Places to Visit in Kumarakom

KUMARAKOM

When was the last time that you marked a holiday as one of “life’s unforgettable experiences”? Kumarakom promises to offer you one such inspiring experience. The calm and serene village of kumarakom, with its super scenic background has always been glorious, romantic, beautiful and more surprising than you could expect. So you can imagine why it has been a fabled destination for ages. “Responsible tourism” initiative was first implemented in India by Kumarakom.

Kumarakom is a cluster of many small islands on the famous Vembanad lake.The place has everything required for a good holiday. Let’s count- Lakes, backwaters, nearby beach and waterfalls, pilgrimage centres, spa centres and some history.

CLIMATE: Kumarakom is blessed with a moderate, balanced tropical climate. Summers are usually very hot and humid. The monsoon season extends from mid June to early September. Backwater cruising will be closed during these months. November to February is relatively cool and ideal for outdoor trips.

The best time to visit Kumarakom is from September to February.

LOCATION: Kumarakom is 16 Km from the city of Kottayam.

77.9 Km from Cochin International Airport and 167.3 Km from Trivandrum International Airport.

1.VEMBANAD LAKE

Spread across Alapuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam, the Vembanad Lake is known by different names in each district. The lake is known as Punnamada Kaayal in Kuttanad( Alappuzha) where the famous snake boat races (vallom kali) are held. The lake is accredited as the longest lake in India and the largest in the state.

Vembanad Lake is at the heart of the Kerala backwater system that provides boating, fishing, sightseeing and picnic opportunities. The major attraction is the house boat cruise (a must in your holiday itinerary) which is available on hire. Enjoy a spectacular view of these pristine waters and its adjoining islands as you cruise along with friends and family.

NOTE: Houseboat services can be pre-booked online or you can directly call the tour operator. You can also customise you tour package to suit your needs. Other details concerning pick up point, stay etc will be provided by the respective tour operators.

2.Kumarakom Bird sanctuary

The Kumarakom bird sanctuary greets its visitors with a cacophony of whistles and chirps by some of its prettiest and rarest feathered residents. Though it was formerly known as Baker’s state as it was developed by an Englishman amidst a rubber plantation, the locals call it Vembanad bird sanctuary as it is a 14 acre sanctuary located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake.

The place houses a variety of local birds such as waterfowl, cuckoo, owl, egret, heron, cormorant, moorhen, darter and brahminy kite. It also becomes a temporary home for many migratory birds such as Siberian crane, parrot, teal, flycatcher and many more including birds from The Himalayas and Siberia. In short, these majestic creatures of flight are bound to impress any avian lover.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: If you have some serious bird watching in mind, November to February would be the best time as the migratory birds fly in during this season. Else, the sanctuary is worth visiting any time of the year.

VISITING HOURS: 6.30 am to 6.30 pm

LOCATION:

Adress: Kavanattinkara Saktheeswaram Temple Road, Kavanattinkara, Kumarakom, Kerala 686563.

Note: Houseboats and motorboats are available on hire for birdwatching.

3.BAKER’S HERITAGE BUNGALOW

The Baker’s Heritage Bungalow is a Victorian two storied bungalow built on huge pieces of teak wood rafters packed in mud as a base. The Bungalow and the Kumarakom Bird sanctuary was developed by an Englishman, Alfred George Baker in the year 1881 and was owned by four generations of the Baker family till it was converted into the first modern tourist resort in Kumarakom. The place is said to be a reminder of an age and people whose hard work cannot be erased by time.

PATHIRAMANAL

A small island in the Muhamma Panchayat of Alappuzha, Pathiramanal is only accessible by boat (One and a half hours by motor boat and half an hour by speed boat). The place is also an ideal stop-over while on your house boat cruise. The Island is haven to a number of migratory birds and is a tranquil picture of natural beauty. The Vembanad Lake shimmers throughout awestruck visitors.

ARUVIKKUZHI WATERFALLS

Waterfalls are considered to be nature’s blessings in its purest form. Set against the backdrop of lush green Rubber plantations and sparkly streams, the Aruvikkuzhi waterfalls are an ideal picnic location. The waterfall cascades along a 100 feet rocky path to join various other streams. Travellers will have to take a nature walk through a mud path of 2 km to get to the waterfalls (no disappointments assured).

Another point to be noted is that the waterfalls are only active during the monsoon and dries up during summer. So the best time to visit the falls is right after monsoon i.e. September onwards.

ALLEPPEY BEACH

A stroll along the golden sandy shoreline and a relaxing spa session is all you need to find your inner calm. The Alleppey Beaches are the perfect setting for a laidback, leisure oriented holiday. The beaches also stands host to a number sport and recreational activities like water skiing, wind surfing, parasailing, boating and swimming. There are a number of resorts lined around the beach that has spas and ayurvedic massage centres to complete your holiday.

LOCATION: 35 Km from Kumarakom .