What we like best is the heritage feel and the lake view it provides.
This is the kind of place that would interest the romantics and the history enthusiasts alike. Terracotta floors, spacious verandas and the slanted high tiled roofs brings the bygone colonial era alive. The open-plan lobby with huge arches, antique furniture and punkhas in the Indo-Portuguese style clearly gives it a heritage feel. We think you will enjoy gazing outside your window to catch views of the busy harbor dotted with the Chinese Fishing Nets. Though originally a Victorian ship-building yard, it was renovated by the CGH Earth Group. The role played by CGH is reflected in the superior facilities that are on offer. The rooms are furnished with traditional and reproduced antiques including the high four-poster beds with footstools that dominate the rooms. Brunton offers a versatile dining experience with cuisines hand-picked from the Syrian Christian, Malabar Moppila, Anglo-Indian fusion cuisines and traditional Kerala. 6. The Leela Kovalam ( Kovalam, Trivandrum )The Leela is a 5 star deluxe resort and so you can expect supreme quality in facilities and service. We recommend it as a great base for a quiet and relaxed vacation, especially because it specializes in traditional Ayurveda . We think the stunning view of the sea is the best thing here. The view from the pool and the restaurant by its side almost makes us feel like we are cruising on a ship. Take a look and let us know if you think so too.
Few things that we really appreciate are the private sun-deck of the beach view guest room and the club that is perched on a cliff overlooking the sea. The two exclusive beaches make Leela an ideal avenue for a beach holiday. But the fitness freaks need not take a break as there is a fitness center catering to your fitness needs. Make use of the snooker and water sports facilities and the jogging tracks if you are looking for a not-so-sedate holiday. The Leela may not be exactly a party lover's halt. But the pub, the dance floor and the lounge are good enough to cater to your party needs. 7. Spice Village Resort ( Thekkady, Idukki )Spice Village is the sort of accommodation that would befit a nature lover's description of an ideal holiday. Being set in Kumily, the cardamom hills of Kerala itself is a major attraction that drives tourists to Spice Village. Staying here is almost like living in a garden full of spices. Tourists prefer this place for the quiet ambience, abundant wild life and natural beauty. The resort is specially designed to recreate the mood of the tribal village.
One of the advantages of staying at Spice village is the easy accessibility to the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The tourists can explore it by boat and watch the animals drink water at the lakeside. The hotel can arrange two hour trips for the guests and the best chance of sighting animals is in the early morning or at dusk. Many animals come to the water's edge and it is one of the few places in the world where elephants can be observed at close quarters from the safety of a boat. Forest treks arranged by the hotel would be the kind of thing you would like to do if you are an adventure lover. The buffet restaurant serves a wide range of traditional Indian and international cooking. Keeping spirit of the resort alive, spices play an integral part in a menu which changes daily. Those keen on the Kerala recipes can attend the classes held by the Kerala chef. While you stay at the resort, combine adventure and rejuvenation and get an Ayurvedic massage at the Spice Village. 8. Koder House Heritage Boutique Hotel ( Fort Cochin, Ernakulam )A refreshing change from your everyday hotel, Koder House is a boutique hotel where the past meets present. One of the reasons why tourists prefer Koder House is that it is nestled at Fort Cochin, a major tourist attraction in itself. What sets it apart is its design, which has traces of Portuguese, Dutch , Kerala and even Chinese influences. Easy accessibility to the beach makes it a favorite for a beach holiday. But the icing on the cake is that it is exclusive with only 6 luxury suites. The hotel offers Junior suites and Deluxe suites, the latter being a notch higher in comfort and class.
The restaurant, at the hotel serves Indian, continental and sea food, making it an enjoyable experience for both local and international tourists. Overlooking the plunge pool, the restaurant offers a nice ambiance for relaxed lunches. The well-known spa organization 'Serena Spa' at Koder House give you a feeling of being in a spa resort. The tourists benefit from the spa treatments which help them soothe the hurting heels and stressed out nerves. The Serena Spa menu includes a wide array of new treatments massages, scrubs, wraps, facials, various baths and foot and hand care. 9 Wintermere Estate ( Munnar, Idukki )If you are hitting Munnar for a holiday, Wintermere estate is what we vouch for. We absolutely love the old world charm and the comfort the resort offers. Nature lovers will be pleased with the good view it offers. Those looking for a break away from the hustle-bustle of the city life, would find enough isolation here. The guests will be spared the formal ambience of a hotel, and the presence of the Planter's family is of much help for tourists. The resort offers cottage accommodation – the Farm House, Valley View and Planter's villa , providing different ranges of comfort and falling in varied price brackets.
You will be greeted by a flight of wooden stairs that takes you to the sitting room of the Farm House. There is a unique feel to everything at Windermere, thanks to the dominating wooden works. The dining experience at this vacation home is versatile - the exclusive, yet homely 'Pine Top', 'The Barn' with a fire place and wooden pillars, 'Boulder Garden' for barbecues and the native style 'Hut'. We particularly liked the 'Hut' which resembles a tribal home with its thached roof and wooden blocks. 10. Taj Green Cove Resort ( Kovalam, Trivandrum )If your travel needs include staying in a beach resort, then you will appreciate Taj Green Cove for its located in Kovalam, one of the most popular beaches. Add to it the backwaters , landscapes, coconut palms and Ayurveda– and you have a blissful holiday. Since the hotel comes under the umbrella of the Taj Hotel Group, it maintains high quality of service and standard.
The guests can choose from cottage, suites and presidential villas. Built with granite cottage and elephant grass thatched rooftops, private balconies and French windows, the cottages are designed to provide the guests a closer communion with nature. The suites and villas include all the faciities of the cottages, accompanied with private sitting room, and a pantry in the case of the villa. The dining experience at Taj is varied and has something to suit everyone's palette. from casual, all day eateries, to formal, fine dining. The 'Coffee Shop' at Taj Green Cove blends up-market all-day dining with rustic, local ambiance. It offers a wide variety of cuisines such as Italian, Asian, Mexican, and more. Those who want to sample some authentic Indian cuisines can dine at the 'Curries' restaurant. Taj Green Cove's bar 'Neera' is a nice and chic place to unwind with a glass of cocktail. The Jiva Spa at the hotel is preferred for its exclusive couple therapy . The music, light and ambiance at the hotel complement the signature treatments and Indian therapies. We would suggest a day at the spa to wrap up your stay at the Taj Green Cove. 11. Bangaram Island Resort ( Bangaram )Loved alike by the laid back travellers and adventure enthusiasts, Bangaram Island Resort is situated on Bangaram island, Lakshadeep. Lazing around at the beach will come naturally to you, because you will be surrounded by coral reefs, blue lagoons, beaches and coconut palms. This is an ideal venue to get a sun tan or just unwind. The resort also offers ample scope for some adrenalin rush. The resort offers many outdoorsy activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, deep sea fishing and kayaking.
What we like best is the unique environment the resort preserves. You find the comforts of a hotel here, but with out the formal ambiance. The accommodation at the tiled -roof beach huts with palm-thatched verandah is simple and cozy. Apart from the beach huts, the resort also has four bungalows which offer better privacy. 12. Elephant Court Resort ( Thekkady, Idukki )A lovely abode for pleasure seekers and business travellers, Elephant Court is a blend of traditional design and contemporary comforts. We think you would appreciate the use of teak that helps keep the interiors cool. The accommodation at the resort strictly adheres to a natural theme with subtle earthy tones. The furniture in cane, wood and jute aptly mirrors the mood of the resort. Situated at Thekkadi forests which is home to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is an advantage in itself.
The resort features patio rooms, executive enclaves, garden suites, pool studios, honeymoon suites and family enclaves. The roofed patio, chaarupadi (extended wooden bench) and privacy are some of the characteristics that make patio rooms special. Separate work and living ares in the Executive Enclaves, and the secluded garden with a fish pond of the Garden suites are are what make them exclusive. Pool studio's private pool, glass walled jacuzzi of the honeymoon suite, the kids area of the family enclave are the other things that caught our attention. The traditional Kerala cuisine available at the resort is, not surprisingly, flavoured with spices and coconut. The restaurant also offers cuisines from different parts of the country. 13. Tranquil Plantation Hideaway ( Kolagapara, Wayanad )Holidaying in the midst of a rain forest like Wayanad has its advantages. Peace and tranquility come to you at no extra cost! That is exactly the reason why our team at Karma kerala think highly of this place. This home stay nestled in private coffee and vanilla plantation offers ecological beauty and relaxation. So if eco-tourism is your kind of thing, Tranquil Plantation is the place to be. With just 8 rooms, this home stay offers utmost privacy.
One of the unique features of the home stay is the helipad. The sophisticated travelers can land right on to it! Something that we thoroughly enjoyed is the tree house. Living in a tree house is a remarkable experience. And we found the tree house to be spacious, well-maintained and cozy. The rooms at the home stay maintains a traditional ambience with its rosewood flooring and ethnic furniture,. Staying at Tranquil is like living in the midst of a rain forest. The friendly hosts make your stay very pleasant. You can make your vacation therapeutic by indulging in an Ayurvedic Massage. Take a tour around the 40-acre vanilla bean plantation. The guests can explore the 400-acre estate, which gives enough scope for treks and surroundings. You can also view the inner workings of the functional coffee estate, right from the planting and harvesting until the final drying of the cherries and also the cultivation and curing of the world famous vanilla bean. 14. Old Harbour Hotel ( Fort Kochi, Ernakulam)Fort Cochin is a favourite tourist spot and being situated in Fort Cochin is one of the biggest advantages of staying in old Harbour. Its a 300 year old heritage monument renovated as a boutique hotel. The history enthusiasts will love the Dutch and Portuguese influences. The hotel has kept the original facade and architectural elements intact. So the feeling is almost like reliving the past.
The interiors of the rooms are a mix of dated furniture and varied art. The rooms are spacious with high ceilings and look into either a courtyard with a fountain or over the ancient fishing net. We found the wooden flooring in the rooms upstairs and the terracotta flooring downstairs charming. The pool at the Old Harbour is nice and is by the garden side. You can have your breakfast in the garden. The exclusive garden cottages are the most sought after rooms at the Old Harbour. Evoking a Kerala feel, the cottages have an open-to-the-sky showers, verandah and a private pond. So if you want a room in the garden cottage, make sure to book them in advance. Don't tell us we didn't warn you! 15. Travancore Heritage ( Kovalam, Trivandrum )Travancore Heritage is where you go for a beach holiday. Located at Kovalam, one of the most famous beaches in Kerala, we can’t think of reasons why you wouldn’t enjoy your stay. Doesn’t really matter even if you are not much of a beach lover, because Travancore Heritage is frequented by holidayers who long for some time with nature as well. 16.Rainforest Resort ( Athirapally, Thrisur )How does it feel like living in some place that faces an 80ft waterfalls? If you think its something that you would like, then book a suite in Rainforest Resort. Every suite in Rainforest offers this view. A boutique resort located at the foot of the Athirapally waterfalls, Rainforest offers an ideal getaway. Perched on the Sholayar Range, Rain forest provides easy access to a large species of flora and fauna.
The accommodation at Rain forest comes in Luxury, Premium and Celestial rooms. The rooms at the resort are well furnished with king size bed and attached bath with hot and cold running water. All the rooms have been designed in such way as to give a great view of the waterfalls. Tourists who are out on a relaxed holiday tell us that they loved gazing out of the window to take a quiet break. You can have some authentic Kerala Cuisine in the resort's alfresco dining area called 'Foliage'. The dining area is open on all sides and offers a view of the waterfall. Late evenings can be spent at 'Charcoal', an outdoor grill with barbecue. You can catch the chefs prepare your grills under a jack fruit tree. Oh! So typical Kerala it is. The ambiance of the resort is perfect to indulge in some serious reading. So book enthusiasts can browse through the extensive selection of books in 'Pachyderm' – a spacious library and recreation room. While you are catching up on the books, pay a visit to the juice bar and order a beverage. 17. Kerala Palace Heritage Hotel ( Chempu, Kottayam )Kerala Palace is a heritage hotel that offers the tourists an authentic piece of Kerala. An exciting conglomerate of traditional mansions from across Kerala, the hotel presents to you a bit of architecture from every region in Kerala. These mansions have been carefully taken apart and put together without disturbing its original character. The most fascinating feature about Kerala Palace is that the tourists get to see and experience the heritage buildings that existed . Situated along the backwaters of Kerala, Kerala Palace takes you to the bygone era. A rendezvous with the royal past and aura of Kerala will be a pleasurable one for the tourists who are in touch with only the modern day conveniences. This reconstructed hotel gives you a splendid opportunity to experience Kerala in a nut shell. Based on the principles of Vaasthu Vidya, the hotel is a architectural marvel. It comprises of many parts including an Ayurveda Hospital, royal homes, and traditional homesteads. The homesteads feature all the characteristics that are typical of the Kerala homes. 18. Green Lagoon (Eramalloor, Aleppey)Do you have a backwater holiday in mind? Then book into Green Lagoon Resort which gives you a feel of living on an island. Luxury, serenity, hospitality - you get it all here. Located at Erumalloor, this resort is a great retreat for city dwellers. The pleasure of staying at Green Lagoon is that it takes you back in time to ancient Kerala. Those who have spend their formative years in Kerala or have visited Kerala years back will be gifted with many nostalgic moments. But if you are a first timer, this will be a grand introduction to the the culture, history and lifestyle of Kerala. 19. Tea Bungalow (Fort Cochin, Ernakulam)
Think about an abode in Fort Cochin, and you will visualize a large colonial building complete with a regal aura. Tea Bungalow doesn't dissappoint you in this regard. If you are looking for a relaxed vacation home in elegant setting, then this is an ideal place to stay. Accommodation in ten spacious suites, the advantage of being in Fort Cochin – a melting pot of cultures and living in a heritage building are some of the features you can look for. We love to have some quiet time in the open and think that a large garden is a prerequisite for a good holiday. And Tea Bungalow offers exactly that. 20. Malabar House (Fort Cochin, Ernakulam)A heritage hotel of excellence, Malabar House is one of the first boutique hotels in Fort Cochin. The battery of awards in its kitty is enough evidence of its superior class and popularity. Despite competition from a host of hotels, Malabar House still remains a favourite. Inventive and sophisticated, the hotel's origin can be traced back to the 18th century. We recommend this hotel to holiday makers who want a cozy feel. It is quite rare to find a world class hotel with a homely feel, but that is one of the trademarks of this hotel. There is no wonder that we rank it as one of our favourites. Another feature that strikes a chord with the tourists is the balance between the traditional and modern designs. Antiques are plenty, and that is one of the pleasures of staying at a Heritage hotel. You can stop to take a look at them and marvel. At Malabar House, what you get is not a mere holiday, but a slice of Kerala life. Art , music, ayurveda and a cultural interaction is sure to make your stay here a wonderful experience. The fusion of east and west is not just confined to the rooms, but extends to the restaurants and wine lounge as well. 21.The Old Lighthouse Bristow Hotel (Fort Cochin, Ernakulm)Old lighthouse Bristow hotel is located at the heritage zone of Fort Kochi, one of the best fifty places in the world to visit. Far from the hustle and bustle, yet so near to the city, this hotel serves as an ideal base to explore the culture and history of Kochi. The trump card of the Old lighthouse Bristow hotel is its perfect location right on the beach, which offers the panoramic views of the Arabian sea. 22.The Lalith Resort & Spa Bekal (Kasargode)In case you are looking for something high end and blissful , far from the regular and the mundane, we would suggest The LaLiT Resort & Spa Bekal,the latest hospitality venture of the well known Lalith Suri group of hotels. Cocooned in a pristine space of 26 acres surrounded by backwaters on all three sides, this is the first and the only hotel in Kerala to have a helipad and a helicopter service of its own!The LaLiT Resort & Spa Bekal is a five stars deluxe, boutique resort and spa, offering a high level of personal service and quality wellness. Located in Kasargode, the Northern most district of Kerala, this luxury resort redefines the benchmarks of luxury accommodations in its 37 luxuriously done up villas. In case you are looking for a lavish stay and a blissful milieu, the presidential suite would be the best choice. There is a well done up house boat also, which ensures a night out at the waters. Tags:resort- hotel- kerala- offers- heritage- rooms- beach- traditional- pool- holiday- stay- old- fort- experience- house- tourists- garden- restaurant- lake- feel
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