
A beautiful coastal region, Kerala has long appealed to families dreaming of a slower-paced holiday to India. Fort Kochi's fascinating heritage landmarks, buzzy boutiques, galleries and cafés are perhaps best-suited to families with very young children or older teenagers, and makes a great starting point for a memorable trip. Head into the hills for wildlife-spotting, hiking and horse riding, or towards the lakes and legendary backwaters of Kerala's interior for kayaking, boat trips and cycling excursions. Further south, the beach town of Varkala is Kerala's favourite wave-riding hub — a sure-fire hit with beginners as well as experienced surfers! Chosen for their spacious guest rooms or cottages, mouth-watering cuisine, and plethora of activities, our list of the best family friendly hotels in Kerala is a brilliant springboard for planning your next family adventure!
For Keen Surfers

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Soul & Surf Varkala has something of a cult following. Brilliant for solo travellers and groups of friends, as well as families, this spot has a wonderfully warm community feel. Gather for big breakfasts after your morning surf, enjoy restorative yoga classes after playing on the beach with little ones, and enjoy live music evenings all together. Fun, encouraging instructors will have older kids honing their surf skills with ease. Great food and flexible room options complete the picture.
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Villa Jacaranda, also close to the beach in Varkala, has four simple yet attractive bedrooms and a swimming pool. Book one or two rooms as a family, or take the whole house for a group trip with guests of all ages. Varkala is ideal for surfing, beach wanders and cycling. The chef will whip up delicious Keralan cuisine to suit your tastes — always a bonus when travelling with the kids!
For Creatives

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Clayfingers Art Cottages, once a brick and tile factory, has been transformed by its artist owners into a fabulous clay workshop surrounded by private cottages. A simple stay with delicious cuisine, vast grounds and a laid-back feel, the hotel runs pottery classes for guests of all ages. Borrow bicycles to explore rural Thrissur as a family, or gather for board games in the evenings. A characterful, creative favourite.
For Fans of Lakeside Activities

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The Leela Ashtamudi, A Raviz Hotel has 96 rooms, suites and cottages, some with private pools. Overlooking marvellous Lake Ashtamudi, this opulent hotel is amongst the group's very best family options. Expect boat trips, games of billiards, carrom and table tennis, a children's play area, a swimming pool and three eateries. Great fun and very indulgent.
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Coconut Lagoon promises private cottages with plunge pools close to Kottayam. Babysitting services mean that you can dash off to the spa for a moment after fun family days in the expansive gardens. Kayaking excursions, guided nature tours and competitions in the games room are perfect activities to enjoy together. A CGH Earth property, this spot is famed for its warm hospitality.
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Taj Kumarakom Resort & Spa Kerala faces beautiful Vembanad Lake. The 28 tiled-roofed cottages are great for families, who will love the kids club, bicycles, boat trips and expansive grounds. Set around a historic house, this is a charming and luxurious boutique resort.
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Gokulam Grand Resort & Spa offers classic rooms and suites with polished wooden furnishings and views towards a generous swimming pool. Cycling, fishing, kayaking, boat trips and games of billiards await, making this a top choice for active families with older kids. There's a serene spa and fantastic cuisine, too.
For Eco Adventurers

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Windermere Estate offers a collection of 18 guest rooms and cottages in the magical Western Ghats. Adventurers will adore exploring the cardamom estate on foot, and spotting wildlife at the Eravikulam National Park or Thattekad Bird Sanctuary before splashing around in the pool. Big cottages with wooden beams, cosy fireplaces and expansive views are ideal for families.
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The Grand Cliff Resort is a smart, contemporary hotel surrounded by Munnar's picturesque tea plantations. Families will appreciate the generous luxury suites, and opportunities to hike, horse ride and cycle. There's a huge swimming pool, spa, restaurant and regular yoga classes, too.
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Cardamom County by Xandari, close to the Periyar Nature Reserve, is ideal for keen adventurers and nature enthusiasts. The largest of the 44 green-painted suites and cottages are well-suited to families, and there's an onsite spa, farm-to-table eatery and swimming pool. Guided nature hikes, bamboo rafting and Jeep safaris are all great fun.
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