Kumarakom Tourism (2021) - Kerala > Top Places, Travel Guide

"Backwaters bay, small islands - Little Venice"

Kumarakom Tourism

Located at a distance of 16km from Kottayam in Kerala and located on the banks of Vembanad Lake, Kerala's largest lake, Kumarakom is a cluster of many small man-made islands reclaimed from the lake.

Known for paddy fields, fishing, a network of backwaters, delicious local cuisine, traditional Kettuvalloms (rice barges) houseboats and luxury and budget resorts. The Kumarakom bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres, is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Take a two-hour canoeing trip during the sunrise or sunset to experience the beauty of this place. Kumarkom is the first destination to implement responsible tourism.

Places To Visit In Kumarakom

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Kumarakom Backwaters

Visit to Toddy Shops

Bay Island Driftwood Museum

Fishing in Kumarakom

Angling in Kumarakom

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Kumarakom Packages

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Delightful Kumarakom, Kochi, & Vagamon

3 Nights

Starting from $120

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Charms of Kumarakom & Thekkady

3 Nights

Starting from $126

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Twinkling Kumarakom, Kochi & Kumarakom Package

4 Nights

Starting from $182

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Catchy Kumarakom, Kochi & Kovalam

4 Nights

Starting from $150

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Sensational Kumarakom, Munnar, Thekkady Visit

4 Nights

Starting from $205

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Enthusiastic Kumarakom, Kochi, Thekkady and More

7 Nights

Starting from $301

CUSTOMIZE & BOOK

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Backwaters of Kumarakom

Today, Kumarakom stands for exquisite backwater activities. One can enjoy a beautiful on a cruise or a houseboat while sailing from Alleppey to Kumarakom. You can spend an entire evening and night by on a houseboat. The beautiful locations that you will witness, once you are on the houseboat, will make a trip to Kumarakom memorable. There are some fishing and canoeing options too. The most exciting sport that can be witnessed in Kumarakom is the snake-boat race, which is a way of celebrating Onam, uniquely, in August and September. Large crowds of tourists throng the site to witness the amazing spectacle.

History of Kumarakom

The proper development of Kumarakom as we see it today started off with the efforts of an English farmer, Alfred George Baker, who claimed around 500 acres of land in this area and developed his property too. Due, to his efforts Kumarakom could rise to its true potential as a tourist spot. Later, when the property of the Bakers went into ruin, it was redeemed to its original grandeur by the Taj Group.

Flora and Fauna

If you are a nature enthusiast then visiting the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a must. This sanctuary was also developed by Alfred George Baker. It is spread across 14 kilometres and stands for the lush greenery that it provides and the migratory birds like Waterfowl, Teal, Cuckoo, Egret, Heron, Owl, Brahminy Kite, Flycatcher, Lark, Parrot and the Siberian Stork that flock in and around this sanctuary. The fact that Kumarakom is covered with green paddy fields and coconut groves ensure that it remains a home for these migratory birds. Also, it is said, that the beautiful Vembanad Lake is home to around 150 different types of marine beings. Perhaps, the best part about Kumarakom, are its Mangrove forests. There are many species in these forests like Bruguiera Gymnorrhiza, Hebiseus Taeliatious, etcetera.

Restaurants and Local Food in Kumarakom

The cuisine here is largely Syrian Christian in style which also influences the food culture. You can find Appam- a rice bread, Kappa (tapioca), Karimeen- a very exotic fresh water fish, and other seafood such as shrimps, prawns, crabs and squids that are famous in Kumarakom. If you're adventurous enough, you can try the frog legs, donkey stew and crane fry are also available in more local areas and outlets. At the same time, there are a number of options available for vegetarians as well.
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Suggested Itinerary for Kumarakom

Day 1: After reaching Kumarakom, one can freshen up and then leave to witness the backwaters of Kumarakom and the Vembanad lake, located at the same place, and spend a few hours there along with the boats in the day time. The place is beautiful to visit during the day and thus is an alluring sight. After the visit, drive down to about 40 minutes of the journey to the beautiful Pathiramal Island to spend the rest of your day.

Day 2: Start in the morning and travel down to the beach, which will be a beautiful sight in the early morning hours. After 45 minutes long drive, you can reach the famous bird sanctuary, which can be roamed around for about 1 hour or more. In the remaining time, visit The Bay Island Driftwood Museum, located at a mere distance of 1.5 km from the Bird Sanctuary.

Day 3: Start early to travel down to the Aruvikkuzhi falls, as they might be a beautiful sight in the early hours of the day, cool and refreshing. In the remaining time, you can plan on visiting Juma masjid, which might be an ideal pick to bring an end to this trip. Also, in the remaining time, roam around the streets of Kumarakom to shop for a few souveniers.

Best Time to Visit Kumarakom

Commuting within Kumarakom

Kumarakom Photos

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Top Hotels In Kumarakom

The Windsor Castle

7.3 (184 reviews)

$ 47 onwards

Kuttickattil Gardens Homestay

9.5 (52 reviews)

$ 27 onwards

Hotel Aida

7.4 (92 reviews)

$ 20 onwards

Bennies Inn

7.3 (84 reviews)

$ 10 onwards

Palakunnel residency

7.7 (59 reviews)

$ 13 onwards

Misty Rosa Luxury Serviced Apartments

8.5 (40 reviews)

$ 13 onwards

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FAQs on Kumarakom

What is famous about Kumarakom?

The place is cheaper compared to many famous tourists destinations, being a smaller town. Commuting within the town is easy, and the number of natural landscapes is a beautiful magnet for all the tourists looking forward to visiting Kumarakom. Also, the place is a rich spectrum of cultural and historical diversity.

What is not so good about Kumarakom?

The connectivity to Kumarakom is not direct and is majorly through Kochi and Kottayam. The place is also not a suitable pick to visit during monsoon because of the spontaneity and unplanned nature of the rains.

Who should visit Kumarakom?

People interested in witnessing the beauty of nature, along with the vibrant history and the culture, can be the most suitable for visiting Kumarakom. Families, couples, and a group of young people, Kumarakom is a suitable visit for all.

What is the best time to visit Kumarakom?

September to March is the best season to visit Kumarakom. Summers (April-June) are little warm, and the temperatures occasionally reach around 35 degree Celsius or more. Monsoons are beautiful in Kumarakom, and it's a perfect time to enjoy bird-watching in the Kumarakom bird sanctuary. However, backwater cruising is not allowed during the monsoons.
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What is the local food in Kumarakom?

What is the best way to reach Kumarakom?

The connectivity of Kumarakom to nearby cities through the various modes of transportations act as a perk for tourists planning their trip to the area. The city of Kumarakom is well linked to all the other major cities all over the country, by the means of all railways, roadways, waterways, and airways. Cochin being the nearest major city to Kumarakom acts as a major linking node between various other cities to this tourist destination, thus helping the tourist to avail the mode of transport best suiting their needs.

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How much does a package cost for Kumarakom?

The packages for Kumarakom start at INR 8800 which can be further customized based on number of people, days, hotel category, vehicle type and customizations. You can have a look at all packages here

What are the things to do in Kumarakom?

The top things to do in Kumarakom are Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Backwaters, Vellavali, Visit to Toddy Shops, Bay Island Driftwood Museum, Fishing in Kumarakom. You can see all the places to visit in Kumarakom here

What are the places near Kumarakom?

The top places near to Kumarakom are Alleppey which is 23 km from Kumarakom, Munnar which is located 77 km from Kumarakom, Kochi which is located 44 km from Kumarakom, Thekkady which is located 71 km from Kumarakom, Kottayam which is located 5 km from Kumarakom

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Q. What are the approx charges of the backwater houseboats in Kumarakom?

Naman Sarawagi 2 years ago

Depends on season and quality of boat. 4k for good ac boat with all meals for a couple would be minimum.

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Kumarakom Reviews

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Edwin Stanley 2 years ago

The place is a perfect getaway to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Kerala. A houseboat cruise through the backwaters is a must for any visitor. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and the Pathiramanal island are notable tourist attractions. The traditional delicacies offered during the houseboat cruise is a must try.

Karan Mehta 2 years ago

Backwater is a very beautiful place situated in kerala. For a price of 4k you get beautiful tour with food included. You should definitely plan for this trip.