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Kumarakom is a beautiful backwater destination, located 14 km from Kottayam in Kerala. Kumarakom is a cluster of islands located on the picturesque Vembanad Lake. Several number of these islands have been converted into tourist resorts that cater to the every needs of the luxury tourist.
From ayurvedic massages to fishing to bird watching, you can do it all! But the  must-do activity in Kumarakom is not any one of these – it’s as simple as taking in the breath-taking beauty that surrounds you. The emerald blue waters, the pleasant palms, the call of birds on the Vembanad lake, the mangroves, the paddy fields…it’s almost picture-perfect. You have to pinch yourself to believe the visual spectacle that unravels before your eye.
Take a boat ride on the lake and watch pretty lotus flowers and water lilies bobbing their head to the lull of the waves. Kumarakom is a bird watcher’s delight. The Vembanad Sanctuary is home to birds like the terns, gulls, herons, lapwings, kingfishers, stilts and brahminy kites. If you are lucky you might even catch sight of a Siberian Crane that flies here during the migratory season. All in all, Kumarakom is the perfect place to relax, unwind and let your body, mind and soul enjoy the sun, the waters, the birds and the beauty that’s all around you.
History of Kumarakom:
Kumarakom was an untouched, marshy mangrove up until 1878, when one George Alfred Baker of Essex cleared the area adjacent to the Vembanad Lake and replaced it with coconut plantations. Baker had arrived in India for missionary work and he was so taken by the beauty of Kumarakom and decided to make it his home. To this day, Kumarakom remains a silent paradise that has remained surprisingly undisturbed by man. Today, several hundred species of birds flock to the bird sanctuary nearby and tourists come to the many resorts in this idyllic, little town to enjoy the view and enjoy a few days in this heaven on earth.
Special attractions in and around Kumarakom Backwaters:
- Water Bird Sanctuary: It’s a 14 acre bird sanctuary situated on the eastern banks of the Vembanad lake. Birds like waterfowl, water ducks, cuckoos, wild ducks etc. and migratory birds like Siberian storks can be seen here.
- Backwater Cruise: Stay in a houseboat or Kettuvallom and experience the beauty of pristine waters, swaying palms and tiny villages on the shores. Kerala’s backwaters provide an almost magical experience to to one and all. You can also go fishing, canoeing and enjoy the boat races that take place every year.
- The Vembanad Lake: The Vembanad Lake is an enchanting picnic spot providing boating, fishing and sight-seeing opportunities.
- Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls: Located 18 km from Kottayam town, this 100 ft. falls cascades gloriously amidst beautiful rubber plantations.
Best Time to Visit Kumarakom Backwaters:
June to August
November to February is a good time to watch migratory birds
Location of Kumarakom Backwaters:
State: Kerala
District: Kottayam
Distance from Kottayam – 14 km
How to reach Kumarakom Backwaters:
Nearest airport: Kochi International Airport - 106 km.
Nearest railway station: Kottayam – 14 km.
Directions by road from nearby cities: Kottayam is well-connected to all major Indian cities
Contact
Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala
Park View, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India - 695 033
Phone: +91-471-2321132
Fax: +91-471-2322279
Tourist Information toll free No:1-800-425-4747
Email:
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Climatic Conditions:
34.2°C to 22.6°C in summer. 18 °C to 35 °C in winter.
Clothing:
Cottons around the year. Rainwear during monsoons
Tourist places near Kumarakom Backwaters:
Kottayam,Erumely, Aranmula,Vagamon,Elaveezha Poonchira, Vaikom
This article was contributed by Rupa P
If you have any photos / travelogues of Kumarakom, we would be happy to upload them on this page with due credits given to you as photographer/author.
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