Kerala

Step inside this chunky white 18th-century colonial British bungalow at the edge of the Parade Maidan, and you're immediately cooled by rooms in vibrant colors. — Frommer's

Isolated at the tip of Willingdon Island, this grand hotel offers a heritage sensibility and style, and absolute luxury, including simply excellent dining experiences — Fodor's

Set by the Arabian Sea, on acres of tropical Keralan countryside, beach-break spot Neeleshwar Hermitage is soulful and serene. — Mr & Mrs Smith

Remote, serene and as close to nature as luxury resorts get. — The Telegraph

Charming, intimate hotel in a converted mansion in Kochi built in 1506 as the private residence for the Portuguese governor. — Hideaway Report

This high-end lakefront resort invites travelers to leave their cares behind. — Gayot

The best feature of this budget "hotel" is undoubtedly its location right on the waterfront -- it even has a private jetty (though no rooms overlook the water as such). — Frommer's

Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra in Kerala is an escape for all senses. On a cliff above the Arabian Sea, the palm-shaded hotel is made up of a series of historic cottages. — Mr & Mrs Smith

The Kovalam branch of this swanky Indian hotel chain is set among sprawling green grounds and has direct access to a secluded stretch of Samudra Beach. — Lonely Planet

This dignified business hotel is quiet, tasteful, and replete with modern conveniences plus Kochi's most polished service. — Frommer's

This spotless homestay is wildly popular with budget travelers, in no small part because of the warm, knowledgeable, and extraordinarily helpful hosts. — Fodor's

At the quiet end of busy Petercelle Street, this simply furnished hotel inside a 1700s Dutch building has earned raves for its reasonable rates and good-looking rooms. — Fodor's

The charming Les 3 Elephants has eco-friendly cottages all facing the backwaters; the beach is across the road. — Fodor's

Clifftop retreat between Varkala Beach and the ancient Janardhanaswamy Temple with just 30 rooms and a swim-up bar. — Jetsetter

This small group of cottages is north of Varkala and close to both Odayam and Edava beaches. — Fodor's

Trivandrum’s most charismatic place to stay is the 250-year-old home of Colonel Roy Kuncheria. — Lonely Planet