Kumarakom Backwaters


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The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teals, waterfowls, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian Stork visit here in flocks and are a fascinate the visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom Sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands. An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom offers visitors many other leisure options. Boating and fishing facilities are available at the Taj Garden Retreat, a sprawling old bungalow-turned-resort. Waterscapes, the backwater resort of the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation has independent cottages built on stills, set amidst coconut groves and panoramic view of the backwaters. Holiday packages involving houseboats, traditional Kettuvalloms (rice barges) offer great experiences.

Kumarakom is situated 16 km from Kottayam on the Vembanad lake is best described as a picturesque clean village like most places in Kerala. The enchanting backwater destination of Kumarakom is a small village in Kottayam. Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake in Kerala.

It has lately become a preferred tourist destination. Boat races, houseboat cruise, canoeing and fishing are some of the main attractions of this simple place. The huge houseboats, traditionally known as the Kettuvallams, are complete with living rooms, toilets, kitchen, balcony for angling and it is possible to live on them for days together for a truly unique experience. These Kettuvallams are actually remodeled cargo barges made of wooden planks joined together by rope only, without using nails at all. Kumarakom lies in the region of Kuttanad, which is the rice bowl of Kerala. Here farming is done below sea level. The peace and quiet, biting fresh air and unspoiled life style of the simple people of Kumarakom are a unique and rejuvenating experience that surpasses any modern entertainment activity or pastime.

Kumarakom is a beautiful backwater destination. Located on the picturesque Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom has to be seen to be believed. Kumarakom consists of a cluster of islands which have been converted into a number of tourist resorts. Popular with the discerning luxury tourist, Kumarakom is a must visit on your Kerala tours.

Kumarakom is enthrallingly beautiful. The blue backwaters and the surface of Vembanad Lake reflect the azure sky. The amazing shades of green of the vegetation that include mangroves, coconut palms, and paddy fields cover the verdant countryside. Channels and waterways wind their way through this green paradise. Water lilies and lotuses bloom in the water and birds from the bird sanctuary on Vembanad Lake call as they fly across the clear tropical sky.

While in Kumarakom you can enjoy the attractions of your tourist resort, have an ayurvedic massage, try fishing or bird watching and have a relaxing holiday while on Kerala tours. The birds you can see at the Vembanad Sanctuary in Kumarakom include, terns, gulls, herons, lapwings, kingfishers, stilts and Brahmin Kites. If you're a nature lover you're sure to be enchanted by the natural beauty of Kumarakom.

Kumarakom Backwater, Kerala Tour & Travel(10 km from Kottayam): A voyage north of Alappuzha takes you to the rich green, sleepy little village of Kumarakom on the Vembanad lake.

An enchanting picnic spot and a fast developing backwater tourism destination, Kumarakom provides boating, fishing and sightseeing experiences that are truly exhilarating.

Kumarakom is a picturesque village located on the Kerala backwaters on the banks of the enamoring Vembanad Lake. On your arrival at Kumarakom in Kerala, South India the tour guide assists you to check into a hotel of your choice. This tour destination located on the Kerala backwaters has a lot to offer in terms of tour attractions, natural beauty and enchantingly warm and friendly people.

The cost of your 6 nights and 7 day Kerala houseboat tours generally includes city tours within the limits of the particular city in question. Cars and vans for taking you around while you are on your Kerala backwaters tours to Kerala in South India. Besides the tour itinerary cost also includes expenses for toll tax, interstate taxes, driver batta, fuel and parking fees at the different tourist places located in different parts of the Kerala houseboats.

Best time to Visit

Kumarakom is located on the Southern coast of India enjoys a well-balanced tropical climate. The local spring season emerges from August and coincides with the harvest festival of Onam.

The lowest and highest temperatures recorded are 16.10 C and 37.80 C. There is always a cool, fresh breeze, which makes even the warmest weather readily agreeable. The South West monsoon is from early June to early August. However, slight drizzles persist till early November. Average rainfall is 1100 mm per year. The peak tourist season is from November to March.

How to Reach in Backwaters

By Airport

The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport, which is about 76 kms from Kottayam town.

By Rail

Kottayam is the nearest railhead to Kumarakom, about 16 km away and provides a link to all major cities in Kerala and India with numerous trains plying its route daily.

By Bus

The nearest bus terminal, is also at Kottayam.

Places Visit to Kumarakom Backwaters

The Vembanad Lake

Kumarakom on Lake Vembanad , with its unparalleled boating, fishing and sightseeing facilities, makes a picturesque holiday spot in the backwaters of Kerala. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary which houses exotic birds and plants is a beautiful green spot.

The Vembanad Lake is one of the largest fresh water lakes in Asia. It flows through the verdant lands of Kerala and offers one of the best backwater cruises. Most of the flora and fauna in this region flourishes around this supply of fresh water. The lake also acts as a balancing tank against floods, and its wooded banks, temptingly invite a visitor to explore more.

Tourists can take a cruise along the lake to catch glimpses of the birds. It is an ideal spot to spend the summer- with ducks, cuckoos, Siberian storks, etc. The ideally located Kumarakom is a picture perfect village and an attractive tourist destination. A cruise along the Vembanad lake is the best way to view the bird life.

The Bird Sanctuary

An exclusive attraction of this much sought after backwater resort is the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. It is an ornithologist's paradise and a fabourite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal.

The bird sanctuary here spread across 14 acres of any ornithologist's paradise. This enchanting backwater destination offers visitors many leisure options. From wandering into the depths of its wildlife sanctuary to cruising down the back waters and fishing, Kumarakom is perfect for a lazy and laid back holiday. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands, as hundreds of swaying verdant coconut palms lining the rivers lean to brush the tops of your heads. Kumarakom is an example of nature at her best in the fragrant flowers, the riot of multi coloured birds, the surrounding greenery and the clear waters.

A water-bird sanctuary lies at the edge of the grounds of an old estate where a profusion of all kinds of birds can be observed. Domestic birds such as cuckoo, wild duck, egrets, darters, herons, teal, and water fowl can be seen in abundance here, as much as can the Siberian storks which migrate to this area each year. Thekkady, a major wildlife center lies 114 km from here, and Sabarimala, a Hindu pilgrim center is 134 km from Kottayam. The charmingly un-kept coastal town of Alappuzha, lies close by. With its labyrinth of canals, bridges, silver beaches, and cheerful people it makes for a memorable holiday. Simply put, the Bird Sanctuary is an ideal place to spend with friends and peers. You can say that it can vie with international hotel casinos and high-class poker places in terms of fostering all out fun with loved ones.