Kumarakom Lake Resort – Luxury Redefined

As if, it was just yesterday, we were surrounded by lush greenery, lashed by gentle rain. The endless view, the serene boat ride through the Kerala backwaters, and the blissful privacy of our private pool – it all still feels so vivid. The luxurious experience of the Kumarakom Lake Resort (KLR) is something one can never forget. I’ve been meaning to write this blog for a long time, but life’s little detours kept getting in the way. So, here it is: an honest review of the Kumarakom Lake Resort.

A warm Welcome

Nestled along the serene Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom Lake Resort offers an unparalleled vista. The lake stretches endlessly towards the horizon, its waves gently lapping at the shore, washing away the weariness of our journey. We had flown from Bangalore to Kochi and then embarked on a 70-kilometer drive to reach this enchanting paradise. 

As we disembarked from our vehicle, we were greeted by warm smiles and welcoming kumkum tikas.

We were escorted to the reception area, where we were immediately offered refreshing coconut water. While we waited for our room, we were warmly greeted by a familiar face, Mr. Neel, the Group General Manager of “Paul John Resorts & Hotels”. We engaged in a pleasant conversation, during which he shared fascinating information about the property, things to do, places to see, etc. Before long, we found ourselves exploring the resort grounds.

Types of Stay

KLR offers a variety of accommodations to suit every taste. Whether you prefer a relaxing houseboat, a private pool villa, or a historic heritage villa, you’ll find the perfect place to stay. For those seeking the pinnacle of luxury, the presidential suites are renowned and have been a favorite among celebrities like Prince Charles, Sara Ali Khan, and many more.

Our stay at the Historic Heritage Villa was an unforgettable experience. The villa’s intricate wooden architecture was simply breathtaking. We enjoyed stunning views of the infinity pool and the picturesque lake, surrounded by lush nature. Having our own private villa was a true luxury.”

To book, you can either visit their website Kumarakom Lake Resort 

Lunch

The Ettukettu Specialty Restaurant is where culinary delights await. After settling into our room, we took a short break before indulging in a delicious lunch at this uniquely styled eatery. The restaurant blends modern aesthetics with traditional charm, creating a captivating atmosphere. As we arrived, we were warmly welcomed and seated at a table. The attentive staff guided us through the menu, helping us select the perfect dishes. We were soon immersed in a gastronomic journey, savoring the exquisite flavors and impeccable cooking. The restaurant’s natural views provided a picturesque backdrop to our dining experience.

Evening Boat Ride and High Tea

The time had arrived to embark on a breathtaking backwater cruise. Joining other resort guests, we boarded the sunset cruise, a daily spectacle that begins at 5:00 PM. For the next 30 to 45 minutes, prepare to be enchanted by the vibrant scenery and impeccable service aboard the boat. Imagine savoring your favorite coffee amidst the tranquil backwaters, as the sky is painted with hues of pink and orange. To enhance the experience, soft, soothing music is performed live on the boat. It was truly an unforgettable moment of magic.

An Evening at Infinity view Pool

After a memorable Sunset Cruise, we had some time to explore the resort grounds. We spent some time relaxing at the infinity pool. Thanks to the talented staff of the resort, we got few pics to cherish.

We lost track of time, as we were so emersed in the tranquility of the lakeside, watching the waves gently lapping the shore. It was a peaceful and meditative experience. We spent the rest of the evening exploring the property and capturing these memorable images.

Dinner

Soon it was time for dinner, and we were delighted to see Mr. Neel again in the dining area. The variety of dishes on offer was truly overwhelming. The kitchen was a bustling hub of activity, filled with energetic chefs and supportive staff. It was clear that everyone knew their roles perfectly. We filled our plates with our favorite dishes and enjoyed a sumptuous meal.

Later, we had the pleasure of chatting with Mr. Neel again by the lake. He shared fascinating stories about the history of Kumarakom Lake Resort, recounting how he and his team envisioned the resort and worked tirelessly to bring their vision to life. Their dedication was evident in the resort’s prestigious awards.

Quality time at the private pool

The next morning, we spent some quality time in our very own private pool, losing track of time as minutes turned into hours. It was a truly delightful experience having the entire pool to ourselves. It was the epitome of luxury redefined.

Activities at the Resort

The resort offers plenty of activities that one can get indulged into. Listing below few:

1. Sunset Cruise
2. Pottery
3. Canal Cruise
4. Village Walk
5. Bird Watching
6. Hi-Powered Speedboat
7. Cultural Programs
8. Lunch Cruise
9. Ayurveda packages and many other activities

A day spent well

We decided to spend the rest of our day exploring the resort’s picturesque grounds, which offer countless opportunities for stunning photos. Even a full day wouldn’t be enough to see everything. The resort features a charming canal, its serene waters and lush greenery creating a magical atmosphere.

We got lucky and got a guided property tour to their Presidential Suite. Full marks to their amazing hospitality. We were absolutely captivated by its beauty and luxurious amenities. Imagine having a massive swimming pool overlooking the lake, a private courtyard by the lake, and other incredible features like an open-air bathtub surrounded by greenery, private pool beds, and luxurious bath products all to yourself. Amazing Right? Well, we felt exactly the same.

A Rainy Night

Our last night at the resort was filled with tranquility. After dinner, we decided to relax on the porch of our Heritage Villa, watching the rain fall gently on the leaves. The soothing sound was incredibly calming.

 

The porch was surrounded by lush greenery, and we noticed a slight movement in the bushes nearby. With no one else around, it felt a bit eerie. Curiosity piqued, we watched intently as something sparkled in the darkness, like two bright eyes. Our fear quickly dissipated as we realized it was a tiny cat, wandering alone in search of food. Perhaps she was accustomed to guests, but she initially hesitated to approach. However, when we called out to her, she didn’t take long to warm up to us.

Delightful Surprise

The rain continued through the night, keeping us cozy in bed until around 6:00 am. As early risers, this was unusual for us, but vacation mode allowed for a little indulgence. We eventually dragged ourselves out of bed for a morning cup of tea. The rain had eased to a drizzle, and as it was our last day at the resort, we wanted to make the most of it while still maintaining a relaxed pace.

Around 7:00 AM, I received a call from Mr. Neel, who had a delightful surprise in store. He had arranged a private canal cruise through the backwaters, weather permitting. To our delight, the rain had stopped, and we soon found ourselves comfortably seated in a beautiful boat all to ourselves.

The cruise took us through a labyrinth of waterways, offering a glimpse into the authentic village life of the backwaters. It was like a real-life Venice. The scenery was constantly changing as we progressed, with fishermen preparing for the day, children getting ready for school, and villagers going about their daily routines. The hour-long cruise was a perfect way to end our amazing vacation, bringing us back to the resort just in time for our final breakfast.

How to Reach?

We had taken a morning flight to Kochi from Bangalore which was just about an hour. From the airport, we had booked a cab to drop us at the resort.

By road, if you are travelling from Bangalore, the distance is about 600 kms. The travel time can easily reach about 11 to 12 hrs. So, one can plan accordingly.

Another option is Train. There is one specific train, Bengaluru Cantonment-Ernakulam Vande Bharat Special, which runs on Thursdays, Saturdays and Mondays. 05:30 am is departure time from Bangalore and 02:20 pm, arrival time at Kochi. This is a great option too.

Final Words

Our stay at Kumarakom Lake Resort was truly unforgettable. From the breathtaking scenery to the impeccable service, every aspect of our experience was exceptional. This idyllic retreat, nestled in Kerala, the ‘God’s own country,’ offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, luxury, and hospitality. We highly recommend this resort to anyone seeking a peaceful and luxurious getaway in this enchanting region.