Abad Whispering Palms

“Kumarakom: Scenic Splendour, Great Food, and an Average Resort”

Kumarakom, practically in my backyard, had been on my travel wish list for years. Finally, I decided on a short one-night getaway at Abad Whispering Palms. Despite the natural beauty and culinary highlights, the resort experience left much to be desired. The Journey Begins Driving early to avoid t… lisää

Kumarakom, practically in my backyard, had been on my travel wish list for years. Finally, I decided on a short one-night getaway at Abad Whispering Palms. Despite the natural beauty and culinary highlights, the resort experience left much to be desired. The Journey Begins Driving early to avoid traffic, I planned a Shikara boat ride before check-in. The resort offered this activity on their website, but getting details from them was an ordeal. Frustrated, I found an independent operator, ‘Punyalan’, who booked the ride without requiring an advance payment. Boat Ride Highlights Our group of two senior couples met at the jetty, where we were warmly welcomed by Justin, our boat operator. Navigating narrow canals and low-lying bridges, he showcased the unique lifestyle of the lakeside communities, adding enthusiasm and thrill to the experience. A stop at a lakeside house gave us the chance to taste fresh toddy, which was exceptionally sweet and unlike my prior sour experiences. The ride also took us across the vast Vembanad Lake, offering views of Pathiramanal island and sprawling resorts dotting the shores. Lunch at a home restaurant named 'Pappannan's Kada' by another waterway was unforgettable. We sat outdoors, enjoying the breeze, and were impressed by the cleanliness and absence of pests. The food—particularly the karimeen fry and prawns curry—was perfectly cooked, mildly spiced, and reasonably priced. Resort Stay: Pros and Cons The resort offered twin-room cottages with open-air bathrooms, tasteful landscaping, and lake or garden views. However, maintenance issues like faded varnish, damp ceilings, and slow room service undermined the experience. Food was another mixed bag. The resort does not provide a standard menu in the rooms. Guests must request a printed menu, which changes daily—a novel concept but slightly inconvenient. The food quality was average, and delays in service at the restaurant added to the disappointment. The property’s lake frontage was limited to about 100 meters, which felt underwhelming given their claim of a 7-acre expanse. On a lighter note, the freely roaming geese added charm, though their noisy cackles served as early wake-up calls. Final Thoughts This trip was partly to evaluate the resort for a future family vacation. While Kumarakom’s natural beauty and the boat ride were delightful, the resort’s poor service and lack of upkeep mean I’ll likely choose a different place next time.

vähemmän

“Spacious Property”

Hotel is a spacious property I stayed in their garden view room Room is not that spacious Furniture in the room not well maintained Their buffet breakfast n dinner was good Hotel staff was good Good concept of open toilets But no fan or exhaust fan in the toilets

“Wouldn't visit again”

Room was very clean, bed just about comfortable. Loved the outside bathroom, and the pool was lovely. Restaurant food was ok, but my husband got D&V from eating the prawns so only ate boiled rice for the rest of our stay. Reception staff where ok but could have been more welcoming, they didn't as… lisää

Room was very clean, bed just about comfortable. Loved the outside bathroom, and the pool was lovely. Restaurant food was ok, but my husband got D&V from eating the prawns so only ate boiled rice for the rest of our stay. Reception staff where ok but could have been more welcoming, they didn't ask me how our stay was or for any comments. The restaurant main waiter was miserable and needed to up his game being customer facing, a smile every now and then wouldn't have gone a miss. The waiting staff where hard working and approachable. Location, location, location is how I would rate this hotel! They seem to rely on this and don't put much visible effect into it.

vähemmän