Lobby area with chandelier lighting and furniture arranged neatly

Rooftop clock tower at night, highlighted by decorative lighting against the night sky

Banquet hall at Fragrant Nature Cochin, elegantly decorated with chairs and celebratory adornments

Chairs and table arranged in a boardroom setup, ready for the meeting

Chairs and table arranged in a boardroom setup, ready for the meeting

Fine dining area with numerous chairs and tables set and ready for guests.

Lobby area with checkerboard-tiled floor and walls adorned with vintage paintings

Water fountain in the lobby area illuminated by decorative lights

The best resorts in Kerala

 

The best resorts in Kerala are spread across three different habitats - backwaters, hill stations, and heritage cities. The type of stay and the type of experience a traveller is looking for are indeed different in each location, about which there can be no single set of best resorts in Kerala. This guide covers what sets a good Kerala resort apart from an average one, with a closer look at Fragrant Nature's backwater, heritage, and hill-station properties.

Kerala's geography places backwaters, hill stations, coastlines, and heritage cities within a few hours of each other, making it possible to experience more than one setting in a single trip. Backwater stays offer houseboats and still water. Hill stations offer tea plantations and cool air. Coastal towns offer beaches and cliff views. Heritage cities offer colonial architecture and harbour views.

Fragrant Nature, which has been in Kerala since 2009, has resorts across all categories of backwater, heritage, and hill-station stays under one brand. In this guide, we cover what makes a good Kerala resort, an in-depth analysis of the Kerala backwater resort of Fragrant Nature, and a comparison of resort types to suit various travel needs.

What makes a resort the "best" in Kerala?

The discerning travellers who look for more than holidays in India have always appreciated Yoga at Fragrant Nature. It is undoubtedly an idyllic destination for those seeking an authentic Yoga experience, well beyond a normal retreat. Along with the Yoga sessions, we have a choice of Ayurvedic therapies, in consultation with our in-house Ayurvedic Doctor. A precise yoga and meditation program is then tailored for you to assist balancing your health and well being.

Location type

Backwater, hill, beach, or heritage city. This is the primary decision point, since it determines the entire character of the stay before any other factor is considered.

Authenticity of the Kerala experience

Ayurveda is not limited to a spa menu but is administered by trained practitioners. Local dishes are prepared with Kerala’s spices and produce, not a continental buffet with regional dishes added on.

Quality at a range of prices

Budget properties offer accommodation and a view. Mid-range properties add Ayurveda and better dining. Luxury properties feature a private pool, curated experiences, and a sense of staff familiarity that develops over a multi-night visit. Avoid a mismatched booking by matching the price tier to expectations.

Amenities

Free Wi-Fi

Free Parking

Restaurant

Room Service

Doctor on Call

Safe Locker

Spa

Gym

Meeting

Trekking

Travel Desk

Recreation Centre

Fragrant Nature Kollam: the best backwater resort in Kerala

Swimming pool with a view of a lake at a tropical resort.

Location

About a 90-minute drive from Trivandrum International Airport, Paravur is situated in a chain of lakes adjoining Ashtamudi. The property's location keeps it away from the hustle and bustle of central Kollam, yet it stays close to the town's railway station and major attractions.
 

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Room categories

Lake View Villas open directly onto the water. Premium rooms include a private terrace. Both categories place the lake view as the central feature of the stay. Rooms are designed to keep the outside visible, not just as a backdrop but as the primary reason to be here.

Facade view of the building with coconut trees surrounding the area - Fragrant Nature Kollam

Signature experiences

Riding a boat through the wetlands to spot birds, exploring the lake on a boat, and having dinner on the shore as the sun sets. The surrounding wetlands support a wide range of resident and migratory bird species, thus making early morning boat rides a great experience.

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Ayurveda Treatments

Therapies go from one massage to complete Panchakarma, done by fully qualified Ayurvedic experts present on the property. The months of the monsoon from June to September are the most effective for Ayurveda treatments, as the climate is favorable for deeper absorption.

Dining area with tables set with cutlery, ready for the food to be served

Dining

Anna Rasa restaurant offers traditional Kerala dishes as well as continental and Asian options. Couples can have candlelight dinner setups on request. Guests who have special dietary needs or meal preferences can arrange these in advance.

Lake View Cottage with Private Pool Villa

Ideal for

This place is great for honeymooners, families, wellness tourists, and destination weddings with a backwater setting. Travelers who want distance from the busy tourist circuits but don't want to miss the comforts will find Kollam a practical choice over the more crowded Alleppey routes.

Explore Fragrant Nature Kollam

Pool area at night with surrounding lighting and trees nearby

Why Kollam is underrated for a Kerala resort stay

Backwaters in Kollam are more peaceful when compared with Alleppey and Kumarakom. The amount of houseboat traffic through the canal routes of and around Kollam is much less in comparison with the busier routes near the town of Alleppey.

Ashtamudi Lake is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its biodiversity. The lake supports canoeing and birdwatching alongside an active local fishing economy.

Other attractions include Jatayu Earth's Centre, Thenmala Eco-Tourism, and Palaruvi Waterfalls. The best time for tourists to visit is between October and March during dry, cooler conditions.
From either Mumbai or Bengaluru, you can take a train to Kollam railway station. Alternatively, you can drive from Trivandrum.
 

Our other properties: Kochi and Munnar

Fragrant Nature Cochin is in a heritage home in Mattancherry, Fort Kochi. Many rooms overlook the harbor. Travellers prioritising heritage walks, spice markets, and Fort Kochi's cultural sites will find the location well placed.

Fragrant Nature Munnar is situated on a hill that faces the tea gardens and has a temperature-controlled infinity pool. Hiking from the hotel around the hills is also a facility provided.

Best time to visit Kerala resorts

  • October to February: Peak season. Cool, dry weather, timed around Onam and Christmas. Resort rates and occupancy are higher during this window.
  • June to September: Monsoon season. Lower rates, increased greenery, and conditions favourable for Ayurveda, since humidity supports better treatment absorption.
  • March to May: High temperatures across the plains and coast. Munnar's elevation keeps conditions manageable, making it the recommended option for summer travel.
Seasonal offers can be confirmed with Fragrant Nature at the time of booking.
 

Frequently Asked Questions


1. What is the best resort type for first-time visitors to Kerala?
A backwater stay suits travellers after a slower pace; A heritage hotel in Kochi suits travellers prioritising cultural sites and airport proximity and wanting to remain close to the culture.

2. Is Kollam better than Alleppey for backwaters?
Kollam carries less houseboat traffic and offers a quieter experience than the routes nearest to Alleppey town.

3. When should travel to Kerala resorts be avoided?
April and May bring high temperatures outside the hill stations. December and January bring peak-season pricing and higher occupancy.

4.Do Fragrant Nature properties offer Ayurveda at every location?
Yes. The most extensive Ayurveda programme is available at Fragrant Nature Kollam, where treatments are positioned as a core part of the stay.

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