I have spent many holidays in Kerala over the years. Finding through tea gardens, drifting on houseboats, watching sunsets on cliffside beaches. Every time I think: What if I bought a small holiday home here? There is something magical about Kerala: juicy green areas, welcome to simplicity and slow, peaceful days. So I paid attention to it. I talked to locals, spouses and properties, and visited the place. In this article I share what I learned with a friendly, random voice. Just like talking to your travel-addict friend.
Understanding Design Trends
We will call this “fashion trends” in home style, but really, it’s what people like for vacation homes right now—without sounding formal:
- Use natural materials—wood, stone, clay—they feel warm and local.
- Let light and air flow easily: big windows, open living spaces, fewer walls.
- Pick calm colours—soft green, cream, sky blue—nothing harsh.
- Add plants indoors, small pots by windows—brings freshness.
- Decorate simply—with a few handmade bowls, handwoven mats.
- Think about eco features—solid doors, good ventilation, maybe solar lights.
I mean, none of this is futuristic—just good, relaxed ideas that make a place feel alive and comfortable.
Ten Kerala Spots That Feel Like Dream Homes
Munnar: Misty hills and tea gardens
I remember my first visit: green hills as far as you see, fresh air that made me ache for a thick shawl even in summer. Homes up there range from small cottages perched on hills to bigger ones with lawn terraces. Most people I met said land is affordable compared to city zones, especially if you’re okay living a bit off the main road.
- It’s best for writing, peace, and tea-drinking.
- You’ll hear birds, fog in the mornings, and see endless green.
Read more:- Weekend Gataways In Kerala
Varkala: Cliffs over a blue sea
Not many places have that red cliff-meets-sea look. Varkala has yoga cafes, silent beaches, and walkers finding barefoot at dusk. Folks here are a mix of locals, tourists, exile—nice, friendly. Homes are mostly simple, open-plan, with a balcony over the ocean.
- Great for remote workers, wellness retreats, or renting short stays.
Kumarakom: Laid-back lakeside life
Lake Vembanad edges deep into this peaceful village. You’ll find thatched roof homes with small docks, traditional Kerala style blended with comfort. You hear birds in the morning, watch locals boat around, and can rent the place out to tourists if you’re not using it. Best for slow mornings in a hammock.
- And small hotels or cottages around are ideal for seasonal renting.
Kochi (Cochin): City meets canals
This city feels mixed or layered—colonial buildings in Fort Kochi, cafés, art galleries, Chinese fishing nets by the sea. It’s urban but not crowded like a big metro. If you pick a water-facing flat in Fort Kochi or Ernakulam, you get city perks + some peace.
- Perfect if you want rentals, airport access, or cultural weekends.
Thrissur: Culture, festivals, and calm suburbs
Yes, there’s no beach, but Thrissur is lively with culture. Every year temples light up, processions move through town, and elderly locals gather in shade talking about their day. New homes on the edge of town feel green and calm. Schools, hospitals, shops are close by.
- Good for families, folks wanting a bit of tradition and silent.
Kollam: Lake views with quiet
Smaller than Kochi or Alleppey, Kollam is peaceful, lake-linked, and friendly. You can buy homes near Ashtamudi Lake and walk by water every evening. The town isn’t noisy; it’s cozy.
- Low prices, few crowds, evening fish markets—and unforgettable lakeside views.
Vagamon: Quiet hills with open meadows
Pine forests, foggy mornings, and meadows stretching beyond sight—Vagamon is secluded. Land and houses are still pretty affordable here. If you don’t mind being 30–40 minutes from town, this is a possible hidden gem. The air feels cleaner; the pace is unhurried.
- Good for weekend run off, early investors, those who love a slow pace.
Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram): Coastal city with space
Kerala’s capital offers calm beaches like Kovalam within minutes. Still, it doesn’t feel chaotic. New homes are popping up near Kovalam Rd or closer to Technopark—a sensible mix of city and beach.
- Works if you want schools, tech zones, or moderate rental possibilities.
Alleppey (Alappuzha): Backwater town with character
More touristy than Kumarakom, but still modified. Think long canoe rides, canals, and homemade breakfast by your dock. Homes are cottages or small villas with steps to the water.
- Perfect if you enjoy local life and river views.
Kottayam & Surrounding Villages: Green fields and calm lanes
This is less touristy but rich in greenery, rubber, and paddy fields. You’ll find homes with land around them. A house here means room to grow veggies, walk barefoot in gardens, and slow down entirely.
- Ideal if you want peace, space, a connection to nature.
How to Choose Your Spot—Real Talk
- Ask yourself what you want: weekends, rentals, retirement, or writing?
- Visit each place in person—stay for at least two nights.
- Talk to owners there—see how they manage upkeep, water, electricity.
- Think about access—some places feel remote after rain.
- Check climate—monsoons bring rumbling rains; hills are chilly.
- Hire a local agent or lawyer—ask about permits, coastal zone rules, taxes.
- Factor in maintenance—coastal homes need rust protection; hills might need heating belts.
Home Style Tips That Actually Work
- Pick a bright colour theme—cream, soft green, or sky blue.
- Use plant equipment and natural light instead of artificial air lights.
- Keep the furniture minimal - just essential things: a sofa, a small table, a bed.
- Go for a porch or outer seating area to drink tea in the air.
- Decorate with local crafts: a coir mat, soil pot, hand -painted wall art.
- If you care about the bills, harvesting rainwater and solar lihts help.
You may also read:- Best Time to Visit Club Mahindra Kumarakom Resort in Kerala
Common Questions I Heard
Can I rent it while I’m away?
Yes, many people use Airbnb or rent it through local property managers. Backwater homes rent well.
What about land rules near water?
Kerala has rules on coastal zones and backwater buffers. Always check legal permits before buying.
Is Kerala safe?
Very. Low crime, inviting locals, close communities and good basic health services in most cities.
Final Word
Buying a vacation home in Kerala is not just about owning property. It's about peace, nature and memory. Each place provides a unique rhythm of life in the mouths, from the dis -covered hills to kumaracoma or cool back in the beaches of Warkala. Visit slowly. Talk to people. Choose a space that calls to your heart. With the right place and simple design—a few plants, clean layout, natural materials—you will have a place that feels like home every time you visit.
