Purity is a remote and serene lakefront villa, set on the shores of the beautiful Vembanad Lake, on the tropical Malabar Coast in Kerala. Built in 2003, by a Florentine architect Maria Angela Fernhof, the sun-washed white stucco structure with red terracotta roof is filled with vintage Rajasthani antiques, temple carvings and a dash of Cochin's colonial style. At its heart however, lies her Indo-Italian style; pure snow-white walls, clean and crisp décor and a beautiful waterfront garden.
Nestled amidst the lush green vegetation, Purity is home to fourteen different rooms and suites. All are elegant and designer boutique in style with marble and green concrete floors, dotted with antiques collected from across India. Selective contemporary art hangs on white walls with equally simple, spotless and almost Kubrickian in style bathrooms. Dining is a highlight with carefully prepared meals based on the wealth of Keralan flavours & spices by Relais & Châteaux chef.
For relaxation, all Purity rooms and suites have their own outdoor space, with terraces and verandas overlooking the Lake. There is a swimming pool and a spa offering Ayurvedic treatments with 1-7-day programmes. Activities in the surrounds include boat trip on the backwaters, birdwatching in Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and the nearby island of Pathiramanal also a bird haven. Cultural sites include the 18th-century Krishnapuram Palace and historical sites in Cochin (Kochi).
Amenities
Bar/PubCoffee ShopConciergeCribs/Infant Beds AvailableDisabled FacilitiesGardenLibraryMultilingual StaffOutdoor PoolRestaurantSafety Deposit BoxesSpa/SaunaStay Purity features just 14 rooms and suites, grouped in three types; deluxe rooms, garden suites and Vembanad suites. Each is individually decorated, in light and airy style, with tiled floors and splashes of vibrant colour on cushions and stained-glass windows. The palatial first-floor Vembanad Suite has a large living area and a romantic swing seat on its private terrace. All rooms are studded with antiques and come with a terrace or veranda with views out to the lake.
ChildCare Families with children are welcome to stay at Purity, but there are no specific facilities available for children. There are four Vembanad suites which are ideal for families but Garden Suites, which are smaller are also spacious enough to easily accommodate an extra bed. Babysitting service can be arranged, on request.
Dine Dining at the Purity resort is headed by Relais & Châteaux trained chef who serves traditional Keralan delicacies. Meals are prepared with fresh local ingredients and the catch from the backwaters and nearby sea shore. Guests can dine overlooking the lake or in the sheltered courtyard. There is also a nightly barbecue in the garden, accompanied by a traditional Indian music performance. The hotel also has a selection of fine wines including an Indian vintage collection.
Relax The facilities at Purity include a swimming pool and a walled garden with spaces for relaxation. There is also a beautiful spa, headed by a knowledgeable ayurvedic doctor and his dedicated staff. In the surrounds is a Jetty and a waterfront Pavilion providing many areas to relax or take a leisurely walk and soak in the views.
Experience Guests at the Purity resort can begin their day with morning walk along the lake or take the hotels houseboat to view birdlife and Chinese fishing nets. About an hour’s boat ride is Alleppey, the start for backwater cruises, while nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers can visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Interesting cultural sites include the 18th-century Krishnapuram Palace with its archaeological museum and Fort Cochin. Alternatively, explore local villages near the resort.
Location Purity is in Muhamma, a backwater settlement on the southwest short of Lake Vembanad, just off National Highway 47 between Ernakulam and Alleppey.
Getting there Fly into Cochin International Airport. Cochin is the nearest airport to Purity, 50km away, the drive from there takes around 1-hour. The last leg of the journey is a scenic 5-minute boat ride across the lake to the island.
When to go Isolated from much of India by the Western Ghats, the climate of Kerala & Karnataka is tropical. The best time to visit is from January through to April. Summer is hot and humid; the monsoon season arrives in early June and lasts till August. While September can be dry and humid. There can be a little rain in October and November, cooling off around December and lasting until February.
Featured
Discover sides of Asia you never knew existed, revealed by people who know every facet.
Featured
June 01 - 1, June 01, 2025
Featured
June 01 - 1, June 01, 2025
Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said us recently.
“I would like to thank Asian Geographical Expeditions staff for organising a perfect holiday for my family to Dubai, Sri Lanka and the Maldives…”
“We are grateful for the exceptional planning and care taken by Asian Geographical Expeditions to ensure our holiday was perfect.”
“… organised by Asian Geographical Expeditions following a recommendation from a close friend. He wasn’t wrong! Asian Geographical Expeditions immediately showed us their professionalism, care and attention to our wishes.”
“Thank you for suggesting the helicopter ride to Everest Base Camp and breakfast with a view of Mt Everest—a truly spectacular moment.”
“The history and cultural specialists also deserve a mention for the way they illuminated the heritage of the places we visited, as does the Buddhist scholar with his apparently boundless knowledge.”
“We were very impressed to learn that its CEO had led some amazing first-ever expeditions … Clearly, he’s still an ace at organising expeditions.”
“Tibet was a revelation … it surely was a blessing to travel back to the region after 50 years … Thank you, Asian Geographical Expeditions, for making this possible.”
"Everything went smoothly, and we want to thank our friendly guides and driver who shared their personal stories and the rich histories of their countries. That is the AGE difference."
"A heartfelt thank you to all the staff at Asian Geographical Expeditions who made this super trip possible."
"… we had a stress-free trip, ‘hands-free’, enabling us to enjoy the sights and rich cultures of Dubai and Oman ."
"The meticulous care, support and guidance provided by Asian Geographical Expeditions made the trip extra-special."
"The itinerary was as we expected... the Asian Geographical Expeditions did a fantastic job, going the extra mile to ensure we had the best holiday ever.”
"The attention to detail shone through every aspect of our journey … we gained a deep understanding of a region that remains enigmatic to many. Thanks for a remarkable travel experience!"
"I am deeply grateful to the entire team at Asian Geographical Expeditions for their dedication and hard work in crafting such a memorable holiday."
"The guides were exceptional—they clearly loved sharing their knowledge and insights into the local culture and history."
"We were really impressed with the immaculate organisation ... The Asian Geographical Expeditions team kept in communication during the tour, ensuring that each of our members was comfortable."
"The detailed itinerary and thoughtful pre-trip information removed all stress from our travels, which went off without a hitch, allowing us to dive deep into the stunning landscapes and rich cultures of Central Asia."
"The hospitality was truly remarkable... we are immensely grateful to the team for their efforts and look forward to our next adventure with Asian Geographical Expeditions."
"Every detail of our trip was superbly executed... (and) the exceptional attentiveness of the guides added a feeling of luxury and comfort that was much appreciated."
"The guides were not only knowledgeable but also truly passionate about sharing their rich cultural histories, which added a personal touch that was deeply appreciated."
"Every aspect of the trip, from guides to accommodation and the well-planned itinerary ... was seamlessly orchestrated. We will always recommend Asian Geographical Expeditions for anyone looking to explore Central Asia in unparalleled depth and comfort."
