Get immersed in the natural charm of Kerala and see its ultimate beauty through the eyes of Kumarakom and its backwaters. Attracting millions of visitors every year, Kumarakom is Kerala’s largest lake with a backwater village, lush mangroves, paddy fields, coconut trees and a legendary bird santuary. It can be witnessed through its canals while sailing on a houseboat and dictating the course of wind. Welcome to Paradise!
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
A birdwatcher’s paradise, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is just the place to get acquainted to migratory birds like Siberian Stork and Kingfisher. Nestled in the Kottayam district, June and August are the months that receive maximum footfalls to see waterfowl, cuckoo, owl, water duck, Siberian Cranes, parrots, teal, larks, flycatchers and wood beetles. Boating trips are extremely relaxing.
Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls
Applauded for its natural beauty, the scintillating waterfall falling from a height of 100ft passes through the rubber plantations. A picnicker’s paradise, it hugs every visitor with cool breeze and pleasant climate. St. Mary's Church standing atop the waterfalls is an added attraction not to be missed.
Vembanad Lake
A confluence of 10 rivers, Vembanad Lake sings the glory of the never ending and thrilling backwaters. A romantic getaway, the beauty of this place can be best experienced in a houseboat while sailing through the quaint villages that live peacefully away from the rushing cities. In the month of August, the Vembanad Lake witnesses the internationally acclaimed Nehru Trophy Boat Race.
Kumarakom Beach
A perfect place to relax, the beautiful beach brings forth a plethora of beach activities like water skiing, wind surfing, parasailing, boating, sunbathing and swimming. Blessed with enchanting beauty, it serves as the venue of famous Snake Boat festival.
Bay Island Driftwood Museum
A unique museum, it showcases the carvings and intricate woodwork on wood retrieved from water. Brainchild of a school teacher, Raji Punnose, this form has been an attraction for art lovers from all over the world.
Juma Masjid
More than1, 000 years old, this mosque in Thazhathangady, is famous for intricate woodwork, interiors and beautiful architectural design.
St Mary’s Church, Cheriapally
One of the oldest churches in Kerala, St Mary’s Church is admired for its European architectural design, non-Biblical graffiti and murals. It is surrounded by lush greenery that adds to the holy charm of this place.
Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this pilgrimage has an akhand jyot or lamp that is kept lit always. The place is embellished by earthy murals on the wall, and has a painting of Nataraja.
Vaikom Mahadeva Temple
A few walks away from the Ettumanoor is another temple of Lord Shiva, known for its remarkable architecture. The ceremonies here attract devotees in lakhs every year.
Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple
Another pilgrimage of Lord Shiva, the major attraction of this temple is the epic battle expressed on its walls. The place is thronged by devotees during festivals and ceremonies.
Vagamon (55 km)
A perfect combination of nature and modernity, the enchanting hills of Vagamon never fail to mesmerize with its velvet green grass and recreational options. Whether trekking in the Vagamon Pines or paragliding, it is an ultimate destination for nature lovers.
Kottayam (13 km)
Amid the stretches of backwaters, lush green fields and rubber plantations, Kottayam brings a perfect blend of nature and modern amenities. A must visit in Kumarakom, it offers a plethora of packages to choose from according to the time in hand.
Pathiramanal Island
A picturesque Island, it can be visited for the floating huts, flying migratory birds and the unmatched nature. The calm sound of waves and the Pathiramanal Biopark will surely make one forget the stress of daily life.
Ugadi (March)
Ugadi marks the beginning of the year, as with great enthusiasm people decorate their house, and get dressed in their best attire. Relatives also pour in during this time to exchange gifts.
Kumarakom Boat Race (August or September)
One of most spectacular events of Kumarakom, this Snake Boat Race is all about high-energy levels, music and songs. Witness the chundanvalloms, where a boat is rowed by 100 - 125 oarsmen in perfect rhythm with the boatman song thevanchipattu.
Onam (August and September)
In the Malayalam month of Chingam, Onam attracts a huge number of locals to their hometown to decorate their houses with flowers and rangoli. All this is done to welcome the legendary king Mahabali. People on this day also worship the Thrikkakara Appan avatar of Lord Vishnu.
Shopping in Kumarakom
Though Kumarakom is not a typical place for shopping, but it does have some small and big shops that sell many merchandised products to take back. One can look forward to handcrafts, coconut shell precuts, brass sculptures, handmade jewellery, readymade garments, wood carvings, grass mats or wood carvings. Place to go shopping is the Kumarakom market, where one can choose from a range of brass, coir, jewellery, and ethnic hand-woven textiles. Street markets are also a good option.
Winters
(November to February), winters the best time to visit Kumarakom. The temperature 18 degree Celsius and hence is perfect for sightseeing, and houseboat rides. Couples can plan a vacation during this time.
Summer
(March to May) is when the average temperature goes upto 37 degrees. Though it is not a great time to plan a visit, but tourists can carry some light clothes and a sunscreen.
Monsoon
(June to September), great time for bird watching, long walks and photography. Don’t forget carry raincoat and umbrella.
By Air:
Cochin International Airport, 85 kilometres away, is closest to Kumarakom. The airport receives flights from all over the world. Private cabs or taxis are available from the airport to reach Kumarakom.
By Rail:
Kottayam railway station is the nearest to Kumarakom at 16 kilometers. One can easily hire private cabs/ taxis from the railway station for Kumarakom.
By Road:
Bus is the cheapest mode to reach Kumarakom from the neighbourhood cities of Kerala. One can choose from Kerala State Run Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses that ply from Kottayam to Kumarakom. Kottayam especially is well connected to Bangalore, Chennai and Mangalore by KSRTC and private air-conditioned buses.
