Vismaya

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.

Surrounded by paddy fields and mangroves and nestled on the banks of Lake Vembanad, Kumarakom Lake Resort is a collection of villas that seamlessly blend traditional charm with modern luxury.

Each of the villas have been reconstructed the traditional homesteads of Keralan villages, many of them lovingly reassembled from the original
materials. High ceilings, tiled floors and huge windows keep the villas cool and flood them with natural light while open-air bathrooms . Some come with private plunge pools and Jacuzzis while others sit along a meandering 250m pool that weaves its way through the resort.

The eight-sided Ettukettu restaurant was originally commissioned by King Marthanda Varma as a gift to his favourite martial arts tutor, and has been dismantled and restored piece by piece in its new location at the hotel. Being in the heart of Kerala’s backwaters means fresh fish is in abundance at the seafood bar, which is one of the best places to watch the sunset. There is also a traditional tea shop set among the verdant gardens.

An infinity pool looks out over the shimmering lake and there is an Ayurvedic spa for when you want to relax and unwind. For those who want to explore, there are guided walks and bikes to hire as well as boat cruises and fishing trips.

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.