Peaceful and romantic escapade on Lake Vembanand. A rare breed that combines the traditional Keralan architecture and modern European comforts. Vismaya (i.e. magic place) is aptly named since you would probably fall under its charm when you sway on the hammock and watch the sun set over the water. The terrific service only added to the experience we had. --A drop of ink may make a million think. Pawan Manghnani

This place deserves a 5 star. By far one of the best property you can stay at, has a very rustic and old feeling to it. It’s a 300 year old villa refurbished to its last nail. Stayed here for just one night with family. I asked the care taker about dinner, Mr. Vinod asked me to pick food on the way as we would be reaching the place by 7pm and there cook leaves by 9pm. I denied and asked them to cook as we were pretty tired and hey I paid almost 15k for a night. Also I asked the care taker to serve food inside the room as I was travelling with an infant and a toddler. I was denied saying there will be ants. Come-on the best of the best hotels in the country do serve food inside room. (I am sure this might be there hotel rules, and we respect it) we couldn’t eat out dinner properly outside. But apart from this, the view is just amazing with a crystal clear pool. Open view bathroom is just wow. Also don’t forget to get up early and go to the garden area to see a lot of butterflies. Food :- 7/10 View : 10/10 Place: 10/10

Good place,nice service

Stunning view of the lake from all sides of the property, with absolutely serene ambience. Lots of space around to hang out. Great service by the entire crew in the property. Fully recommend this place to anyone. Can easily stay there for several days.

This place is really heaven on earth, serene and peaceful and relaxing..we had the best holiday in years..thanks to Vinod for taking care of us..the food both continental and Indian were so tasty..the best pasta ever...this is one place I would go whenever I get a chance.

Just the thought that we would be surrounded by the backwaters on 3 sides and the pictures on the internet had us excited enough to book this place. But belive me pictures don't do justice to the beauty of this little piece of heaven. Every little corner of the house and the property is instagram worthy. We had the most amazing stay here during our recent trip to kerala. The pool was the highlight for us. With just 2 guest rooms the sanctity of the place is maintained. Vinod and his team took real good care of us. They left us alone but yet were always around to tend to any of our needs. Vinod organised a boat ride for us to enjoy the sunset which turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip. Amazing to birdwatch and just do nothing on the many small nooks and corners of the property. Off course the pool area was our favorite. The open shower is surely an highlight, there is a sense of romance and adventure at the same time to take a shower under the open sky. It is defiantly pricey but we felt it was money well spent. We would highly recommend Vismaya to anyone looking for a romantic or a family trip to kerala.

We had the most wonderful stay at Vismaya. We rented the whole villa for the two of us for 3 nights and I was blown away by the amazing service provided by Vinod and his incredible team. The villa is simply beautiful, with so many little details and extra touches added by Vinod that make it exceptional. The food is all made fresh to order and we had a huge variety of traditional Keralan food, seafood, fresh salads, sandwiches/wraps and homemade pasta which were all outstanding. Vonid also organised a private sunset boat trip for us on the lake and had a masseur to the house to give us both a massage. If you want to escape to a peaceful, scenic and beautiful place with exceptional food and service then definitely visit Vismaya!

Classy place! Stands apart from all the other resorts that are here. Limited rooms, book early!!

Great experience

A hidden little gem in the backwaters. Breathtaking views, Wonderful service! Special thanks to Vinod for making the stay for my little son so special!

Vismaya Heritage is an excellent getaway for a family. Two rustic rooms on a peninsula bordering Vembanad lake... Plush landscaping and perfectly maintained property. the best thing about the place was MR. Vinod (the person incharge).. He would go a long way to make sure we have a comfortable stay... Pool is awesome too... A review wont be incomplete without mentioning their Chef Sabu.. excellent preparations... Cons: or rather a heads up... Food, even though is delectable, the small portions and exorbitant prices are sure to give you a jolt when you pay... I am attaching the food bill we paid.. Being a foodie, i can safely say this is one of the most pricey menu i have seen in Kerala (even costlier than Hyatt or Kochi Marriott)... (PS: don't have a heart attack with total bill.. yeah! we eat a lot!! Be sure to note prices of individual dishes :-) )

Excellent ambiance, very good food, courteous and helpful staff

The above review is biased only because of my bad experience with the care taker there. The place is amazing and i would give it 5/5. However i was misguided by Mr. Vinod who is the caretaker there. Although at the bill stage he billed buffet for all 5 adults and 1 child who were there, he was very reluctant to offer food. Honestly this place is so amazing that i would recommend the property only after the caretaker is made understood on how to NOT misguide guests. My obnoxious experience was that my niece was asking for a little icecream and this guy is standing there and listening and ignoring the request when it is available with him and we are being charged for food+dessert.

There is nothing that can prepare you for the experience that awaits folks here. Simply brilliant. Its a slice of paradise. Calm, idyllic, beautiful and peaceful. Vinod and the staff are absolutely a pleasure. This a must visit place if you are in Kerala. Highly recommended.

If you are looking for anything in radius of 20 km of this resort in budget of 20k don't look elsewhere just book it . Binod the caretaker of property there will personally take care of almost anything you need.

Just pure bliss... Amazing place and wonderful staff...perfect if you are looking at having a personal/private time..

This place is magical. You could wax lyrical about it for days, but best is just to visit for yourself. Highly recommended. Massive thanks to Vinod and team who will make your stay an absolute treat!

Easily the best hotel stay of all of our lives. No stay in the area (or even continents away) can match up to Vismaya’s unique value. As others said: just book it and Vinod will take care of the rest. Just be willing to keep your eyes open to the beauty of this place - inside the house, in the food, and outside in the nature that surrounds it… or you’ll miss out. Where to begin: the best food of our lives, thoughtfully crafted and customized to delight us each day by the FANTASTIC female chef and Vinod, the nearly 360 view of the lake with all its fishermen and fabulous sunsets and sunrises (never the same each day), the incredibly diverse wildlife that came to our doorstep (including the butterflies at our doorstep), the incredible house architecture, design and decoration by Vinod and team (we noticed a new design detail every morning!), the incredible service (the team helped me with a bag that got stuck at the airport)…. None of this would have been possible without Vinod’s vision and his team’s keen attention to detail. Arun Prasad has a beautiful vision, but most importantly knows that the best experience comes from a passionate and talented team. We’re grateful for it. Run, don’t walk, to Vismaya Lakeside Resort. Thank me later!

We had a wonderful vacation with Moksha Stays. Vismaya Lake Heritage offered one of the most relaxing getaways our family has had in a long time. Vinod was exceptional in his care and attention to detail. The rest of the team comprising of Anitha, Shiji, Geetha, and Ravi chettan made sure to make us feel at home. The food was mouth watering as well. The property is beautiful and well maintained with the care of the team. We will definitely be returning in the future!

We saw this place on Youtube when we were researching Kerala and knew we had to come here. We ended our month long trip to India here and it couldn’t be anymore perfect. The villa feels like a sanctuary with traditional Kerala style. There is a beautiful pool and lots of places to sit and hang out. The villa only has 2 rooms so it is very intimate and relaxing. I suggest to book early as they only have 2 rooms. Both rooms have outdoor showers. Perfect spots to watch the sunrise and sunset. Staff are all very kind and took good care of us. We had all our meals on the property and it was delicious. Highly recommend this little piece of heaven!

It’s beyond words. Have seen a lot of luxury stays across the country but the best part of this property are the staff who are impeccable especially Mr.Vinod Joseph the villa manager. Ensured they left no stone unturned for us.

Even as you turn the corner to the house , you know you are in for a treat. From the get go, Vinod, Anita and the girls go all out to make your stay most comfortable. From the table arrangements, the delicious home cooked Kerala meals…the best appams ever….Mother Nature putting on a show with butterflies, birds and a glimpse of the reclusive otter, the holiday was memorable enough to want to return soon!

Incredible service and stunning views, overlooking the sleepy, seductive backwaters. The hotel is nestled in a tranquil spot, providing privacy and peace. Highly recommend for a stay, if you’re looking for the next level of accommodation.

Vismaya is a hidden gem surrounded by an almost 360 lake view. The private pool is outstanding, outdoor shower, cozy wooden room, aesthetic construction - the whole property is very well maintained. Would recommend it strongly to anyone keen on an amazing vacation. Thanks Vinod and team for this very warm welcome! 😊

Highly recommend. Bliss. Location, architecture, pure relaxation. Only negative point is they could be more transparent about the food and drink prices, for example information you before how much things will cost. Fresh like soda at 100 INR and dinner at 1200 INR per person is quite expensive for the area, especially when you have already paid for the hotel. Vinod is really kind and helpful.

Vinod and the team, wow! This place is truly enchanted. Surrounded on three sides by the incredible lake, this homestay is the closest you can get to the most perfect setting you will ever find/visit. My partner and I finished our honeymoon around India here and we could not have asked for anything more. The house is enchanting, the food is top quality and the service is second to none. I cannot recommend this house more for a couples getaway. Jealous of anyone else that gets to stay here!

Breath taking views, luxurious comfort and amazing food !!

We had a surreal experience during our stay this December. Vinod & Babu pampered us with amazing food and a super luxurious and comfortable stay. It's the perfect place for a relaxing and exclusive getaway

Peaceful, top-notch service, great views, delicious food, comfortable. Only two rooms, and you can book them both if you really want to be on your own (we didn't). Highly recommended.

Good ambiance

My best hotel stay. Ever. Quiet calm gorgeous setting. No TV's, only calm, quiet and peace. Aaah

Amazing place to relax and enjoy the beauty and hospitality of Kerala.

Super

Awesome replacement place

Ambience, located n surrounded by Lake on the 3 sides of the resort Hygiene & very good service from the staff.

Wonderful - nothing more to say.

This place is worth its price.Loved the stay over there.Must visit place.

In the heart of Kerala, Vismaya Lake Heritage is located on the banks of ‘Vembanad’ lake. It’s surrounded on three sides by water and is Kerala’s feudal heritage. This heritage lakeside retreat is over 400 years old and has 2 bedrooms, in traditional wood architecture making it ideal for you to relax, unwind and soak in the surrounding natural beauty, that is a treat to your every sense. Their private pool instantly makes you feel pampered and rejuvenated. The building, passed into their hands from the descendants of the original chieftain, truly is a unique hideaway. Naturally, they renamed it ‘Vismaya’, which means ‘a magical place’. Located near Thavanakkandavuroad, Chenganda, Vismaya Lake Heritage is nestled between the salty side of the Vembanad Lake, a natural garden and a tropical coconut grove. It is one of the oldest properties of the area. It’s an hour and a half scenic drive through rolling fields and coconut lined roads from the Cochin airport. Every little thing from the authentic welcome drinks to the staff that welcomes you, is designed with the traveller’s comfort in mind. This is the kind of property that lures you in with luxury, urging you to spend all your days on their premises. They serve indulgent meals with as much depth in variety as flavours and cuisines it covers. Riverside, literally by the river, serves luxe Kerala of the finest kind. The rooms have a classy décor with earthy tones across the woodwork, auburn drapes and carpeting, and crisp white bed linen. The rooms are not equipped with a television so that you can truly take a break and enjoy your vacation. The bathrooms are indulgent, spacious and luxurious. Both bathrooms have a large outdoor bathroom with an open-air shower, washing table, private garden, a separate toilet and a garden swing open to the sky.

Perfect place for a peaceful get away 😍

Great place to stay and awesome food when we visited back in 2014.

Wonderfully relaxing, beautiful property. Great staff and excellent food. We could not have asked for anything more. Thank you Vinod and team 💙

Vismaya is a hidden gem. The private infinity pool, outdoor shower, cozy wooden room, aesthetic construction and the lakeside view are a must have experience. Would recommend it strongly to anyone keen on an amazing weekend. Vinod is an extremely attentive and courteous host. Loved that Vinod and team were there for anything we need yet we had so much privacy. Keep it up, Vismaya.

A peaceful and relaxing place to be... Serves the best food. Amazing architecture.. Attention to detail given in all aspects... 5 stars can be given for cleanliness, service, food... Will definitely recommend homemade seafood pasta....

Omkareswaram cherthala

Better place for tourists

Beautiful and private.

Superb......

One of the bestest experiences

Romance by the River Probably one of the Country’s finest Romantic Hideaways, this used to be an abandoned ancient house of a local chieftain in a forgotten corner of the jungle. The historic bungalow, which dates back nearly 400 years, has even been mentioned in the Fables of Kerala. The Royal house has been painstakingly restored to its former glory by the owners & architects who apparently transported it piece by piece from the jungle to a small peninsula jutting out into placid Lake Vembanad, where it now stands among whispering palms and tropical groves. Since the architects have exquisitely incorporated contemporary luxuries into a base of traditional Travancore Kerala’s minimalist architecture, it oozes a vibe ‘Boutique Chic’ with a tasteful blend of Ancient and Modern. Since the Teakwood beauty is nestled in the lap of nature, surrounded by the waters of the Vembanad Lake on three sides, it lets you experience a Serene Sunrise as well as a Surreal Sunset. And thanks to its sheltered location on the northern side of the bund, there are no houseboats and photo-clicking tourists sailing past. A perfect sanctuary to get off the tourist treadmill and settle into the Kerala mode of Chill! LOCATION: Located right on the banks of the backwaters and just a 70 minute drive from Kochi! DINE + DRINK: The best thing about having an entire place to yourself is you can get to set up a dinner table wherever you want! And that's what we did exactly - created our own cozy corner at the edge of this little peninsula with ringside seat to yet another sexy sundowner! A feeble sun setting behind the densely forested horizon, Silent fishing boats drifting by on the pristine lake, Wild breeze and occasional Lightning & Thunder orchestrating in tune - Just couldn't resist falling under the spell mother nature cast on us! This is decompression at its finest . The chef made the experience even more special by whipping up delicious local food that was easily worth 3 Michelin Stars!!! ROOM: We took the whole villa), so this review is based on that; VIEW: almost 360 degree views of the backwaters ; SIZE: 2 Very spacious rooms with a lot of character; AIR-CON: Perfectly functioning cooler that helped in setting the perfect room temperature; BED: Comfortable bed that played the expected part to put me to sleep; BATHROOM: Uber Romantic outdoor shower area with an Open air Stand in shower; TOILETRIES: Spa Quality Cosmetics FACILITIES: No Gym but a lovely Romantic INfinity POol that was as stylish as a luxury hotel chain pool and as romantic as a Balinese Villa pool SERVICE: Friendly staff that took care of all my needs with a smile and made us feel pampered and well taken care of. Special Shout out to the manager VINOD who took care of all of needs with a warm hospitality and smile HOW WIRED YOU WILL BE: Medium Wi-Fi that works well all over the property. NO television on site, so gives you all the motivation to unplug and connect with the blissful nature all around you!

Superlatives are often used with abandon in reviews and consequently it can be difficult to sift the wheat from the chaf- the only differences between ratings being tenths of a star often dictated by just one disgruntled client. Well from the moment you arrive at Vismaya superlatives are all that enter one’s consciousness and are totally merited. The setting is beautiful, tranquility distilled, the hotel sitting on a peninsular with 270 degree views of a backwater lake. The building is unique. A beautiful and tastefully modernised 400 year old Keralan palace no less. Immediately one is transported to an oasis of peace. We were there alone but at most there will be two other guests and so as an antidote to the frenetic nature of India Vismaya is perfect. But what marks the experience as super-special is Vinod, the amazing host and guardian and as well as his staff. They truly take service to a higher level than we’ve ever encountered in India. Everything is personalised, no request too difficult and all handled with ultimate discretion and professionalism. The food was fabulous and we really didn’t want to leave despite staying during the Monsoon. We can’t recommend Vismaya or Vinod highly enough. Superlatives really are deserved.