If you want to take a break from the humdrum of life and run away to a paradise, then you should travel to Kumarakom. What better way to enjoy your vacation than a cruise down the backwaters on a houseboat through an enchanting land that can only be described as paradise.
Kumarakom lies 14 kms from Kottayam, a cluster of tiny islands on the Vembanad Lake is a famous destination for backwater tourism in Kerala. The salubrious climate, lush greenery with coconut palms and mangroves and the all-pervading presence of water everywhere has a mesmerizing effect.
HOW TO REACH
By Air :-
Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport to Kumarakom. The second nearest airport is at Trivandrum, 171 kms. away.You can get plenty of international and domestic flights from and to this place. This airport is well equipped with modern amenities and provides regular flight services to passengers. You can select any form of public transport to reach this airport. Trivandrum airport is the other option near Kumarakom.
By Rail:-
Kottayam is the nearest railway station. There are regular local and express trains, which connect Kumarakom with major cities in India.
By Road:-
Kottayam, the main road junction is just 14 kms from Kumarakom. Kumarakom is also well linked with all the major cities in India through the State and National Highways.
WHAT TO SEE
Vembanad Lake:-
Vembanad is not only the largest lake in Kerala but also the longest one in entire India. Wide network of water bodies (canals as well as rivers) empty into this lake, making it a great expanse of water. It is one of the most happening picnic spots here in Kumarakom. You can boat, fish, and enjoy pristine natural beauty of this place.You can avail holiday packages and houseboat cruises. The best part of this is the Kumarakom village-life experience included in the tour packages. If you want a romantic retreat on the backwaters, it is highly recommended. If you visit here during one of their most popular festivals, Onam, you will be thrilled to watch the snake boat racing through this otherwise serene lake.
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Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary:-
One of the must see destinations in Kumarakom is the bird sanctuary, spread over 14 acres of land. You will find all kinds of birds here, right from wild duck, cuckoo, waterfowls, wood beetle, native kingfishers, flycatchers, larks, and parrots to migratory birds such as Siberian stork, teals, herons, darters, and egrets.You can also book your place in the bird watching cruises if you love to watch innumerable species of birds chirping and living in this peaceful place. The best time to watch indigenous birds is from the month of June to August. If you have a fascination for watching the migratory birds, the best time to visit is between November and February.
SHOPPING:-
Kumarakom is an ideal getaway for a nature lover. Therefore it is not an ideal shopping destination. However you can pick up souvenirs from 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.
FOOD:-
Kumarakom has a few good places to enjoy a pleasant lunch or evening meal even if the choices are somewhat restricted. For high quality food and a choice of Indian or continental cuisine, check out the restaurants of Kumarakom’s top hotels.