A lazy morning in a houseboat afloat amidst the lush greenery of the awe-inspiring Kerala backwaters is exactly what you need if you have been out too long and working too hard. A perfect destination to experience that ‘winding down’ feeling is Kumarakom in the Vembanad backwaters.
Kumarakom is situated near the stunning Kottayam District in Kerala. This village is a cluster of small islands that cater to tourists in need of relaxation and calm.
Also, famous for the highly frequented Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, this place features a wide variety of plants and animals and boasts the presence of rarely seen birds. The Siberian crane migration to Kumarakom attracts a large number of bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts.
This village lies on man-made land reclaimed from the Vembanad Lake to be converted into farmland in the nineteenth century. The English farmer who owned this land stayed on the island in a house that was later bought by the Taj Group and transformed into a luxury hotel. This was the beginning of Kumarakom’s tourism industry that has now spread out to alter the village into a tourist spot. A large number of resorts have cropped up in Kumarakom now and this variety of options makes it difficult for travellers to choose what is best for them. Here we present to you the list of top ten resorts you should stay at in this beautiful village:
1. The Zuri Kumarakom
On the shores of the Vembanad Lake, the Zuri Kumarakom stands proudly boasting its presence on eighteen acres of land. This resort is quite picturesque in itself with its Indian style architecture reminding visitors of the exoticism of God’s own country. This five-star resort offers visitors with spa retreats where they are given complete relaxation by masseuses proficient in the art of Ayurvedic massages and eastern and western therapy. You can choose to sit in one of the balconies facing the lake and sip your favourite cocktail in this beautiful resort for a cherished experience.
2. Kumarakom Lake Resort
Kumarakom Lake Resort has been built using materials from old traditional houses across Kerala by buying these properties, dismantling them carefully, transporting them to Kumarakom and rearranging them with precision and care to restore their glory in this resort. The resort features accommodations for both personal and professional purposes, from Ayurvedic spas and restaurants to conference rooms and business centres, it offers something for everyone.
3. Vivanta By Taj
Set in the century old bungalow of Henry Baker, the English farmer who settled first in Kumarakom, Vivanta is now a culmination of this rustic heritage bungalow and several other newly built luxury cottages. The delicious traditional Kerala food, nature walks, and the spa at this resort are worth considering. Vivanta offers you a dip into opulence in the middle of paradise.
4. Aveda Kumarakom
Aveda has a number of Lake Front and lake view villas offering extravagant accommodations on the shore of the Vembanad Lake. This resort has a number of facilities that provide all due comfort to tourists. The infinity swimming pool, café, curio shop, gym, salon, spa, specialty restaurants and others are present on the premises which makes the stay here much easier.
5. Backwater Ripples
A luxurious lake view resort, Backwater Ripples will take you to times bygone as you step into its aesthetically designed traditional cottages and villas. The spices and handicraft shop inside the resort is a great place to shop for some souvenirs on your trip. This resort also has a beautiful eco-friendly houseboat which provides an untarnished exotic experience.
6. Coconut Lagoon
With rice being cultivated on more than eight acres of land in this thirty-acre resort, Coconut Lagoon has lush paddy fields that make visitors feel closer to the village life of Kerala. This resort provides wellness and long stay packages for travelers who take winding down seriously. The weekend stay option is also available here.
7. Whispering Palms
Bask in the serenity and indulgence at Whispering Palms in Kumarakom. This resort has the lake view, garden view and bamboo villas and suites to cater to visitors with a variety of tastes. The place also offers activities like fishing, backwater cruise, Alleppey sight-seeing tours, and sunset cruises that attract visitors from all over the world.
8. Paradise Resort
With its scenic trails, houseboats, and fine dining experience overlooking the Vembanad Lake, Paradise resort is a recurring favourite among tourists. The resort provides excursions and trails to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Alappuzha beach, Bay Island Driftwood Museum, and the beautiful Illickal Hill Station. The houseboat at the resort has spacious rooms with authentic Kerala style of architecture and design that will make your experience indelibly stunning.
9. Lakesong Resort
Built in the traditional Malabar style of architecture, Lakesong villas are eco-friendly and made of interlocking bricks. With more than 40 suites and 20 villas, this resort features one of the most picturesque views of the lake. The Lakesong Ayurkshetra is an Ayurvedic retreat for your senses. You can also indulge in Indian, Chinese, or continental delicacies here at the restaurant, or choose to buy a traditional artefact from the heavily and tastefully stocked Curio Shop at the resort.
10. Cocobay Resort
Situated on an island, Cocobay resort exudes charm as it is surrounded by the Vembanad Lake on all sides. This resort can only be reached by boat, which magnifies the exotic experience. The dining experience in front of the lake under the palm trees is extraordinary. This place is perfect for a romantic candle-lit dinner with your partner in the lap of nature.
Kumarakom is one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Kerala. Here the senses and the soul can find peace as well as opulence. So pack your bags and make your next getaway a memorable one by breathing in the fresh air of the Kumarakom backwaters in one of these resorts. Which of these resorts are you planning on visiting on your trip to Kumarakom? Did we leave out your favourite place to stay? Let us know in the comments section below!
