We first visited The Raviz Kollam in 2016 when my husband took me to his home state of Kerala. Just after arriving, I stepped out onto the broad veranda and watched the sunrise over Ashtamudi Lake. The golden light reflecting on the water, accompanied by the lilting calls of a koel bird, made for a moment I’ll never forget. Right then, we promised ourselves we’d be back—and nine years later, with our growing multicultural family, that promise has become a cherished tradition.
A peaceful pause on our way through Kerala
The Raviz Kollam has become our trusted stopover on every journey between Kochi and Trivandrum. Tucked away on a quiet peninsula along the Ashtamudi Lake—Kerala’s second-largest—it offers just the kind of peaceful atmosphere we need after busy travel days or family visits. The long waterfront, shaded by swaying coconut palms, sets the tone immediately. Small wooden boats drift by, and the only sounds are birdsong and the breeze in the trees.
The hotel itself blends traditional Kerala architecture with modern comfort. Courtyards, sloping tiled roofs, and long pillared corridors give it a calm, heritage feel. We were happy to see how well it’s been maintained in recent years.
Comfort for every palate
The food at The Raviz has always been something we looked forward to. Their restaurants cater to both traditional Kerala tastes and international preferences, which is perfect for our Dutch-Indian family. From mild, comforting dishes to beautifully spiced Kerala classics, there’s something for everyone. One evening, my parents tried fish curry for the first time and are still talking about it weeks later!
A return to form
We’ll admit, during our 2021 visit we were disappointed. The hotel was clearly still recovering from the pandemic—maintenance had slipped, and the dining experience wasn’t what we had come to expect. But when we heard that new management had taken over, we decided to give it another chance—and we’re so glad we did.
Since then, we’ve noticed a clear improvement. The grounds are better kept, the rooms feel fresher, and the service has picked up again. A welcome new addition: sunset cruises on a traditional kettuvallam (houseboat), gliding past quiet lake islands as birds settle in for the night.
For us, The Raviz Kollam isn’t just a hotel—it’s a familiar and restful spot that helps us reset on our way across Kerala. And with each visit, it’s feeling more and more like itself again.
Kollam: more than a pit-stop on the way to Alleppey
We always tack a family day onto our Raviz stay to explore Kollam town itself. Once known as Quilon, this port city was a key node on the medieval spice route; today it’s India’s cashew-capital, perfumed by slow-roasting nuts. Highlights we love recommending:
- Thangassery Lighthouse – climb the 1902 spiral for an aerial view of the coastline; the Arabian Sea looks almost Caribbean from up there.
- Back-street cashew factories – many run visitor tours where you can crack a nut with workers and sample the buttery kernels straight off the roasting pan.
- Historic quarter – walk from 13th-century Portuguese churches to vibrant mosques and Tamil temples in under twenty minutes; it’s a living lesson in Kerala’s layered faiths. vardhmanvacations.comkeralatourism.org
For our mixed Dutch-Malayali household, Kollam feels symbolic: a place where cultures meet over water, spice and ancient trade winds.
A full-circle moment in 2025
In January, we returned to The Raviz Kollam—this time with three generations. It was a short two-day stay, but we managed to fit in a few meaningful moments.
We visited the Sambranikodi Floating Market, a small but lively local spot tucked along the backwaters, where boats double as market stalls selling snacks. Afterward, we relaxed with chai on the outdoor terrace, watching the lake shimmer in the late afternoon sun.
A highlight was the houseboat tour arranged by the hotel—slow and scenic, with views of tiny islands and quiet backwater life. My Dutch parents were impressed by how calm and welcoming everything felt.
The Raviz continues to be a comfortable and familiar place for us to pause during our travels through Kerala.
Planning your own visit
- Best time: November–March for gentle evenings; June–August if you love the monsoon’s emerald hush.
- Rooms: Heritage Lake View for authentic timber ceilings; Palace Wing if you want four-poster opulence.
- Must-do: Book the 90-minute sunset boat cruise when you check in—seats fill quickly.
- Travel tip: Pair Kollam with Varkala’s cliffs (40 km south) and Jatayu Earth’s Center for a varied three-stop itinerary.
Every family trip adds a new layer to our story with The Raviz Kollam. The hotel may have changed hands, menus and even its nameplate, but the melody of oars against lake water remains the same—and that sound still feels, to us, like coming home.
Have you stayed at The Raviz or explored Kollam? Share your stories below.
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