Kumarakom Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary featuring a river or creek as well as an individual male
Situated on the banks of the largest lake in the state of Kerala, this island village is best known as a jumping off point for backwater cruises.

Kumarakom is a collection of small islands on the eastern banks of Vembanad Lake. The backwater destination features lagoons, coves and a labyrinth of canals among a landscape of mangrove forests and coconut palms.

Explore the waterways on a houseboat cruise. Rent your vessel for a day or for several nights. Make sure you select a boat with a good on-board chef who can cook delicious local specialties for you.

There are various cruise routes through the waterways. A popular course takes you from Kumarakom to the town of Alleppey, known as the Venice of the East for its numerous canals. Along the way, you will pass several luxury lakeside resorts.

Fishing is not only important for the livelihood of the locals, but it’s also a popular pastime. Rent a small boat, called a vallam, and try your luck on the lake. You can fish with nets, a rod or a bow and arrow. Most of the fishing takes place at night and your catch could include clams, shrimps and karimeen.

Try and coincide your visit with one of boat races that feature many of the locals. The contests are accompanied by processions and musical performances. One of the biggest is the Sree Narayana Jayanthi Boat Race that takes place in August/September.

There are also a number of attractions away from the water. Walk among wildlife at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, which occupies 14 acres (6 hectares) on the banks of the lake. See waterfowl, parrots, larks and migratory birds from the Himalayas and Siberia. Stop by the Bay Island Driftwood Museum to see wood fashioned into animal shapes and unusual forms. Visit some of Kumarakom’s temples such as Sree Kumara Mangalam Temple and Puthiyakavu Devi Temple.

Reach Kumarakom by flying into Cochin International Airport and then drive or take a taxi to cover the 48 miles (77 kilometers) to the islands. A fun way to get in is to rent a houseboat at Alleppey and then travel across Vembanad Lake.

Rhythm Kumarakom
Rhythm Kumarakom
5 out of 5
Kumarakom Village, Kottayam District, Kottayam, Kerala
The price is NZ$245 per night from 4 Dec to 5 Dec
NZ$245
includes taxes & fees
4 Dec - 5 Dec
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kottayam. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (114 reviews)
"Good service"

Reviewed on 3 Oct. 2024

Rhythm Kumarakom
Taj Kumarakom Resort & Spa, Kerala
Taj Kumarakom Resort & Spa, Kerala
4 out of 5
1/404 Kamarakom, Kottayam, Kottayam, Kerala
The price is NZ$375 per night from 21 Nov to 22 Nov
NZ$375
includes taxes & fees
21 Nov - 22 Nov
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Kottayam. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and Kumarakom ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (134 reviews)
"If you are looking for a quiet resort that focuses on limited guests (only 28 rooms) than this is the place for you. Excellent food. Very green and within nature. Excellent service as well!"

Reviewed on 20 Oct. 2024

Taj Kumarakom Resort & Spa, Kerala
Kumarakom Lake Resort
Kumarakom Lake Resort
5 out of 5
Kumarakom North P O, Kottayam, Kottayam, Kerala
The price is NZ$658 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
NZ$658
includes taxes & fees
17 Nov - 18 Nov
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Kottayam. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Kumarakom Backwaters and Kumarakom ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (106 reviews)
"The staff were very helpful and competent"

Reviewed on 28 Aug. 2024

Kumarakom Lake Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Amã Stays & Trails Lily Pad , Kumarakom
Amã Stays & Trails Lily Pad , Kumarakom
3 out of 5
THE LILY PAD Building NO: 20A, 20B, Ward 16, Pallichira Post Kumarakom, Kottayam, Kerala
Stay at this 3-star villa in Kottayam. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Kumarakom Boat Jetty and Kumarakom Backwaters are located ...
Amã Stays & Trails Lily Pad , Kumarakom
Houseboat Cruise in the Backwaters of Kerala
Houseboat Cruise in the Backwaters of Kerala
2.5 out of 5
Kottayam
Stay at this vacation home in Kottayam. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Kumarakom Boat Jetty and Kumarakom Backwaters are located nearby.
Houseboat Cruise in the Backwaters of Kerala
Sterling House boat Lake Palace Alleppey
Sterling House boat Lake Palace Alleppey
3 out of 5
Thirumala Ward, Chungam, Alappuzha, Ambalapuzha, KL
Stay at this 3-star houseboat in Ambalapuzha. Enjoy free valet parking, room service, and onsite spa services. Popular attractions Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple ...
Sterling House boat Lake Palace Alleppey
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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