Kumarakom Backwaters
Located about 15 km away from Kottayam,
Kumarakom is a scenic backwater destination which comprises of little
islands huddled together in the Vembanad lake. The place boasts of a bird
sanctuary as well where you can sight many rare bird species. The sanctuary
is spread across 14 acres and the best way to go bird watching is to take a
boat trip around these islands. If laid back days are your idea of a
vacation, Kumarakom is just the place for you.
Fast Facts
- District : Kottayam
- State : Kerala
- Other names :
- Location : While going to Kottayam from Calicut, you
will have to travel for 282 km, from Cochin 77 km, from Alleppey 50
km and from Kodaikanal the distance will be 279 km away.
- Journey Time : You will need about 7 hrs to reach from
Calicut to Kottayam, 2 hrs to reach from Cochin, 1 and 1/2 hrs to
reach from Alleppey and 7 hrs to reach from Kodaikanal,
respectively.
- Route from Cochin : While going from Cochin to Kottayam,
you'll have to go through NH 49 to Thripunithura, and then continue
via Ettumanur, Keecherry, Thalayolaparambu, Vaikom, Kottayam, and
then take the state road to reach Kumarakom.
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Feature Attraction
Activities
If Kumarakom backwaters have become a preferred destination among the
tourists, the reason is not far to seek. There are numerous activities to
enthrall the visitors, such as boat races, houseboat cruise, canoeing and
fishing among other things. The houseboats, traditionally known as
Ketuvallams provide you with every luxury that the modern day traveller
looks for. The facilities include living rooms, toilets, kitchen, balcony
etc.
Accommodation
- Golden Waters – 5 Star
- Hotel Taj Garden Retreat – 3 Star
- Kumarakom Lake Resort - Heritage
- Hotel Coconut Lagoon – 4 Star
- Hotel Kumarakom Lake Hotel – 4 Star
When to go
The months between November to March are the best months to visit the
Kumarakom backwaters.
How to get there
The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport which is 76 km away
from the Kottayam town. Kottayam is the nearest railhead which is about 16
km away. The nearest bus terminal is also at Kottayam.
Other Attractions
» Vembanad Lake
It is one of the largest fresh water lakes in entire Asia. You can offer
some of the best backwater cruises on the Vembanad lake. The fresh water
lake supports a variety of flora and fauna in the region. The lake also
helps prevent floods whereas the wooded banks tempt the tourists to the
place.
» Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Located on the banks of the Vembanad lake, the Kumarakom bird sanctuary is
spread across 14 acres. The place is ideal for you if you want to get
acquainted with a variety of migratory birds which come from the Himalayas
and from as far as Siberia. The rare birds that you get to see here are
egrets, darters, herons, teal, bitterns and wild ducks among others.
» Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls
Located 18 km away from Kottayam, the waters at the Aruvikkuzhi waterfalls
descend from a height of 100 feet. The place is very popular as a picnic
spot.
