Yep, you read that right… there are some truly unique and stunning resorts in Kerala with ultra-luxe rooms that start well under $130USD, or about 10,000INR, per night… some on this list are under $90. And let me be clear, this is still a bit of a splurge in India… but it’s much less than you could even get a cheap motel in the US these days. So why not go all out on affordable luxury when you can?
Kerala is a famous tourist place both for Indian and international travelers, leading to quite literally hundreds of Kerala resorts from the mountains to the beaches to the backwaters that combine luxury and affordability. I had the opportunity to stay at over 12 different hotels and resorts in Kerala during my trip and learn about dozens more at the travel mart I attended there, so I’m excited to share some super cool properties with you now.
I have divided this list into mountain, beach, and backwater resorts in Kerala to make things a bit easier to discern. Beach resorts are found all the way up and down the coast of Kerala, backwater resorts are around Aleppey or Ashtamudi and the thousands of miles of canals and backwater in the region, and the mountain resorts in Kerala are in scenic places like Munnar, Wayanad, Thekkady, or Palakkad up in the hills.
I recommend booking(.)com and Agoda to book these properties as they offer the best rates in India. Agoda is generally known to have the best rates if you are comfortable booking on that platform!
If you need to know more info about these places, read about the most beautiful places to visit in Kerala first. I have also included some ayurveda resorts in this list, but if you’d like to know more about than then check my article of the best ayurvedic resorts in Kerala here. Enjoy your trip!
Beach Resorts in Kerala $130 and Under
Kerala is very well known for beach resorts. Here are some of the beach beachy resorts in Kerala that mix luxury with budget-friendliness.
The Raviz (The Leela) Kovalam: Clifftop Kerala Resort
Location: Clifftop in Kovalam, above Grove Beach in Thiruvananthapuram district
Why it’s Awesome: It mixes traditional Kerala style with fabulous service and views
Booking/Price Info: This Kerala resort has a higher price range, but depending on the time of year you can get their standard rooms for under 10k.
The Raviz chain is fantastic all over Kerala, and their Kovalam property is no different. This was my first resort in Kerala and I was super impressed. It’s perched on a cliff between Kovalam Beach and Grove Beach, and they have two infinity pools overlooking the Arabian Sea. Check out more places to visit in Kovalam here.
The rooms are designed with dark wood and art in a traditional Kerala style, with balconies overlooking the beach or the sea. They have suites and larger units available in their Club Area, which also has a private pool. They have a spa that offers both ayurvedic and international services, and a fabulous restaurant with buffets for each meal of the day.
Xandari Pearl Marari Beach: Private Villa Beach Resort Kerala
Location: Marari Beach, Alappuzha District
Why it’s Great: They have HUGE private villas with yards and pools for a great price, steps from the beach!
Booking/Price Info: Their “Green” Rooms go for about 10k in the lower season.
Xandari Pearl Beach Resort is another trustworthy resort brand in Kerala, and I had the opportunity to stay at their Marari beach location. It was one of my favorite stays of the trip! This boutique resort has only 27 standalone villas of three different classes – the higher classes have private backyard pools – but all are massive and simple amazing.
The rooms have colored brushed concrete floors and walls with a minimalistic and modern design. They have outdoor bathrooms/showers so you can spend as much time as possible surrounded by the beautiful coconut grove the resort resides in. There’s a stunning pool and a restaurant on-site as well as a veggie garden and a direct path to the sea. Head for a sunset ocean swim to make the most of this property!
Maliekal Heritance Resort Cherai Beach
Location: Central Cherai Beach
Why it’s Cool: This SUPER unique boutique resort was inspired by the owner’s travels and has 13 totally different dark wood rooms.
Booking/Price Info: The Standard cottages are the most affordable rooms here, but book early! Here’s a tour of the resort.
Maliekal Heritance is another of my favorite resorts in Kerala. I’m a huge fan of unique and boutique, and Maliekal Heritance checks both those boxes and some. It’s the only resort in Kerala I know of that faces both the backwater AND the ocean – with its private cabins facing the backwater at the back and the restaurant facing the sea. There’s even a loft room with a view of both!
The property is home to a 100-year-old Kerala Style Heritage villa, a few loft rooms as I mentioned, some private wood cabins (one with a private pool), and a 4-room house at the back (each room rented separately). They offer water sports on the backwaters and beachfront dining. They also have a special option for couples to dine at a private backwater table. What more could you need?!
Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Kochi
Location: Kochi, Kerala
Why it’s Awesome: Beautiful architecture + luxurious hospitality on the Taj brand for an affordable price
Booking/Price Info: Rooms are generally 11k-15k+, but on certain dates and websites you can find them for 10k.
One of the more affordable Taj Resorts in Kerala, the Taj Malabar Kochi is a beautiful place to stay on the water in central Kochi. This resort mixes classic colonial/Victorian and Kerala architecture for a traditional and timeless look.
The Jiva spa here is top-notch, and the fitness center overlooks a spacious pool and the entire bay of Kochi. You can add to the luxury with a yacht cruise around the bay of Kochi.
36 Palms Boutique Retreat: Small Budget Boutique Resort
Location: Cherai Beach North
Why it’s Cute: It’s VERY boutique and on the beachfront with a gorgeous rooftop pool and deck, central gardens, and nice design
Price/Booking Info: 36 Palms has great value for money with most rooms including King Rooms withprivate spa baths for under 7k. Prices can start as low as 4k for this budget boutique retreat.
36 Palms is a SUPER cute boutique resort on the north end of Cherai Beach. It’s small and centered around lush green gardens in the central courtyard with dozens of palms. It’s right on the breakwater and you can be on the beach within seconds, if you don’t want to enjoy views of it from the rooftop pool, hammocks, or lounge chairs first!
The rooms are traditional with pops of colorful pillows and murals on the wall. DEspite the small size of the resort, 36 palms still offers yoga classes both on the rooftop and yoga shall and also massages and Ayurveda treatments.
Affordable Backwater Resorts in Kerala
Everyone knows that the backwaters are a MUST when visiting Kerala, and did you know that there are some incredible and affordable backwater resorts in Kerala too? Here are the best, and make sure to check out some things to know before visiting the backwaters.
The Raviz Ashtamudi: Backwater Luxe Resort in Kerala
Location: Ashtamudi Lake Outside of Kannur
Why it’s Amazing: It has STUNNING views of the Lake, amazing architecture, a large ayurveda center, and heritage Kerala cottages available to rent
Booking/Price Info: Pretty much all rooms/suites apart from the Heritage cottages are 6k-10kINR year-round apart from over New Years. An absolute steal!
As I mentioned before, The Raviz as a brand hardly ever misses, and this is also true of their Ashtamudi property. Located right on the Lake, they also offer sunset boat cruises so you can truly appreciate the splendour of Ashtamudi Lake and the different fishing cultures and village life that exists around here.
The rooms look out over the spectacular infinity pool or the lake itself, and they come in a few different tiers depending on size and amenities (but all are lovely, with local art too). Their Ayurveda center has 8 treatment rooms and doctors on hand for your rejuvenation needs. The buffer-style restaurant has tons of options too!
Aquatic Island by Poppy’s: Floating Resort in Kerala
Location: Backwaters just south of Kochi
Why it’s Super Incredible: It’s a FLOATING RESORT! All rooms are ON the water with cool design and amazing views.
Price/Booking Info:
Aquatic Island is known as the first floating resort in India! Experience amazing rooms and hotel design with bamboo and wood touches while floating on the backwaters just south of Kochi. You can sim in the pool submerged right in the backwater with everything surrounded by serene nature.
The property has a restaurant, spa, and plenty of activities you can do in the area such as visiting the Chinese fishing nets, boating, and bird watching. Or you can relax by the pool and enjoy the views.
Leleela – A Kumarakom Backwater Boutique Resort
Location: Aleppey Backwaters
Why it’s Jaw-Dropping: Modern rooms, amazing views, and even better pool!
Price/Booking Info: The rooms are all the same (Deluxe Room) and prices start at 8400 for a couple… even cheaper for a solo traveler! It’s newer with not many reviews.
The Leleela Boutique resort is another backwater gem. The rooms here are beautiful and modern with pops of color and brushed concrete. Bathrooms are spacious and marble with leafy outdoor portions.
There’s a restaurant on-site and they can also set you up with backwater boat tours. One of the best things to do here is enjoy the views from the pool.
Sterling Lake Palace Alleppey: Backwater Resort
Location: Aleppey on the banks of Vembanad Lake
Why it’s Cool: This resort almost has its own circular island, with water ALL around it, a floating pool, and classic Kerala architecture
Booking/Price Info: Standard Heritage cottages are the cheapest (starting 5-6k), but Lake View suites and premium cottages still come in under 10k especially on Agoda.
Sterling Lake Palace Resort in Aleppey is a great choice for backwater resorts in Kerala for an affordable price. This resort has about 15 cottages all facing an inner lake, upon which the pool floats in the middle. Talk about unique!
The resort is surrounded by backwaters, making boat trips a must. Some parts of the resort are immersed in forested greenery but most are next to the water. The resort has a spa, restaurant, games, and more.
Mountain/Hill Station Resorts in Kerala
There are many beautiful hill stations in Kerala with mountainous views, lakes, and nature. Here are the best mountain resorts in Kerala for affordable prices.
Lake Rose Resort Wayanad: Stunning Lakeview Resort
Location: Wayanad on Kalapuzha Reservoir near Dam Tourist Area
Why it’s Jaw-Dropping: Some of the most AMAZING views of all the Kerala Resorts, stunning rooms, and scenic hotel grounds. See my hotel tour video below.
Booking/Price Info: Lake Rose’s standard rooms start as low as 7.4k INR at certain times of year, and you can always get a lake view room for around/under 10k if you book early. The Lakefront cabins are 11-12k but are amazing.
Lake Rose Resort is another of my absolute favorite resorts in Kerala. If you want to stay waterfront in Wayanad, this is your pick! They have 4 different room styles ranging from standard rooms (the one with the amazing view of the pool starts at $95), private cabins, ‘breathing wall’ rooms, and adjoining cabins. Oh, and their private jacuzzi balcony suite, too!
Lake Rose has lots of activities for kids and families alike, such as a badminton court, darts, basketball hoop, trampoline, foosball, and much more. The infinity pool looks out over the lake, and they have their pwn gardens where they grow spices for the food. The restaurant has one of the highest ranges of options I have seen at a resort in Kerala (but try the chef’s chicken banana leaf casserole for dinner). They also offer farm tours.
Jeevess Ayurveda Vythiri Ayurveda Resort
Location: Vythiri, Wayanad
Why it’s Great: It’s a smaller authentic and affordable Ayurveda resort with AMAZING mountain views.
Price/Booking Info: Book direct and include “code:kimmieconner” in your query to receive a special discount they have provided for my readers. Or read more about Kerala Ayurveda resorts here.
If you’re looking for an affordable boutique Ayurveda resort, check out Jeeves. Located in Vythiri on the way to Wayanad, Jeeves has 16 cabins in a little basin surrounded by tall mountain peaks, tea fields, and forests… views in every direction! The temperature is lovely and cool also.
This is an Ayurveda resort so stays will include a full Ayurveda regimen of diet, herbal vitamins, 2 treatments a day, and morning yoga with the awesome teacher Shobha. This is the perfect place to come and rejuvenate/detox your body or heal any ailments you may have naturally. Prices start at 9000 per person per day for 2 people, which is a crazy price for what you get.
Vythiri Village Resort: Beautiful Forest Resort with Mutiple Pools
Location: Vythiri, Wayanad Kerala
Why it’s Jaw-Dropping: This is the ideal forest getaway with amazing treks, many pools, fun activities, beautiful views from each room, restaurant, gym, spa, and more!
Booking/Price Info: Standard Rooms start around 6k for this beautiful property, and Deluxe/Suite rooms can dip below 10k too.
Vythiri Village Resort regularly appears on lists of the best resorts in Kerala for great reason. This expansive resort contains regular rooms in a larger building and also some more remote cabin-style rooms, cottages, suites, and even private pool villas.
If you don’t have a pool in your room, you can choose from 3-4 other pools spread across the property and even overlooking it on the hill. There’s even a beautiful suspension bridge crossing the property and leading to walking trails that visit waterfalls and vistas. This is an ideal nature getaway!
Amritara Shalimar Spice Garden Thekkady Resort
Location: Thekkady
Why it’s Nice: It has beautiful private cottages among tropical settings and massive spice plantations (with tours) within a close distance to Periyar reserves
Price/Booking Info: Amritara Shalimar Spice Garden offers many different room styles, most of which are under 10k. Regular rooms go for 5-6k and Elegant cottages are generally around 10k. They also offer pool villas and design villas for more.
Amritara is a fabulous Kerala resort brand, and their Thekkady property does well mixing elegance and budget-friendliness. The whole resort is on a spice plantation, and most rooms come with a free tour to learn how the spices are grown and harvested.
There are two restaurants on-site serving up a range of food options, and also a spa on-site where massages are available. They organize Tiget reserve tours, treks, and more from the property; there are lots of options to spend time in nature!
Au Revoir Resort + Ayurveda
Location: Malampuzha Dam, Outside of Palakkad
Why it’s Super Amazing: UNBELIEVABLE mountain peak views, activities in the area, cool architecture, and the best Ayurveda team around
Price/Booking Info: You can stay here as an ayurveda resort or as a normal hotel. You can get ayurveda packages for 10k per person with two people, or pay less just to stay. Best price on MakeMyTrip (one of the biggest booking engines in India) or direct. Read more on my Ayurveda resorts article.
Au Revoir Resort is one of the BEST Ayurveda resorts in Kerala due to the hands-on team who not only treats you, but also teaches you about an ayurvedic lifestyle. The team here is amazing from the doctor to the chef, who prides the program on not getting boring food-wise as some Ayurveda programs tend to do.
The architecture here has a Kerala-European mix, as fits in with the French name ‘au Revoir which symbolizes saying goodbye to your stresses and problems in this beautiful place. There are walks and bike rides in the area along the water and through nearby villages, and they also offer tours of the area and guided forest walks where you can hope to spot some wildlife.
Niraamaya Retreats Cardamom Club: Nature Resort Cottages
Location: Kumily, Thekkady
Why it’s Epic: It’s a lovely resort full of private cottages in a beautiful garden.
Price/Booking Info: This is the ONLY of the Niraamaya resorts in Kerala you can snag a room for under 10k – a cute private cottage, at that!
Niraamaya Retreats Cardamom Club might be one of the best value-for-money resorts in Kerala on this list. You can stay in private garden view cottages or mountain view cottages (pricier) for a great price up here in Kumily, on the Periyar Tiger Reserve and minutes from Thekkady boat landing.
The resort has multiple restaurants, a spa, and wonderful views of cardamom fields as the name suggests. The beautiful pool is surrounded by lush forests and gives the vibe of being immersed in nature.
Vistara Resort Wayanad: Lake View Resort
Location: Lakefront in Wayanad
Why it’s Cool: This is a more affordable hotel right on the lake in Wayanad with a great pool and views
Booking/Price Info: Rooms ALL have amazing views and start at 7k on Agoda.
Vistara is another Wayanad Lakefront hotel that’s great on the eyes but easy on the wallet. They have an infinity pool looking out over the Kalapuzha Reservoir and distant mountains, and room views that make it seem like you can reach out and touch the lake.
They have a great restaurant on-site, but make sure to ask the manager about one of the most unique experiences in Kerala: the private candlelit dinner in a cave at their sister eco-resort, Edakkal hermitage. It might be the best thing to do for couples in Kerala!
Vibe Munnar: Kerala Resort for Amazing Views
Location: Munnar Top Station
Why it’s an Epic Kerala Resort: It has BEAUTIFUL views from being perched atop a hill overlooking the hills of Munnar, and a colorful and fun vibe
Price/Booking Info: Deluxe Rooms are under 10k year-round… generally around 7-8k/night! You can pay more for a private jacuzzi suite.
Vibe Munnar is a fun and youthful hotel overlooking one of the canyons just outside Munnar. Vibe has a restaurant, fitness center, and beautiful surrounding area that features green mountains and hills as far as the eye can see.
But perhaps the best part about Vibe Munnar is the rooftop pool. From up here you will feel like you’re on top of the world with some of the best views around. The rooms are colorful and fun and all have outdoor balconies.
Thank you to many of these hotels for hosting me for a couple of nights. As always all words are my own and I can’t wait to come back again!
Passionate, full-time travel blogger with over 230k on social media and 150kMPV blog. Extraordinary photographer with two DSLR's + a drone with a love for capturing candid moments, epic drone shots, and magical compositions. I'm a natural-born content creator originally from California, but I've been on the road for 9 years living, working, traveling, blogging, and photographing my way around the world. I recommend the most amazingly adventurous and unique + boutique travel experiences/stays and helpful products to my audience and write comprehensive guides on my website that have helped millions of travelers so far. I love to inspire people to plan their dream trips, and many readers have given feedback as such. The reach on my platforms continues to soar, especially when combining cutting-edge social content with optimized articles on my high-authority website.