Overview

A cluster of islands on Vembanad Lake altogether forms the picturesque Kumarakom village in Kerala. Kumarakom is a part of Kuttanad district, which is also known as the rice bowl of Kerala. Being a few feet below the sea level, the region has long stretches of flourishing paddy fields and mangrove forests. Dry land appears intermittently amid a labyrinth of streams and canals composing of the backwaters. The dry land is the inhabited area where village life goes on in full swing.

 

Introducing Kumarakom

Indeed, is plush with brilliant green of mangroves, paddy fields and coconut palms fringing the embankments intermittently. Tourists generally stay on Kumarakom houseboats from where they not only relish the serene waterscapes but also get to observe the simple joys of village life in full swing. Moreover, with flocks of migratory bird frequenting the backwaters – bird watching is an important highlight of Kumarakom tourism. The bird sanctuary here often provides a home to birds like Siberian Stork, Teals, Darters, Egrets, Teals, Waterfowls, Wild Ducks, and Cuckoos who can be spotted here in flocks.

Heritage Places / Sightseeing in Kumarakom

Having been described as one among the places that must be seen at least once in a lifetime by National Geographic Magazine, Kumarakom comes across as an important tourist destination in Kerala. In Kumarakom, the places to visit include :

  • The Baker's Bungalow

    that has been converted to Taj Garden Retreat - Kumarakom's first modern resort. The building belonged to Mr Alfred George Baker, who reportedly reclaimed the entire wetlands of Kumarakom and created a fertile area from among the marshes. Baker had a great interest in agriculture and he loved nature. His passion for both led to creation and development of Kumarakom into a tourist destination. The building now stands renovated, though retaining its rustic appeal and beauty.

  • Bay Island Driftwood Museum
  • Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls
  • Pathiramanal Island
  • Juma Masjid
  • Kumarakom Beach
  • Kumarakom Backwaters
  • The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

How to reach Kumarakom

The nearest railway station to Kumarakom is Kottayam, which is barely 13 km long drive apart. The nearest airport to Kumarakom is Cochin international airport, about 94 km away.

The temperature in Kumarakom in Kerala remains more or less temperate that oscillates between 22 and 34 degree Celsius. One can visit here anytime throughoutthe year, as the climate here remains agreeable all year.