If you’re longing for a place where time softens and nature whispers more than crowds shout, Illikkalam Lakeside Cottages may be one of Kerala’s best-kept secrets. Tucked quietly on the banks of Vembanad Lake in the village of Likkalam (Kumarakom, Kottayam district), Illikkalam offers a stay that’s relaxed and deeply rooted in local rhythms.
This post tells you why it matters, what makes it special, and how to get the most out of a stay there.
1. Location & First Impressions
When you arrive at Illikkalam, the lake is immediate and present. From terraces or balconies you’ll catch shifting light across the water, coconut palms leaning in, and the soft hum of a small community moving in tune with day and night.
Address:New Nazarath Rd, Ilikkalam, Kumarakom, Kerala 686563
Guests mention genuine lake vistas and easy access to boat rides, bird-watching and sunsets. You’re not inside a large luxury resort boundary, nor completely off the grid — you’re somewhere where nature, local culture, and comfort meet.
2. Rooms, Cottages & Stay Options
Illikkalam offers a range of accommodation types to suit singles, couples, and families. Examples from booking platforms:
- Standard AC Double Room (Garden View) — ~125 sq.ft, 2 persons.
- Lake-Facing Sunset View AC Cottage — ~135 sq.ft, lake view, 2 persons.
- Family AC Villa — ~295 sq.ft, 4 persons.
- Larger Lake-front Cottage — 4 persons, 2 bathrooms.
Common benefits: air-conditioned rooms (useful in Kerala’s humidity), lake-view options, and friendly staff with neat, clean rooms. If possible, book a lake-facing sunset cottage for the best “wow” factor — the view is the main attraction.
3. The Setting: Why the Backwater Location Matters
The backwaters of Kerala are more than scenery — they’re a way of life. Kumarakom offers wide lake expanses, canals, migrating birds, and peaceful village rhythms. Illikkalam embodies this: direct lake views, proximity to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, and a quiet village atmosphere rather than polished luxury.
If your goal is authenticity, slow travel, and nature immersion rather than resort-style entertainment, Illikkalam fits well.
4. Dining, Local Produce & Unique Touches
Guests note that meals often include produce grown on the property. Expect Kerala cuisine prepared with locally sourced ingredients — fresh fish from the lake, vegetables and fruits from the cottage’s small farm.
The dining style leans authentic and unhurried: food served with care rather than as part of a menu-driven resort machine. Embrace the slower pace — a lakeside meal followed by a quiet walk or watching fireflies can be a highlight.
5. What To Do & Experience While There
Illikkalam is both a restful base and a launch point for gentle exploration:
- Boat rides / backwater cruises — scenic trips on Vembanad Lake and adjoining canals.
- Bird-watching & nature strolls — early morning is best for light, mist and bird activity.
- Sunset from your balcony — choose a sunset-view cottage if this matters to you.
- Village exploration — walk lanes, meet local fishermen, observe small-scale agriculture.
- Relax & read — sometimes the best plan is to do nothing at all.
Small choices — a balcony room, an early-morning boat ride, a sunset meal — can make the stay genuinely memorable.
6. Why This Property Could Be a Top Value Play
Compared with high-end resorts that charge for brand and amenities, Illikkalam offers authentic backwater experience at a lower price point. Many guests find the budget lake-view stay a strong value: less cost on lodging means more budget for experiences like longer cruises or local markets. Examples show some standard rooms starting under ₹3,000/night (season-dependent).
7. Practical Tips to Maximise Your Stay
- Book early for lake-view / sunset-view rooms — they’re limited and popular.
- Transportation — arrange correct drop-off (New Nazarath Rd, Likkalam); confirm whether last-mile boat or taxi is required.
- Check the weather — monsoon months bring heavy rains; plan accordingly.
- Best times outdoors — before 8:00 AM and after 4:00 PM for best light and calm water.
- Dietary needs — inform the property at booking if you require vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free meals.
- Connectivity — this is a nature-centric stay; don’t expect resort-level Wi-Fi everywhere.
- Stay length — 3–4 nights lets the slow magic accumulate; 1 night can feel rushed.
8. Who This Is Ideal For (And Who Might Want Something Different)
Ideal for
- Couples seeking a quiet romantic escape with a view.
- Families wanting simple, comfortable accommodation with nature as the attraction.
- Solo travellers who want reflection, writing time, and immersion in nature.
- Value-conscious travellers preferring authenticity over luxury frills.
Less suited for
- Those expecting five-star spa resorts, brand-name luxury, or a heavy activity schedule on-site.
- Guests needing ultra-high-speed internet or constant entertainment options.
9. Final Thoughts & Invitation to Visit
In a world where many travel properties blur into one another, Illikkalam Lakeside Cottages stands out by being one step slower than the world outside. The lake moves at its own rhythm, the air smells of water and palms, and the boundary between inside and outside softens.
To stay there is to give yourself permission to slow down — to trade noise for presence. If you want less hurry and more feeling, choose a balcony facing the sunset, sit with nothing but the water and your thoughts, and let the backwaters of Kerala remind you of calm and clarity.
Quick booking notes: When checking availability, look for lake-facing/sunset cottages and communicate any dietary or accessibility needs ahead of time.