Go out on the lake:
The main draw here is the chance to relax and enjoy being at the edge of one of India’s largest and most famous lakes. A boat trip on Lake Vembanad is definitely worthwhile and could be just a gentle paddle in a canoe or a day trip 6km south to Alleppey and back. The famous ‘Chinese’ fishing nets (which are not actually Chinese) are dotted around the edges of the lake, and you can watch local fishermen ply their trade in competition with the immense birdlife that flocks here (pardon the pun!).

Alleppey (aka Alappuzha):
Alleppey is the nearest town as such, and while not offering much in the way of tourist attractions it does have numerous temples, churches, lagoons and canals and a nice, golden sand beach.

Backwater cruise:
Many tourists do combine a stay here with one of the very popular houseboat cruises through the backwaters (waterways) network. These are typically 1 to 3 days in duration and easy to arrange as Alleppey is the departure point for most, sitting as it does at the foot of the lake with a long river section dotted with jettys. An alternative (and much cheaper) is to just hop on an SWTD boat (public transport), many of which depart from Alleppey, check out a list of routes here. (http://www.alappuzhaonline.com/boatroutes-alappuzha.htm)

Explore:
There are bicycles available which you can take to explore the local village Muhamma and its market area, and then mosey around the country roads.

Birdlife:
Birders will love the Keralan backwaters and a hub for them is the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, which can be reached by boat across to the east side of the lake. A visit here is essential though the entire area is rewarding for birdwatchers.

Pamper yourself:
The Purity spa is a nice space offering excellent Ayurvedic treatments, as one would expect in Kerala. Daily yoga classes are also on offer and are suitable no matter what your experience.

Relax:
Finally – and actually the most simple yet rewarding part of our stay – take some time out, kick back by the pool with a stiff drink and watch the day unfold on the lake.