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Marari Villas (Palm Beach Villa)
near Alleppey, Kerala
On the beachfront of the fishing village of Kattoor, just north of Alleppey and approximately 90 mins south of Cochin / Kochi.
This stretch of coast is not only lovely and unspoiled by tourism, but also within quick and easy reach of the string of lakes and waterways commonly known as the Kerala Backwaters. Many boat trips begin from nearby Alleppey.
How to get there:
By air:
The nearest airport is Cochin, which is really located some distance north-west of the city and about 75km from Marari Villas.
There are daily arrivals from the largest Indian cities as well as the biggest airports in the Middle East and some in South Asia such as Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
From the airport ask your hosts to collect you, which is chargeable but by far the best and easiest option.
By rail:
Mararikulam station is just 3km away and Alleppey is 15km. Both stations are accessible from Ernakulam which is a major station on the rail network
Catch an auto from either station or ask the hotel to send one.
By bus:
Cochin is a little far from anywhere to come in via bus and Marari Beach is even further, so avoid this option!
By car:
Head down the coast from Cochin. You can take the much preferable coastal road (66), which is a nicer drive and much more scenic than the highway.
If you are coming from Ernakulam side then take NH47. Similarly, if coming from the south (Trivandrum for instance) then use NH47.
Distances & travel times:
airport: 75km / 90 mins+
railway stations:
Mararikulam: 4km / 5 mins
Alleppey: 15km / 20 mins
When to go:
The best time to visit Kerala’s coast is between October and February when the temperatures are not too high and the humidity is bearable. October tends to feel the tail-end of the monsoon but don’t let that put you off.
March to September is sweltering and humid but generally speaking hotel rates are lower. Of course, the rainier months such as July and August will limit what you can do and how you get around.
Getting around:
For the immediate area borrow a bicycle from your hosts. This is a great way to pass some time and you can head to different parts of Marari Beach or to some of the nearby resorts which are just a few km away.
For trips further afield, to Alleppey for example, ask the staff to call you an auto rickshaw or car.