Kumarakom, a small touristy village in Kerala, is probably the most beautiful village in God’s Own Country. Located 15 km away from the Kottayam city, this small sleepy village is actually a cluster of little islands in the Vembanad Lake. The largest lake in Kerala, Vembanad is the heart of the Kerala backwaters and therefore, makes Kumarakom a famous tourist destination.
With the Vembanad Lake at the backdrop of the village, Kumarakom is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The bird sanctuary and the marine as well as freshwater fish that live in the water of the lake, bring many tourists to this destination every year. It would not be too much to say, Kumarakom is truly paradise on earth.
You can reach Kumarakom by buses from many of the neighbouring major cities. Otherwise, you can reach Kottayam, which is 15 km away from Kumarakom. From there you can take an auto or a taxi or even book a cab and reach Kumarakom. If you tell the name of the hotel that you are going to stay with, the taxis or auto rickshaws will drop you there. If you are taking a bus, the Baker Junction is most likely the place where you will have to get down. From there you can reach your hotel or other destination by public transport.
Kumarakom is a small village with a cluster of islands. So, there is no train station that connects these islands. The nearest train station is Kottayam, which is 10 km away. Trains from different cities of the country come to Kottayam on a regular basis. You can also go to the Ettumanoor railway station, which is 13 km away from Kumarakom. Ettumanoor is also a major town in the Kottayam district and you can get many trains to and from this station as well.
Since Kumarakom is a small cluster of village islands, there is no airport. The nearest airport is Kochi, which is 45 km away and flights from all the major cities in India and some international flights as well can be availed from the Kochi airport. You can also take the Thiruvananthapuram airport, but it is 133 km away from Kumarakom.
Kumarakom tourism mostly surrounds the backwaters of Kerala. Therefore, it can be said that throughout the year, you can visit Kumarakom. However, here is a seasonal division and discussion on which is the best time to visit this place.
Winter is the best season to visit Kumarakom as, during this time, the temperature is very comfortable, somewhere around 18 degrees. Winter is also the time for many migratory birds to visit the lush green flora in this region. Going for a houseboat ride is best enjoyed during this time. Newly married couples prefer to come for a honeymoon to Kerala; rather to Kumarakom at this time.
During summer, the temperature of Kumarakom is quite high, somewhere around 37 degrees. So, it is not an ideal time for tourism. However, due to a drop in tourism, you will get discounted rates for hotels as well as for houseboats.
The natural beauty of Kumarakom during monsoon is breathtaking. The rain-washed greens and the sound of birds chirping increase the beauty of the entire backwater region. But, if you visit Kumarakom at this time, the houseboats will not be available. You will have to stay in the hotels and resorts on the mainland.
This is the major attraction of Kumarakom. You have to take a houseboat from Kumarakom and sail all along the Vembanad Lake that stretches from Kochi to Alleppey. A number of migratory birds visit Vembanad Lake during winter.
If you visit Kumarakom and do not visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, you will miss a great deal of natural amazement. Home to the migratory bird, this bird sanctuary is a paradise for bird watchers.
A popular picnic spot and a great place for photography, the 1000 feet high waterfall is surrounded by rubber plantation. The beauty of the waterfall is at its best during monsoon, when the surrounding is greener, fresher and the waterfall is thick and wide. At the top of the waterfall, you will find the St. Mary’s Church, a popular place for Christians to come for religious practices and prayers.
Not too far from the backwaters and the Vembanad Lake is the Kumarakom Beach. This sandy beach is extremely beautiful and perfect for a calm and soothing evening walk.
This is probably the first place that you should visit when in Kumarakom. The backwater is the main attraction point of Kumarakom. The labyrinthine water channels and the scenic beauty of the place is truly bliss of nature.
Since the backwaters and the Vembanad Lake are the most important attractions of this place, when you visit Kumarakom, you must book a houseboat and stay in it. The houseboats will take you to and fro the backwaters and you will enjoy the fresh greens, the ripples in the water from a close proximity.
Besides, staying in the houseboat itself is an experience. The traditional Kerala houseboats offer a luxurious hospitality that no one should ever miss.
When you go up the Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls, you can trek all the way to the top to enjoy the beauty from close. The trekking is beautiful.
You will get to do all sorts of water sports on the Kumarakom Beach. From windsurfing, boating, water skiing to parasailing, you should not miss the opportunity to do these adventure sports when you get the opportunity.
The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary holds in store a wide range of migratory and other birds. You must go for a bird watching session as the sanctuary is located on the banks of the backwaters.
Though the houseboats are the best choices for staying in Kumarakom, during monsoon they are not available due to the sudden and heavy rains. At this time, you need to stay in the hotels. There are many options just on the mainlands. During summer, you will get discounted rates as well.
