Perched along the edge of Lake Vembanad in Kumarakom, Kerala, ILLIKKALAM Lakeside Cottages delivers a rare chance to soak in Kerala’s backwater charm without draining your savings. What sets us apart? We’re the only budget-friendly lakeside accommodation in Kumarakom, offering lakefront stays at prices that make a holiday here doable for anyone—families, couples, or solo travelers. Run by Susan Salim, a Kumarakom local with years of know-how in hosting guests, ILLIKKALAM brings you close to the water and the heart of this region, all on a shoestring budget.
Our Standout Feature: Lakeside Living That Won’t Break the Bank
In Kumarakom, where upscale resorts often dominate the scene, ILLIKKALAM carves out a unique niche. Our cottages sit just 10 meters from Lake Vembanad, giving you front-row seats to Kerala’s biggest backwater—houseboats drifting by, fishermen at work, and sunsets painting the sky—at a fraction of what others charge. We’ve ditched the luxury markup but kept the essentials: cozy, air-conditioned rooms, lake views, and a real taste of Kumarakom life. It’s affordable without feeling cheap, making extended stays or spontaneous trips entirely within reach.
What You’ll Find at ILLIKKALAM
Spread across 1.5 acres of green, eco-minded land, ILLIKKALAM Lakeside Cottages balances nature and comfort. Here’s the rundown:
- Right on the Lake: Our cottages and villas line the shore of Lake Vembanad, putting you steps from the water’s edge. Watch the day unfold over the lake from your porch, all part of the budget package.
- Rooms That Fit Your Wallet: Pick from A/C cottages by the lake, family-sized lake-facing villas, or standard A/C rooms 80 meters back. Each has air conditioning, hot and cold showers, and cable TV—simple, solid comforts at a fair price.
- Green Practices: We run on a biogas plant and vermicompost setup, keeping our footprint light. Approved by the Kerala State Pollution Control Board, our place stays clean and sustainable, powered by a 100 KVA transformer with solar and generator backup.
- Things to Do: Play table tennis, shoot hoops, or try badminton on-site. Wander our organic farm, dotted with fruit trees, or cast a line into the lake. Want a shikara ride? We’ll set it up—all without jacking up your bill.
Local Know-How You Can Count On
Susan Salim and her family bring a lifetime of Kumarakom experience to the table. They’ve been showing travelers the ropes here for years—pointing out prime spots like the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (5.6 km away) or arranging houseboat trips that hit all the right spots. The team speaks English, Hindi, and Tamil, so you’re never lost in translation, and their personal touch keeps things straightforward and welcoming.
Proof We Deliver
With a 4/5 rating from 374 Tripadvisor reviews, ILLIKKALAM holds its own at #14 out of 31 hotels in Kumarakom. Guests highlight the “killer lake views,” “spotless rooms,” and “down-to-earth hospitality,” calling us “the best deal for a lakeside stay around.” That’s not just talk—it’s feedback from real people who’ve slept here, eaten here, and left happy.
A Stay You Can Trust
Your comfort’s covered. Meals come fresh from our kitchen—no artificial junk—served by the lake or in our dining hall, tailored to what you like. We’ve got secure parking, reliable power, and a focus on keeping things eco-friendly. Book straight with Susan at +91 94470 24234 or klcottages@gmail.com—no middlemen, just clear-cut communication. We’re 16 km from Kottayam and 80 km from Cochin International Airport, easy to reach but far enough to feel like a true getaway.
Guest Takes
- “Cheap, clean, and right by the lake—everything we wanted for a quick trip.” – Family visitor, Tripadvisor
- “The view from the cottage beats anything fancy. Susan’s crew made it feel like home.” – Recent guest
- “No overpriced nonsense, just a solid stay with nature front and center.” – Solo traveler
Why Kumarakom? Why ILLIKKALAM?
Kumarakom’s backwaters draw people globally—lakes, paddy fields, and birdlife that scream Kerala. ILLIKKALAM puts you in the thick of it, minus the hefty resort fees. Whether you’re tasting local Karimeen fish or kicking back by the water, this is your spot—and your budget stays intact.
Lock in Your Lakeside Stay Now
Ready for Kumarakom without the big spend? Hit up www.klcottages.com or call Susan Salim to snag your lakefront cottage. Rainy days or sunny skies, it’s all good here—and we keep it affordable. Come see why ILLIKKALAM Lakeside Cottages is Kumarakom’s top pick for lakeside value.