Kumarakoram is a very popular destination for most of the tourists visiting Kerala. Nestled on the banks of the Vembanad lake, Kumarakoram is one of the most beautiful places in teh country. This place is certainly a nature lover’s paradise. It is considered one of the best place for backwater cruises as sights of evergreen paddy fields, mangrove forests and rows of the palm trees greet you.
Kumarakom
Image By Wikipedia User George Joseph Image is in Public Domain
Best For:
• House boat expeditions/Backwater cruising • Windsailing and water skiing • Buying wood carvings, articles made of coconut shell, bamboo, cane furniture, embroidered screw-pine , mats, grass mats; and several other types of handicrafts. • Taking a Yoga or Meditation course • Bird Watching • Ayurvedic treatment
The temperature is between16 to 10°C. The best time to visit the place is from November to March.
The Indian Rupee is the official currency of Cochin. Currency can be converted at the currency exchange counters at the Airport. Credit and debit cards are accepted in only bigger shops and major hotels. A few hotels have ATM onsite otherwise there are hardly any ATMs
No permit is required to travel to Kumarakom, other than a visa for India.
Getting Around – By Air The above mentioned International Airports are well connected to most of the major cities worldwide, handling both domestic and international flights. As entry point to India; one can fly to Mumbai (Bombay) or Chennai (Madras).
Getting around –By Rail To reach Kumarakom one can take a train to reach Kerala which is connected by rail to Bombay, Madras and Bangalore. One could either get down at Cochin or Kottayam. The nearest railhead is just about 16 km by road. Kottayam link is connected to all major cities in Kerala. From Cochin, one can also catch a south bound train via the Allepey and get down at Chertala from where Kumarakom is 14 kms ride.
Getting around –By Road A lot of luxury buses ply from Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad. The nearest bus terminal is the Kottayam bust stand. There are numerous buses and taxis from Kottayam which is 14 km ride from Kumarakom.
Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls It is a beautiful picnic spot where streams tinkle as they make their way through the landscape and water roar as they cascade down the mountains from a height of 100 ft.
Vembanad Lake Vembanad Lake is one of Asia’s biggest freshwater lakes. Make sure to set off on one of these boat expeditions and explore the backwaters which is sure to enchant the visitor and leave them spellbound. One might occasionally spot a bird as the Bird Sanctuary is also on the banks of this lake. Those looking for some local experience, then hop on to a Jetty which is a cheap mode of transport here.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary Do not forget to pack your binoculars for this trip, for the Bird Sanctuary here is surely an ornithologist's paradise. One is sure to spot some rare bird species. November to February is the best time to see migratory birds
Kottayam-A town known for its ancient churches, especially 700 years old church, the Cheria palli ('small church') with exceptionally lovely paintings over the altar and the Valia palli('Big Church') perched on a picturesque hillock over a small cluster of houses.
Erumely-It a pilgrim centre for the Hindus and Muslims. There is the Sree Dharmasastha Temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa.
Aranmula-This is the place where you can catch all the action during Onam festival boat races, usually in early September.
Vagamon-An ideal place for trekking with lush meadows and tea gardens and green valleys.
Elaveezha Poonchira-Elaveezha Poonchira is yet another picnic spot located in the midst of beautiful hills
Vaikom -is famous for the Shiva Temple and the 'Panchavadyam' an important musical performance
Where To Eat:
One should certainly try the fish delicacies in the local toddy shops which offer the authentic taste of the Kerala cuisine known especially for the fish and other exotic seafood. If one is not so adventurous, then grab a meal at any of the restaurants of the hotels around the place. The restaurants serve not only the delicacies of Kerala but also traditional Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisine.
Where To Stay:
Being a sought after tourist destination, there are lot of options for accommodation. However, a Backwater Resort would be the best option, overlooking the Vembanad lake.
Some known hotels of Kumarakom include Coconut Lagoon, Taj Garden Retreat, Lakshmi Hotel and Resort, Lake Palace Resorts, Kumarakom Lake Resort and Backwater Ripples. You can also consider resorts which offer Ayurvedic treatment to add to your relaxing holiday experience.
The best time to plan a trip to Kumarakom in is early September when the serene Vembanad lake comes alive during Onam with a spectacular water regatta-the snake boat races. It is quite a sight to see close to 100 men rowing the boat with all vigor and vitality.
