Kumarakom is an enchanting backwater destination situated in Kerala, god’s own country. Kumarakom located near the city of Kottayam is a cluster of little picturesque islands on the Vembanad Lake which is Kerala’s largest freshwater lake. Kumarakom's soil is extremely fertile featuring lush greenery of the numerous paddy fields, mangrove forests, and coconut groves due to the proximity of the water sources.
The name Kumarakom was derived from the deity of the oldest temple Kumaran. Kumarakaom means the place of ‘Kumaran’. The marshy mangrove on the bank of the Vembanad Lake was cleared and replaced by coconut plantations in the year 1878. Kumarakom backwaters provide some splendid view of coconut groves, mangroves and paddy fields. With both salt water and fresh water surrounding Kumarakom, there are several varieties of fish found here. Vembanad Lake is home to several types of marine life like Pearl Spotted Fish, Prawns and the Tiger Prawns. The enchanting beauty of nature and tranquilizing atmosphere of Kumarakom makes it a favourite spot for the domestic as well as foreign tourists.
Kumarakom Attractions
Kumarakom's climate is moderate and the best time to visit Kumarakom is during winters between October and February.
One of the main Kumarakom attractions is a ride on the luxurious houseboats that lets you explore the paradisiacal beauty of the backwaters. These houseboats traditionally known as Kettuvalloms give the tourists an opportunity to have a close view of the country side, fishing activity and also relish the fresh fish delicacies while enjoying a peaceful ride on the mesmerizing backwaters.
The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is another major attraction of the place. This bird sanctuary is spread across 14 acres. This protected area is home to a huge collection of different species of birds. With its multi-coloured plethora of unique bird species this is an ideal place for tourists to enjoy the serene loveliness of the place. Migratory birds happen to be the major attractions of the bird sanctuary. This place is an ornithologist's paradise with birds like the waterfowl, golden-backed woodpeckers, night herons, kingfishers, paradise fly-catchers, cuckoo, owl, egret, heron and the water duck, as well as the migratory Siberian cranes. The best way to experience the sanctuary is by a boat ride along the Vembanad Lake. It also houses a 'Baker's Mansion' which is over 50 years old and is now managed by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation.
Kumarakom Tourist Places
Apart from this there are many other places of tourist interest like Pathiramanal, Juma Masjid, Thirunakkara Mahadevar Temple, Kumarakom Beach and Aruvikkuzhi Falls. Pathiramanal or 'Sands of Midnight' is an island on Vembanad Lake. Spread across 10-acres this charming island attracts many migratory birds. Kuamrakom beach has various types of water sports like water skiing, wind surfing, parasailing, water polo, boating and swimming. There are many Ayurvedic massage centres and yoga training centres along the beach. Aruvikkuzhi Falls is located at a distance of 2km from Kumarakom. This is a most enchanting picnic spot with wooded landscape and streams and surrounded by rubber plantations.
Kumarakom can be reached by KSRTC from Kottayam which is just 14kms from the destination. It is also well linked with all the major cities in India through the State and National Highways. Nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, which is 100 kms from Kumarakom. Another Nearby Airport is 171 kms from Kumarakom. The nearest Railway station is Kottayam. One can also reach Kumarakom by boat from Muhamma, near to Alleppey. There is a wide array of accommodation options in Kumarakom available for tourists. A visit to the Kumarakom is incomplete without a stay in the houseboats. Resorts and homestays are also available and some of the resorts and hotels have their own houseboats.