When it comes to Kerala, Kumarakom is one of the most interesting places to visit and boating in the backwaters is one of the best things to do in Kumarakom.
Kumarakom is a small village located at the backwaters of Kerala on the banks of Vembanad Lake. Vembanad is the largest lake in Kerala and home to many man-made islands reclaimed from the lake.
Kumarakom is one of the reasons that make Kerala one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. This city has everything for travelers from Vembanad lake which is known for its backwater charm to the Kumarakom bird sanctuary which is home to the best flora and fauna available in Kerala.
No matter what you like whether it is peace or adventure Kumarakom has an answer to all your needs. From lakeside hotels to hill-facing bungalows you’ll get the number of staying options here.
Where: On the banks of Vembanad lake, 16 Km away from Kottayam in Kerala.
Famous For – This place is known for its fishing, luxury budgeted resorts, man-made island, network of backwaters, paddy fields, waterfalls, trekking spots and natural beauty.
Best time to visit: From September to March. During this time the minimum temperature is between 15 to 20 Deg Celsius and that makes it perfect for sightseeing. And this is the perfect time for honeymoon couple.
How to get there: Kumarakom is well connected by Air, Road and railways to the major cities of India. Kottayam is the nearest railway station (10KM Away) and Cochin International Airport (77KM away) is best for Air travel. The bus is the best way if you want to travel by road.
Things To Do in Kumarakom:
Watch Backwater charm at Vembanad Lake, enjoy houseboat ride, witness flora and fauna in Kumarakom birds sanctuary, witness famous Kathakali performance, trekking, Nehru snake boat race, and do some shopping in street markets –
1. Feel the Kumarakom Backwaters Charm
Kerala is known for its backwater tourism and most of it lies in the Kottayam district with networks of rivers and canals opening up to Vembanad lake. It is a picnic spot and fast developing backwater tourism destination which offers panoramic views of splendid beauty, boating and fishing.
The Vembanad lake of Kumarakom is the starting point of backwater in Kerala along with Alleppey. Here you can find lots of houseboats taking their guest on a luxurious trip to backwater. The place and it’s surrounding makes it a perfect place to visit in Kumarakom with its mangrove forest, green hills and coconut groves.
The number of resorts on the banks makes it a perfect place to stay with the best Ayurvedic massage and enjoy the delicious seafood of Kerala.
- Where: 16 KM from Kottayam district on Vembanad Lake.
2. Explore the beauty of Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary:
Spread out over 14 hectares, on the banks of Vembanad lake Kumarakom bird sanctuary is one of the most popular birds watching spots in India. You can get to see a variety of birds that horde in thousand.
People who come in June to August get to see many rare species of birds like the Indian darter, Little Cormorant, different species of herons, egrets and kingfishers. People also able to see waterfowls, Cranes, Parrots, water duck, cuckoo, teal, larks, wood beetles and many other as well.
- Visiting Hours: 6 AM to 6 PM
- Entry Charges: 50 INR for indian and 100 INR for foreginers
- Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam, about 13 KM
3. Visit Pathiramanal Island:
Situated around 1.5 KM from Muhamma boat Jetty and 13 KM from Alappuzha, Pathiramanal island is one of the best places to visit in Kumarakom. It is a small island on the backwaters and home to number of rare migrating birds.
Surrounded by the Vembanad Lake stretching from Alappuzha to Kochi this island is only accessible by boat. The meaning of Pathiramanal is “Sands of Night”. It is an ideal spot for bird-watching and nature lovers. Here one gets to see about 91 local bird species and 50 migratory birds.
Here you can see night herons, Cormorants, Darters, Indian Shang, Purple Heron, Cattle Egret, Whistling duck, Indian pond heron and many more. For the best experience, one can take a boat ride from Kayippuram jetty which takes you where green land merges with emerald green water.
- How to reach: The best way to reach there by renting a boat from Alappuzha. (1.5 hours for motor ride and 30 minutes speedboat trip.
4. Spend Time on Kumarakom Beach:
Kumarakom beach is one of the best places to visit in Kumarakom to steal the long day tiredness. You can opt to stay at many resorts to witness beautiful sunrise and sunset. And also enjoy delicious seafood.
Clear crystal water and gentle waves make it good for swimming. Here you can also enjoy a number of adventure sports like skiing, snorkeling, parasailing and other beach activities as well. You can also practice yoga and meditation on the banks of the beach.
5. Visit Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall:
Located 2 km from Pallickathode, Aruvikkuzhi is a 30 feet high waterfall that is only active during the monsoon. It is one of the best picnic spots in Kumarakom during weekends because it is covered with dense forestation and has many adventure trekking trails. It is the best place for one looking for nature walks, trekking and hiking.
6. Enjoy some fishing in Kumarakom:
Kumarakom is home to some of the best backwaters, lakes and beaches in India. And due to that fishing is the main livelihood in Kumarakom. But nowadays fishing is also the main tourist attraction here. To engage tourist travel planners, resorts and agencies include fishing in their package. Vembanad lake, backwaters, and Kumarakom beach are some of the best places for fishing.
7. Experience boating in the Backwaters:
With lots of lakes and backwater tourism boating is something that you must do in Kumarakom. Imagine yourself in a boat middle of a lake which is surrounded by green coconut trees, how beautiful the environment will be.
- Price: 350 Per Person for one hour
8. Spend time in Houseboat:
Staying in a houseboat and witnessing the charismatic charm of the backwater is one of the best things to do in Kumarakom. The beautiful surrounding of green coconut trees, clear crystal water and gorgeous Vembanad lake attracts lots of tourists to rent a houseboat.
The houseboat carries all the basic and luxurious things you need and is run by professionals whose aim is to offer you the best experience while exploring beautiful backwaters.
- Price: Around 9000 INR for a 22 hours including stay and food. Price may vary
- Timing: Either you can hire a houseboat for an hour or spend a full night. The voyage starts after lunch and ends the next day with breakfast.
9. Staying in resorts:
Looking for a luxurious but affordable staying option in Kumarakom then check the long list of exotic resorts in Kumarakom. Here you can enjoy a private room, private pool, ayurvedic massage and a stunning view of nature, all at affordable rates starting from 1000 INR.
Check out: Top 10 Resorts in Kumarakom
10. Enjoy Kathakali Performance:
Apart from natural beauty, Kerala is also famous for its vivid culture and tradition. And Kathakali dance is also part of their culture which is widely practiced in Kumarakom.
Kathakali is an attractive dance form that is well known for its unique steps, the facial expression made by performers. Watching and enjoying Kathakali performances is one of the best things to do in Kumarakom.
11. Explore local Village:
The lifestyle on the backwater of Kumarakom is very different from the normal lifestyle in India. Exciting to see how the local people live here, how most of the houses are located beside the canal and how local women do their household work by the sides of the canal.
Some people have their own boat which they use to travel for daily work. It is really amazing to see how all of them adapted to it and making most of whatever nature has provided to them with a smile on their face.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kumarakom
How to spend a day in Kumarakom?
Take a houseboat ride and enjoy the charm of backwater while gazing deep into the lake surrounded by coconut trees, unexplored islands and unmatched natural beauty. Also, you can visit the Kumarakom bids sanctuary, enjoy the magnificent sunset, do shopping and enjoy local Kathakali dance.
What are the best adventure activities to do in Kumarakom?
Boating, swimming, surfing, parasailing, witnessing world-class snake boat race, fishing, trekking and various other water activities at Kumarakom beach.
How many days are enough for Kumarakom?
You would need a minimum of 2 to 3 days to explore most of tourist attractions of Kumarakom. One night to enjoy houseboat ride, one day to explore local sightseeing and one day to enjoy various water sports.
What are the best things to do in Kumarakom at night?
Enjoy Kathakali performance, enjoy relaxing ayurvedic massage, and chill at Trunk call bar in Zuri resort & spa.