The placid waters of Vembanad Lake are a wonderful place to enjoy a couple of days during your time in Kerala. There are some delightful boutique offerings allowing guests to spend their nights on terra firma, and our pick of the 10 best hotels on Vembanad Lake provide the best in eco and boutique accommodation.
The state’s largest lake, it welcomes an impressive variety of birdlife from the fluorescent kingfisher to India’s third largest population of waterfowl. Head out on the lake’s waters aboard one of Kerala’s traditional kettuvallam boats for an authentic experience. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, located on the eastern waters of the lake is host to an incredible array of birdlife. Budding twitchers pack your binoculars; you are in for a treat.
Visit during the famous Onam festival when a spectacular water regatta - the snake boat races – takes place. Look on as heavily decorated boats, at least one hundred oarsmen to each, slice across the lake’s usually tranquil waters, propelled by their own strength and rhythmic songs.
Our pick of the 10 best hotels on Vembanad Lake all provide an authentically Keralan stay.
The 10 Best Hotels on Vembanad Lake
The Best Boutique Hotels on Vembanad Lake
A labour of love for its Italian owner, completed in 2003, Purity provides modern meets traditional accommodation. Muted tones juxtaposed with pop colours create a chic feel whilst the hotel’s spa, offering tailor made packages, makes it a truly indulgent stay.
The Best Lakeside Escapes on Vembanad Lake
Vismaya is a recently refurbished, intimate 400 year old villa, situated on a peninsula, hidden in a tropical coconut grove, with a spectacular three-sided views of the salty expansive Lake Vembanad. Recently renovated to a high standard, there are only two bedrooms with modern en suite outdoor bathrooms allowing guests to shower under a blue or starry sky. A small team of staff are on hand to look after a maximum of 4 people so it’s designed to be an extremely special, pampering experience.
Ameya is a newly-built, French-owned eco-retreat, with stunning uninterrupted 180 degree lake views. Accommodation is in 3 spacious deluxe cottages - two with their own private wooden cabanas, and there's a calm ambience and a feeling or barefoot luxury.
The Best Hotels for Families on Vembanad Lake
Philipkutty's Farm is a charming homestay on a farm-island on the eastern shores of the lake. Food is one of the main draws here, along with the warm welcome and charming accommodation - it's even been endorsed by Rick Stein.
Coconut Lagoon is a former coconut planation accessed by a small canal. Private cottages are scattered amongst its luscious grounds, making it ideal for both families and couples. Famed for its home-cooked Keralan cuisine guests can enjoy private cooking classes with the chef.
Or what about staying on a traditional Keralan 'kettuvallom' style boat? Board the Discovery, an electric powered house boat is making waves in the sustainable tourism sector. With one master bedroom and a sitting room that can be converted into twin beds it is ideally suited for a romantic getaway or holidaying families. Decor is simple yet chic with locally sourced materials and artwork. Similarly meals are a modern take on Southern Indian dining - delicious fish dishes, served on a banana leaf, can be enjoyed out on the sunny terrace whilst cruising along the backwaters at a leisurely pace.
The Best Spa Hotels on Vembanad Lake
Boasting one of the largest spas in South India, The Zuri Kumarakom is the perfect stay for those interested in a wellness retreat. Including traditional Ayurvedic, Chinese and Western treatments and private yoga classes it is the place to come to truly unwind.
The Best Resort Hotels on Venbanad Lake
The Kumarakom Lake Resort is a 50 room resort sitting in blissful peace beside Venbanad Lake, offering both rooms and traditionally inspired villas set beside the river and a river-style swimming pool. The decor features plenty of teak and a luxurious air. Some of the villas have outdoor bathrooms.
The Best Value Hotels on Vembanad Lake
With plenty of on site activities and ways to tire themselves out, the little ones will be well looked after at Vivanta by Taj Kumarakom. Add to this two bedroom villas with private pools and children's menu, plus fine dining and a spa for the grownups, there is something for all the family. And the 28 rooms start from around £85 per night.
On the lake's southern shore, the Punnamada Resort is a bastion of classical elegance, promising quality, understated luxury and discreet, professional service. Accommodation is in a collection of bunaglows surrounding the pool, with well designed jack fruit wood interiors with four-poster ultra comfortable beds (complete with draped mosquito net), attractive desks, trunk-style tables, intricate carved details and quality brass fittings.
Still not sure which of our recommendations for the 10 best hotels on Vembanad Lake is perfect for you?
The 10 Best Hotels on Vembanad Lake