Location: 16 km away from Kottayam town, Central Kerala.
The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teals, waterfowls, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian Stork visit here in flocks and are a fascinate the visitors.
An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom offers visitors many other leisure options. Boating and fishing facilities are available at the Taj Garden Retreat, a sprawling old bungalow-turned-resort.
Waterscapes, the backwater resort of the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation has independent cottages built on stilts, set amidst coconut groves and panoramic view of the backwaters. Holiday packages involving houseboats, traditional Kettuvalloms (rice barges) offer great experiences.
Best time to visit Kumarakom:
Kumarakom experiences a tropical climatic condition and the best time for visiting the place is from September to March.
• Winters (November to February) are pleasant and temperature goes down to a minimum of 18°C. This period is perfect for sightseeing and carrying out all types of tourist activities.
• Summers (March to May) days are accompanied by warm climate and the temperature reaches up to a maximum of 37°C. Summer days are not preferable by most tourists but one can still enjoy the scenic beauty of the place.
• Monsoons (June to September) months has medium rainfall in Kumarakom. In monsoons, backwater cruising is not allowed. But this period is ideal for spotting birds.
September to February draws many tourists in Kumarokam, and this period is ideal for sightseeing, exploring flora and fauna as well as all types of tourist activities. During monsoon months backwater cruising is not permitted and this time is not ideal for outings and outdoor activities. However, the place offers beautiful greenery which is ideal for nature lovers. Bird watching centre at Kumarakom also attract many tourists during post monsoon seasons. Many migratory birds can be spotted here during this season.
The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teals, waterfowls, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian Stork visit here in flocks and are a fascinate the visitors.
An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom offers visitors many other leisure options. Boating and fishing facilities are available at the Taj Garden Retreat, a sprawling old bungalow-turned-resort.
Waterscapes, the backwater resort of the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation has independent cottages built on stilts, set amidst coconut groves and panoramic view of the backwaters. Holiday packages involving houseboats, traditional Kettuvalloms (rice barges) offer great experiences.
Best time to visit Kumarakom:
Kumarakom experiences a tropical climatic condition and the best time for visiting the place is from September to March.
• Winters (November to February) are pleasant and temperature goes down to a minimum of 18°C. This period is perfect for sightseeing and carrying out all types of tourist activities.
• Summers (March to May) days are accompanied by warm climate and the temperature reaches up to a maximum of 37°C. Summer days are not preferable by most tourists but one can still enjoy the scenic beauty of the place.
• Monsoons (June to September) months has medium rainfall in Kumarakom. In monsoons, backwater cruising is not allowed. But this period is ideal for spotting birds.
September to February draws many tourists in Kumarokam, and this period is ideal for sightseeing, exploring flora and fauna as well as all types of tourist activities. During monsoon months backwater cruising is not permitted and this time is not ideal for outings and outdoor activities. However, the place offers beautiful greenery which is ideal for nature lovers. Bird watching centre at Kumarakom also attract many tourists during post monsoon seasons. Many migratory birds can be spotted here during this season.
Place to Visit:
Vembanad Lake:
Vembanad Lake is commonly known as Vembanad Kayal or Vembanad Kol. It is one of the longest lakes in India and the largest in Kerala. This lake is called by different names like Punnamada Lake in Kuttanad and Kochi Lake in Kochi. The Kochi Lake also houses the Kochi Port, which is situated around two islands of Vallarpadam and Willingdon.
Nehru Trophy Boat Race is celebrated annually in the Kuttanad region. Vembanad Lake is divided into two zones, namely the salt water zone and freshwater zone.
There are varied species of birds, animals, reptiles and plants near this lake that make it an ideal tourist spot in the region. It also features more than 150 species of fish along with shrimps, crabs, squid and prawns.
Juma Masjid
Juma Masjid at Thazhathangadi is situated at a distance of around 12 km from Kumarakom. This mosque is famously known as Thazhathangadi Mosque, which lies on the banks of River Meenachil. It is more than 1000 years old and is considered to be one of the oldest mosques in India.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary:
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is home to different species of birds, including migratory birds from Siberia. This sanctuary is spread across 14 acres and was established by the Government of India for preserving coconut trees and mandrakes, which are the natural habitat of birds.
The popular bird species found at this bird sanctuary are water duck, waterfowl, owl, heron, egret, cuckoo and Siberian cranes. Tourists can also see kingfishers, paradise fly-catchers, night herons and golden-backed woodpeckers.
This sanctuary is best visited between the months of November and February when migratory birds from across the globe come here for mating. The ideal time for watching the local birds in this sanctuary is from June to August.
It also houses a 'Baker's Mansion' which is over 50 years old and is managed by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation. The sanctuary was also known as 'Baker's Estate' and can be easily reached via boats.
Bird watching can be enjoyed by hiring houseboats and motorboats on the Vembanad Lake. The best time for going on boat trips and enjoy bird watching is during dawn and dusk.
Kumarakom Beach
Kumarakom Beach is an ideal place to relax and enjoy various types of beach activities and water sports. Some of these water sports are water skiing, wind surfing, para-sailing water polo, boating and swimming. Volleyball, sunbathing, water aerobics and frisbee are popular tourist activities.
The resorts located near this beach are replete with facilities like spa, ayurvedic massage centers, yoga training and other health related programmers. Nature walks and houseboat cruises at this beach are highly popular.
Vembanad Lake:
Vembanad Lake is commonly known as Vembanad Kayal or Vembanad Kol. It is one of the longest lakes in India and the largest in Kerala. This lake is called by different names like Punnamada Lake in Kuttanad and Kochi Lake in Kochi. The Kochi Lake also houses the Kochi Port, which is situated around two islands of Vallarpadam and Willingdon.
Nehru Trophy Boat Race is celebrated annually in the Kuttanad region. Vembanad Lake is divided into two zones, namely the salt water zone and freshwater zone.
There are varied species of birds, animals, reptiles and plants near this lake that make it an ideal tourist spot in the region. It also features more than 150 species of fish along with shrimps, crabs, squid and prawns.
Juma Masjid
Juma Masjid at Thazhathangadi is situated at a distance of around 12 km from Kumarakom. This mosque is famously known as Thazhathangadi Mosque, which lies on the banks of River Meenachil. It is more than 1000 years old and is considered to be one of the oldest mosques in India.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary:
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is home to different species of birds, including migratory birds from Siberia. This sanctuary is spread across 14 acres and was established by the Government of India for preserving coconut trees and mandrakes, which are the natural habitat of birds.
The popular bird species found at this bird sanctuary are water duck, waterfowl, owl, heron, egret, cuckoo and Siberian cranes. Tourists can also see kingfishers, paradise fly-catchers, night herons and golden-backed woodpeckers.
This sanctuary is best visited between the months of November and February when migratory birds from across the globe come here for mating. The ideal time for watching the local birds in this sanctuary is from June to August.
It also houses a 'Baker's Mansion' which is over 50 years old and is managed by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation. The sanctuary was also known as 'Baker's Estate' and can be easily reached via boats.
Bird watching can be enjoyed by hiring houseboats and motorboats on the Vembanad Lake. The best time for going on boat trips and enjoy bird watching is during dawn and dusk.
Kumarakom Beach
Kumarakom Beach is an ideal place to relax and enjoy various types of beach activities and water sports. Some of these water sports are water skiing, wind surfing, para-sailing water polo, boating and swimming. Volleyball, sunbathing, water aerobics and frisbee are popular tourist activities.
The resorts located near this beach are replete with facilities like spa, ayurvedic massage centers, yoga training and other health related programmers. Nature walks and houseboat cruises at this beach are highly popular.
Must Do:
The destination is most popular for its backwater boathouse rides. Rentals are relatively expensive, but well worth every penny if you can also get a good chef on board, who is well versed in exotic local cuisine. It would be well worth to research on reliable service companies and demand for a good chef, while making your booking.
The destination is most popular for its backwater boathouse rides. Rentals are relatively expensive, but well worth every penny if you can also get a good chef on board, who is well versed in exotic local cuisine. It would be well worth to research on reliable service companies and demand for a good chef, while making your booking.
How to Reach:
By car
Approximately 2 hours from Cochin International Airport.
By bus
Buses and taxis are easily available at all times of the day from Kottayam and Cochin.
By train
Kottayam (16km)
By plane
via Cochin International Airport (75 km)
By boat
From Muhamma (near Alappuzha) to Kumarakom Jetty.
By car
Approximately 2 hours from Cochin International Airport.
By bus
Buses and taxis are easily available at all times of the day from Kottayam and Cochin.
By train
Kottayam (16km)
By plane
via Cochin International Airport (75 km)
By boat
From Muhamma (near Alappuzha) to Kumarakom Jetty.
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