Known for its enthralling backwaters and lush greenery, Kerala is a South Indian state that’s great for both mountain and beach lovers thanks to the Western Ghats and palm-lined beaches. Its beauty has also led to it being called “God’s Own Country.” Tourists can try swimming at Cherai Beach, go wildlife spotting or trekking at Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, or watch for their favorite bird species at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. There are also museums we recommend visiting, such as Arakkal Kettu Museum, the former residence of the only Muslim Royal Family in Kerala, and monuments such as Vizhinjam Rock-Cut Cave.
You’ll also find unique accommodations that will help you to reconnect with nature, whether you prefer cottages or homes with private pools. To know more, keep reading to learn about the most unique places to stay in Kerala, India.
Unique attractions in Kerala:
- Located in Thrissur, Kuthampully Handloom Village is inhabited by around 600 families who do traditional kasavu handloom weaving to create gorgeous white-and-gold sarees. Visitors can talk to the locals and maybe even purchase sarees, dhotis, set mundus, and veshtis for themselves.
- The first of its kind in India, Kumbalangi Tourism Village has beautiful mangroves, fishing opportunities, and handicrafts, and showcases a simple lifestyle.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 30, 2025.
Your options at a glance
| Property | Unique Feature | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Cob 1 by The Mudhouse Marayoo | Traditional mud house made with sustainable materials | from USD 167 |
| Mountain Villa - Stone Cottage | Villa is completely off-grid | from USD 95 |
| Vythiri Tea Valley | Custom glamping domes | from USD 88 |
| Stone House, Silver Oaks Nature Retreat | Sustainable property suitable for events | from USD 62 |
| Dome Stay at Kanthalloor | Glamping dome hidden in the mountains | from USD 111 |
| Vini's Farm | Private island experience | from USD 399 |
| Earthy home with private pool | Colorful mud house | from USD 84 |
| Writer's Inn: Creative Space | Cozy cottage with scenic views | from USD 48 |
Why should you stay in a unique accommodation?
Cultural immersion: Some accommodations are designed to provide a deep dive into local culture, offering authentic experiences like traditional meals, cultural performances, and local tours.
Connection to nature: Many unique accommodations provide a more secluded and peaceful environment than large hotels, perfect for relaxation. Options such as treehouses, cabins, and glamping sites bring you closer to nature, letting you fully appreciate the beauty of the outdoors.
Thematic experiences: From pirate-themed ships to medieval castles, unique accommodations can transport you to a different time or place, providing a fun and memorable experience.
Instagram-worthy moments: Many unique accommodations offer picturesque backdrops, perfect for capturing unforgettable photos.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a unique cultural experience, staying somewhere distinctive enhances your travel story and makes your trip stand out.
How we choose the best unique accommodations
When selecting the best unique accommodations, we consider various factors to ensure that each recommendation aligns with the preferences and expectations of discerning travelers. Our criteria include:
Regional uniqueness: We prioritize accommodations that are rare or uncommon, offering something distinct that sets them apart from the typical hotel experience.
Architecture and design: We look for properties with unique structures, themed rooms, custom-made decor, artistic elements, or integration of local cultural influences that differentiate the property from typical buildings in the region.
Special experiences: We evaluate the unique experiences offered by the property, including bespoke services, exclusive dining options, as well as extraordinary amenities like underwater spas or private art galleries.
Exclusive location: We seek accommodations situated in unusual or extraordinary settings, such as remote, scenic, or culturally significant areas, providing guests with immersive cultural experiences and extraordinary views.
Overall value: We also evaluate each property’s accessibility, guest experiences, service quality, comfort, and overall quality relative to its price.
By considering these factors, we aim to recommend accommodations that offer an unforgettable stay.
1. Cob 1 by The Mudhouse Marayoo (from USD 159)
What makes it unique?
- Sustainable mud cottage: Traditional mud house constructed with mud, coconut leaves, and other sustainable materials
- Amazing location: Cottage is located on a hilltop and has its own garden with views of the mountains and valleys in Marayoor
- Dining experience: Property offers several dining experiences, such as picnics by the viewpoint or river, candlelight dinners under bamboo trees, traditional banana leaf feasts, and more
Potential trade-offs
- Property lacks modern features such as air conditioning, televisions, and washing machines
- Located 30 km (18.64 mi) from Munnar, which may present challenges for travelers seeking quick access to urban conveniences
Insta-worthy corners
- Capture stunning vistas of the Western Ghats mountains and the surrounding valley from the cottages
- The earthy tones and natural materials of the cottages provide beautiful backdrops for serene nature shots
Munnar, Kerala, IndiaSuperhost
Accommodates: 3
Top guest reviews
Host:
friendly staff and peaceful getawaythe staff was very sweet and accommodatingstaff were friendly caring and pleasant starting from the receptionstaff is great and very welcominghosts & staff were really helpful in planning our visits & treksLocation:
an unique stay in a beautiful locationit was really a great break from the busy city life and wonderful place to unwindthe river walk near is superb a rare opportunity to see such views nearbythe mudhouse is an amazing place to stay if you’re looking for an escapelive in a calm place where you can hear only various birds sounds (photographers note the point)Cleanliness:
great ambiance clean place and very close to naturelocation and property was very good and we'll maintained and cleanRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
every detail is lovely — the flowers the cozy nooks to enjoy a tea the sunrise view pointstaking a shower under the sky is an heavenly experiencerooms are really tastefully decorated with comfortable beds and all the required amenitiesthe views were spectacular the room cosy and clean and the food was excellent
2. Mountain Villa - Stone Cottage (from USD 135)
What makes it unique?
- Eco-sustainability focus: The villa is fully off-grid and utilizes solar and wind energy, organic farming, and responsible waste management to minimize its environmental impact
- Restored cottages: Property features restored cottages that preserve their original rustic charm while offering essential comforts in a remote setting
- Organic farm-to-table dining: Fresh meals are made from organic produce grown on the property
- Immersive natural experience: Property offers activities such as nature walks, bird watching, and forest exploration which we highly recommend trying out
Potential trade-offs
- No TV and minimal mobile network
- Final stretch to the property requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle, but a complimentary one-time jeep pickup is provided
Insta-worthy corners
- The charming rustic cottages nestled in nature provide unique and peaceful backdrops for photography
- Take shots of the stunning panoramas of the pristine forest and mountains from various outdoor seating areas
Vagamon, Kerala, IndiaAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Host:
care taker was polite and helpfulall the staff were like family and took care of us very wellthe hosts are warm welcoming and communicativesuper impressed helpful staff - thanks to joshi and abelvinod the manager is a wonderfully warm and hospitable host and left us wanting for nothingLocation:
an amazing place close to naturethe location and settings are much better than what they seem in the picturesgreat place to stay value for moneyCleanliness:
it was clean and freshloved the way you have maintained the cleanliness of the place it is spic and spanRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
must visit to enjoy nature barbecue lovely hikes and small cozy corners at the property
3. Vythiri Tea Valley (from USD 91)
What makes it unique?
- Glamping Domes: Stay in custom-built glamping domes with hammocks
- Outdoor experiences: Guests can enjoy activities such as treks and safaris through scenic landscapes
- Honeymoon packages: Farm stay's tailored packages provide an intimate and romantic experience for couples in lush tea plantations
Potential trade-offs
- Guests who prefer privacy may not like the transparent domes
- High-end amenities such as pools not available
Insta-worthy corners
- The unique custom domes are great for stylistic photo shoots
- Take plenty of photos of the lush tea plantation to add greenery to your feed
Pozhuthana, Kerala, IndiaAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Host:
awesome service from staff as wellloved how friendly the staff washost is very helpful right from checkin to checkoutfrom the moment we arrived we were greeted with warmth and hospitality by the exceptional staffthe combination of great views excellent hospitality and attentive staff made for an unforgettable experienceLocation:
location and dome are exactly like as shown in imagesRead more reviewsCleanliness:
the dome was clean and the best part is the hammock setupthe accommodations themselves were clean comfortable and thoughtfully designed providing everything we needed for a relaxing getaway
4. Stone House, Silver Oaks Nature Retreat (from USD 74)
What makes it unique?
- Eco-friendly architecture: Stone House is built from natural materials and represents the retreat's sustainable practices such as rainwater harvesting and organic farming
- Nature experience: Guests can connect with nature through tranquil surroundings, stargazing, bird watching, and organic farming activities
- Event-friendly venue: Retreat offers a unique and serene setting for events such as weddings, workshops, and corporate retreats
Potential trade-offs
- Only BSNL and Jio networks work well in the area
- Retreat has a 10pm noise curfew
Insta-worthy corners
- The outdoor dining spaces and bonfire pits provide rustic, cozy backdrops for memorable photos
- We think the stone building surrounded by lush greenery will make for interesting photo opportunities
- Take photos in the shared pool, which looks out onto breathtaking surroundings
Idukki, Kerala, IndiaAccommodates: 3
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsHost:
staff were kind and helpfulthank you ashif for being a wonderful hostthe entire staff was very hospitable and very courteousashif is an amazing hostgave some really helpful tips for local tourism
5. Dome Stay at Kanthalloor (from USD 112)
What makes it unique?
- Glamping domes: Eco-friendly domes with premium amenities, set amidst the beautiful Munnar mountain ranges and surrounded by fruit, coffee, and sugarcane plantations
- Fun activities: Access to a treehouse, campfire with music, and scenic surroundings such as sandalwood forests, tea plantations, and waterfalls
- Natural beauty: Enveloped by mist and fog and close to film shooting locations and vegetable gardens
Potential trade-offs
- There are kitchen facilities, but guests don't have access to a private kitchen
- No air conditioning
Insta-worthy corners
- Capture the beautiful misty mountain views from the comfort of your dome
- The treehouse and campfire areas are great for candid shots with your loved ones
Kanthalloor, Kerala, IndiaAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Host:
care taker was really kind and helpfullstaff was attentive and efficient and was helpful throughout the staycare takers were experienced to guide me to the best places in kanthalloorLocation:
worth a place to be recommended to familiesworth a place to away from public very secured with privacyCleanliness:
it was a clean dome tent in a natural environment with a very peaceful atmosphereRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
check-in and check-out processes were very comfortable and there were no delaysthe stay was very comfortablewe had breakfast and dinner from there itself and the food tasted extremely good
6. Vini's Farm (from USD 151)
What makes it unique?
- Private island experience: Accommodation offers an exclusive stay on a 2-ac (0.81-ha) island, with stunning views of both Ashtamudi Lake and Kallada River
- Range of activities: Guests can enjoy cormorant fishing, birdwatching, looking for river otters, going for picnics, and more
- Locally sourced food: Island’s private chef prepares fresh Kerala cuisine using ingredients from the island’s farm and local fishermen
Potential trade-offs
- No Wi-Fi and television
- Reaching the island requires a 10-minute boat ride, which might be inconvenient for some travelers
Insta-worthy corners
- Capture stunning panoramas where the river meets the lake, visible from anywhere on the island
- If you're an animal lover, we suggest looking for river otters going about their day, and be sure to take your camera with you
Kollam, Kerala, IndiaAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsHost:
aram is really a gracious host and takes care of everything personally yet giving you your privacy
7. Earthy home with private pool (from USD 94)
What makes it unique?
- Unique architecture: Mud house with quirky interiors and exteriors featuring alcoves, colored glass, relief sculptures of the sun and tree branches, and more
- Great amenities: Property has a private indoor pool lined with stones and with a mosaic tiled floor leading up to it
- Convenient workspace: Remote workers will like the separate workspace
Potential trade-offs
- No washing machine
- No kitchen
Insta-worthy corners
- The quirky interiors and exteriors, such as Hobbit-style gate, will make for fascinating photos
- Dive into the blue private pool and take aesthetic photos against the stark white walls
Palakkad, Kerala, IndiaAccommodates: 4
8. Writer's Inn: Creative Space (from USD 48)
What makes it unique?
- Rustic feel: Cottage has a rustic feel with vintage cupboards, doors and lighting, old bolts, a metal-frame bed, exposed stone and brick in areas, and lovely artwork
- Homey food: Property offers meals made by a local cook, along with the option to rent barbeque equipment for your own cookout. Food can also be delivered
- Relaxing ambiance: Set in a serene area with amenities such as a garden and a hammock for an escape from urban life
Potential trade-offs
- Around a two-hour drive from Calicut International Airport
- We believe that guests who prefer hotel-like comfort may not enjoy a stay here
Insta-worthy corners
- Go stargazing and take beautiful photos of the clear night sky
- The patio is a great place to take amazing photos of the mountains
Vythiri, Kerala, IndiaAccommodates: 6
Top guest reviews
Host:
also the care taker basit was absolute helpthe host and the staff are always at your reach with good hospitalityamazing host and also good support from neighbourshe is a great hostgreat host who takes good care of your needsLocation:
the location of the place is amazingso glad we chose this placechoose this place if you want to get away and need to do some creative brainstormingbrilliant place to relax and stay away from the bustle of the citythis is a good place for you to unwind and stay away from the hustle and bustleCleanliness:
clean tidy and good food as wellin general very clean neat and family friendly placethe house was maintained very well it was very cleanRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the room upstairs has stunning views from the balconythe upstairs room with the balcony was perfectthe upstairs room with the balcony was perfectbreathtaking view feom the first floor bedroom traditional setup of the room and the foood was likegood experience staying here food was delicious loved the amenities provided suresh helped us have a comfortable stay
Getaway in God's Own Country
Explore the natural beauty of Kerala with a stay in any of the above accommodations, which offer everything from quirky interiors to a luxurious private island location. Experience it for yourself by booking a stay in any of the above properties and set off on your own adventure now!
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