Kumarakom Lake Resort

Explore Kerala's Backwaters on a cruise aboard a comfortably luxurious houseboat. The six air-conditioned vessels, each named after various spices can sleep between two and ten guests.

Sat on a beautiful farm island on land reclaimed from the backwaters of Lake Vambanad, is Philipkutty’s Farm. A family home where the emphasis is on welcoming people into the fold, a stay here is to experience Keralan hospitality at its finest.

Each of the six spacious villas are named after local plants, trees and birds and look out over the peaceful backwaters. Decor is simple but homely with tiled floors, wooden ceilings and antique furniture. Windows and doors flood the villas with natural light and a verandah is the perfect spot from which to sit back and watch life on the river.

A thatched pavilion on stilts overlooks the farm and is where communal meals are served. As a working farm, there is plenty of local produce and delicious meals are made using coconuts, vegetables, fruit and spices grown in the garden and freshly caught fish. Take a walk through the plantations, making friends with the hens, duck and geese that call the farm home.

The family residence is set apart from the villas to ensure total privacy, but they are always happy to chat to guests. The lush, green surroundings provide the perfect haven in which to simply relax and unwind but there are also cooking classes, sunset cruises and outdoor activities for those who wish to explore the beautiful Keralan backwaters.

Sat on a little peninsula on the western banks of Lake Vembanad, Vismaya is a historic timber house that dates back over three centuries.

Painstaking restored with contemporary luxuries subtly introduced, it is now an exclusive use villa with two bedrooms, a double and a twin, each air conditioned with en suite bathrooms.

The property is surrounded by typically lush Keralan gardens and features an expansive granite swimming pool and peaceful coconut grove with hammocks to soak up serene views across the lake.

Meals – with freshly caught fish bought straight from local fishermen – can be served wherever takes your fancy, be it out on the veranda, in the lounge, poolside or in the gazebo.

From the villa’s private jetty embark on meandering boat tours of the backwaters, or borrow bicycles to explore the surrounding countryside. Village walks can also be arranged as can visits to nearby temples, churches and Alleppey town.

Located on the western shores of Lake Vembanad, Purity is a beautiful boutique hotel with sublime views and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere.

All rooms and suites come with a terrace or balcony that looks out over the water where boats glide up and down and palm trees sway in the breeze. Whitewashed walls keep rooms bright and cool, perfectly complimented by colourful textiles, antiques and intricate wooden carving.

Sculptures and paintings by local artists are displayed throughout the hotel adding to its homely feel. Dinner is enjoyed at at peaceful spot overlooking the lake and there is a courtyard for when you want to relax with a book and a cup of chai. There is also an outdoor pool, a spa offering a range of Ayurvedic treatments and yoga classes every morning.