On the shores of the enchanting Vembanad Lake, 14 km from Kottayam, lies Kumarakom a small-town. The most interesting area in the backwaters is the "Kuttanad region" called the rice bowl of Kerala. Kumarakom is just one little village in this region on the banks of the beautiful Vembanad Lake.

The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary in Kumarakom is spread across 14 acres is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live in flocks, in Kumarakom, are a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands.

An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom offers visitors many other leisure options. Boating and fishing facilities are available in Kumarakom.

Fact File

Climate : Being situated very close to the sea, Kumarakom has a moderate climate, with heavy rains during June-August due to the southwest monsoon. Winter starts from December and continues till February in Kumarakom. In summer, the temperature in Kumarakom rises to a maximum of 35°C and 25°C in the winters. Annual average rainfall in Kumarakom is 310 cm.

History : Earlier an old rubber plantation, Kumarakom was developed into a Bird Sanctuary. Kumarakom is now a leisure retreat very popular with foreigners, who club a visit to the sanctuary with a ride on Kerala's houseboats, known as Kettuvalloms. An Englishman Henry Baker, fascinated by the beauty of Kumarakom, settled here in the last century.

Tourist Attractions : Being situated very close to the sea, Kumarakom has a moderate climate, with heavy rains during June-August due to the southwest monsoon. Winter starts from December and continues till February in Kumarakom. In summer, the temperature in Kumarakom rises to a maximum of 35°C and 25°C in the winters. Annual average rainfall in Kumarakom is 310 cm.

Welcome to the holiday at Kumarakom the ornithologist's paradise. Bask in the beauty of nature amidst marvelous mangrove forests, coconut canopies and Pulsating paddy fields sprinkled with enchanting waterways and canals decked with while lilies. For everyone looking forward to a lazy and laid back holiday Kumarakom is the place to be at. While at Kumarakom visit to the Vembanad Lake is a must. The fresh water lake acts as an integral part of the backwater cruises in Kerala.

Water Bird Sanctuary : A 14-acre bird sanctuary is situated on the eastern banks of the Vembanad Lake. The sanctuary adds to the natural beauty of Kumarakom. Birds (waterfowl, water ducks, cuckoos, wild ducks etc.) nest and spend happy summers here. Birds like Siberian storks migrate here every year.

At the water-bird sanctuary you can spot domestic birds like cuckoo, wild duck, egrets, darters, herons, teal, and waterfowl as well as migratory birds like the Siberian storks. Further ahead from Kumarakom you may visit the backwater town of Kottayam. At Kottayam you must check out the rubber plantations and the old churches.

Backwater Cruise : The backwaters of Kerala - endless miles of snaking waterways flanked on either side by emerald palms. Tranquil and alluring, they offer you the experience of a lifetime. While Kumarakom the boat races, houseboat cruise, canoeing and fishing are something not to be missed. A stay at the houseboat, called Kettuvallom is an unparallel and unique experience. The scintillating beauty of nature and the simplicity of the people will not fail to touch you at Kumarakom.

The Vembanad Lake : Kottayam is a vast network of rivers and canals, which empty into the great expanse of water called the Vembanad Lake. The lake, an enchanting picnic spot and a fast developing backwater tourism destination, provides boating, fishing and sightseeing experiences that are truly exhilarating.

Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls : Located 18 km from Kottayam town, is this beautiful picnic spot where streams tinkle as they make their way through the landscape and waters roar as they cascade down the mountains from a height of 100 ft. Tourists can also enjoy the shade of the rubber plantations here.

Accommodation : There are enough decent accommodation options in Kumarakom and the scene is getting better every passing day. There are a number of star category hotels and resorts catering to the needs of tourists coming to explore Kumarakom or interesting in exploring the scenic region around.

In order to make the travel tour to Kumarakom even more joyful we at TourismofKerala offer just the right kind of accommodation for you and your family or friends in Kumarakom. We can customize your Kumarakom tour package and offer the hotel accommodation in Kumarakom. The reservations of the hotel room in Kumarakom can be made well in advance as per the requirements of the Kumarakom tour.

The various hotels packages for Kumarakom offer the best of facilities. The well-furnished rooms in Kumarakom hotels place most of the comforts at your feet. Enjoy the luxuries of life on your stay at the hotel in Kumarakom. Take your pick from a range of luxury and budget hotels in Kumarakom besides the star categorized accommodation hotels in Kumarakom. Most of the hotels in Kumarakom offer excellent view of the peaks and the nature at its best through their suites. We will provide all the travel services for Kumarakom like air ticketing, hotel booking, car rental et al to make your holiday at Kumarakom memorable.

How to Reach : Kumarakom is well linked by Air, Rail and Road network. The nearest Airport from Kumarakom is the Cochin International Airport, which is 70 kms. away from the Muhamma boat jetty.

The Trivandrum International Airport is 171 kms away from Kumarakom.

The nearest Railway station from Kumarakom is at Kottayam and regular local and Express trains connect the city with rest of India.

Kottayam is 14 kilometer from Kumarakom and both State highway and National Highway links Kumarakom with the rest of the country.