Kumarakom is tiny unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forest

Kumarakom is tiny unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forest, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves intertwined with picturesque waterways and canals adorned with white lilies. Kumarakom is a location of fascinating insights and attractions. The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake in Kerala, a state in India. Seemingly afloat on the placid waters of the Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is a quaint little hamlet of tiny islands. The lake, an enchanting picnic spot and a fast developing back water tourism destination, and its small water world is part of the Kuttanad region. Kumarakom is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a noted bird sanctuary where many species of migratory birds visit. The Vembanad Lake, the largest backwater in Kerala, is habitat for many marine and freshwater fish species The bird sanctuary extends over 14 acres (57,000 m²), and came into existence following preservation efforts from the government. The sanctuary adds to the natural beauty of Kumarakom. Birds (waterfowl, water ducks, cuckoos, wild ducks etc.) nest and spend happy summers here. Birds like Siberian Storks migrate here every year and is an ornithologist's paradise. The natural friendliness of the Kerala is best extracted through a luxurious cruise the backwaters of Virgin Kerala villages. Kumarakom is the best, in this small water world you'll come across plenty of traditional country crafts, boats and canoes which will take you into the heart of the scenic lake.

Transport and Communication :-

Air - Nearest airport – Cochin International airport (NEDUMBASSERY - 85Kms).
Rail - Nearest railway station is at Kottayam 16 Km.away from Kumarakom. Ernakulam, about 65 km awayfrom Kumarakom.
Road – Kottayam, the main road junction is just 14 kms from Kumarakom / From the Cochin International Airport it is an 85 Km delightful ride by road to the Muhamma boat Jetty Via Alappey.Catch a boat From Muhamma to Kumarakom Jetty.

Around Kumarakom : -

Pathiramanal : Pathiramanal is 10 acre island on the backwaters is home to many rare varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world. The island can be accessed only by boat. It is about 1.5 km from Muhamma boat jetty. Really this island is a Birdwatcher's paradise.The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, It is home to around 91 local species of birds and 50 migratory birds. One can see Pintail Ducks, Common Teal, Night Heron, Cormorant, Darter, Indian Shag, Purple Heron, gulls, terns, large egrets, Intermediate Egret, Cattle Egret, Indian Pond Heron etc.According to mythology a young Brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water madeway for the land to rise from below. The island can be accessed only by boat. A cruise along the Vembanad Lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary

Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls: Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls located 18km from Kottayam town, 2 km down a mud lane from Kumarakom is this beautiful picnic spot where streams tinkle as they make their way through the landscape and waters roar as they cascade down the mountains from a height of 100 ft

Aranmula : 50km from Kottayam, Aranmula is the site of the splendid Onam festival boat races, usually in early September. These races unlike the more sporting Nehru Trophy race at Alappuzha in August are essentially religious, based on a temple festival. Caparisoned elephants with beaded umbrellas, processions of decorated floats, and highly ornate boats make this a lovely event to witness. Aranmula is also the centre of bell metal mirror crafts

Activities at Kumarakom : -

• Bird-watching - Viewing the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.
• Boat cruises in Vembanad Lake,Holiday packages on the houseboats, traditional Kettuvalloms, are an out-of-this-world experience at Kumarakom
• Sail - on the canoes, houseboat, country boats silently through the zigzagging waterways
• Fishing

Fishing : The waters of Kumarakom are home to a large variety of species of fish and even novices will have a reasonable chance to make a catch. Anyone going home empty-handed however is unlikely to feel too down about it as a day of relaxation amid the gorgeous natural environment is ompensation enough. Kumarakom is a protected fish sanctuary for pearl spot fish ( Karimeen), (Etroplus suratensis) the first of its kind in India, on an experimental basis. Angling enthusiasts need bring only themselves on fishing trips within the Kumarakom sanctuary, as equipment is provided by local operators.

Sunset & Sunrise Cruise on a Kettuvallam : No trip to Kumarakom is completed without a Kettuvallam sunset or sunrise cruise. The ride offers a close look into a delightful rustic life.

The spectacular beauty of Kerala's backwaters needs no introduction. A cruise along the palm-fringed waterways of Kerala in a luxury houseboat is the most enchanting holiday experience in India today. In this world of simple pleasures, you will skim past ancient Chinese fishing nets, water lilies, lush paddy fields, coir villages, rustic homes, temples and coconut groves.Yes,Kettuvallom or Houseboats are country boats that were used in the early days for the transport of goods from the isolated interior villages to the towns. The house boats have fully furnished single double triple and five bedrooms with sundeck, private balcony with comfortable chairs, kitchen and toilet with WC. In addition there is also separate rest room. With the advent of roads, bridges and ferry services, gradually the kettuvalloms went off the scene. Now these kettuvalloms are back again as a major tourist attraction. A house boat is about 67 to 95 feet in length and has a width of around 13 feet to in the middle. The materials that go into the making are all local and Eco friendly bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats, coir carpets etc. Each houseboat has a three member crew - a chef, driver & cabin assistants. The cuisine is traditional Kerala flavor with the local specialties; delicious local fish. There are single bedroom houseboats for two people and two bedroom houseboats for four people and Three bedroom houseboat for Six.

Kumarakom - Accomodation :-