Kumarakom Lake Resort is a 71-room resort on the Vembanad Lake shoreline at Kumarakom, in Kottayam district, and it is one of the best-reviewed places to stay in the backwaters. The property page shows a 5-star luxury class and a guest rating of 9.6 from 119 reviews, with staff, grounds and food the things guests praise most. The architecture is heritage in style, with antique decor, and the stay is built around the water: two outdoor pools and a children’s pool, a spa with body treatments and massages, two restaurants and a poolside bar, a garden, a gym with yoga classes, fishing, bike rentals and a playground. Buffet breakfast is included in the rate, and free self-parking is available if you arrive by car. It suits couples after a quiet few nights, families who want space and activities, and anyone who wants a lake view without a long houseboat day. Guests highlight houseboat stays and sunset lake cruises, which makes it a good base for a slow backwater break after the cities.
Location and getting around
The resort is at Kumarakom North, in Kottayam, and the property page shows Vembanad Lake about a minute away by car, the Kumarakom boat jetty about two minutes by road and the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary within about five kilometres. Cochin International Airport is roughly 138 minutes by road, so treat the transfer as part of the day rather than a quick hop.
An airport shuttle is available on request for a per-vehicle charge. Marari Beach is around 44 minutes away, and the Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple about 24 minutes. Pets are not allowed.
Rooms
The page shows eight room types, which is unusually wide for a resort of this size. Heritage Villas with a private pool, including a lake-view version, are about 800 square feet and sleep four. Meandering Pool Villas are about 603 square feet, and Luxury Pavilion Rooms about 560 square feet, both sleeping four.
There are also one-, two- and four-bedroom houseboats, from three guests up to twelve, and a Presidential Suite. If you want a private plunge pool for a honeymoon or an anniversary, choose a villa. If you travel as a group or as a big family, the houseboats and four-bedroom option are worth asking about.
Good to know
Check-in begins at 2 PM and check-out is at noon. Wi-Fi in rooms carries a surcharge according to the page, so ask about it when you reserve if you need to work. The price shown on the page is premium by Kerala standards, so compare what is included, in particular breakfast and any cruise, before you choose between this and a lakeside neighbour such as Coconut Lagoon.
Bring insect repellent for dusk, book ahead for the November to February season, and use the resort to arrange a sunrise bird walk, since Kumarakom is a bird-watching town.
Why stay here
- ✓Vembanad Lake setting
- ✓Two outdoor pools and a children’s pool
- ✓Private-pool heritage villas
- ✓Houseboat accommodation
- ✓Spa with massages
- ✓Two restaurants and poolside bar
- ✓Buffet breakfast included
- ✓Free self-parking
Good questions
How far is Kumarakom Lake Resort from Kochi airport?+
The property page shows about 138 minutes by road from Cochin International Airport. An airport shuttle is available on request for a per-vehicle charge.
Is breakfast included at Kumarakom Lake Resort?+
Yes, the property page shows buffet breakfast included. Check what else is covered in your rate, such as cruises or activities, when you reserve.
What room types does Kumarakom Lake Resort have?+
Heritage villas with private pools, meandering pool villas, luxury pavilion rooms, one-, two- and four-bedroom houseboats and a Presidential Suite. Choose a villa for privacy and a houseboat room for groups.
