Location : In the
south Indian State of Kerala, on the high ranges of the western ghats.
Tourist Attractions : Water Bird Sanctuary, Backwater
Cruise, The Vembanad Lake, Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls, Alleppey.
Best Hangouts : Backwater Cruise, The Vembanad Lake
Best Activity : Bird watching, backwater cruise
Nearby Tourist Destinations : Thekkady, Cochin,
Alleppey.
When to Visit : September to May
About Kumarakom
On the shores of the tranquil Vembanad lake, 14 km from Kottayam, lies
Kumarakom a little picturesque town in the state of Kerala. The little
village of Kumarakom consists of cluster of little islands on the Vembanad
Lake, and is part of the Kuttanad region. Formerly an old rubber plantation,
Kumarakom has now grown up as a bird sanctuary. Ornithologist's paradise,
Kumarakom is now a leisure haunt, very popular with domestic as well as
foreign tourists. An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom offers
visitors many other leisure options like - boating and fishing, very popular
with the visitors. The beauty of nature amidst spectacular mangrove forests,
coconut canopies and pulsating paddy fields peppered with enchanting
waterways and canals decked with wild lilies, adds to the beauty of its
surroundings. Kumarakom is the place for the people looking for a lazy and
laid back holiday.
Major Tourist Attractions in Kumarakom
Water Bird Sanctuary
Spread in an area of 14 acre, the Kumarakom bird sanctuary is lies on the
eastern banks of the Vembanad lake. The sanctuary adds to the natural beauty
of Kumarakom. Birds (waterfowl, water ducks, cuckoos, wild ducks etc.) nest
and spend happy summers here. The sanctuary becomes home to several
migratory birds in the winter, who arrives here every winter. Here you can
spot domestic birds like cuckoo, wild duck, egrets, darters, herons, teal,
and waterfowl as well as migratory birds like the Siberian storks.
Backwater Cruise
The backwaters of Kerala - endless miles of serpentine waterways bordered
on either side by emerald palms. Tranquil and intoxicating, the backwaters
cruise here offer you the experience of a lifetime. In Kumarakom the boat
races, backwater houseboat cruise, canoeing and fishing are something not to
be missed. A stay at the houseboat, called Kettuvallom (by local people) is
an unparalleled experience. The sheer beauty of nature and the composed
climate will not fail to touch you at Kumarakom.
The Vembanad Lake
Kottayam is an immense network of rivers and canals which flows into the
great expanse of water called the Vembanad Lake. The lake, a charming picnic
spot and a fast emerging backwater tourism destination, provides boating,
fishing and sightseeing experiences that are truly mind blowing.
Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls
Located 18 km from Kottayam town, is this scenic picnic spot where streams
jingles as they make their way through the landscape and waters roar as they
cascade down the mountains from a height of 100 ft. Tourists can also enjoy
the shade of the rubber plantations here.
Alleppey
The
beautiful coastal town of Alleppey lies close by. With its labyrinth of
canals, bridges, silver beaches, makes Alleppey an ideal spot to spend your
holidays.
Getting There
Air : The nearest Airport is The Cochin International Airport which
is 70 kms. away from the Muhamma boat jetty
Rail : The nearest Railway station is at Kottayam and regular local
and Express trains connect the city with rest of India.
Road : Kottayam is 14 kms from Kumarakom and both State highway and
National Highway connects it with the rest of the country.
Accommodation
The accommodation available ranges from luxury to budget category. Set
amidst luring surroundings, the hotels of Kumarakom offer excellent
facilities and services, as per the expectation of the tourists coming to
the place.
