The 10 Best Hotels on Vembanad Lake
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?
- You could browse through our list of all the best places to stay around Vembanad Lake to start to plan your trip?
- Or expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Kerala?
- Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.
The 10 Best Hotels on Vembanad Lake
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Coconut Lagoon Kottayam (Kerala) 52 rooms from £219
Cooking classes - Coconut Lagoon is famed for its cuisine - learn their secrets with a private lesson from the chef.Kayaking - Right on the edge of the Vembanad Lake you can hop straight into a kayak and hit the water.Fishing - Head out on the hotel boat and catch a fish supper.Sights nearby - Cochin is a 45km drive but well worth a visit.
Check AvailabilityAccessible via a small canal this property is located right on the water. Cottages are scattered around the grounds of this former coconut plantation, each with private terraces, sitting rooms whilst the bungalows and villas have their own pools. There is an indulgent pool and Ayurvedic spa for all. See More
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Purity Muhamma, Kerala 10 rooms from £170
Birdwatching - The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary has a variety of local and migratory birds.Cooking classes - Pop in to the kitchen and get a lesson on Indian spices from the chef.Restaurant - Lunch and dinner available on request.Lakeside - Overlooking Lake Vembanad.
Recommended by - I EscapeCheck AvailabilityBuilt in 2003 by Florentine architect Maria Fernhof this is a modern boutique hotel yet filled with antiques. Modern art covers the walls and relaxing verandahs benefit from garden and lake views. Fresh Keralan dishes are served al-fresco, weather permitting. There is a pleasant pool and spa. See More
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Philipkutty's Farm Vechoor, Kottayam Dist. 6 rooms from £147
Restaurant - All meals included. Scrumptious to all including Rick Stein.Cooking classes - Cookery demonstrations teaching local cuisine secretsBirdwatching - Egrets, Cormorants, snake birds and moreBack to Nature - Best time to visit. October to March.Recommended by - I EscapeCheck AvailabilityAn idyllic homestay on a farm-island in the backwaters of Lake Vembanad. A truly authentic Keralan experience in a magical setting See More
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Vismaya Cherthala, Kerala 2 rooms from £106
Great walks - Beautiful walking along the side of Lake Vembanad.Local markets - Explore the local market at Varanad.Sights nearby - Visit the nearby Devi Temple.Romantic - Good for couples.
Check AvailabilityLakeside retreat in a beautiful old building recently renovated with stunning views, discreet personal service catering for sublime relaxation. For couples and families with older children. See More
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Ameya Cherthala, Kerala from £140
Birdwatching - The surrounding area is great for birdwatching.Sights nearby - Visit nearby Hindu Temples.Views - Great views from hotelSecluded setting - For escaping.
Check AvailabilityLakeside luxury can be found at this newly opened French owned retreat where space, privacy and first class service are to be found. Best for couples. See More
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Discovery, The Backwaters Vembanad Lake, Kerala 2 rooms from £205
Sights nearby - Visit the Vishnu temples where you can witness impressive martial dance displays.Back to Nature - Cruising along the tranquil Keralan backwaters you are at one with nature.Swimming Pool - Guests can use the pool at sister hotel 'Privacy' whilst moored there.Birdwatching - The Keralan backwaters are a haven for local and migratory birdlife.Recommended by - I EscapeCheck AvailabilityYour own private Keralan 'kettuvallom' style boat for exploring the verdant backwaters. With chic, pop colour interiors and an electric motor making for a quieter, more eco friendly stay. There is a large terrace for sunning, reading a good book and where meals are served. Tradition with a twist. See More
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Kumarakom Lake Resort Kottayam 50 rooms from £206
Hideaway - A tranquil retreat set alongside a picturesque lake in sleepy Kerala.Cooking classes - Learn how to make traditional dishes with the hotel chef.Sailing - Cruise along the backwaters on a traditional rice boat.Swimming Pool - Outdoor poolRecommended by - I Escape, TabletCheck AvailabilityA blissful Keralan resort sitting by a serene lake. Traditionally inspired villas are set beside a river-style swimming pool with doors opening directly onto the water. Teak wooden floors, beamed ceilings and local furniture gives a luxurious air, as do the outdoor bathrooms. A fabulous stay. See More
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Vivanta by Taj Kumarakom Kottayam (Kerala) 28 rooms from £84
Families - With plenty of on site activities, kids club, plus family villas this is a great place to take the little ones.Romantic Break - Secluded villas, some with private pools, make this a great stay for couples.Birdwatching - The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is located just next door to the property.Lakeside - Overlooking Vembanad Lake.
Check AvailabilityOverlooking the picturesque Vembanad Lake this property enjoys an enviable position. Eighteen verdant acres are connected by shady walkways, gullies and streams whilst colourful cottages are decorated in a Portuguese style. Plus there's the JIVA spa, and Regional and International cuisine. See More
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The Zuri Kumarakom Kerala Resorts & Spa Kottayam (Athikkalam, Kottayam, Kerala) 72 rooms from £101
Spa breaks - The Maya spa is one of the largest in South India and includes Ayurvedic, Chinese and Western treatments.Romantic Break - Couples treatment room, pool villas and romantic private boat trips. Ideal for just the two of you.Fishing - Catch yourself a fish (lobster, shrimp or mussel) supper.Birdwatching - The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is just a short drive away.
Check AvailabilityThe Zuri is all about pampering yourself at the Maya spa. With an extensive wellness menu, fitness centre and detox packages - leave feeling completely rejuvenated. Surrounding a peaceful lagoon there are international dining options and on site activities. Modern rooms enjoy Vembanad Lake views. See More
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Punnamada Resort Alappuzha (Kottankulangara) 36 rooms from £99
Sights nearby - Visit the nearby Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple.Fishing - Fishing trips can be organised on Vembanad Lake.Local markets - Explore the bustling local market in Alleppey.Birdwatching - Nine miles from the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.
Check AvailabilityThe classic, timeless style will appeal to those who like quality, understated luxury and discreet, professional service. Beautiful location and caters well for all activities. Just as well suited to families as it is for couples and solo travellers. See More
Written by Megan Lambert
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