About Kumarakom

Kumarakom is undoubtedly the most magnetic destination in Kerala attracting people from all over the planet. This heavenly floating piece of land is a pure artistic work of the Mother Nature. With its unique backwaters and green lined countryside it never fails to entertain its visitors, rather it leaves them bewitched and tempted to visit again and again.

Sight Seeing Places :

Houseboat Cruise at Vembanad Lake : The favorite activity of every tourists flying to Kerala, floating on the shimmering waters Vembanad Lake in a Houseboat is thrilling and a feast for your eyes. It is highly recommended to rent a Houseboat and spend a day and night at the Houseboat, if you want to actually experience Kumarakom. There are 2 options for you to choose from, either you can opt for a day cruise which would be a 4 hour ride around Kumarakom, or you can go for a night cruise, which is the most in-demand package, which includes cruising through Kumarakom to Alleppey, dining and spending a night at the middle of the backwaters. The check in time of the Houseboat is 12:30 pm noon. Kumarakom is

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary :

This 14 acre piece of land was once a rubber plantation, which was later developed into a bird sanctuary by an Englishman Mr. Alfred George Baker whom the locals called "Kari saipu". He played a major role in developing Kumarakom. A lot of migratory birds are found at this sanctuary, like the Siberian Crane, Teal, Lark, Flycatcher etc. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary for sure proves to be a bird watchers paradise. Researchers visit this sanctuary to spot some of these rare birds and study them. It is recommended to visit the sanctuary early in the morning, as it is the best time to spot many of these unique flying vertebrates. It will be open by morning 6:30 am and close at 5:30 pm. The bird sanctuary is just 2.5 kms from the Kumarakom junction.

Shikara Ride :

This is comparatively very small in size than the Houseboats with maximum seating capacity of 4- 10 persons. Shikara ride is recommended for those who want to channel through the narrowest canals of the Vembanad Lake, exploring the lifestyle of the natives, like people fishing, women washing their clothes, kids playing at the lake side, and so on. Another mesmerizing sight is watching the sunset while riding along.

Motor Boat :

Other than Houseboats and Shikara boating, there are motor boating available too. This is the cheapest means to enjoy the backwaters of Kumarakom, but you cannot experience the pure charm of Vembanad Lake like you can in a Houseboat or Shikara ride.

Climate :

The hilly terrain and high altitude influences the Kottayam climate. It has a blend of tropical and equatorial climate.

• Summer - By March the summer season begins at Kumarakom. The temperature gets too high sometimes upto 38°c which makes it harsh for some. Tourist inflow decreases by this time.
• Monsoon - June to September is the period when Kumarakom is hit by the Monsoon. This is the best time to spot some rare birds which visit Kumarakom during the Monsoon. You cannot go for a Houseboat cruise though, as it will be raining heavily, it is risky to float through the backwaters. During this season Kumarakom looks as if it is wearing a bright green coat, and is therefore a good time to spend some time walking around exploring the inner areas of Kumarakom village.
• Winter - Most suitable time to visit Kumarakom. With temperatures ranging from 18c to 24c, Kumarakom is cool and pleasant. You can enjoy the sights around the backwaters to the fullest during winter starting from November and ends by February.

Popular As: "Vembanad Bird Sanctuary."

Prominent Places to Visit:

• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: This 14-acre bird sanctuary is a paradise for bird watchers.
• Kumarakom Backwaters: It is a scenic place where you can go for a houseboat cruise and explore the bliss of nature.
• Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall: This 100 foot high waterfall that cascades down in five steps is an ideal picnic cum trekking spot in Kumarakom.
• Vembanad Lake: Vembanad Lake serves as the convergence point of ten rivers and is the largest lake in Kerala.
• Bay Island Driftwood Museum: It is one of rarest museums in India that houses sculptures made of driftwood.
• Pathiramanal Island: Literally known as the "sands of the midnight", Pathiramanal Island is a beautiful 10-acre island which can be accessed only by waterways and is a haven for birdwatchers.
• Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple: The annual Ezharaponnana (the seven-and-a-half elephants finished in gold) Ezhunallathu (procession) is the main peculiarity of this temple.
• St Mary’s Church in Cheriapally: It is a marvel built-in European architectural style with its pillars and walls containing Biblical as well as non-Biblical graffiti and murals.
• Vaikom Mahadeva Temple: This temple is renowned for its grand annual Vaikom Ashtami celebrations.
• Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple: The interiors of the Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple are made spectacular with paintings and murals which depicts the stories of the mythological era.
• Thazhathangadi Mosque (Juma Masjid): Amazing architecture, stunning interiors and intricate woodwork are the highlighting features of this 1000-year-old mosque.

Best Time to Visit :

Kumarakom can be visited throughout the year. But September to March is the best time to visit Kumarakom.

Summers in Kumarakom are not too hot and the nights are comparatively cool and pleasant during this season. The temperature rises up to 38 degree Celsius during the summer months from April till June. A lot of tourists flock to Kumarakom between the winter months of October to March during which the temperature ranges between 18 degree Celsius to 27 degree Celsius. Monsoon in Kumarakom are cloudy and it faces thunderstorms. The temperature varies between 20 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius during the monsoon months of July to September.

Things to Do:

• Houseboat ride.
• Birdwatching.
• Trekking.
• Strolling.
• Shopping.

To shop:

Kumarakom Market is one stop shop for almost every item.

Old curiosity shop sells some admirable handicrafts of Kerala.

If you are looking for the best brands of fashion clothes, the Paris Stores in Kumarakom is a great option.

Street marts in Kumarakom sells Kathakali masks and brass handicrafts.

Travel Tip:

Please ensure you carry some sort of identity proof with you.

While visiting the temples, make sure to follow the dress codes.

Sunscreen, cotton clothes, sunglasses and hats are a must.

Don't forget to carry an Umbrella, especially during monsoon season.

Travel Mode :

Kumarakom is situated at Kottayam district.

• By Road - Alleppey [40kms], Kottayam [15 kms] and Kochi [45kms] are the nearest bus stations, and there are Kerala State Government buses available frequently from these bus stations which can take you to Kumarakom. If travelling by car, you can first connect any of the above cities Alleppey, Kochi, or Kottayam and from there Kumarakom is easily accessible.
• By Air - Kochi International airport is the nearest airport, 80 kms away. Flights are available connecting Kochi to all other cities in India and abroad as well. After flying down to Kochi, grab a taxi to Kumarakom. There are Kerala State Government bus services available from the airport to Kochi bus stand frequently. From Kochi bus stand you can catch direct bus to Kumarakom.
• By Rail -  The nearest railway station is Kottayam Railway Station, which is 15 kms away. Trains are available, connecting Kottayam from all the major cities in India. From the station grab a Taxi, or an Auto rickshaw to Kumarakom which is likely a half an hour ride.

Why Kumarakom? :

A Houseboat ride through the World famous backwaters, startled by the seducing beauty of the lush countryside of Kumarakom, tasting some exclusive Kerala cuisine while exploring the backwaters, and admiring the hypnotic charm in the complexity of nature, all makes your vacation worthwhile. Kumarakom could be your next destination which promises to satisfy your travel hungry mind.

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