Kumarakom Tourism

Kumarakom, an unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with white lilies. Situated on the Vembanad lake, in this small water world you'll come across plenty of traditional country Crafts, boats and canoes which will take you into the heart of the scenic lake. The resorts nearby offer comfortable accommodation and exclusive leisure options like an Ayurvedic massage, yoga, meditation, boating, fishing, angling and swimming. Kumarakom offers nature's best with its virgin forest backwaters. Slumbers on the banks of Vembanad Lake, which weaves an enchanting web with its canals, streams and distributaries, Kumarakom is a place fit for those quiet and intimate moments when you just want to be with yourself in tranquility and peace.
Area : 30 sq kms
Population : 7000
Temperature range : 37.80 C--16.10 C
Best time to visit : June and August

Kumarakom, the famous backwater tourist destination in Kerala is located about 12 kms from Kottayam. This place can be reached through a voyage from Alappuzha. Kumarakom is undoubtedly the most invigorating, fascinating paradise in Kerala, God's own country. This rich green, sleepy little village of Kumarkom is located on the Vembanad lake amidst mangrove forests and coconut groves. Kumarakom is an enchanting picnic spot and provides boating, fishing and sightseeing experiences that are truly exhilarating. The slender coconut palms standing here, there and everywhere, its never ending paddy fields, meandering lagoons and backwaters, mangroves nesting birds of a hundred varieties can peacefully calm and invigorate your mind. On the scenic Vembanad lake you will come across plenty of traditional country crafts or houseboats, boats and canoes. The fresh water of the lake runs into the mainland making a labyrinth of lagoons, brooks, canals and waterways. The backwater houses a variety of species of both fauna and flora and marine life. Kumarakom is also considered to be the gateway to the famous backwaters of Kuttanad. Kumarakom is also the home of various sprawling ethnic waterfront resorts. These resorts offer comfortable accommodation and exclusive leisure options like an Ayurvedic massage, yoga, meditation, boating, fishing and swimming. The adventurous could indulge in water sports such as windsailing and waterskiing. Kumarakom is also a center for houseboat cruises. Kumarakom enjoys a well balanced tropical climate. The temperature ranges between 16.10 degree Celsius to 37.80 degree Celsius. There is always a cool, fresh breeze, which makes even the warmest weather readily agreeable. The best time to visit Kumarakom is from November to March.



A gentle trip on a traditional rice boat is a must along the numerous inter-connected canals. En route, one may stop and come ashore to see village residents working on coir, fish-processing or exchanging views over a cup of coffee at the little shops that dot the canals. Here lies the best opportunity to mingle with the village folk of Kerala where some of the original mangrove swamps are still intact. One may set the pace to suit the time available or the need to stop when the sun is strong. Ideally, one may come ashore from the boat and walk around the village waterside where the local residents will happily interrupt work to explain the intricacies of their daily round. The more enterprising may even glide up a coconut tree and dislodge fresh fruit for on-the-spot sampling Above all, the languid pace in the backwaters, coupled with lush greenery all around, sets the perfect mood for a destressed return to nature.

Getting There

By Air: 85 Km from Cochin International Airport and the 250 Km from Trivandrum International Airport.
By Rail: 16 Km from Kottayam.
By Boat: From Muhamma (near Alappuzha) to Kumarakom Jetty.
By Road: Buses and Taxis are easily available at all time of the day from Kottayam

Places to See

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary:
The village of Kumarakom is located on the bank of the Vembanad Lake is a cluster of little islands and this small water world is part of the Kuttanad region. The Kumarakom bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres, is a favorite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck, and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live there in flocks fascinate the visitors. In addition, you can get thrilled of the native kingfishers ablaze in psychedelic colours, experience a walk under rookeries of egrets and night herons or lone golden-backed woodpeckers and even delight in the acrobatics of the paradise fly-catchers. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands.

Vembanad Lake Tour:
An enchanting picnic spot not too far away from Trivandrum, Kumarakom is a backwater tourism destination, where one can boat, fish and just watch the Kerala countryside. Kumarakom on the Vembanad Lake is fascinating. Interspersed with lush green mangrove forests, paddy fields that stretch out far into the horizon and rows and rows of coconut palms that criss-cross the backwater canals, the little village of Kumarakom is in reality a group of a boat ride into the countryside can offer a close look at the life in the villages. One can see fishermen moving around the lake with country boat while womens in neck deep water searching for Karimeen fish. One can cruise down the Kumarakom backwaters in houseboats, which have a living room, a bedroom, a bath and a private sit-out for passengers. A number of these houseboats are joined together to become boat trains to facilitate larger groups of visitors.

Pathiramanal
Located on the the border of Kottayam and Alapuzha. The name Pathiramanal means Sands of night which is 10 acre island on the backwaters and is home to many rare varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world.This little island on the backwaters is a favorite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. The island lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom, and is accessible only by boat. The scenic beauty of both sides of the lake as well as that of the island is mind blowing.