Historically known as Keralam, Kerala is a state in South India. It is situated on the Malabar Coast. With the Arabian Sea in the West, the Western Ghats towering 500 - 2,700 metres (1,640 - 8,858 feet) in the east and surrounded by 44 rivers, Kerala is one of the few states in the world that has such unique geographical features. These features bring about its fame as a top tourist destination in Asia.
With lush rolling hills and exotic wildlife, sprawling plantations and paddy fields plus traditional Ayurvedic health massages, it is no wonder that Kerala is popular amongst both Indian nationals and tourists as a holiday destination. Don’t forget to take a look at the top 15 things to do in Kerala that would make your experience even more magical!
If you visit this wonderland, you’re going to need a place to stay. A place in Kerala that feels like home away from home. Check out the top 10 places to stay in Kerala that would give you the local experience!
1. Trident Cochin (from USD 33)
Take a dip in the pool, or enjoy the in-house Ayurvedic massage, a local tradition in Kerala.
Trident Cochin offers Ayurvedic spa treatments, outdoor pools, and a fitness centre for guests to enjoy and take in the relaxing surroundings of the hotel. Definitely one of the poshest hotels around Cochin, the air-conditioned guest rooms and suites enjoy a garden or pool view.
Suites include a separate living room, fitting of the 5-star property. The Trident Cochin is a 20-minute drive from Cochin’s business district and the railway station.
If required, day trips and car rentals can be arranged at the tour desk.
Trident Cochin
Address: Bristow Road, Willingdon Island
2. Ramada Cochin Resort (from USD 46)
Just a 5-minute walk from Kumbalam Lake, Ramada Resort boasts beautiful rooms that come with stunning views of Kerala’s countryside, Kumbalam Lake, and lush tropical gardens.
The rooms are spacious with high ceilings, fine bedding, and quality furnishing. Other than admiring the view, guests can also spend some time pampering themselves with the massage and beauty treatments offered by the in-house spa.
A 1-hour drive from Cochin International Airport, it is near tourist attractions like Santa Cruz Cathedral, the Jain Temple, and Mattancherry Palace.
Ramada Resort by Wyndham Kochi
Address: P V Sreedharan Road, Kumbalam South, Kumbalam, Kochi
3. The Panoramic Getaway
With a rooftop outdoor swimming pool with panoramic views of the rolling hills and mountains, The Panoramic Getaway is located in the scenic hills of Munnar.
Free high-speed Wi-Fi is offered in public areas of the property and each room is equipped with cable TV and a balcony for guests to enjoy the views from the room.
With a 24-hour front desk service, free parking, and tour desks at the reception area, what is there not to like about Panoramic Getaway? It’s a real view-worthy getaway.
The Panoramic Getaway
Address: Chithirapuram,Munnar,Idukki District Kerala,Pin 685565
4. Old Lighthouse Bristow (from USD 113)
Old Lighthouse Bristow is a historic property surrounded with lush greenery and the vast Arabian Sea. With direct access to Fort Cochin Beach, you can tick that attraction off your list every day with pristine beaches just a stone’s throw away. The panoramic views are also stunning.
The rooms are decorated in different colour themes, with each room equipped with a private bathroom and shower facilities.
Guests are welcome to relax in the pool’s hot tub, or take a trip to massage heaven with an Ayurvedic massage. Additionally, the Lighthouse Lounge serves up snacks and drinks by the pool, fitting for a relaxing day watching the waves go by.
Old Light House Bristow
Address: Old Lighthouse Bristow Hotel, Beach Road, Next to INS Dronacharya, Fort Kochi
5. Vivanta by Taj Malabar (from USD 71)
Imagine staying on a houseboat, a blended fruit juice in hand and the waves rushing by … you can experience that at Vivanta by Taj Malabar.
Combining colonial-style Victorian charm and chic modern designs, this 5-star luxury hotel presents guests with a luxury spa, a landscaped pool, and a 24-hour fitness centre. Overlooking Cochin Harbour, it is not difficult to see why this is one of those hotels you wouldn’t mind splurging on.
Featuring classic interiors, well-furnished rooms with wood-beamed ceilings and fine wood fittings, the Vivanta by Taj Malabar is one of the most classic yet modern hotels around.
Located 1 kilometre (0.6 miles) from the city centre and 15 kilometres (9 miles) from Cochin’s main shopping drag, the hotel provides complimentary parking so guests have no problem finding their car a place in the hotel as well.
Pamper yourself with the relaxing body scrubs, Indian massages, and in-house beauty salon, because, you are worth it!
Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Cochin.
Address: Willingdon Island, Cochin
6. Crowne Plaza Kochi (from USD 49)
The luxurious Crowne Plaza in Kochi, a well-established hotel chain, offers elegant and modern rooms with views of the backwaters and the vibrant city.
All rooms are equipped with an ergonomic work area, flat screen satellite TV, and minibar for absolute comfort whether you’re here for work or play. Private bathrooms include a bathtub, shower, and bathrobes. Recreation facilities at the hotel include a decorated outdoor pool and extensive spa treatments for guests.
The 24-hour accessible gym facilities and reception allow guests to choose their own workout timings and seek help if needed at any time of the day.
The in-house restaurant, Mosaic Restaurant, features a breakfast buffet and traditional Kerala food.
Crowne Plaza Kochi
Address: XI/641 A Kundanoor Junction, NH - 47 Bypass, Maradu
7. The Malabar House
Tastefully furnished rooms in the historic heart of Cochin, the outdoor pool overlooking tropical views is only one of the beauties of this place.
Just 3 kilometres (1.9 miles) from the antique market at Jew Town, Malabar House sits opposite India’s oldest church, the stunning St. Francis Church.
Located 45 kilometres (28 miles) from Cochin Airport and an hour’s drive from Vembanad Lake, it is the perfect place to experience central Cochin.
The individually-designed rooms showcase Indian craftworks and pleasant pastels. Each room has an attached private balcony where you can lounge and spend the evening looking at the stars. Additionally, traditional Ayurvedic massage is offered here at the salon and in-house spa.
If guests require, the staff at Malabar House are always willing to provide assistance regarding travel destinations, bike rental, or even laundry services, helping guests to have a comfortable stay.
Malabar House
Address: 1/268 Parade Road, Fort Cochin
8. Purity at Lake Vembanad (from USD 198)
Situated on the shores of Lake Vembanad, Purity Hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, a wellness centre, and a massage parlour for guests to relax and pamper themselves.
Located 10 kilometres (6 miles) from Kurarakom Bird Sanctuary and the stunning Marari Beach, guests will have no problem finding attractions around the hotel to visit.
Services such as laundry and dry cleaning are provided.
Purity at Lake Vembanad
Address: East of Muhamma Police Station, Muhamma P.O, Alleppey
9. Hycinth by Sparsa (from USD 51)
Chic, modern and simple, Hycinth By Sparsa is located in bustling Trivandrum. With an outdoor swimming pool and attractions as close as 300 metres (984 feet) away, what’s not to love about this hotel?
Rooms at Hycinth are equipped with a flat-screen TV, air-conditioning, and a minibar. The artistic touches are an interesting component of the hotel’s personality. By combining soft shades and loud colours, guests are brought into the playful environment that aims to excite and engage.
As a premium boutique hotel, it aims to revolutionise the way people see hotels and work towards innovative designs that cater to the needs of the guests, with practicality over-fancy and outlandish designs.
Hycinth By Sparsa is one of the cheaper alternatives on this list for accommodation in Kerala, but it definitely does not scrimp on luxury. If you’re on a budget or just want something simple, try out Hycinth and you will not be disappointed.
Hycinth offers an experience that truly stays with you throughout your holiday.
HYCINTH Hotels
Address: Manorama Road,Thampanoor, Trivandrum
10. Manaltheeram Ayurveda Beach Village (from USD 62)
You may feel like you are on a Hobbit filming site at this beach village that looks like it popped out of a fairytale.
Manaltheeram Ayurveda Beach Village enjoys one of the best natural settings in South India’s Kerala. Nestled on a hillside facing the famous Kovalam Beach, it prides itself on its Ayurvedic spa and outdoor pool facilities.
Housed in circular cottages, rooms are fully ventilated with the fresh seaside air and come with a fan for the warmer summer days. Attached bathrooms come with shower facilities for guests’ convenience.
The key to this quaint village lies in the signature Ayurvedic spa that features private treatment rooms with 5 professional Ayurvedic doctors and over 50 therapists. Self-contained cottages and rooms provide relaxing therapies, oil treatments, and beauty services.
Definitely a must-try for its famous Ayurvedic massage, guests can also partake in yoga lessons or arrange day trips at the tour desk. If massage and panoramic views are your thing, Manaltheeram is the place for you!
Soma Manaltheeram Ayurveda BeachVillage
Address: Chowara P.O. South of Kovalam,
Cosy, modern or grand? You choose!
From modern, chic hotels to villas specialised in Ayurvedic massage, Kerala has many different accommodations to offer. Enjoy this scenic place with a comfortable hotel to call home.
Need an idea on what to do in Kerala? Check out 15 things to do in Kerala for a great holiday!
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