Kerala, a small state in India, is known for its panoramic and picturesque backwater stretches, beaches, highlands and lush green paddy fields. One of the largest backwaters stretches in Kerala lies in the Kottayam district, where a network of canals and rivers empty into a great expanse of water, the vast Vembanad Lake. This lake is located at a Kumarakom, offers an ideal backwater tourism destination and an enchanting picnic spot with sight-seeing, boating and fishing experience which is truly exhilarating.

Kumarakom is one of the most riveting backwater destinations in the state. It is a scenic backwater and serenely beautiful destination on a delightful peninsula jutting into vast and ever-effervescent Vembanad Lake which is dotted with plethora of conventional canoes and rice boats, gives you an immensely pleasing experience, one of its kinds. This place itself and its beautiful serene surroundings is an amazing tourist attraction with its vistas of coconut groves, mangrove forests and green hills interposed with astounding waterways. When in Kumarakom, one can enjoy abundant marine life, angling tours, boat cruises and unique rural sights offering tourists a place to relax and stay in the lap of nature. A trip to Kumarakom also gives you an incredible opportunity to explore rich flora and exquisite fauna supported by an enchanting water world. With the nearby located vast Kumarakom Bird sanctuary which houses an exceedingly rich variety of water birds, a trip to breathtaking Kumarakom backwaters will leave you speechless with excitement and wonder. The fresh water out of the lake flows directly into the mainland making a labyrinth of waterways, canals and lagoons.

When beautiful natural surroundings and nature is all that you need to rejuvenate and replenish, Kumarakom is undoubtedly one of the most energizing and enthralling places to unwind in Kerala. Apart from enjoying the tranquility of backwaters, there are a number of other activities too which you can be a part of while enjoying your stay in Kumarakom. Kumarakom possesses a wide range of budget and luxury resorts with unique leisure activities like Ayurveda massages, boating, fishing, swimming, meditation, yoga etc. The adventurous people can indulge in a number of water sport activities including water skiing and wind sailing. You can even hire a canoe and go out into a quiet lake. Vembanad Lake is extremely beautiful and gorgeous green of the fringed palm tree ripple in the fresh and blue waters while blending into wavelets.

How to Reach

By Air

The nearest airport to Kumarakom is Cochin International Airport which is located at a distance of about 94 Km. After reaching the airport, one can hire a taxi to reach Kumarakom. A bus from Cochin can also be boarded to reach Kumarakom.

By Rail

The nearest railway station is located in Kottayam at a mere distance of 13 Km from Kumarakom.

By Road

Kottayam is the nearest bus station which is located to many other cities of Kerala through a well-developed network of roads.

By Water

After arriving at Trivandrum, you can reach Quilon either via rail or road (approx. 1 hour journey). From here, you can board the regular ferry service till Alleppey, which is long and amusing ride in Kerala’s backwaters. From Alleppey, it’s only a short ride to Kumarakom.

Climatic Conditions and Best time to Visit

The climate is moderately hot in the months of summer while there are heavy rains in monsoon. Thus, the best season to visit the place is between October and March. However, the local spring season starts from August and it coincides with the time when harvest festival of Onam is celebrated in the region. This is also one of the best times to visit the place and enjoy local festivities.

Prime Attractions

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

The village of Kumarakom is actually a cluster of a wide array of small islands on the vast Vembanad Lake. A beautiful bird sanctuary is located in Kumarakom which is spread over an exquisite area of 14 acres and is one of the most favorite haunt of migratory birds. It is certainly an ornithologist’s paradise. Birds including wild duck, cuckoo, waterfowls, teals, herons, darters, egrets and migratory birds including Siberian Stork can be seen here in flocks.