Kerala Top Unique Accommodations 2025

Kerala offers a wide range of unique accommodations that provide a truly memorable experience for travelers. From staying in treehouses nestled in the rainforest to houseboats gliding through serene backwaters, these one-of-a-kind stays connect visitors with nature and local culture. Whether you want to camp under the stars, stay in heritage palaces, or experience life on a farm, Kerala has something special for everyone. Here’s a guide to some of the best and most unique places to stay during your Kerala adventure.

Best Treehouse Stays

1. Wayanad Treehouse Retreats
   • Set amidst lush rainforests, Wayanad is famous for treehouse stays that offer stunning views of the Western Ghats. These eco-friendly accommodations let you wake up to the sounds of birds and the rustling leaves around you.
   • Top stays: Vythiri Resort, Treehouse Stay Wayanad, and Pepper Trail Treehouse.
2. Munnar Treehouses
   • Nestled in the verdant tea gardens of Munnar, treehouse stays here provide a perfect blend of luxury and adventure. Enjoy panoramic views of misty hills and lush valleys.
   • Top stays: Nature Zone Jungle Resort, Dream Catcher Plantation Resort, and Ragamaya Resort & Spa.
3. Thekkady Treehouses
   • Located near the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady’s treehouses offer a chance to stay close to nature and wildlife while enjoying modern comforts.
   • Top stays: Greenwoods Resort, Shalimar Spice Garden, and The Wildernest.
4. Athirapally Treehouses
   • Overlooking the majestic Athirapally Falls, treehouses in this region offer a unique stay with a view of one of Kerala’s most famous waterfalls.
   • Top stays: Rainforest Resort, Treehouse Athirapally, and Silverwoods Resort.

Unique Stays in Houseboats and Shikaras

1. Alleppey Houseboats
   • Known as the Venice of the East, Alleppey is famous for its houseboats. Stay in a traditional Kettuvallam (houseboat) as you glide through Kerala’s tranquil backwaters, enjoying local cuisine and breathtaking views.
   • Top stays: Spice Coast Cruises, Pulickattil Houseboats, and Rainbow Cruises.
2. Kumarakom Houseboats
   • Kumarakom, located on the Vembanad Lake, offers luxury houseboat stays with the charm of Kerala’s rural backwaters. A perfect spot for birdwatching and enjoying serene boat rides.
   • Top stays: Lakes & Lagoons, Kumarakom Houseboats, and Xandari Riverscapes.
3. Shikara Rides in Ashtamudi
   • While houseboats offer a slower pace, shikaras provide a smaller, more intimate boat ride experience, especially around Ashtamudi Lake, one of Kerala’s largest backwater stretches.
   • Top stays: Club Mahindra Ashtamudi, Ashtamudi Villas, and WelcomHotel Raviz.
4. Kollam Houseboats
   • Houseboat stays in Kollam take you through the less explored backwaters, offering a peaceful experience with scenic views of Kerala’s rural life.
   • Top stays: Aqua Castle Houseboats, Lake ‘n’ River Resort, and Kollam Houseboat Tours.

Farm Stays for a Rural Experience

1. Palakkad Farm Stays
   • Palakkad’s farm stays offer a rustic experience of Kerala’s agricultural life. Stay in traditional homesteads surrounded by lush paddy fields and plantations.
   • Top stays: Kairali Ayurvedic Health Resort, Kalari Kovilakom, and Prakriti Farms.
2. Wayanad Farm Stays
   • Experience rural life at its best in Wayanad’s farm stays, where you can explore spice plantations, interact with local farmers, and enjoy home-cooked meals.
   • Top stays: Ente Veedu Homestay, Marmalade Springs, and Hiliya Resort.
3. Munnar Farm Stays
   • Munnar’s farm stays are set among tea and coffee plantations, offering a peaceful retreat with insights into Kerala’s rich agricultural traditions.
   • Top stays: The Munnar House, Dew Drops Farm Stay, and Glenmore Farm Stay.
4. Kumarakom Farm Stays
   • Kumarakom’s farm stays provide a blend of backwater beauty and rural charm, making it an ideal place to experience Kerala’s village lifestyle.
   • Top stays: Coconut Lagoon, Philipkutty’s Farm, and Backwater Ripples.

Heritage Hotels and Palaces to Stay In

1. Bolgatty Palace, Kochi
   • A historic Dutch palace, Bolgatty Palace offers a blend of colonial charm and modern amenities. It’s one of the oldest existing Dutch palaces outside Holland, located on a small island near Kochi.
   • Top stays: Bolgatty Palace & Island Resort.
2. Chittoor Kottaram, Kochi
   • A heritage palace-turned-hotel, Chittoor Kottaram offers a royal experience with its antique furnishings and tranquil riverside location.
   • Top stays: Chittoor Kottaram Heritage Hotel.
3. Le Colonial, Fort Kochi
   • Once home to the Portuguese governor of Fort Kochi, this 16th-century building has been converted into a luxury heritage hotel, offering a blend of history and elegance.
   • Top stays: Le Colonial Hotel, Forte Kochi.
4. Kumarakom Lake Resort
   • A luxurious heritage resort that reflects Kerala’s traditional architecture, Kumarakom Lake Resort is known for its beautifully restored heritage mansions.
   • Top stays: Kumarakom Lake Resort.
5. The Raviz Kadavu, Kozhikode
   • Combining traditional Kerala architecture with modern luxury, this heritage hotel by the river offers a serene experience surrounded by lush greenery.
   • Top stays: The Raviz Kadavu Resort.

Camping Under the Stars

1. Gavi Camping
   • Gavi, a forest haven in the Periyar Tiger Reserve, is one of the best places for eco-camping. Stay in tents under the starry sky and wake up to the sound of wildlife.
   • Top camps: Gavi Eco-tourism, Green Mansion Eco Lodge.
2. Munnar Camping
   • Munnar offers excellent camping opportunities amidst tea gardens and misty hills. It’s perfect for adventure enthusiasts who want to trek and camp in the wild.
   • Top camps: Camp Noel, Wild Elephant Eco-friendly Resort.
3. Vagamon Camping
   • Vagamon’s meadows and pine forests provide an ideal setting for camping. It’s a peaceful retreat for those who want to spend the night under the stars in the cool mountain breeze.
   • Top camps: Vagamon Pine Forest Camping, Camps Vagamon.
4. Wayanad Camping
   • Stay amidst the hills and forests of Wayanad, where camping is an ideal way to enjoy Kerala’s natural beauty. Wayanad also offers opportunities for trekking and wildlife spotting.
   • Top camps: Jungle Edge Resort, Blue Ridge Adventure Camp.
5. Silent Valley National Park Camping
   • For those seeking a true wilderness experience, Silent Valley National Park offers camping in one of Kerala’s most biodiverse areas, surrounded by pristine forests and rivers.
   • Top camps: Silent Valley Camps, Evergreen Adventure Camps.

Kerala’s unique accommodations provide unforgettable experiences for travelers. Whether you’re looking to stay in a treehouse, relax on a houseboat, or explore Kerala’s rich heritage through palatial stays, these options promise to make your trip extraordinary. Each accommodation type offers a deeper connection to Kerala’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, ensuring a unique and memorable stay.