Click it and Unblock the Notifications
Kumarakom, one of the most sought-after travel destinations in Kerala, is a collection of small and scenic islands. Nestled on the Vembanad Lake (which is regarded as the biggest freshwater lake in Kerala), Kumarakom attracts travellers from all over the world with its pristine and crystal beauty.
Located at a distance of about 12 km from the district of Kottayam, this place gained worldwide recognition on account of its backwater tourism. Surrounded by streams and dotted with emerald stretches of greenery, the green peninsula of Kumarakom invites travellers to unwind and revamp.
Fantastic Flora And Fabulous Fauna
The region is best known for its vast patches of palm trees, coconut groves and paddy fields which offer mind-blowing scenery to spectators. The proximity of the lagoons makes the land salubrious and abundant with lush green trees. The whole region becomes a beaming belt of greenery once the generous showers of monsoons hit the grounds.
Kumarakom is an ideal place for birdwatchers for the place houses one of the most renowned bird sanctuaries of Kerala. This sanctuary is a seasonal home to a wide variety of migratory birds and Siberian Cranes can be spotted here once in a while. Moreover, the region is rich with marine fish species, of which the most prominent is Pearl Spot (more popularly known as Karimeen).
The Splendor Of Sightseeing – Tourist Places In And Around Kumarakom
Though best known for its backwaters and houseboats, Kumarakom has many sightseeing options kept within its historical as well as cultural folds. Due to its capacity to contribute to the development of tourism, the area has been set apart as a Special Tourism Zone by the Kerala state Government.
The water-wonders of the region include the renowned Vembanad Lake, Aruvikkuzhi Falls, Kumarakom Backwaters and Kumarakom Beach. Other interesting tourist spots of the place include Bay Island Driftwood Museum, Jama Masjid and Pathiramannal.
The burgeoning tourism in the region has not tampered with its religious prominence and Kumarakom has a number of temples and churches in and around the locality.
The major temples and churches include the Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, St.Mary's Church at Cheriapally, St.Mary's Church at Athirampuzha and Vaikom Mahadeva Temple.
A Distinct Culture And Unique Economy
Tourism along with fishing and agriculture contribute to the economy of the region and makes it an abode of a distinct culture. A complex network of waterways and intertwined systems canals built across Meenachil River contribute to both irrigation and transportation, making Kumarakom a standout tourist hotspot.
Kumarakom gained wide attention from travellers from both within the country and abroad with a single book – The God of Small Things by Arundati Roy, which has bagged the much coveted Booker Prize and has become the bestseller of the modern era.
Aymanam village, which is the setting for the novel, lies in proximity to Kumarakom and has turned into a popular tourist place after the publication of The God of Small Things.
Houseboats: A Unique Travel Experience
What makes Kumarakom different from the rest of the tourist destinations are its houseboats. Millions of tourists visit this place to enjoy the houseboat experience and spend their time enjoying the serenity and beauty of backwaters.
Full day houseboat cruising and overnight packages are available, and travellers can choose packages that fit their budgets. These houseboats are luxury vessels made of wooden planks and are equipped with all modern amenities and facilities such as air conditioning, single to triple bed rooms, toilets, kitchens, balconies, rest areas and other entertainment options.
These houseboats are perfect for corporate conferences, holidaying as well we honeymooning and are rated among the most unique travel experiences available in the world today.
Kumarakom is famed for the enchanting boat races conducted during Onam Season (the major festival of Kerala celebrated during the months of August-September). Boats of different sizes and varieties such as Odi-Vallam, Kochu-odi Vallam, Churulan Vallam Iruttukutthi Vallam, and Chundan Vallam participate in the race, and the winner of the race is awarded with the Sree Narayana Ever Rolling Trophy.
A Paradise Of Tastes
The cuisines of Kumarakom are rich with traditional Kerala flavors and offer a lip smacking eating experience. The sea food varieties of the region are utterly delicious, and every travellers should find time to indulge in the luring flavor s this place has to offer.
Karimeen Pollichathu, Chemmeen Fry, Prawns Ularthiyathu, Fish Moilee and Crab Fry are among the most heavenly dishes no travellers would want to miss. Palappam, Mutton Stew, Kerala Chicken Fry, Duck Roast, Beef Fry, Puttu-Kadala, Kappa-Fish Curry and Karimeen Mappas give an exotic touch to the dining experience in Kumarakom. There are plenty of good resorts, budget hotels and homestays in Kumarakom, it being a popular tourist destination.
Travellers can spend their time in these resorts and homestays enjoying the enchanting beauty of the region and pampering themselves with traditional flavors.
How To Reach Kumarakom
Kumarakom enjoys excellent connectivity from across the country by road, rail and air. Apart from that tour-packages (of different duration and rates) are available to the place at affordable rates.
Kumarakom Weather
The region receives generous rainfalls during the monsoon season, and the tropical climate makes Kumarakom a pleasantly weathered tourist spot. With its spectacular lagoons, enticing cuisines, myriad sightseeing options, magical houseboats and a truly mesmerizing ambience, Kumarakom lures, captivates and exhilarates travellers without limits.
