Kerala and Goa, slowly

Kerala

Four cottages on an island in Lake Vembanad, built with reclaimed materials and local architecture. Nothing to do, which is the entire reason to go.

Kerala

On the shore of Vembanad Lake in Kottayam, with kayaking and bicycles on site. Low-rise and green, and you can stay put for days.

Kerala

Come for the treatments and the water, not for a packed itinerary.

Kerala

On the banks of Vembanad Lake, traditional architecture, an art gallery on site. Niraamaya do the unhurried thing properly.

Kerala

Keralite architecture with Balinese touches on the Bekal backwaters, with archery and yoga if you get restless. Plenty green, plenty quiet.

Kerala

A restored Victorian shipyard on Cochin Harbour, a minute from the Vypeen ferry. Sea-facing rooms and Ayurvedic massage, and Fort Kochi on foot.

Kerala

Good for a solo traveller who reads.

Kerala

Eight rooms on a cruiser that actually sails from Cherthala. The backwaters move past your window, which no hotel can match.

Kerala

In Vythiri, Wayanad, close to Karlad Lake and Banasura Sagar Dam. Green, cool and slow, with the hills instead of the coast.

Goa

This is the Goa that people forget exists.

Goa

Book it if you want village Goa rather than Baga.

Goa

Tiny, quiet, and on the right end of the coast.

Goa

Close enough to the sea, far enough from the noise.