Kumarakom

Kumarakom Fascinating natural beauty, pristine locales, enchanting backwaters and sandy shores; all await you in Kumarakom, the Shangri-la of Kerala.

Introduction

At about 16 km from Kerala’s Kottayam District, Kumarakom is certainly an enamouring paradise comprising nature’s best aspects. It is an iconic destination rich in flora and fauna. This tourist village is a cluster of small islands on the Vembanad Lake, the largest backwater in Kerala. In Kumarakom, you get leisure options like fishing, boating and sightseeing. Apart from regular modes of transport, you can also reach Kumarakom through a voyage from Alappuzha (Alleppey) which is quite enlivening. Lush greenery, coconut and palm trees, endless paddy fields, houseboats; all make Kumarakom a popular tourist destination refreshing one’s inner self.

Places to explore

Kumarakom Beach

If you are looking for complete relaxation filled with unlimited fun then Kumarakom Beach is the place where your search comes to an end. Here you can indulge in various beach activities and water sports such as sunbathing, swimming, parasailing, water skiing, parasailing, wind surfing and boating. It is also the venue for two famous snake boat races. The Sree Narayana Jayanthi Boat Race is organised to commemorate the visit of Sree Narayana Guru, a great social reformer, in August/September; whereas the Kavanattinkara Boat Race is held during the Onam festival. Hundreds of oarsmen participate in these boat races which are marked by various art and dance performances. Sports competitions are also held during these events. The vibrant mood of participants and fervent crowd cheering its favourite team is a must for tourists to experience. 

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

This world famous bird sanctuary, on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, is a paradise for bird watchers. It is home to many migratory and indigenous birds. Here you can see vast categories of birds consisting of migratory birds such as Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron, teal, woodpecker, skylark, crane, water hen and parrots. Owl, egret, water fowl, cuckoo, teal, water duck and heron are local birds which frequent the sanctuary. You get some incredible views in the sanctuary when birds, in search of food, leave their nests and fly over the lake at dawn. November to February is the ideal time to visit the sanctuary.

 

Backwaters and houseboats

Your trip to Kumarakom is incomplete without experiencing the grandeur of luxurious houseboats (also known as Kettuvallam) on its serene backwaters. A cool cruise on these houseboats will take you to a dream world where you pass through plush coconut and palm trees, paddy fields, various shrubs, bushes and leafy plants. Just laze and relax on these houseboats while exploring the reclusive beauty of the backwaters. These houseboats are completely eco-friendly as natural materials like bamboo poles, coconut fibre, bamboo mats, ropes, carpets, etc. are used to make them. You will find all amenities in these houseboats like classy room with attached bathrooms, common TV, common living area, common dining table and kitchen. In these houseboats, traditional lanterns are used instead of electrical lights. The beauty of Kumarakom backwaters is exclusive, and the presence of houseboats makes it an absolute destination.

Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls

This famous sightseeing point is located 2 km from Kumarakom amidst rubber plantations. It is a popular picnic spot offering ideal trekking trails. Seeing the water falling down in five steps from a 100 ft. rocky terrain is extremely captivating. The beauty of wooded landscape and streams are something which can be felt only by being there. With the arrival of monsoon, the place receives good amount of water bringing the beauty of the waterfall to its peak making it an appropriate time to visit. Near the Aruvikkuzhi waterfalls, there are Maramala waterfalls and an old church which can be visited.

 

Bay Island Driftwood Museum

Visitors at the museum get amazed by the unique collection of premium quality driftwood sculptures. Huge number of twisted stumps of driftwood collected from Andaman and Nicobar Islands adorn the museum. These articles have been prepared by using innovative and modern art technique. Museum authorities are engaged in preserving these articles and also are responsible for scraping, polishing and shaping of all driftwood articles.

Pathiramanal

Pathiramanal is a small island surrounded by Vembanad Lake, famous for its picturesque beauty. The place serves as a natural habitat to hundreds of migratory birds belonging to rare species. One can reach the place only by hopping on boats available here in abundance. Spread in an area of 10 acre, this green island is the perfect place for those seeking tranquillity, and receives tourists from India as well as abroad.

 

Backwater resorts

Kumarakom’s enthralling beauty is complemented by its various luxury resorts. The Zuri Kumarakom Kerala Resort & Spa is an upscale hotel located beside the Vembanad Lake offering traditional Indian style bedrooms, spacious living-dining rooms and individual gardens with private plunge pools. It has 18 superior lagoon view rooms, 16 deluxe lagoon view cottages, 28 superior lagoon view cottages and 10 lake view pool villas. These rooms are equipped with all contemporary amenities offering amazing luxury accommodation to the guests. Minibars, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, tea and coffee making facilities along with lakefront seafood restaurant are some of the main features of the resort. Kumarakom Lake Resort is another high-end resort sprawling in an area of over 25 acres, and known for its grand rejuvenation treatments. With its 54 well-furnished rooms, suites & cottages, the resort is a hot-favourite among travellers with world class facilities. Nothing can beat the scenic view of lagoons, backwaters, canals, coconut groves and paddy fields surrounding the resort. Coconut Lagoon and Taj Garden Retreat are other major players providing state-of-the-art facilities and services. Kumarakom is the famous destination for Ayurvedic treatments. All these resorts through their Ayurveda centres offer healing therapies which totally rejuvenate and refresh the entire body and mind.

Shopping

When you are done with sightseeing in Kumarakom, you can head for shopping. The place offers you varieties of items ranging from articles made of coconut shell, bamboo and cane; camel-bone carvings; wood carvings; metal-ware; grass mats; embroidered screw-pine mats and various types of handicrafts items. You can also pick antique items, ethnic hand-woven textile, jewellery and ready-made garments displayed at local markets of Kumarakom.

Reaching Kumarakom

By Air: Cochin is the nearest airport at 73 km from Kumarakom.

By Rail: Kottayam is the nearest railway station at 17 km from Kumarakom.

By Road: The nearest bus terminal is Kottayam which connects Kumarakom to all major neighbouring cities through its regular bus services.

Best time to visit: The mesmerising beauty of Kumarakom is best witnessed during winter season (November to February) when the weather is pleasant with a temperature ranging between 18°C to 27°C as compared to 24°C to 38°C in summers (March to May). Though weather during monsoon (June to September) remains favourable, you would miss the backwater cruising during these months as it remains closed.

Kumarakom - Invigorating the spirit

Blessed with exotic backwaters, appealing natural beauty and fun-filled activities; Kumarakom will certainly steal one’s heart away.