10 Lovely Stays in Kerala's Backwaters

This upscale resort in Kumarakom gives you villas set along a winding pool, complete with a spa, two restaurants, and a poolside bar. It’s a great choice if you like a bit more luxury while still enjoying the backwater views. The food here gets special mention, so if you're a foodie, you're in for a treat! One visitor wrote, "Excellent stay! Friendly staff, beautiful gardens, clean and comfortable room, and the food! Oh my the food! Soo delicious. Some of the best I have had in India and I have been traveling in India for ". Do note that one review mentioned service in the restaurant can sometimes be a bit slow.

Located in Alappuzha, Uday Backwater Resort is a fantastic spot to relax and get away from daily routines. It’s known for excellent service and lovely rooms. If you’re traveling with family, you’ll be happy to know they have children's play areas, games rooms, and a great pool. One visitor wrote, "Its one of the best resorts styas in alappey, all staffs are so friendly and genuine with the guests.". The staff here really go out of their way to make you feel welcome, which always makes a trip better.

This resort offers refined cottages on a seaside property. It’s a peaceful and quiet place, perfect for unwinding. They offer free Wi-Fi, a restaurant, a spa, and even yoga workshops if you're looking for some wellness. Getting to the resort is an adventure in itself, as you take a boat ride to reach it! One visitor wrote, "We recently stayed at the Kondai lip backwater heritage resort, and I must say it was an unforgettable experience. To reach the resort we have to take a boat ride, for which I was a bit hesitant, but ". It sounds like a fun, unique start to your stay.

If you’re looking for a genuinely warm welcome, Shore Beach Homestay is a wonderful choice. It’s in a peaceful setting with palm and banana trees, just a few steps from the sea. The family who runs it is incredibly welcoming, making you feel right at home. They also offer massages, which is a lovely bonus for relaxation. One visitor wrote, "Lovely homestay with the nicest people ever. I’m traveling alone through India and the owners made me feel so comfortable at home.". It’s a great spot if you want to experience local life and enjoy both the beach and backwater atmosphere.

The Mudhouse Marayoor offers a truly unique stay, designed with a lot of care. Staying in a mudhouse here feels like stepping back to a quieter time, surrounded by bird songs and slow, peaceful hours. The homely food adds to the comfort. One visitor wrote, "Staying in the mud house felt like stepping into the nostalgia of a quieter time. The calm surroundings, bird songs, and slow, peaceful hours brought a gentle sense of comfort.". Just know that Marayoor is in a more hilly region, not directly in the main backwaters, so it offers a different kind of natural escape. Check the location to ensure it fits your travel plans.

This homestay in Kottayam is a marvelous place for a family vacation. The hosts, Ajith and his parents, are super sweet and make everyone feel comfortable and welcome. It's a very neat and clean spot with a lovely backwater river view. The kayaking and canoe boating experiences here are awesome, so it’s great if you love being on the water! One visitor wrote, "This place is marvelous! Ajith and his parents are sweet people who made us feel welcomed and comfortable. :)". Ajith is also full of good tips for exploring the region.

Lake Canopy is a relaxed lakeside resort in Alappuzha with stunning views and peaceful surroundings. The rooms are spacious and clean, and the staff are known for being very friendly. You’ll find a restaurant, a 24-hour coffee shop (handy for any time!), and they even offer bike and fishing rentals. One visitor wrote, "Excellent service and a truly memorable stay. All the staff members made our stay extremely comfortable and welcoming.". It’s a great spot for both relaxation by the pool and for exploring the backwaters at your own pace.

Ashtamudi Villas in Kollam is a charming little guest house right on the lake. It's known for its great location and incredibly friendly, helpful staff. If you want to explore the backwaters without planning everything yourself, they can arrange a superb backwaters cruise for you! One visitor wrote, "They also arranged a backwaters cruise for us, which was superb! They did everything possible to make our stay a memorable one.". The manager, Sanal, is particularly attentive. While hours aren't specified, it's a place where you'll feel at home from the moment you arrive.

For a truly authentic and safe backwater experience, especially if you’re a solo female traveler, Munroe Island Backwaters Homestay is a wonderful choice. The staff, particularly Vijeesh and his family, are incredibly nice and treat you like family. Munroe Island itself is a quieter, less touristy backwater area, perfect for experiencing local life. One visitor wrote, "We stayed with Vijeesh and his family and straight from the off were made to feel part of the family.". You'll get a spacious room and feel very safe and cared for here.

Kumarakom Tharavadu is a long-standing heritage hotel that offers a peaceful and sublime experience. With only 8 rooms, it feels quite intimate and personal. The rooms are clean and give you that lovely heritage feel. It's a quiet place to stay with a swimming pool, which is always a plus. One visitor wrote, "This is one of the most peaceful sublime heritage hotel available in Kumarakom. We had a brilliant experience here for 2 nights stay here.". While breakfast has limited items, the charm and tranquility of this place more than make up for it.