| Tranquil
Plantation Hideaway, Sultan Battery – Tranquil Plantation
is a 400 acre stylish retreat (3500 ft) with very few rooms and therefore making
it exclusive. The bungalow has a heritage feel and the facilities (Swimming Pool,
Ayurveda), hospitality and meals can match any in Kerala. The estate has its own
view point, lake and walking trails. Area around is full of rainforests and wildlife
and the estate can arrange jeep rides to Muthanga wildlife sanctuary and other
sightseeing areas around. Accommodation comprises Rooms, Suites and a tree house.
The tree house is more like a house on a tree and is one of the largest in
India
. The plantation
(Tea, Cardamom) offers exclusivity and charm that one needs to stay there to believe.
Tree
Houses in Wayanad –
Wayanad is known for its tree houses. Tree houses are small cottages perched on
a tree anywhere from 10 ft to 50 ft (Depending on the resort). Green Magic Resort
is a Tree house only resort now part of Jungle Park Resort and is located at the
highest point in the region at about 5000 ft above sea level. Treehouses are considered
one of the most romantic and “Back to Nature” experiences. Carmelia
Haven, Vandhanmedhu
– Carmelia Haven is one of the first plantations (Tea and Cardamom) to be converted
into a resort. It is set on a large plantation at just 25 kms north of Kumily
town (which is the base point for accessing Periyar Sanctuary). Carmelia has an
wonderful feel and enjoys good weather all through the year (Being located at
4000 ft above sea level). It’s walking trails in and around the plantations are
most romantic and the accommodation like Cave Room, Honeymoon Cottage and Tree
houses are specially made with honeymooner perspective. Coconut
Lagoon Resort, Kumarakom – Coconut Lagoon is generic name for Kumarakom.
The Resort was some sort of landmark in resort concept development and execution.
It was one of the first resorts to be accessible via boat transfers only. It started
the Lagoon (Artificial water bodies that encircle Kerala style cottages) concept
and which was later formed an inspiration for many a resorts in Kerala and
Goa .
Coconut Lagoon Today, despite so many new resorts coming up, still remains one
of the charming and most sought after resort for an authentic Kerala style experience.
Houseboat
Cruise in Kuttanad Region of Alleppey
- Houseboat cruise in Alleppey backwaters of Kerala is considered to be one of
the most romantic experience where a traditional Kerala Rice Boat (Known as Ketuvallam
and now generically known as a Houseboat) cruises past villages, paddy fields,
Coconut Trees and gives a feel of backwater lifestyle real upclose.
Guests
take anywhere from 1 night to 21 nights cruise and live the backwater life. Meals
catered by houseboat is a typical kerala meal which the guests love it and almost
always is the high point of the trip A
Backwater / Lakefront Homestay
– For a complete backwater experience guests prefer to stay in backwater homestays.
There are several backwater stretches starting from 25 kms south of
Cochin
onwards till about
100 kms south of Cochin
offering Lakefront
and Backwater front homestays. Homestays here varies from a simple cottage on
the lake to a large farm or heritage home or an exclusive villa on the lake/backwaters.
Guests here can indulge in watching local fishermen catching fish and shrimp,
a canoe ride, Do fishing or just take a boat cruise around the area. Homestays
typically serve authentic Kerala cuisine which guests enjoy and often is the
high point
of their trip.
Lake
Palace, Thekkady–
Lake Palace
is an exclusive
retreat and only one in the middle of Lake Periyar .
Periyar wildlife sanctuary has a large wildlife population and its pleasure watch
them turn up on the banks from the resort itself. While the boat cruise that the
guests from other resorts take has become a very touristy experience, a stay at
the Lake
Palace
is definitely something
else. Taj
Malabar, Willingdon
Island – Taj Malabar is one of the prized jewels in the Taj
Hotels Bouquet. It’s an erstwhile Sailors Lodge which is now a first class harbour
front retreat at Willingdon Island
Cochin
. While guests don’t
stay at Cochin
for more than 1
night, a two night stay is minimum recommended at Taj Malabar to savour the experience
that is on offer. It’s renowned for its Spa and offers several different restaurants
and cafes for guests to be able to experience different cuisines. Accommodation
is a fine blend of old-world charm and contemporary amenities. Brunton
Boatyard, Fort
Cochin
– Brunton Boatyard
is a harbour front hotel in Fort Cochin
and is considered an experience for those who like its heritage feel and its laidback
character and its understated elegance and charm. Its restaurant on the terrace
overlooking the harbour is very charming for a romantic evening.
Marari
Beach
Resort, Marari – Marari beach is considered one of the most private in
India
and Marari
beach resort gives guests a very good beach resort experience. It’s a spread out
retreat with landscaped lawns and trees all over. There is a lotus garden as well.
There are walking trails within the resort itself and only houseguests are allowed
a beach access. Marari offer a lot of experience like every CGH Resort along with
a laidback atmosphere like no other resort and thus making it a very special place.
Travancore
Heritage, Chowara Beach, Kovalam
– Travancore heritage exudes charm and elegance and offers stunning views of the
Chowara
Beach
of the Kovalam.
It offers heritage cottages and beachside room accommodations along with a very
exclusive feel. Its ayurveda center is one the best and regularly caters to long
staying guests looking for treatment solutions.
Chowara
Beach
is more peaceful
and idyllic of the beach stretches in Kovalam having a large stretch for a nice
evening walk. Poovar
Island Resort, Poovar (Floating Cottages)
– Poovar is located 20 kms south of Kovalam and Poovar Island Resort was the first
of the three resort to come up there. Poovar
Island
resort offers Floating
wooden cottages overlooking the backwater stretch, the estuary and the beach beyond.
The Sunsets here are most romantic and this entire experience has caught fancy
of the honeymooners all over India
and around the world. | 
