Heritage Hotels in Kumarakom

Kumarakom does not have much real heritage hotels. Most of the so called heritage hotels in Kumarakom are the resort complexes with relocated traditional houses. Coconut Lagoon is the best example.

You can also find few heritage homestays like Philipkutty's farm in Kumarakom and nearby localities. The following properties can be considered in the list of heritage hotels in Kumarakom.

Vivant by Taj Kumarakom

Kumarakom
Tel: 0481 2524377

The Baker family's Edwardian mansion-the "History House" of Arundhathi Roy's The God of Small Things- is the nucleus of this five-star resort. Its old wooden floors, high ceilings and verandas have been extensively refurbished but retain much periodic character, though the plush a/c villas and cottages dotted around the grounds, with their pool and private lagoon, posses much less charm.

Coconut Lagoon

Kumarakom
Tel: 0481 2524491

The original and still the most stylish of the grand-scale luxury resorts in this area, reached by boat from Kavaratikara. The launch glides right into the heart of the complex: a miniature village of red-tiled "heritage bungalows' groups around a transplanted 1860s mansion on the lakeshore.

Although fitted with mod cons, the rooms have a traditional feel, with old wood, open-roofed bathrooms and some antique fixtures. A beautiful ayurveda centre, Kalari pit and butterfly garden complex complete the picture.

Kumarkom Lake Resort

Kumarakom
Tel: 0481 2524900

One of India's top spa resorts, built on a similarly opulent scale to Coconut Lagoon, with relocated "heritage villas" ranged around a huge pool and network of canals, right on the lakeside-though it feels very artificial.

Lakesong Kumarakom

Ammankari Road
Kumarakom
Tel: 0481 2526300

It is a peaceful retreat which takes you to the world of tranquility. Spread across a vast landscaped leisure land with many water bodies, it offers you many reasons to soak in the myriad hues of nature.

Lakesong is an architectural marvel, which is based on the traditional Kerala style. The cottages are gabbled and have tile roofs. The exteriors are un-plastered which is a style redolent of the traditional houses of this region.

Tharavadu Heritage Home

Govt. Boat Jetty
Kumarakom
Tel: 0481 2525230

Tharavadu means 'large family house', an apt description. Rooms are either in the superbly restored 1870s teak family mansion or in equally comfortable individual creekside cottages. All abodes are excellently crafted and come with arty touches - some have glistening teak beams while others have big bay windows and relaxing patios. It is 4km before the bird sanctuary.

Philipkutty's Farm

Pallivathukal
Near Ambika Market
Vechoor
20km north west of Kottayam
Tel: 04829 276529

Luxury homestay on a working island farm, 40min drive from Kottayam in the remote backwaters of Vembanad Lake. Five beautifully furnished villas, built in traditional style with whitewashed walls, tiled roofs, antique doors and open-plan interiors, offer private hideaways set back from the main farmhouse looking across the backwater.

Owner Anu, mother-in-law Aniamma and children create a welcoming family atmosphere, leading cookery classes and walking tours of the 50-acre plot where nutmeg, bananas, cocoa and pepper are grown organically.

Kodianthara Resorts

Kumarakom
Tel: 9495333849, 9497663128

Despite being over 150 years old, Kodianthara house is still in impeccable condition, retaining its ancient glory.

Built in the traditional Kerala style with a lot of carved woodwork, beams and stone, the house is set in a sprawling two acres of lush greenery with fish ponds, narrow meandering canals, ayurvedic and vegetable gardens, rubber plantations and coconut groves.

The abode is reminiscent of a typical Kerala home with all its traditional trappings. A calm and serene environment prevails with little disturbance from the outside world. A pleasant walk under the deep shading rubber trees and the gentle swaying coconut trees is a refreshing experience for both body and soul.

Kodianthara offers the ultimate in homestay experience. So if you are looking for a quiet, homely retreat far from the madding crowd, Kodianthara is the place you should be headed for.