Tourism in Kumarakom: Things to do in Kumarakom

Famed for its natural beauty, lush greenery, colorful avifauna, and tranquil environment, Kumrakom is a beautiful town, which is one of the best destinations in Kerala. Declared as a special Tourism Zone by the State Government of Kerala, it stands on the bank of Lake Vembanad. The place has been blessed by pleasant climate, all throughout the year.

The place boasts of a paradise-like charm, which can explored through houseboat ride in the Kumarakom backwaters. Including bird watching and houseboat cruise, this town has several memorable experiences on offering.

Location

Located just 16 km from Kottayam, Kumarakom is set on the banks of Lake Vembanad, the largest lake in the state of Kerala.

History

Kumarakom’s history is known to be diverse and extremely rich. It is believed that Kumarakom derives its name from the person called Kumaran, who was a deity highly worshipped in the region. Actually a group of islands, it was owned by Vadakkancore Kingdom. Nevertheless, the place was conquered by Marthanda Varma, who founded Travancore rule here in the year 1750. He also gave permission for the construction of a church in the year 1769.

Kumarakom shot to fame in 1947 when around 500 acres of its surrounding land was taken over by Alfred George Baker, a British farmer. Till date, he is given the credit of transforming the land and developing it as coconut plantations, and paddy fields. He also constructed the popular Baker House, which was the residence of around four generations of Bakers resided. Today, it is a heritage hotel and Kumarakom is a sought-after attraction.

Fairs & Festivals of Kumarakom

Kumarakom Boat Race

One of the biggest extravaganza in Kerala, Kumarakom boat race is a major hit amongst locals as well as tourists. The festival involves snake boat race or chundanvalloms where the boat is rowed by several oarsmen. Organized in the month of August or September, the race has high-energy levels with music and songs.

Onam

One of the most important festivals in Kumarakom, Onam is organized between the months of August and September (the Malayalam month of Chingam). The celebrations are attended by a huge number of locals where they decorate their houses with flowers, and rangoli. During this time, snake boat races are also organized. Uthradom and Thiruvonam are the important days of this festival. The image of Thrikkakara Appan, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu is installed in their homes. More information about Onam

Ugadi

Ugadi festival is a celebration marking the beginning of a New Year, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm. During this festival, the local decorate their doors, and get dressed in best of their clothes. They visit the houses of their loved ones.

Best Time to Visit Kumarakom

Kumarakom boasts of a distinct charm during all its seasons and it becomes one of the most popular destinations in Kerala. During the summer months, the temperature can go up to 37 degree Celsius but the place is not really crowded at this time and thus can be easily explored. The monsoon showers make the place all the more lush and beautiful. However, the best time to visit Kumarakom is between the months of September to March. At this time, the temperate stays pleasant at around 18 degrees Celsius, making sightseeing, bird watching and houseboat cruise, pleasant outdoor activities.

How to Reach Kumarakom

By Air

BY AIR -

Kumarakom does not have its own airport and Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport to Kumarakom, which is 70 km away. This airport is connected to important destinations of Indian as well as the World. From the airport, you can rent a cab to go to your destination or opt for local buses.

By Train

BY RAIL -

Kumarakom does not have a railway station, and Kottayam railway station is the nearest railway station to Kumarakom, which is located at a distance of around 16 km. Regualr trains ply between this stations and other important Indian cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Bangalore. Hop into a local bus or rent a cab to go to your destination.

By Road

BY ROAD -

A good network of roads connect Kumarakom to other nearby cities, towns and villages. Kerala State Run Transport Corporation (KSRTC) manages buses from nearby places to Kumarakom. There are private-run buses as well. Kottayam is an important nearby destination, offering Kumarakom good connectivity. There are AC as well as non AC buses. Renting a cab or taxi is another option.

Tourist Attractions in Kumarakom

Vembanad Lake

The longest lake in India, Vembanad Lake is around 14 km from Kottayam and is one of the most popular attractions in Kumarakom. The lake extends up to Kochi and there it is called Lake Punnamada. Vembanad Lake offers memorable bird watching and houseboat cruise experiences. Fishing is another popular activity here. During Onam festival, the lake bustles with activity due to snake boat race. The bank of the lake are dotted with popular luxury resorts.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Arguably the most popular tourist attraction in Kumarakom, Kumarakom bird sanctuary spread in an area if 14 acres of land is placed on the banks of Lake Vembanad. Open from 6’o clock in the morning till 6’o clock in the evening, the bird sanctuary is home to several resident birds. Not only popular amongst bird watching enthusiasts, it is also visited ornithologist as it attracts a huge number of migratory birds such as the Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal. Bird watching can be done through motorboat or houseboat ride. Pathiramanal, an island in the Lake, is a popular site for the activity.

Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls

Located amid lush greenery, Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls are ideal for nature-lovers and photography enthusiasts. The falls are around 18 km from Kottayam and cascade from a height of around 100 feet. Savor the wonderful views of wooded landscape, rubber plantation and slender water streams. St. Mary’s Church is another attraction, which is placed closely.

Kumarakom Backwaters

One of the most popular backwater destinations of Kerala, Kumarakom backwaters is an ideal place to enjoy the wonderful offerings of nature. Boasting of flora, fauna and other wonderful experiences, a houseboat cruise on the backwater lets you catch a glimpse of the rustic nature and other wonders of the region. The experience truly is worth remembering.

Kumarakom Beach

A leisure stroll can best be enjoyed at the Kumarakom beach to enjoy the scenery and soak-in the tranquility. You can indulge in a number of activities. Parasailing, swimming, wind surfing, and boating are the popular things to do at Kumarakom beach. Moreover, there are a number of spa resorts where you can also enjoy a rejuvenating Ayurveda therapy and relaxing massage. Spend some peaceful moments here with your loved ones.

Juma Masjid

Known to be one of the oldest mosques in India, Juma Masjid in Kumarakom is quite popular for its wonderful architecture, and superb carvings. It is believed that this mosque was commissioned by the son of Malik Dinar, Habib Dinar and is around thousand years old. Also known as Thazhathangadi Mosque, the complex comprises of a huge courtyard, royal looking windows and a bathing area.

Shopping in Kumarakom

One of the best things to do in Kumarakom is shopping as you can get your hands on some amazing stuff. Handcrafted merchandise is the best buy here. Shopping in Kumarakom also includes traditional silk saris, camel-bone carvings, wood carvings, metal- ware, hand-made jewelry, embroidered screw-pine mats, Kathakali masks, grass mats and other kinds of antique items. Do not forget to get your hands on high-quality and aromatic spices.

There are special antique shops at Kumarakom where you can buy some wonderful collectibles such as coins, gramophones, vintage door latches, old telephones, glazed china jars, weighing balances, artefacts related to Agrarian lifestyle, special bell-metal vessels, and so on. Traditional architecture parts such as carved pillars, and wooden panels can also be seen here.