Top 9 Unique Stays in Kerala

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If you love travelling, Kerala has to be on your bucket list. From all the people who have visited Kerala, each and every one of them will tell you the beauty and serenity you get to experience there. Kerala is called “God’s Own Country,” and accurately so!

ALSO SEE – Why Kerala Is Called ‘God’s Own Country’

Kerala offers unique stays that turn your trip into a story you’ll never forget. Today, let us explore some of  Unique Stays in Kerala and everything around them that makes each stay so special.

Unique Stays in Kerala

Kerala will offer you a wide range of options from luxury resorts to simple homestays. But unlike other places, they also offer unique lodging options that we are sure you will not get anywhere else.

1. Houseboats in Alleppey

This is one of the most unique stays you will come across anywhere in India. There’s something magical about floating gently down the backwaters of Alleppey. Imagine you wake up to the sound of water lapping against wood, surrounded by coconut palms and sleepy villages.

These houseboats are known as kettuvallams. A little history fact, they actually were used to carry rice. Today, they’ve been transformed into floating villas with bedrooms, open-air decks, private chefs, and air conditioning. Once you visit, you will see that Each boat is handcrafted, and different from one another.

Some of the activities you can look forward to are canoe rides, watching the susent at Marar Beach. If you are spiritual, you can also visit the ancient Ambalapuzha Krishna Temple.

You can plan your houseboat stay between October and March. Don’t forget to pre book your visit in advance. Another suggestion is that you should opt for eco friendly boats.

2. Treehouses in Wayanad

This is another experience you will only get in Kerala. I am sure a treehouse would be a childhood dream for many. And you can actually experience this in Wayanad.

Wayanad is located in the lush hills of northern Kerala. So the treehouses you would stay in are perched high above the forest floor. In some of them, you also get outdoor showers or glass floors to view the forest below.

You will most definitely feel relaxed or even fall asleep to the sounds of crickets, frogs, and rustling leaves. The air smells of cardamom and rain. It’s peaceful, wild, and deeply grounding.

Some popular treehouse stays you can go for are Vythiri Resort, pepper Trail, and Tranquil Resort.

During your stay, you can also visit some of Wayand’s famous sights. There’s Edakkal Caves, Banasura Sagar Dam, Soochipara Waterfalls and many more.

Small Tip: Treehouses can be booked out quickly in peak season from December to February. Reserve early, and pack your trekking shoes and insect repellent.

ALSO SEE-Best TreeHouses in Kerala

3. Eco-Resorts in Thekkady

Thekkady is known for its spices, thick forests, and the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. For your unique stay experience, it also has some of Kerala’s most beautiful eco-resorts which are built with mud walls, bamboo roofs, and solar panels.

Staying in these resorts feels like part of the jungle. You might get to hear elephants in the distance or see a hornbill fly overhead as you sip tea on your balcony.

Some of the places you can consider booking are Spice Village CGH Earth, Greenwoods Resort, Carmelia Haven. You can go bamboo rafting in Periyar Lake, visit spice plantations, and go for morning walks. Do remember to take forest guards with you when you go for a walk there for your safety.

Small tip: Avoid plastic when you are visiting wildlife areas. Dress in light colors and keep noise levels low to respect animal habitats.

4. Luxury Cliff Resorts in Varkala

Varkala is another place in Kerala where you can experience something different.The cliff edge, lined with cafes and resorts, all will offer you a dramatic view of the Arabian Sea. You can find cliffside infinity pools, open-air yoga decks, and rooms where waves crash right below your balcony.

If you’re looking for both luxury and soul-soothing nature, Varkala has the perfect mix. Some of the best stays include Gateway Varkala, Krishnatheeram Ayur Holy Beach Resort, and many more.

You can take a walk on the cliff during sunset, swim at the Black Sand Beach or go sight seeing. You can also visit Janardhana Swamy Temple.

Small Tip: Avoid cliff-edge resorts if you visit during the heavy monsoons (June to August) as sea winds can get very strong.

ALSO SEE-Varkala Or Marari? Compare

5. Traditional Homestays in Fort Kochi

For all of you who crave history, art, and culture, Fort Kochi is a gem. What makes your visit even more personal is staying in a family-run homestay. These charming colonial homes are often hundreds of years old, filled with antique furniture, and stories.

You will ake up to homemade appams, or you can go to art cafes, or chat with the hosts who’ve lived in Kochi for generations. You will feel like you’re a guest, not a tourist.

Some of our recommended homestays are Walton’s Homestay, The Bungalow Heritage Homestay, Delight Homestay. You will also get many options within wide ranges for homestays so budget will also not be an issue.

Some of the places you can visit nearby are Chinese Fishing Nets by the waterfront, Mattancherry Palace and the Jewish Synagogue. If you are lucky enough to visit during the art fest, you can visit Kochi-Muziris Biennale.

Small Tip: Many homestays offer airport pickups. Ask your host in advance, they’re usually happy to help.

6. Heritage Bungalows in Munnar

Another well known place in Kerala is Munnar. It offers heritage bungalows that take you back to the colonial era. You will get four-poster beds, fireplaces, and views that stretch for miles.

These stays are quiet, elegant, and timeless. Perfect for slow mornings with tea and long walks through plantations. Some of our suggestions are Windermere Estate. Tall Trees Munnar, Ambady Estate.

You can visit the Tea Museum, go for a trek to Anamudi which is the highest peak in South India. You must visit Echo Point and Top Station for an amazing view and experience.

Small tip: Nights can be chilly even in summer, so don’t forget to pack a light sweater.

7. Beachside Cottages in Marari

Unlike the busy beaches of Kovalam or Varkala, Marari Beach is peaceful, and clean, and perfect for a digital detox. You can stay in a small beach cottage here that gives you views of  sunrises, fishing boats, and endless horizons.

These cottages are often built with local materials, have open-air bathrooms, and hammocks swinging under palm trees. Some of the options to stay there are Marari Beach Resort, Abad Turtle Beach, Marari Villas.

You can actually experience the calm atmosphere here. You can spend your days here watching fishermen bring in their catch, learn coir weaving from locals, or take a cooking class nearby. All the activities are very calm and peaceful. So if you are looking for adventure, this might not be your top choice.

Small tip:  Stock up on essentials before you go because there are no big restaurants or shops here.

ALSO SEE-Best Beaches in Kerala To Surf, Swim, And Soak In The Sun

8. Ayurvedic Retreats in Palakkad

For those of you who want to combine travel with wellness, Ayurveda Treatments in Kerala offers deep healing experiences. Palakkad is surrounded by mountains and lush countryside, and it is home to some of the most authentic Ayurvedic retreats.

Here, your stay will be simple but soulful. You’ll follow a routine of yoga, herbal treatments, satvik food, and digital detox. The best retreats there are Kairali Ayurvedic Healing Village, AyurvedaGram, and Kandath Tharavad.

These retreats usually require a minimum 7-day stay. You will get daily consultations with Ayurvedic doctors, personalized diet plans, nature walks and quiet hours.

Small Tip: Avoid caffeine and alcohol before arrival for best results.

Tips for Everyone

Whether you are looking for budget travelling or luxury options, Kerala can give you both if you book mindfully.

Let’s look at some final tips crafted just for you. So, whether you’re looking for budget travels or luxury, here are our tips and suggestions.

Here are tips for Budget Travellers:-

1. You need to plan and make your bookings early. Especially if you are going in peak tourist season in Kerala, book budget homestays and hostels before they fill up. You should book at least 2 to 3 months in advance. This will help you get the lowest rates. You should only Look on trusted platforms like Airbnb, Hostelworld, or Booking.com. Also, check Kerala Tourism’s official site for government-run budget accommodations and eco-lodges.
2. Try to travel like you are a local there. Use Public transport as much as possible. KSRTC buses connect every major and minor destination at very low fares. For short distances, autos are affordable too. Apps like Rome2Rio or Moovit can help you figure out bus routes in real time.
3. Like we mentioned earlier, homestays, resorts, houseboats, treehouses should be your choices, and not hotels. You can also choose dormitories if you are on a tight budget. But homestays will cost you less and you get to experience homely food, clean rooms, and local insights. Most of them will include breakfast and Wi-Fi. In places like Wayanad, Munnar, and Alleppey, you’ll even find eco-homestays for under ₹1000 a night.
4. As for your meals, choose local foods and dishes. You will not only save money but get the authentic Kerala taste. Choose Thattukadas and small eateries that serve authentic Kerala food for as low as ₹60 a meal. Stick to local dishes like fish curry, puttu kadala, idiyappam with stew. Avoid fancy restaurants in touristy areas where food is often overpriced.

Tips for Luxury Travellers

Here are tips for Luxury Travellers:-

1. Make sure you write down a proper itinerary. You can also hire a private driver and plan a relaxed trip covering fewer places. You should avoid hopping between 6 cities in 7 days. Instead, you can spend 2 to 3 days each in Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady, and a beach town like Varkala or Kovalam.
2. Even if you are looking for luxury, we would suggest homestays for the authentic Kerala experience. But if you prefer otherwise, you can stay in Boutique Resorts or Wellness Retreats. Many of them offer private villas, infinity pools, organic gardens, and spa packages.
3. If you are going for luxury, you have to Book Private Houseboats. Avoid the shared or budget ones. You can opt for premium, air-conditioned houseboats with upper decks, personalized chefs, and curated menus. Prices may range from ₹8000 to ₹20,000+ a night, but the privacy and experience are unmatched.
4. If you are looking for luxurious activities, book private cooking classes with locals. You can join spice plantation tours led by farmers. Also, you can try exclusive backwater kayaking or wildlife photography tours. Many boutique hotels offer curated cultural packages including guided nature walks, art performances, and more.
5. Apart from local places, Kerala now has several fine-dining restaurants that serve traditional cuisine with a modern twist. You can try The Rice Boat in Kochi, Malabar Junction in Fort Kochi, and The Pavillion in Kovalam. You can pair your meal with a glass of wine, enjoy a sunset view, and make the most of your evenings.

Conclusion

The different types of options to stay is what will make your trip to Kerala unique and memorable.  So, whether you’re looking for peace, adventure, healing, or just a break from everyday noise, Kerala offers a stay suited to your travel needs. Our suggestion when it comes to Kerala will always be to embrace the unique experiences that you get. Stay somewhere meaningful, and let Kerala show you where you stay is why you remember the journey at all