Traversing the length of the Indian state of Kerala for 15 days during our Kerala Blog Express Season 4 was quite a feat. To see all the beauty of this state that is regarded as “God’s Own Country” in such a short span of time was a challenge, especially for one who is taking her first-time travels in India. And while we were truly able to uncover the many faces of Kerala, there was still a huge part that remains unexplored by us. Even then, the whole adventure will be etched in our memory and what made it more memorable are the places that have become our home for the entire trip.
For certain destinations we were billeted in just one hotel, while for other districts we were divided into two groups, except at Wayanad where we were separated in smaller groups. But the roommate assigned to us was consistent.
Is it your first-time in Kerala? Here are 10 luxurious hotels that have attended to our comforts, which made our stay enjoyable. Look through these 10 picks that you can consider when you plan a trip to Kerala:
1.) Kochi Marriott Hotel
When it comes to making an impression, Kochi Marriott Hotel never fails to wow its guests. We were welcomed with a surprise mob dance while we enjoyed a refreshing fresh coconut during check-in. And to top this warm reception, they surprised us with a personalized confectionary, bearing our respective blog URLs. Now, let’s look at the amenities of the hotel that makes it an ideal choice when you travel to Kochi, Kerala.
This 5-Star hotel towers behind the Lulu International Shopping Mall, an ideal location especially for business travelers who are always on the go. The rooms are wide, with an area of 35sqm, with huge comfy beds and linens. The marble bathroom is glass enclosed with hot and cold shower. The room has luxury robes, slippers and hair dryer. There’s flat screen TV, phone connection and, more importantly, internet service. Our room was overlooking the city, providing us a good view of Kochi.
Dinner was a sit-down four-course meal at the Cassava, the hotel’s casual refined restaurant. We savored the Kerala cuisine that they served on our plates as the musicians played their slow jazz songs. After our meal, we got to interact with seven-year old Kicha Kicha, the youngest chef in India, who has appeared in the Ellen Show in Hollywood. Breakfast, the day after, was a buffet at the poolside, where the choice of traditional Keralan food was expansive.
Lulu International Shopping Mall
34/1111 N. H. 47
Edappally Kochi 682024 India
Phone: +91-484-7177777
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2.) Bolgatty Palace and Island Resort (KTDC)
Before I get you into our experience and details of the hotel, let me first explain to you what KTDC is. The Kerala Tourism Development Corporation or KTDC runs travel and tourism properties to regulate the hospitality industry in the state of Kerala. This government-owned entity has several properties, ranging from budget to premium hotels. We stayed in three of its hotels and had snacks in another property.
Bolgatty Palace and Island Resort is under KTDC and we had our opening ceremonies in this hotel. The place is ideal for conventions because of its halls and wide grounds, plus a spa and a marina, and surrounded by greens and a golf course. Built in 1744 by Dutch traders, the mansion is a heritage structure in itself and considered as the oldest of its kind outside of the Netherlands. Although very near Kochi‘s city center, its location in the Bolgatty Island provides a sense of serenity to guests, as it is isolated from the commercial areas.
The rooms are large, with terraces, where guests can lounge and enjoy the view of the backwaters. However, you will see from many portions of the resort that it is quite dated and needs to be updated. We stayed here for two nights and the interiors are indeed quite interesting. The resort has a pool with a view of the marina. The breakfast is buffet although the food choices are a bit limited.
Mulavukadu, Kochi – 682504, Kerala, India
Phone: +91-484-2750500|2750600
Fax: +91-484-2750457
Email: [email protected]
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3.) Coconut Lagoon
Aboard a jetty, we traversed the backwaters of Kumarakom and entered the luxurious Coconut Lagoon by water through a canal. We definitely arrived in style and a local musician was playing his instrument while the welcoming team were waiting for us to dock at the reception area. The property, which is by the Vembanad Lake, is more than 30 acres and accommodations are in villas, separate from each other and surrounded by greens. About 8 acres or more are rice paddies where guests can witness and learn more about rice cultivation.
Coconut Lagoon, managed by CGH Earth, is considered as a heritage classic resort and is regarded as an eco-friendly hotel in Kerala, earning accolades from the tourism industry. Indian personalities and international stars like Paul McCartney are known to stay in this resort. One can walk around the property, with the view of the lake, explore the various areas and do several activities, such as butterfly and bird watching, coconut husking, and so much more. We wake up with the chirping of the birds and the scent of fresh grass.
Our room’s interior is like a cabin. I just found out that the chests and cupboards in the rooms were sourced out from traditional homes and popular craftsmen in the area. Our villa has a porch overlooking to a tiny creek, trees filling the scenery where squirrels climb the branches. Inside, it is cozy, with large comfy beds and the cabinet has slippers and robes. The bigger surprise though is the toilet and bath. When I opened the door, I had in mind what the usual bathrooms look like: tiled, enclosed and small. Instead, I was brought outside: one corner is the latrine while the other corner is the shower; a huge portion is a courtyard that has a living banana plant filled with soil and pebbles.
We’ve enjoyed our dinner and breakfast here, with its wide choice of buffet food. I liked the fresh fish that they cook on the spot. I could get lost in the food stations, with the hope of tasting every item on display, yet was quite impossible with all the variety. Here, we found more than 14 kinds of pickles as well as toddy, a local drink taken from coconut. While we were having dinner, a group of musicians played local instruments, adding flavor to the whole ambiance.
Across the restaurant, the large pool was waiting for us. We dived into it as the day ended. As darkness was about to set in, throngs of fruit bats flew over us. We capped our night with the sound of nature providing harmony to the night.
Kumarakom, Kottayam – 686563 Kerala, India
Phone: +91-481-2525834/35/36|+91-481-2523572/73/74
Fax: +91-481-2523571
Email: [email protected]
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4.) Greenwoods Resort
Kumily is the gateway to Thekkady where the Periyar Tiger Reserve is found. As we arrived in Greenwoods Resort in this upland portion of Kerala, we were welcomed with drumbeats and dancers dressed as tigers and hunters. We were each cloaked with a small piece of traditional Keralan cloth and we made our way up to the reception area, dancing with the beat of the drums. It was an uphill climb and as we arrived at the reception’s driveway, the treehouse across it caught our attention. Turns out, it was a café and a small hanging bridge connects two huts above the trees.
The name Greenwoods Resort is very apt because when we stayed here, it seemed like we were truly in the woods. This eco-friendly hotel has several social responsibility initiatives that protect the forest and conserve nature. It is recognized as one of the best 25 resorts in India. Early in the morning, the whole property is covered by fog, the cold air provided a chill that was a welcome respite from the heat in the lowlands. And though the resort is set above the hills, it is hidden by the trees that fill the whole compound. Its location is also very strategic because it is in the heart of the town, where shops and stalls are within walking distance.
Our accommodation is located in Kanana Deluxe Cottage, one of the cluster of four rooms, two at the lower floor and two above. Each has a private sit out and balcony that makes us one with nature. The beds are soft and comfortable. And the best part is that they told us that we could take anything in the minibar for free! Of course, that was just a special arrangement with our group, but the nuts we took from there were very helpful for the rest of our journey.
K.K .Road, Kumily, Thekkady
Kerala, India
Phone: +91-4869-222752|224382|222753
Mob: +91-94465-74383
Fax: +91-4869-223907
Toll Free No: 1800-425-3090
e-Mail: [email protected]
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5.) Tea County Resort (KTDC)
Located in the hill station of Munnar, Tea County Resort, which is run by KTDC, is perched on an elevated part of the town, overlooking the villages below and the hills and mountains on the horizon. Still, it’s still walking distance to the market and the commercial areas in Munnar, it’s just a steep climb on the way back.
The rooms are in clusters of buildings, with walkways filled with gardens and beautiful flowers. One particular villa has different kinds of roses surrounding it. Our room, is of regular size, fresh fruits awaiting our arrival, with a balcony that opens to a beautiful scenery outside. And one thing we observed is that our room didn’t have any air-conditioning unit (or we just couldn’t find the control?) but it wasn’t an issue because the air is quite chilly. At night, we even had to sleep with our jackets on despite not having an air-conditioning unit.
Thus, the bonfire activity we had was very apt to the weather. It was a fun night over some drinks and music. By the way, since Kerala is a communist state, alcohol is quite controlled in this part of India (not sure how it is in other portions of the country). We had to line up at the one alcohol store to buy our drinks. We had dinner and breakfast in their huge restaurant, where there’s plenty of choices for the buffet. Our favorite was the ice cream, which was delectable even in the cold weather in this part of Kerala.
KTDC Hill Resort, Munnar – 685612, Kerala, India
Phone: +91-4865-230460|230969|230971/72/73
Fax: +91-4865-230970
E-mail: [email protected]
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6.) The River Retreat Heritage Ayurvedic Resort
A former summer palace of the Maharajas of Cochin that is set by the banks of River Nila in Thrissur, the River Retreat is a heritage ayurvedic resort that has a serene ambiance. Since this is Kerala’s heritage hub, it is but apt that we were treated with an interesting show of music to welcome us, as well as nightly cultural presentations during dinner.
We spent two night here and enjoyed our buffet dinner in its gardens and our buffet breakfast in its cute restaurant. I have observed that their food has some international flavor, adjusting to the palate of their foreign guests, as they are not as spicy as the cuisines we have tasted in other hotels and resorts. Next to the restaurant is the swimming pool area, with a bit of privacy, yet overlooking River Nila. Plus, guests can have a relaxing treatment at Holy Basil, its ayurvedic center.
Our room is spacious with a balcony that looks over to rice paddies. Our building also has an open café or eating area that has a good view of the rice field and the sunset. Inside, there are lounge chairs, a TV set, a small refrigerator, working space and Wi-fi connection.
Palace Road, Cheruthuruthy, Thrissur District, Kerala, India
Phone: +91-4884-264444
E-mail: [email protected]
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7.) The Raviz Resort and Spa Kadavu
After a hectic day in Kozhikode, we finally billeted in the Raviz Resort and Spa Kadavu, which is by the banks of Chaliyar River. The hotel, sprawled in a nine-acre property, has an architecture that is of Nallukettu style. The structures are surrounded by greens.
The reception area has great interiors with open space that allows air and the view in. Our room has a very large terrace with a view of Chaliyar River. The interior of the room is quite spacious as well. Outside, the property is spectacular with a huge pool.
Food in their restaurants are superb. In fact, when we arrived here, we had a short cooking demo on how they prepare some local cuisine. They have their own herb garden, and they introduced us to the various herbs they use in their food during the culinary exercise.
NH 17, Calicut Bypass Road,
Azhinjillam, Kozhikode, Kerala 673632 India
Phone: +91-495-2411111
Email: [email protected]
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8.) Wayanad Wild
Gaping at our accommodation in Wayanad would be an understatement. Our jaws literally dropped at the beauty of Wayanad Wild that is hidden within the jungle. Never mind the bumpy ride through tea plantations, forests, hillsides, and sloping roads. The location of the resort is enough to take our breath away. We’ve spotted huge deers running though the forest as we were leaving the resort.
Managed by CGH Earth, the same brand that runs Coconut Lagoon, Wayanad Wild is also an eco-friendly resort. Our rooms are spacious, with a balcony that looks out to the jungle. The bathrooms are also spacious and designed in style. Myriad of flora and fauna species fill the entire property and you can really feel that you are in the mountains.
The pool is refreshing, surrounded by large trees that provide a natural canopy to this relaxing spot. You can trek to nearby areas and do some adventurous activities. The restaurant also has a wonderful feel that makes your dining experience one with nature. The food are delectable that are cooked from ingredients grown within the vicinity. Surely, when you’re in Wayanad Wild, you get to free your mind and be one with nature.
Lakkidi, Wayanad District
Kerala, India
Phone: +91-484-3011607|+91-484-3011608
Email: [email protected]
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9.) Neeleshwar Hermitage
From the mountains, we headed to the coastal area of Kasaragod where we enjoyed the view of the beach and the sound of the waves. Neeleshwar Hermitage is such a breathtaking property that has an easy access to the beach. Plus, the food in their restaurants is extremely delectable, one of the best that I have tasted in this entire trip. We had dinner at its Annapurna Restaurant, which is located at the center of the resort, and had breakfast at Meenakshi, their beachside restaurant. I spotted a library at one corner of Annapurna, which has an indoor-outdoor feel.
As we arrived in the resort, we were escorted to our cottage, called Moksha, which means “freedom”, an apt word to describe our experience here as we were free to enjoy the coast at its best. There are 18 detached cottages with thatched roofing and relaxing design. An open veranda provides a great view of the sea and a hammock is available nearby for a peaceful rest. The interiors of the cottage is very relaxing, with beautiful, clean artworks. Ayurvedic music is provided in the room, as well as wonderful scent. The toilet and bath also has an open garden courtyard where you can shower and still feel a touch of nature. Each room is provided with torch light that guests can use at night.
The pool is huge with a bar beside it. The pool has a spectacular view of the sea, yet it still has a bit of privacy as it is screened by coconut trees. There were also some cottages that have a private pool and sunken bathtub inside. And amidst all these luxuries, Neeleshwar gave each one of us a gift — a keepsake to take home to our respective countries.
P.O. Ozhinhavalappu, Via. Nileshwar,
Dist Kasaragod. Kerala. PIN 671314 India.
Tel: + 91-467-2287510|2288876|2288877|2288878
Fax: + 91-467-2287500
email: [email protected]
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10.) KTDC Samudra Resort
Finally, we have arrived in the Kerala’s capital, Thiruvananthapuram or Trivandrum, and we were brought to the Kovalam area, known for its beach. Our home here is the KTDC Samudra. The elevated location of the resort offers a magnificent view of the beach below. Filled with coconut trees, guests can relax in one of the hammocks around the area.
Our room is located just behind the pool. It has a small veranda that opens towards the sea, although the beach is not visible from our spot. The room and the bathroom are a bit smaller compared to the ones we previously had. The interiors need to be updated to provide a modern feel. Still, we enjoyed our time swimming at the pool and relaxing in its lawns.
Their restaurant offers breakfast buffet and the food are quite good. Apart from the traditional Kerala cuisine, they also have eggs, bacon and breads, to cater to the taste of their international guests.
Because of its proximity to the Kovalam Beach, guests can stroll by the seaside and walk to the nearby mosque where souvenir shops are to be found. One can also take the auto rickshaw or a taxi to get to the city center.
Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram – 695527, Kerala, India
Phone: +91-471-2480089|2481412
Fax: +91-471-2480242
E-mail: [email protected]
Website | Book this hotel
All in all, the Kerala Blog Express Season 4 was an enjoyable trip, and big thanks to these 10 hotels that pampered us and gave us a relaxing stay, given our hectic itinerary. Not only did they provide us with warm hospitality and great amenities, they also satisfied us with sumptuous food. Definitely, a night or two in any of these hotels are not enough. To enjoy both the attractions nearby and the resort itself, at least stay for three nights and bask on a luxury accommodation within God’s Own Country.
This article is part of the over-arching post First-time in Kerala: God’s Own Country where you will find the list of my blog posts related to this trip. Get updates on the Kerala Blog Express at the http://keralablogexpress.com/ and check #keralablogexpress #tripofalifetime and #liveinspired in social media channels like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.