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Kumarakom Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 1-2 days

Best Time: October - February Read More

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"Backwaters bay, small islands - Little Venice"

Kumarakom Tourism

With emerald green waters flanked by lush vegetation, Kumarakom is an enchanting backwater destination situated 16km away from Kottayam in Kerala. Lying on the banks of Vembanad Lake, Kerala's largest lake, Kumarakom is a cluster of small human-made islands reclaimed from the lake. This picturesque village beckons travelers with its serene waterways, verdant landscapes, and rich biodiversity, making it a quintessential destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat. 

Known for paddy fields, fishing, beach, a network of backwaters, delicious local cuisine, traditional Kettuvalloms (rice barges) houseboats and luxury and budget resorts, this picturesque village is a quintessential destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat. Embarking on a village life experience is a must-do activity, allowing guests to soak in the serene ambiance while traversing through lush greenery and quaint villages.

The Kumarakom bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres, is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Additionally, cultural aficionados can explore the village's historic temples, museum, quaint churches, alluring waterfalls, and traditional Kerala homesteads, gaining insight into the local way of life. 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.

Kumarakom's allure is particularly heightened during the winter and spring months, from November to March. As the weather turns pleasantly cool and dry, visitors are treated to idyllic conditions for outdoor exploration and relaxation. The lush landscapes come alive with vibrant hues, offering a captivating backdrop for leisurely strolls, cycling tours, and nature walks. Moreover, the region's cultural festivals and events during this time add to the festive atmosphere, providing visitors with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the local traditions and customs.

Top Hotels In Kumarakom

More on Kumarakom Travel

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.

Read more about Kumarakom Backwaters

Flora and Fauna

The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a must visit for every nature enthusiast. 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.

History of Kumarakom

Kumarakom's history is steeped in the rich tapestry of Kerala's cultural heritage and maritime legacy. The origins of Kumarakom can be traced back to the ancient kingdoms that flourished along the Malabar Coast, with references dating as far back as the Sangam period in South Indian history. The region's strategic location along the backwaters of Vembanad Lake made it a vital hub for trade and commerce, attracting merchants and travelers from far and wide.

Throughout the centuries, Kumarakom remained a significant center of activity, serving as a crucial trading post for spices, timber, and other commodities. Its waterways became bustling thoroughfares, with traditional houseboats ferrying goods and passengers across the interconnected network of canals and lakes. The area also thrived as a prominent agricultural region, with fertile lands yielding rice, coconut, and other crops that sustained the local populace.

Kumarakom's cultural heritage is deeply intertwined with the diverse communities that have inhabited the region over the ages. The area was once part of the princely state of Travancore, ruled by the Travancore Royal Family until India's independence in 1947. The influence of this royal lineage is evident in the architecture, traditions, and customs of Kumarakom. Additionally, the village is home to a vibrant mix of Hindu, Christian, and Muslim communities, each contributing to its rich cultural mosaic. Today, as Kumarakom continues to evolve as a premier tourist destination, its storied past serves as a testament to the resilience and spirit of Kerala's coastal communities.

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.
View Top Restaurants in Kumarakom

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

How to Reach Kumarakom

How to Reach Overview

Although Kumarakom doesn't have its own airport or railway station, it is well connected to other major cities in Kerala by road. The nearest airport is in Kochi at a distance of 45 km and the nearest railway station is in Kottayam at a distance of 16km. Kumarakom is also connected by waterways, regular houseboats run from Kochi to Alleppey and one of the waterports is in Kumarakom.

How to reach Kumarakom by flight

The nearest airport to the city of Kumarakom is the Cochin International Airport (also known as Kochi Airport), located at a distance of approximately 45 km from the city. The airport is well connected with many other national and international cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Jaipur (National); Bahrain, Muscat, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, and Colombo (International), thus ensuring convenient journey for everyone looking forward to visiting Kumarakom. A few regular buses run down from the airport to Kumarakom, along with various bus services, thus making the travel easier for one to pursue.

How to reach Kumarakom by road

Well connected by an extensive network of suitably built roads, roadways might be a comfortable option for one looking forward to visiting Kumarakom. The Kerela State Tourism buses are one of the most convenient and cheapest options to reach Kumarakom. Many other private deluxe buses, which range from sleeper coaches to AC buses, run between Kumarakom and other important cities from the nearby state, like Cochin, Kottayam, Bangalore, Chennai and Mangalore. Various private taxis have also come up in these areas, in an attempt to make the travel further convenient, comfortable and user-friendly.

How to reach Kumarakom by train

Rail network is one of the most highly preferred modes of transportation amongst the tourist, owing to the convenience of the trains and the connectivity it offers at a pocket-friendly price. The nearest railway station to the city of Kumarakom is Kottayam, located at a road distance of 16 km from the city. Numerous trains from Mangalore, Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram, Hubli, Kanyakumari, Hazrat Nizamuddin, and New Delhi travel down to Kottayam, ensuring suitable travel options for people looking forward to visiting Kumarakom. Book up a taxi/cab or take up the bus to reach Kumarakom in less than an hour.

How to reach Kumarakom by waterways

Numerous boats in the backwaters of Kerela run between Kochi and Alleppey, one of the nearest water port to Kumarakom. These ferries are a fun adventure ride and will be an altogether great experience for the people wanting to witness something new. Kumarakom is at a short road distance from Alleppey, thus being easily accessible to all the tourists.

Local transport in Kumarakom

Boats and Steamers are the best way to travel around. Many hotels offer boats for hire. Advance booking is advisable. House boats are also available.

Kumarakom Photos

Kumarakom, Kerala

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FAQs on Kumarakom

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

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

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 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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What is the 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.
Read More

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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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 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.

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.

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Popular Questions And Answers on Kumarakom

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

Naman Sarawagi

5 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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Q. How many days best to stay

Shashwat Kant

5 years ago
2-3 days are good enough.
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Q. If a couple have 5000 rs its enough for 1night to stay in boat house

Holidify

5 years ago
Unfortunately 5000rs would be a little less. The packages for one night stay in house boat is somewhere between 7000-9000rs.
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Kumarakom Reviews

Your rating

Edwin Stanley

5 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 (Read More)island are notable tourist attractions. The traditional delicacies offered during the houseboat cruise is a must try.

Veena Mahesh

on Visit to Toddy Shops 5 years ago
Kilikoodu toddy restaurant . Delicious food .Also available different types of fish .

Karan Mehta

5 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.
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