Kumarakom

Set against the backdrop of rich green paddy fields and still grey waters, Kumarakom Kerala was for years, just another sleepy town, resplendent in scenic beauty, but with no accommodation facilities to speak of. However, it was strategically placed. So when tourism took off in Kerala, along with the charm of the backwaters, travelers also discovered Kumarakom. The many resorts that have since come up in and around Kumarakom have transformed this quiet settlement into highly sought after destination.

Kumarakom is derived from Kumarahum Kumara and ahun mean the house of the Lord Subrahmany. Located 15 kms west of Kottayam town, the picturesque village of Kumarakom is actually a cluster of small islands on the eastern banks of the Vembanad Lake. Sandwiched between this ocean like lake and the parallel network of backwaters, this small water world forms part of the Kuttanad region. Although it is situated in a maze of lush waterways, Kumarakom in Kerala biggest advantage is that it can be reached easily by road from Kottayam, Kochi and Alappuzha, which makes it an easy gateway for the tourist on a tour to Kumarakom Kerala . With its proliferation of resorts, hotels and homestays, Kumarakom has evolved into a niche destination for the experience-loving independent traveler.

Best time to visit

Summers months can be very hot. However, the monsoon calms things down. The south west monsoons, is from June to August. September to February is the best time to make a tour to Kumarakom, if you want a monsoon break, June - July would be ideal to make a tour to Kumarakom.

Getting There

By Air The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport about 72 km away and Thiruvananthapuram International Airport about 170 km away.

By Rail
Well connected to all the main cities in Kerala, Kottayam junction is the nearest railhead, 15 km from Kumarakom

By Road
Private and KSRTC buses ply from Kottayam and Kochi. The nearest KSRTC bus stand for Kumarakom is Kottayam. Kumarakom Boat jetty is 5 km away.

Sights and Attractions

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Spread across 14 acres in a former rubber plantation that was previously known as Baker’s Estate, the Englishman who developed this area into a sanctuary would be happy to known how many keen bird watchers he continues to delight. It is at dawn and dusk that the sanctuary comes alive with shrill cries and cacophonous calls; an early morning trek here will give you fabulous sightings. You’ll find the trees dotted night herons, purple moorhen, Brahminy kites, teals, egrets, cormorants, and darters and large Indian fruit bats. June to August is the breeding seasons of the resident wetland birds like cormorants, egrets, herons, darter and white ibis. Between November and May, is the season of migratory birds like pintailed duck, garganey teal, spot billed duck, osprey, marsh harrier, steppey, eagle etc.

Arm yourself with a pair of binoculars. Neighbouring areas of Kaipuzha Muttu, Pathiramanai, Narakathara, Thollayiram Kayal and Poothanpandi Kayal are also excellent locations for birding while on a tour to Kumarakom Kerala.

Driftwood Museum

This is a unique museum and is a must see place when on a Kerala tour . It has on display a large collection of elegant driftwood sculptures, collected from the islands of Andaman and Nicobar. Apart from the Jawara woman, Handicapped family, Monkey, Lion and Elephant, there are also pieces focusing on the Kargil war and Subash Chandra Bose’s ‘Chalo Dilli campaign’. However, the masterpiece is the crocodile that, in its ‘ferocity’ sports almost a real look. The museum also showcases an amazing collection of flowers and buds.

Vembanad Lake

Stretching for 110 odd kms and spanning three districts , Vembanad was formed because of the union of the three rivers- Periyar at Kochi, Meenachil at Kottayam and Pamba at Alappuzha. The best way to discover the stretch of backwaters from Kumarakom to Vembanad Lake is to take a leisurely boat ride. The boat slowly weaves its way through narrow canals, offering a lazy slideshow of the rural Kuttanad culture. The canal meets up with a bigger one and soon the backwaters stretch disgorges you onto Vembanad. Lake is clearly a misnomer, as it stretches out like the sea.

Activities

Where to eat

Delicious ethnic food like karimeen pollichathu, creamy prawn and grilled lobsters are the specialties of the region. Kumarakom lake resort’s Vembanad Seafood and Ettukettu are good eateries. Tharavadu and Fort Kochi at Coconut lagoon are specialties in seafood and so is the restaurant at Cruise N Lake home stay.

What to buy

On a Kerala tour you could browse through the curio shops in all resorts which sell souvenirs like snake boats, kathakali masks, etc.

Boat cruise

Originally built to carry consignments of rice, bricks and other produce along the region’s myriad waterways, majestic erstwhile barges- known as kettuvallom, got a new lease of life when they were converted into a full fledged hospitality centers and came to be called Houseboats. Within the few years they gained immense popularity and tourism in Kerala’s backwaters came to be associated with the houseboats experience. Although now recognized as a natural inclusion in the Kerala tour itinerary for any tourists to the Kerala Tour. The reason for the popularity of Kerala houseboat cruise lies not just in the tranquility of the experience. There is also the setting that gives an intimate glimpse into another world.

As the boat floats down through a maze of canals, you’ll see along the banks, tile proofs houses sans fences, tiny waterfront temples and churches and textile shops displaying kailis and nighties. Other interesting sights are waterside activities like coir making, copra drying, fishing and rice farming on reclaimed lands below sea level. On a Kerala houseboat cruise, you will get to see all these cameos.

On a Kerala tour to backwaters you will get the kind of treatment that makes this a magical event. Aside superlative food, the level of the well furnished bedrooms accompanied by sizeable bathrooms with all conveniences; make it easy to forget that you are on a sailing barge.

Other Famous Tourist Destination In Kerala Are

Munnar || Pala In Kerala