Kumarakom

Situated 14 kms from Kottyam and around Kuttanad region (also known as the rice bowl of Kerala), lies Kumarakom. A cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is a picturesque, clean village like most places in Kerala. The rich greens and the rural life are clubbed with the beautiful Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Spread across 14 acres, the bird sanctuary is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live in flocks are a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands.

Travel to Kerala - Kumarakom - History

Way back in 1878, the swampy mangroves on the banks of the Vembanad Lake were cleared and the entire area was brought under coconut plantation. The man behind the operation was one George Alfred Baker son of Henry Baker of Essex who had come to India sixty years earlier to take up missionary work in Kottayam in the kingdom of Travancore. The Englishman was so fascinated by the beauty of Kumarakom that he settled here and made Kumarakom his home. Henry and his wife, Amelia, contributed greatly to the literacy that Kerala is so proud of today. Later developed into a Bird Sanctuary, Kumarakom is a popular leisure retreat.

Travel to Kerala - Kumarakom - Attractions
Holidaying in Kumarakom amidst marvelous mangrove forests, captivating coconut canopies, swaying palms, mangrove forests, pulsating paddy fields sprinkled with enchanting waterways and canals decked with while lilies, and breathtakingly beautiful beaches can be quite a rejuvenating experience for the weary traveler. For everyone looking forward to travel to Kerala for a lazy and laid back holiday, Kumarakom is the place to be at. While at Kumarakom visit to the Vembanad Lake is a must. The fresh water lake acts as an integral part of the backwater cruises in Kerala.

Bird Sanctuary
An ornithologist's paradise, the 14-acre bird sanctuary is situated on the eastern banks of the Vembanad Lake. The sanctuary adds to the natural beauty of Kumarakom. Birds (waterfowl, water ducks, cuckoos, wild ducks etc.) build their nest and spend happy summers here. Birds like Siberian storks migrate here every year.

At the water-bird sanctuary you can spot domestic birds like cuckoo, wild duck, egrets, darters, herons, teal, and waterfowl as well as migratory birds like the Siberian storks. Further ahead from Kumarakom you may visit the backwater town of Kottayam. At Kottayam you must check out the rubber plantations and the old churches.

Backwater Cruise
Endless miles of snaking waterways flanked on either side by emerald palms, tranquil and alluring, Kerala's backwaters offer an experience of a lifetime. While in Kumarakom, the boat races, houseboat cruise, canoeing and fishing are something not to be missed. A stay at the houseboat, called Kettuvallom is an unparallel and unique experience. The scintillating beauty of nature and the simplicity of the people will not fail to touch you at Kumarakom.

The Vembanad Lake
Kottayam is a vast network of rivers and canals, which empty into the great expanse of water called the Vembanad Lake. The lake, an enchanting picnic spot and a fast developing backwater tourism destination, provides boating, fishing and sightseeing experiences that are truly exhilarating.

Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls
Situated 18 km from Kottayam town, 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. Tourists can also enjoy the shade of the rubber plantations here.

Accommodation in Kumarakom
Kumarakom offers enough decent accommodation options. You can take your pick from a range of luxury and budget hotels in Kumarakom besides the star categorized accommodation hotels in Kumarakom. Kumarakom also has some of the best resorts in the country with breathtaking views.

How to get there
Kumarakom is well linked by Air, Rail and Road network. The nearest Airport from Kumarakom is the Cochin International Airport, which is 70 kms away from the Muhamma boat jetty. The Trivandrum International Airport is 171 kms away from Kumarakom.

The nearest Railway station from Kumarakom is at Kottayam and regular local and Express trains connect the city with rest of India.

Kottayam is 14 kilometer from Kumarakom and both State highway and National Highway links Kumarakom with the rest of the country.

Climate
Kumarakom has a moderate climate as it is situated very close to the sea. It receives heavy rains during June-August due to the southwest monsoon. Annual average rainfall in Kumarakom is 310 cm. 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.