Kumarakom Lake Resort

Once the gift from a king, a re-assembled mansion is where you'll find the Ettukettu restaurant, which serves an array of Chinese, continental and traditional Keralan cuisine. On the banks of the lake, the Vembanad seafood bar has a lovely rustic feel and the traditional Thattukada tea shop serves freshly fried snacks and chai. You can also enjoy private dining at the pool pavillion at the water's edge. Take a dip in the lakeside infinity pool (with jacuzzi!) and relax with Ayurvedic therapies at the Ayurmana spa.

Built in a traditional Keralan style, the rooms have high ceilings, wicker furnishings and colourful murals on the walls. Overlooking the lake, canals covered in lotus blossoms or tucked away amongst the trees, each room/villa comes with air con, tea and coffee facilities, desk and an open-air bathroom. Features differ from suite to suite and include a jacuzzi, plunge pool or private courtyard. The Meandering Pool Villas live up to the name on the edge of a snaking 'canal' pool lined with trees.

Kumararkom takes every advantage of its lakeside home with water skiing and rides across the water in a banana or speed boat. Try your hand at some local past times (and professions) like fishing, pottery and weaving, then enjoy a traditional dance show in the evening. Venture out on a sightseeing trip to Kottayam with its fascinating temples and architecture or enjoy a trip to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary where you'll see the likes of owl, egret and migratory birds who like to settle in Kerala.