Kumarakom

Kumarakom, the tourism destination of Kerala and an ideal place to experience the backwaters of Kerala, is actually a cluster of islands close to the city of Kottayam. It is situated near the Vembanad Lake, which is Keralaâ€™s largest freshwater lake.

The backwaters of Kerala drive the maximum tourism here. There are many houseboats and resorts in Kumarakom which offer an accommodation by the Vembanad Lake. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is another major attraction of the place. A tour of the bird sanctuary is possible only on canoes, which makes it one of the most unique bird sanctuaries in the world. A tour of the bird sanctuary is best taken during early morning or late evening to avoid the high temperature of the afternoon sun.

Apart from the efforts of the government to promote tourism in the area, what has also contributed to the growth of tourism here is the mention of Kumarakom in one of the bestsellers of the modern century- God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy. Following the success of the book, the Ayemenem House, where Arundhati Roy spent her early childhood has been turned into a tourist attraction.

In order to protect the ecology of the place, the Kerala government has declared Kumarakom as a special tourism zone. Following the declaration, any development is restricted in the area and must be approved by the government, as laid down in the special tourism zone act of Kerala.

The tropical climate of Kumarakom makes it conducive to a lot of varied cultivation. The place abounds in tropical fruits like banana, mango and pineapple. There are also plenty of mangroves, coconut palms and paddy fields, along with plantations of coffee and cocoa. It is this diversity of flora coupled with the diversity of fauna which makes Kumarakom a preferred tourist destination of Kerala.

Kumarakom is perhaps the only place in India other than Kashmir, which is known for its houseboat experience. Kumarakom also witnesses boat races around the time of Onam, which is an important South Indian festival. Many different varieties of boats take part in the races.

Best time to visit Kumarakom is during winters between October and February. Bird watchers can find different types of migratory birds at the Bird watching centre at Kumarakom post monsoons. Backwater cruising is prohibited during monsoons.

Cochin International Airport at Nedumbassery, is the closest airport at a distance of 85 km from Kumarakom. Tourists can hire taxi to reach Kumarakom from Cochin, drivers usually charge about Rs 1600. Cochin airport is well connected with major cities of India and abroad.

Kottayam serves as the closest railway station, which is located at a distance of about 16 km from Kumarakom.

Cochin International Airport at Nedumbassery, is the closest airport at a distance of 85 km from Kumarakom. Tourists can hire taxi to reach Kumarakom from Cochin, which costs about Rs 1600. Cochin airport is well connected with all major cities of India and abroad.

Kottayam is well connected via rail network and serves as the closest railway station for Kumarakom, which is located at a distance of about 16 km.

Kumarakom is also accessible by boat from Alaphuzza, which is another major tourist destination of Kerala.

Kumarakom can easily be reached from Kottayam via bus or taxi. From Kottayam there are plenty of KSRTC buses to reach Kumarakom. KSRTC bus service connects Kottayam to all cities in Kerala. Private run deluxe A/C buses connect Kottayam with major cities like Chennai, Mangalore, Bangalore and Trivandrum.

From Kottayam there are plenty of KSRTC buses to reach Kumarakom. KSRTC bus service connects Kottayam to all cities in Kerala. Private run deluxe A/C buses connect Kottayam with many cities like Chennai, Mangalore, Bangalore and Trivandrum.

Tourist places in Kumarakom
Kumarakom is a popular tourist destination, which is primarily famous for beach activities and water sports at the Kumarakom Beach. The main sightseeing spots in the region include Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom Backwaters and Kumarakom Beach. These places are situated close to the main town and can be reached by buses, auto rickshaws and taxis.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is inhabited by different species of migratory as well as native birds that can be best spotted during the boat trips. The ideal season for watching migratory birds is between November and February. Tourists can also hire houseboats or motorboats to travel through the long Vembanad Lake which is connected with Alleppey and Kochi.

The beach in Kumarakom is known for organising various beach activities and water sports such as swimming, water polo, parasailing, scuba diving, water skiing and many more. Bay Island Driftwood Museum is one of the popular museums in the state which houses a variety of twisted stumps of driftwood articles that were brought here from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls are located close to the main town of Kumarakom, which has a height of more than 100 feet. Pathiramanal is a small island situated on the water route connecting Kumarakom with Muhamma and Alleppey. This island is spread over 10 acres of land and is an important stopover point en route to Alappuzha town.

Juma Masjid (Thazhathangadi), Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple and St Mary’s Church at Athirampuzha and Cheriapally are major pilgrimage sites in the region.