Coconut Lagoon Kumarakom

The Coconut Lagoon Kumarakom truly celebrates the Kerala backwater life – a labyrinth of water channels amid a lush coconut grove interspersed with traditional Keralan homes, and the intimate association with the local land and community. Located in a sheltered cove in the backwaters of Kumarakom, the only way to get here is by way of a boat, a charming introduction to the backwater experience that lies ahead.

Coconut Lagoon celebrates and preserves the vibrant culture of the Kuttanad region. The cottages were originally traditional homes that was being ripped apart for timber, which were rescued and transplanted at the property. The staff interacts closely with the local community and encourages guests to be a part of it. The floating tea shop is one such chance to meet the local lady from the nearby village who serves tea from a boat. Other experiences themed around the unique habitat and life in the Backwaters are sunset cruises, kayaking, birdwatching, village walks, and farm visits. A birdwatcher’s paradise, one can spot birds even from the comfort of their cottage.

Location

The Coconut Lagoon is located upon the Vembanad in the Kuttanad district of Kerala.

Things to know

The nearest airport is the Cochin International airport (77 km or 2 hours 15 minutes)
The hotel is a 10-minute boat ride from the Kavanatinkara boat landing, 10km from Kottayam, the nearest town. It is a 25-minute boat ride from the Puthenangadi boat landing, a 45km drive from Kochi.
The resort has traditional entertainment – a dance or drama recital that happens every evening at 7:30 pm.
A special occasion can be celebrated with a bespoke dining experience amidst a paddy field or by the pool on prior request.

Rooms & Suites

While no two rooms are alike, each of the ornate wooden cottages has a seamless harmony between modern comforts, and traditional design and décor and look out to the verdant grove and the backwaters – the agenda is definitely ‘regional’ and ‘natural’. They feature patios and partially open-to-sky bathrooms, foraging a strong connection with the stunning outdoors. The Lake Front villa comes with a private pool, a living room fitted with a small kitchenette, and a separate bedroom with an attached bathroom. Both Heritage Bungalows and Heritage Mansions come with a private sit-out and partly open-to-sky bathroom, the bungalows also have a duplex room.

Restaurants & Bars

There are three restaurants, the lakeside Aymanam serves traditional Kerala food including regional favourites in both indoor and outdoor settings. Hearty lunch and dinner buffets are served in Ettukettu, the main restaurant while the Vembanad Grill offers seafood specials

Spa & Wellness

An Ayurvedic Centre offers a range of herbal massages and traditional therapies. The hotel’s swimming pool overlooks Lake Vembanad and is a great spot to take in the grandeur of the lake.

Experiences

A lot of the experiences and activities are curated around the lake. Discover the beauty of backwater life and a treasure trove of flora and fauna in Kumarakom. Guests can go paddling across the lake at sunrise or sundown and immerse in the harmony. Led by experienced instructors, the curated backwater activities include Stand Up Paddling, Kayaking, cruising the canals on a canoe, exploring the village, and life on the shores. Other experiences include birdwatching in the area and a sunset cruise on Lake Vembanad.

Sustainability and Responsible Tourism

CGH aptly translates to ‘clean, green and healthy’ and every CGH Earth experience rests on certain cardinal principles that are the foundation of the brand’s core values: caring for the environment, working with local communities, and being one with the local ethos. At Coconut Lagoon, wet waste is turned into biogas and vermicompost, used as cooking fuel and manure, respectively. The hotel goes to great lengths to be heritage-conscious and care and employment of the local community.