Timber Mansion :
To a timber and tile mansion that seems to belong to this earth, but to another time. If you left the comfort of your hammock for a closer look, you'd see that it is an authentic reconstruction. Some of its timbers are 200 years old. They were moved here piece by piece, a legacy of the tharavads of old Kerala. One cannot ignore the excellent brass detail on the doors and the fretted woodwork on the verandah ceilings. This is the finesse of another age, brought back to life by the masters of a dying art. It shall be your home tonight.

Accommodations and Enchantments :
The reception area too, like the homes we mentioned earlier, is a living piece of Kerala history. It dates from 1860, the four-cornered open courtyard design an echo of times past. The entire mansion was painstakingly transplanted from the nearby village of Vaikom in 1993. Relax on the wooden swing before you check in, or wander about, sipping on a fresh coconut and soaking in the atmosphere. You can choose from three kinds of accommodation at Coconut lagoon:

The Heritage Bungalows are compact independent cottages, set in lush lawns along the canals. The Heritage Mansions are larger, with an upper story defined by distinctive wooden ribs that resemble the sides of a boat. Most of these afford fine views of the lake. Beyond, on their own quiet section of lake front, are the Pool Villas. Peace and privacy combine here, with private pools, distinctive interiors and even your own little hammock, tied up front.

Architecture :
Take a closer look at any of the accommodations, and you'll see the minute architectural details that make each of them distinctive. A trellis pattern here, a row of tiny brass knobs there, a rampant diety on a 200 year old columnno two houses are exactly the same. Of course, these old-world touches betray little of the conveniences that are found within. Air-conditioning, telephones, hot and cold waterall the comforts of a modern resort are yours to relish.With one exception-television. Noisy channel surfing and nature just don't belong together, as you'll soon discover. However, for die-hard CNN addicts, there is a set in the recreation room.

Bathrooms :
We cannot pass on without mentioning the bathrooms. This crucial aspect of hotel living has been given a fresh twist at Coconut Lagoon. The bathrooms are open-roofed, echoing the outdoor facilities of traditional Kerala, but of course, incorporating every mod con. So you can shower under the sheltering sky, yet in complete privacy.

Restaurants :
We have a multi cuisine restaurant (Buffet breakfast, lunch, dinner) and Theyam - a Bar.

A True Taste of the Land :
Would it be immodest to say that the cuisine at Coconut Lagoon is justly famous? Paul McCartney (and Heather!) described the food as 'perfect'. Of course, international restaurant guides have raved about it for years, so it's always been a badly kept secret. Put yourself in chef Raju's expert hands, and you can sample Keralan cuisine at its most authentic.

Fort Cochin is the speciality seafood restaurant, where, among other delights is the 'karimeen', or pearl spot fish. Sample it curried or fried, and try to discover why it has such fanatical devotees. Besides, a variety of shellfish, sea and river fish are served in local and international styles. As in all good food, freshness is the first rule. Fish jumps practically straight from the lagoon to the frying pan. Paddy is local and the same goes for the poultry, raised in neighboring farms.

The aromas in the restaurant give you a preview of what's to come. Steamed cinnamon leaf mingles with roast jaggery. Pumpkin leaves provide the top notes to a melody of grilling crayfish

The extensive buffet includes delicious vegetarian spreads, ranging from local classics (avial and kottu) to the exotic (drumstick and basil soup). You'll find they combine splendidly with the red rice we always serve. It's organically grown in our own paddy fields, and it's really, really good for you.

Speaking of goodness, the menu also features Ayurvedic drinks and foods that have specific restorative, digestive or cooling effects. Give them a try, especially if you've overindulged a little at your previous meal!

The restaurant building is built in the old 'ettukettu' style, two roomy courtyards with dozens of slender supporting pillars The space has been designed such that a constant, playful breeze dances attendance on diners. This is the oldest structure at Coconut lagoon, a fitting mise en scéne for a taste of tradition.