Kochi (Cochin)
This 1960s hotel, with its polished original art deco fittings, exudes the sort of retro glamour that contemporary hotels would love to re-create. The…
Must-see hotels in Kerala
Northern Kerala
Secluded and on an 80-year-old estate overlooking banana plantations, ginger crops and rice paddies, this charming homestay (which translates as My Own…
Alappuzha (Alleppey)
A very good deal, this easy-going, homely and colourful backpacker hang-out sits 500m inland from the beach and 2km north of the train station. The two…
Kerala
Two properties only 100m apart: one consists of beachfront Keralan-style cottages, while the other has Keralan teak houses filled with handcrafted…
Alappuzha (Alleppey)
Overlooking leafy gardens, 400m from the beach, this beautiful old whitewashed building with sky-blue shutters – once a radio station – now doubles as a…
Kovalam
Overlooking palms from its hillside perch, a five-minute climb inland from Lighthouse Beach, tranquil, Italian-operated, adults-only Paradesh Inn…
Kovalam
Scented by frangipanis, the sumptuous Leela sprawls across the headland separating Hawa and Samudra beaches. Spacious, smartly designed rooms have…
Munroe Island Backwaters Homestay
Kerala
Hidden away in the backwaters of Munroe Island, 16km north of Kollam, this cheery hammock-strewn homestay is popular with travellers for its low-key…
Alappuzha (Alleppey)
This attractive heritage-style family home, 4km north of Alleppey, enjoys a tranquil location close to Punnamada Lake. The two fan-cooled rooms are neat…
Munnar
Aranyaka's sweet, peach-hued contemporary cottages (most sleeping up to four people) are dotted across a peaceful landscaped garden, drinking in fine…
Munnar
The 26 smart, lemon-scented, contemporary-meets-classic-Keralan cottages at this shaded hillside resort are hidden away under a luxuriant shola (virgin…
Alappuzha (Alleppey)
Fronting Vembanad Lake, 16km north of Alleppey, this Spanish-German-run jewel blends heritage style and Indian antiques with bold contemporary design and…
Varkala
This simple, friendly, good-value modern hostel decorated with arty murals sleeps budget travellers in a five-bed women-only dorm or mixed dorms for six…
Kannur
Costa Malabari pioneered tourism in this area and consists of three lovely homestay-style properties just back from Thottada Beach. Costa Malabari 1 has…
Kannur
In a prime spot among palms, frangipanis and oleanders, facing northern Thottada Beach, charming Blue Mermaid has two immaculate rooms in a traditional…
Kannur
In a stellar clifftop location overlooking secluded Adikadalayi Beach, this wonderfully friendly address is a sprawling family property of well-presented…
Varkala
Comprising two revamped houses huddled back from the North Cliff, German-run MAC fuses a sociable traveller/yogi vibe with uncluttered rooms jazzed up by…
Kochi (Cochin)
This gorgeous 1890s traditional Syrian-Christian home is on a 16-hectare organic farm surrounded by backwaters, 28km southeast of Fort Cochin. A restored…
Dr Franklin’s Panchakarma Institute
Kerala
Though not on the beachfront, friendly Dr Franklin's is a reputable, more affordable alternative to the flashier ayurvedic resorts, with tidy, comfortable…
Periyar Tiger Reserve
Kumily's delightful CGH resort takes its green credentials seriously and has captivating, spacious thatched-roof cottages that are smart yet cosily rustic…
Kerala
Around 7km southeast of Kovalam, charitable Bethsaida is a smart and secluded beachside escape, with sculpted gardens, seductively slung hammocks, putting…
Varkala
Chicly stripped-back rooms and cottages, sharp service and hanging chairs and hammocks greet you at this fresh and welcome arrival on Varkala's growing…
Kochi (Cochin)
A chicly remodelled mango-yellow 1800s home with its origins dating back to the Portuguese-rule era, Forte Kochi is a welcome 2018 luxe arrival. Tiled…
Varkala
In the palm groves just back from the cliffs, friendly family-run Jicky’s has blossomed into several buildings offering plenty of choice for travellers…
Kerala
Built by a cashew magnate and with on-the-ball staff, this boutique-inspired business hotel is a welcome surprise in Kollam’s chaotic centre. The sleek…
Northern Kerala
The handful of rooms at this welcoming jungle guesthouse are comfortably appealing, but the standout factor is the fabulous location on the sanctuary…
Kochi (Cochin)
The five intimate, graceful and good-value rooms at this cheerful converted 18th-century house flirt with boutique-hotel status. Each mixes contemporary…
Kannur
A century-old traditional Keralan building with handsome wooden shutters, hidden beneath coconut palms and separated from Thottada Beach by a small lagoon…
Alappuzha (Alleppey)
Set in well-tended gardens, this lovely heritage home reveals four large, character-filled rooms with high ceilings, lots of polished-wood touches, and…
Kovalam
Indeed amid palms and colourful gardens high above Lighthouse Beach (but only a five-minute walk away), British-run Treetops is a warm, calming and easy…
Alappuzha (Alleppey)
Just steps from the sand, Alleppey's lively, contemporary-style branch of India's favourite hostel chain is adorned with colourful shutters and murals –…
Kovalam
More peaceful retreat than palace, long-running Dutch-owned Maharaju lies pocketed away down a lane at the southern end of Lighthouse Beach. Timber…
Northern Kerala
An elegant blend of Balinese and Keralan architecture infuses Bekal's opulent Taj, on secluded southern Kappil Beach 6km north of town. The pool overlooks…
Periyar Tiger Reserve
A genuine homestay with just five intimate, fan-cooled rooms in a welcoming family house, with homely touches making them some of Kumily's cosiest budget…
Northern Kerala
A beautifully remote-feeling resort fringed by spice, coffee and tea plantations, 8km southwest of Kalpetta. Each of the private cottages is individually…
Kerala
These four individually designed cottages at the main beach entrance shine as one of Marari's most exclusive seafront resorts. Amid breezy gardens, the…
Kochi (Cochin)
This Goan-owned mustard-yellow building was built in 1912 as headquarters of a UK spice-trading company before being taken over by Brooke Bond tea. The 10…
Alappuzha (Alleppey)
A beautiful family house with its roots in the 17th century, canalside Alasr is strung riad-style around a wood-banistered patio. There are seven…
Kerala
Around 7km southeast of Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, cheerful Hornbill's 20 large permanent tents with modern concrete bathrooms rest in a sublimely…
Alappuzha (Alleppey)
Fringed by gardens of orchids, family-run Malayalam revolves around a pair of spacious two-storey four-room houses facing the lake near the Nehru Trophy…
