Kumarakom, a small touristy village in Kerala, is probably the most beautiful village in god’s own country. Located 15 km away from the kottayam city, this small sleepy village is actually a cluster of little islands in the Vembanad lake. the largest lake in Kerala, Vembanad is the heart of the Kerala backwaters and therefore, makes Kumarakom a famous tourist destination.
With the Vembanad Lake at the backdrop of the village, Kumarakom is home to a variety of flora and fauna. the bird sanctuary and the marine as well as freshwater fish that live in the water of the lake, bring many tourists to this destination every year. It would not be too much to say, Kumarakom is truly paradise on earth.
This is the major attraction of Kumarakom. You have to take a houseboat from Kumarakom and sail all along the Vembanad lake that stretches from Kochi to Alleppey. A number of migratory birds visit Vembanad lake during winter.
If you visit Kumarakom and do not visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, you will miss a great deal of natural amazement. Home to the migratory bird, this bird sanctuary is a paradise for bird watchers.
A popular picnic spot and a great place for photography, the 1000 feet high waterfall is surrounded by rubber plantation. The beauty of the waterfall is at its best during monsoon, when the surrounding is greener, fresher and the waterfall is thick and wide. at the top of the waterfall, you will find the St. Mary's church, a popular place for Christians to come for religious practices and prayers.
Not too far from the backwaters and the Vembanad Lake is the Kumarakom beach. This sandy beach is extremely beautiful and perfect for a calm and soothing evening walk.
This is probably the first place that you should visit when in Kumarakom. The backwater is the main attraction point of Kumarakom. The labyrinthine water channels and the scenic beauty of the place is truly bliss of nature.
Since the backwaters and the Vembanad lake are the most important attractions of this place, when you visit Kumarakom, you must book a houseboat and stay in it. The houseboats will take you to and fro the backwaters and you will enjoy the fresh greens, the ripples in the water from a close proximity.
Besides, staying in the houseboat itself is an experience. The traditional Kerala houseboats offer a luxurious hospitality that no one should ever miss.
When you go up the Aruvikkuzhi waterfalls, you can trek all the way to the top to enjoy the beauty from close. The trekking is beautiful.
You will get to do all sorts of water sports on the Kumarakom beach. From windsurfing, boating, water skiing to parasailing, you should not miss the opportunity to do these adventure sports when you get the opportunity.
The Kumarakom bird sanctuary holds in store a wide range of migratory and other birds. You must go for a bird watching session as the sanctuary is located on the banks of the backwaters.
Though the houseboats are the best choices for staying in Kumarakom, during monsoon they are not available due to the sudden and heavy rains. At this time, you need to stay in the hotels. There are many options just on the mainlands. During summer, you will get discounted rates as well.