The Lotus

Watching the gentle rhythms of day-to-day rural life unfold, drifting along Northern Kerala’s verdant backwaters from a comfy steamer chair on board the glorious sundeck of The Lotus Houseboat is utterly enchanting; a wonderful way to gain an authentic insight into remote village scenes and observe elusive wildlife up close and personal. Glide through languid palm-fringed canals and lagoons where laughing school children wave from neat villages, cattle graze on lush pasture, longboats are laden with coir and cashew, and fishermen call from paddle boats to sell their catch. Spy egrets wade in the shallows as iridescent kingfishers swoop overhead and turtles raise their heads from the watery depths. Forays onto shore are a chance to walk through rarely visited villages and discover hidden temples and magical shrines.

The traditional rice boat exterior of the Lotus belies its sleek interiors with a hint of colonial charm and a relaxed house party atmosphere. The indoor living cum dining room has tactile teak floors adorned with hand-woven durrie rugs, paintings depicting temple murals, squishy armchairs scattered with silk cushions and panoramic windows that open onto the cooling breeze and the fascinating ever-changing 180-degree view. The two generous bedroom suites have everything needed for easy living and a sound night’s sleep: sumptuous king-sized beds, positively palatial bathrooms, i-pod docks, super silent a/c and private verandahs for quiet moments and early morning tea. Our caring and ever-attentive team soon makes this houseboat feel like your own floating home.

In the cool of the evening, the sun deck transforms into the perfect location to sip an aperitif or dine under a twinkling star-filled sky. The chef spoils guests with seafood thali feasts and Mediterranean specials prepared using the freshest fish and plump prawns.