KumarakomTravel Guide
General Information
Kumarakom, the famous backwater tourist destination in Kerala is located about 12 kms from Kottayam. This place can be reached through a voyage from Alappuzha. Kumarakom is undoubtedly the most invigorating, fascinating paradise in Kerala, God's own country. This rich green, sleepy little village of Kumarkom is located on the Vembanad lake amidst mangrove forests and coconut groves. Kumarakom is an enchanting picnic spot and provides boating, fishing and sightseeing experiences that are truly exhilarating. The slender coconut palms standing here, there and everywhere, its never ending paddy fields, meandering lagoons and backwaters, mangroves nesting birds of a hundred varieties can peacefully calm and invigorate your mind. On the scenic Vembanad lake you will come across plenty of traditional country crafts or houseboats, boats and canoes. The fresh water of the lake runs into the mainland making a labyrinth of lagoons, brooks, canals and waterways. The backwater houses a variety of species of both fauna and flora and marine life.
Kumarakom is also considered to be the gateway to the famous backwaters of Kuttanad. Kumarakom is also the home of various sprawling ethnic waterfront resorts. These resorts offer comfortable accommodation and exclusive leisure options like an Ayurvedic massage, yoga, meditation, boating, fishing and swimming. The adventurous could indulge in water sports such as windsailing and waterskiing. Kumarakom is also a center for houseboat cruises.
Kumarakom enjoys a well balanced tropical climate. The temperature ranges between 16.10 degree Celsius to 37.80 degree Celsius. There is always a cool, fresh breeze, which makes even the warmest weather readily agreeable. The best time to visit Kumarakom is from November to March.
How to reach Kumarakom
-
By Air
The Trivandrum International Airport is 171 kms away from Kumarakom.
-
By Rail
The nearest Railway station from Kumarakom is at Kottayam and regular local and Express trains connect the city with rest of India.
-
By Road
Kottayam is 14 kilometer from Kumarakom and both State highway and National Highway links Kumarakom with the rest of the country.
Weather Overview
Being situated very close to the sea, Kumarakom has a moderate climate, with heavy rains during June-August due to the southwest monsoon. Winter starts from December and continues till February in Kumarakom. In summer, the temperature in Kumarakom rises to a maximum of 35°C and 25°C in the winters. Annual average rainfall in Kumarakom is 310 cm.
Best Time to Visit : November to March
Places Of Interest
- Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
- Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls
- Pathiramanal (Sands of Midnight)
- Kottayam
- Erumely
- Aranmula
- Elaveezha Poonchira
- Vagamon
- Vaikom
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Kumarakom bird sanctuary is a must-visit destination. The bird watcher's paradise is located about 16 km from Kottayam, on the banks of Vembanad Lake. Migratory birds, including Siberian stork and local birds such as Egret, Teal, Water duck, and Cuckoo, are the major fascination here. The best time to visit this place is between June and August.
Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls
Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls
A tantalizing waterfall, Aruvikkuzhi is located 18 km from Kottayam town, falling from a height of 100 ft. Aruvikkuzhi waterfalls comes across as a beautiful picnic spot. Here, water streams create a tinkling sound as they make their way through the landscape that houses beautiful rubber plantations.
Pathiramanal (Sands of Midnight)
Pathiramanal (Sands of Midnight)
This 10 acre island on the backwaters is home to many rare varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world. According to mythology a young Brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water made way for land to rise from below. Surrounded by the Vembanad Lake, stretching from Alappuzha to Kochi, Pathiramanal is accessible only by boat. The green island thus forms an ideal place for a break in the journey while on a backwater cruise.
Kottayam
Kottayam
Is an old town legendary for its churches, mainly the 700 years-old churches, the Cheria palli ('small church') with remarkably lovely paintings over the altar and the Valia palli ('Big Church') perched on a picturesque hillock over a small cluster of houses. In the St.Mary's Church Kuravilangad (built in 355 AD) there is an old bell which bears a undeciphered writing. The mortal remains of the blessed Alphonsa and the Blessed Father Chavara are entombed at the St.Mary's Church at Bharananganam and the St.Joseph's Monastery Church at Mannanam correspondingly. Several gather at these sacred places of pilgrimage during festive occasions. The Ettumanoor Shiva Temple 12 km north of town has remarkably stunning wall paintings and carvings inside the temple. In the hub of Kottayam town is the much acclaimed Thirunakkara Mahadeva temple.
Erumely
Erumely
Is a significant pilgrim centre for the Hindus and Muslims. Sree Dharmasastha Temple is a primeval temple devoted to Lord Ayyappa. Pilgrims going to Sabarimala land here.
Aranmula
Aranmula
50 km from Kottayam, Aranmula is the spot of the fabulous Onam carnival boat races, more often than not in early September. These competitions contrasting the fairer Nehru Trophy race at Alappuzha in August are fundamentally pious, based on a temple festival. Caparisoned elephants with beaded umbrellas, pageants of bedecked glide, and exceedingly flamboyant boats make this an attractive occasion to view. Aranmula is also the centre of bell metal mirror crafts.
Elaveezha Poonchira
Elaveezha Poonchira
Elaveezha Poonchira is yet another picnic spot accessible from Pala and located in the midst of beautiful hills.
Vagamon
Vagamon
Vagamon, 64 km from Kottayam sited at an altitude of 1100 meters above sea level is a trekker's ecstasy. It is an idyllic vacationer spot bordered by the foliage of tea gardens, striking pastures and vales. New attractions: Thangal Para, Indo-Swiss project, Kurisumala Ashram.
Vaikom
Vaikom
40 km from Kottayam, Vaikom is famed for the Shiva Temple. The celebration in November-December continues for about a fortnight -the 'Panchavadyam' is an significant harmonious recital.
Shopping
Kumarakom is an ideal getaway for a nature lover. Therefore it is not an ideal shopping destination. However you can pick up souvenirs form the shops in the small town.
In Kumarakom, you will find handcrafted gift items typical of the state of Kerala.They include things made form coconut shells ranging from lampshades to fashion accessory like earrings, brass lamps, kathakali masks and so on.
If you are want to indulge in an extensive shopping, then a stopover at Cochin, about 70 kms from Kumarakom will be ideal.
Eating Out
Kumarakom offers several hotels and restaurants to facilitate the tourists visiting the destination. The restaurants in Kumarakom offer unique dining experiences amid the serene backwater environs in the region.
Apart from the special restaurants of the luxury hotels, which cater to guests from worldwide, there are a few dining options to choose from in Kumarakom. However, Kottayam (16 km away), boasts of several Continental, Chinese, American and European restaurants of considerable repute.
The multi cuisine restaurants in Kumarakom delight the guests with delicious delicacies of regional, Indian, Continental & Chinese cuisines.
There are several restaurants in Kumarakom which specialize in mouthwatering seafood such as prawn curry in coconut gravy which tastes absolutely gorgeous and is generally eaten with plain steamed rice. The crunchy 'papadam', banana and jackfruit chips can give even the French fries a run for their money, and are a must-try while eating out in Kumarakom. Other local specialties available in Kumarakom restaurants include freshwater fish and tapioca. 'Karimeen' (Pearl Spot) is the most common freshwater fish found in the region.
Ettukettu - the multi-cuisine specialty restaurant of Kumarakom Lake Resort is undoubtedly the best place to enjoy irresistible Continental, Chinese, Mughlai, North Indian and traditional Kerala delicacies.
Some of the most popular dishes served here include Syrian Christian Duck Roast, Duck Curry, Karimeen Pollichathu , Karimeen Mappas , soft spongy rice bread called Appam , Thamarappam , Idiappams (string-hoppers), etc. besides tropical fruits, vegetables and cereals.
The Vembanad Seafood Bar - also a part of Kumarakom Lake Resort, serves fresh and delectable sea food varieties.
Cordon Bleu - the multi-cuisine restaurant of Backwater Ripples Hotel is also popular among the restaurants in Kumarakom. You must try the traditional Kerala delicacies on offer here besides the Prawns, Crabs, Oysters and a variety of products fresh from the lake.
The multi-cuisine restaurant at Abad Whispering Palms Lake Resort specializes in Indian, Continental and Chinese delicacies and is also well known among the restaurants in Kumarakom.
The local `Toddy Shops' where you can find local dishes (particularly fish) & local drink are also worth try while staying at Kumarakom.
Indianholiday.com offers online information on Restaurants in Kumarakom, Kerala. To avail of this facility or for more information on holidaying in Kerala and India, please, enter your queries in the given form.
