 
Azure backwaters, swaying palms, and floating houseboats. These are a few of the things that inspired English Missionary Henry Baker, in the late 19th century, to acquire land on the banks of Vembanad Lake. Today, it is known as the Taj Garden Retreat, Kumarakom.
Often referred to as the little jewel of Kumarakom, it still maintains the beauty of its rustic surroundings. The 123-year-old colonial bungalow houses newly built Luxury Villas, heritage rooms and charming cottages. At this idyllic retreat, guests can look forward to practicing the art of doing nothing or keeping themselves busy with a variety of experiences, from nature to adventure, from culture to cuisine, and from rejuvenation to religion.
| Accomodation: |
Designed with distinctive native materials and building techniques for rustic comfort and relaxation.
Luxury villas with Private pools: Designed to offer the utmost in privacy, these villas perfectly blend Edwardian and Kerala décor with private sit-outs, private plunge pools with Jacuzzi amid lush greenery, and the exhilarating experience of open-air garden showers. These spacious rooms are equipped with large glass doors that open to a verandah, offering panoramic views of the Vembanad lake. Include guest amenities like international direct dial facility, color television, mini bar, and hair dryer.
Luxury Villas: Designed to offer the utmost in privacy, these villas perfectly blend Edwardian and Kerala décor with private sit-outs amid lush greenery, and the exhilarating experience of open-air garden showers. These spacious rooms are equipped with large glass doors that open to a verandah, overlooking a tranquil lily pond. Include all of the above guest amenities.
Deluxe cottage Rooms: Located in the Ayurveda block overlooking the swimming pool, these deluxe cottages have played host to heads of governments and leading lights of industry. Offering décor with old-world charm and modern facilities. Include all of the above guest amenities.
Cottage Rooms: A row of charming cottages, each with its own patio, fronts the lagoon with full-length picture-window bathrooms for the ambience of an outdoor bath. Include all of the above guest amenities.
Standard Rooms: Guests journey back in time with décor inspired by old-world styles including wooden floors and high wooden ceilings. Well equipped with guest amenities like international direct dial facility, channel music and color television with satellite programmes.
Houseboats: Guests can get in touch with their inner sailors in these air-conditioned houseboats, including open deck sit-outs and all of the above guest amenities. |
| Facilities & Services |
Guests can look forward to our quality facilities and distinctive services. Moving houseboats Cruising amidst the calm emerald backwaters and gently swaying palms, these traditional houseboats (kettuvalam) present a wonderful opportunity to be close to nature.
Hotel Business Services include:
- Broadband Internet access
- Color copier
- Multimedia computers
- Portable printers on hire
- Workstations
Hotel Leisure and Other Services include:
- Babysitting
- Car hire service
- Currency exchange
- Doctor-on-call
- Express laundry
- Florist
- House doctor
- Travel assistance
 
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| Dining |
Food and Wine: From casual, all-day eateries to formal, fine dining, guests can look forward to a wide selection of delectable dishes and refreshing drinks.
At Taj, we offer a distinctive dining experience, one that explores the nuances of the finest Indian and international cuisines, serving traditional and contemporary favourites.
Baker's Dining Room: This 123-year old bungalow offers ample colonial charm as well as alfresco dining amid picturesque surroundings and backwaters.
Attire: Smart Casual
Sunset Bar: This bar offers an array of exotic cocktails with a magnificent view of the Vembanad lake.
Attire: Casual |
| Recreation |
Guests can take advantage of our recreation activities for irresistible fun and relaxation.
Fitness and Fun include:
- Activity Hut with indoor games
- Fitness Center
- Kayaks
- Library
- Paddle boats
- Potter’s Wheel
- Row boats
- Souvenir and book shop
- Swimming Pool
- Traditional canoe rides
Water sports include:
- Banana boat
- Jet scooter
- Jet wings
- Knee boarding
- Speed boat rides
- Water ski
Relaxation With Ayurveda:
Ayurveda treatments managed by the Ayushman Ayurveda Center, one of two well-known institutes. Facilities include an Ayurveda Doctor, trained Masseurs, and two massage rooms. Treatment includes 3 & 7-day rejuvenation programs, 7 to 35-day therapeutic courses to treat various ailments, and traditional Ayurveda oil treatments, steam therapy, yoga, and meditation.
» Ayurveda Centre
Kids Games and Play include:
- Cycling
- Fishing
- Fishing rod making
- Palm leaf origami
- Pottery classes
- Tree house and sand pit
Recreation outside the Hotel include:
- ‘God of small things’ tour (trip to Ayyamanam village)
- ‘Mokshya manokamana’ tour (tour of 4 ancient Shiva temples)
- Alleppey sight seeing
- Backwater cruise
- Bird Sanctuary trek
- Cultural tours (Kathakkali Dance
- Performance\Kalaripayattu performance in martial arts school)
- Cycling trip to village
- Day cruise on Kettuvallam
- Kottayam sight seeing
- Night Fishing
- Spice\ Rubber Plantation visits
- Sunset cruise
- Temple arts appreciation tour
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