Fast Facts
District : Kottayam
Distance : 308 kms, north east of Trivandrum
Attractions : Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Aruvikkuzhi
Waterfalls, Vembanad Lake
Best Time to Visit : November to March
Location
Kumarakom
is situated near the Kottayam district of Kerala. The place falls to the
west of the district and about 16 kms from it. The place is connected by
roads to the rest of the city and the nearest railway head is located at
Kottayam. Kumarakom, more precisely is situated on the banks of Vembanad
Lake and as such features backwater regions. The place lies some 72 kms from
the International Airport, located at Kochi.
Introducing Kumarakom
The profile of Kumarakom is marked with the presence of the backwaters that
traverse the land throughout the region. The place is like a small island
interspersed with small canals. The place is quite fertile and the lands are
cultivable. The paddy fields is a common feature of Kumarakom landscape. The
lake provides a very cheap and exciting means of transportation. The region
is replete with mangrove vegetation, which are in their turn inhabited by
the bird population. The place is beautiful and all inspiring, bringing into
memory reminiscences of an age and civilization that is simple and devoid of
sophistication.
Important Features
There are lot of water bodies located at Kumarakom. Vembanad Lake is the
source for the fresh water and is accompanied by numerous lagoons featuring
marine life. The lake water runs throughout the region as brooks, canals and
pools. The merging of water, aquatic life and vegetation and bird species
makes up the charm of Kumarakom. The scene is quite mesmerizing and a trip
through the region puts one in a state of trance.
Tourist Attractions in Kumarakom
Kumarakom Bird
Sanctuary : The bird sanctuary on the banks of Vembanad Lake is
superb. Spread over 100 acres the bird sanctuary is home to thousands of
resident and migratory birds. Some commonly found species include egret,
darter, waterfowl, heron, bittern, kites, marsh harries, kingfishers,
woodpeckers and wild ducks.
Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls : The waterfalls are located some
18 kms from the Kottayam town and in the vicinity of Kumarakom. The water
cascades down a mountains and the fall is about 100 ft.
Vembanad Lake : Vembanad is a beautiful lake that runs
through the town into small rivers and canals. The lake is a great picnic
spot and activities here include boating and angling.
Popular Activities
For tourists the best activity to indulge in is boat exploration. The
sojourn in a house boat is one of the best ideas at Kumarakom. Every year
thousands of tourists hire house boats and expedite the regions in and
around Kumarakom. The house boat expeditions is the best Kumarakom has to
offer.
One more activity one can avail at Kumarakom is bird watching. The lake
features some rare bird species, both aquatic and arboreal. The bird
sanctuary located here, is a great place for the bird watchers.
Yoga and Meditation in Kumarakom
The upcoming Yoga and Meditation centres have resulted in the growing
popularity of the region. More and more foreign tourists are turning up at
these centres. These places are intended to provide the much needed
spiritual uplift.
Kumarakom Lake Resort in Kumarakom is a renowned place for undertaking Yoga
and Meditation classes. Visit Kumarakom and take Yoga and Meditation classes
in Kumarakom Lake Resort to know about your innerself and to bridge harmony
with mother nature. Yoga and Meditation will remove ego from your body and
you will feel relaxed.
Places Where You Can Stay
Stay at Kumarakom hotels is enticing. There are a number of hotels and
resorts located at some wonderful spots in the town. The hotels and resorts
situated on the lake reflect the colors of joy and tranquility and are the
preferred ones by the tourists. Some known hotels of Kumarakom include
Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom Lake Resort, Lakshmi Hotel and Resort, Lake Palace
Resorts, Taj Garden Retreat, Backwater Ripples
How to Reach
The nearest airport to Kumarakom is Cochin International Airport. The
airport is about 76 kms from Kottayam. From Kottayam the place is only 16
kms. One can also reach Kottayam by a train and from there on a number of
facilities are available to Kumarakom. Boat and ferry rides are available
from places like Aleppey and Quilon.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the place is from November to March. The early
spring makes up the place quite lively and beautiful. The bird sanctuary is
crowded during the spring season.
