Kumarakom

Kumarakom remains a hotspot for tourism all the year round. Kumarakom experiences moderate and pleasant climate all round the year. The average temperature ranges between 18°C and 32°C.

However to help you plan better, there is a month wise break up here-

• November to February: The best time to visit Kumarakom are winters as the minimum temperature is usually around 18 degrees Celsius. This time is great for sightseeing and houseboat riding.
• March to May: March marks the beginning of summer in Kumarakom. However temperature rises up to around 37 degrees Celsius in later months. This time of the year, one can take advantage of less crowds and discounts on hotels and resorts.
• June to September: The monsoon season is another great time to visit Kumarakom and enjoy the lush greenery and amazing weather. It is a great time to go bird watching, as many migratory birds visit Kumarakom during the monsoon.

September to February draws many tourists in Kumarakom, and this period is ideal for sightseeing, houseboat trips, exploring flora and fauna as well as all types of tourist activities.

Kumarakom is a popular tourism destination located near the city of Kottayam set in the backdrop of Vembanad Lake. There are many ways to reach Kumarakom for tourists.

• By air: Cochin International Airport is the closest to Kumarakom at a distance of 85 kilometers. The airport is well connected to major cities in India as well as across the world. You can hire private cabs or taxis from the airport to reach Kumarakom.
• By rail: The nearest railway station to Kumarakom is the Kottayam railway station, located 16 kilometers away. You can hire private cabs or taxis from the railway station to reach Kumarakom. Kottayam is easily connected to major South Indian cities.
• By boat: One can enjoy a scenic journey on a ferry or boat from Muhamma (near Alappuzha) to Kumarakom Jetty. Both state-run boats and private boats ferry visitors from Muhamma to Kumarakom.

• By road: There are numerous Kerala State Run Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses plying from Kottayam to Kumarakom.

One of the most enchanting tourist attractions, Kumarakom provides one the opportunity to bask in the beauty of nature. With the swaying coconut palms, lagoons and backwaters and rich flora and fauna, Kumarakom provides an unforgettable experience of vacationing for tourists.

Some popular places to visit in Kumarakom which you just can’t afford to miss out on are:

• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary-to get acquainted with the most exotic birds
• Vembanad Lake-explore the verdant greenery of Kumarakom
• Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall – a paradise for photographers
• Bay Island Drift Museum-explore some authentic woodwork
• Pathiramanal Island- an enthralling stay amidst nature
• Kumarakom Beach-an adventurer’s paradise
• Kumarakom Backwaters-for the most exotic houseboat rides
• Vagamon-a perfect blend of beauty and bliss.
• Pilgrimage spots-Juma Masjid, St Mary’s Church, Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple etc.

Located amidst the lush greenery and the most magical ambience provided by natural surroundings, Kumarakom sweeps you off your feet with its captivating beauty. For tourists this place is a true paradise if you wish to explore the backwaters of Vembanad Lake and enjoy some tranquility with nature. Tourists can find some of the most enthralling accommodation for spending some surreal time enjoying at the luxurious resorts in Kumarakom. For those on a budget need not to worry as there are a number of amazing places offering the best experience in Kumarakom.

Some of the best resorts which you can find in Kumarakom are:

5 star resorts In Kumarakom

• Kumarakom Lake Resort
• Zuri Resort Kumarakom
• Aveda Resort & Spa
• Vivanta by Taj kumarakom

4 star resorts In Kumarakom

• Coconut Lagoon Kumarakom
• The Royal Grove Kumarakom
• Lakesong Kumarakom
• Edassery Kayal Resort Kumarakom

3-Star Resorts In Kumarakom

• Cocobay Resort Kumarakom
• Whispering Palms Kumarakom
• Green Fields Kumarakom
• Royal Riviera Kumarakom
• Paradise Resort Kumarakom

Budget Resorts In Kumarakom

• Lakshmi Hotels and Resorts Kumarakom
• Illikkalam Lake Resort Kumarakom
• Tharavadu Heritage Home Kumarakom

Backwater Resorts In Kumarakom

• Backwater Ripples Kumarakom
• Waterscapes KTDC Backwater Resort Kumarakom
• Manor Backwater Resort Kumarakom
• Backwater Retreat Theme House Kumarakom

The cuisine here is largely Syrian Christian in style which also influences the food culture. Some of the most popular dishes served here include Syrian Christian Duck Roast, Duck Curry, Karimeen Pollichathu , Karimeen Mappas , soft spongy rice bread called Appam, Thamar Appam, Idiyappam (string-hoppers), etc. besides tropical fruits, vegetables and cereals.

The popular places to experience the local delicacies are

• Granary Restaurant
• Lakshmi Restaurant
• Cocobay Restaurant
• Baker’s Gourmet House
• Lakesong Restaurant

There are various modes of transportation in Kumarakom such as buses, cars and ferries. Public buses are the cheapest mode of transportation offered by KSRTC. Other popular options for transportation include hired cabs and taxis. There are metered taxis and private cabs which you can hire based on distances, time or per day basis. Another important mode of transportation in Kumarakom is ferries and public boats. Hired cycles and motor boats are another fun way to commute around Kumarakom.

Kumarakom is famous for its traditional silk sarees which should be on your list while shopping in Kumarakom. Local handicrafts and antiques are other popular items which will fascinate you while shopping in Kumarakom. Shops also stock mementos like houseboat models, coir products, etc. Kumarakom is also the destination for Ayurvedic treatments.

Some famous shopping places in Kumarakom are:

• Oberon Mall
• Kumarakom Street Markets

Experience the most surreal sunrise and sunset by engaging in a cruise on a houseboat in Kumarakom. These houseboats are known for amalgamating the best of the fascinating land. The most amazing backwaters provide the most enthralling experience of houseboat in Kumarakom.

Some popular houseboat cruises available in Kumarakom are:

• Paradise Houseboat
• House Boat- Indraprastham
• White House Houseboat
• Lake View House Boats
• Tharavadu Houseboats

You can hire different types of cruise on a houseboat. The charges commence from Rs 5,000 and go upto Rs 50,000 depending number of people, tourist season, type of houseboat etc.

The houseboats in Kumarakom are classified as Budget, Deluxe, Premium and five star Houseboats. The Houseboats differ in the size of the bedroom and sit out, good furniture, quality and the backup of the air conditioners, services of the staff, more choice of food, cruising time, and maintenance of the houseboat, bathroom facilities and other luxuries. There are also Premium Houseboats with five star services, so that the guest will have additional facility of swimming pool, health club and also can have their food and beverages from the lakeside five star resorts. 

Apart from majestic houseboat rides and the most splendid natural surroundings, Kumarakom is a paradise for weary souls wishing to rejuvenate mind and body with the help of Ayurveda. The Ayurvedic spas and health care centres attached to almost all the resorts offer various stress-relieving and rejuvenating packages.

Some popular Ayurvedic Spas in Kumarakom are:

• Kumarakom Lake Resort
• Ayursanjeevini 
• Backwater Ripples
• Maya Spa at Zuri
• CGH Coconut Lagoon

Both Alleppey and Kumarakom have emerged as popular tourist attraction for honeymooners. While Alleppey is rightly named ‘Venice of the East’ with the facility of town, Kumarakom is a backwater haven away from the cacophony of a city. Alleppey is much busier than Kumarakom, and also has a wider range of accommodation, especially at the budget end. Much of Kumarakom accommodation is top end, and spread out from the town. Whether you choose alleppey or Kumarakom the scenes in the backwaters of Vembanad Lake would be the same.

Kathakali is the classical dance of Kerala and is translated into “story play” in Malayalam – the language spoken in Kerala. If you are vacationing in Kumarakom you should definitely enjoy a Kathakali performance by classical dancers.

There are many luxury hotels in Kumarakom where they arrange a private show for guests as there are generally no regular shows. However we advise you to confirm with your tour operator or hotel if you are interested in watching Kathakali.

Kumarakom is conveniently located with respect to Kottayam and Alleppey. The distance breakup is as follows:

Distance from Kottayam: The driving distance between Kottayam and Kumarakom is 13 km while the aerial distance between the two places is just 10 km. The convenient, fastest and cheapest way to reach from Kottayam to Kumarakom is to take a taxi from Kottayam to Kumarakom.

Distance from Alleppey: The road distance between Alappuzha to Kumarakom is 48 km, while the aerial distance from Alappuzha to Kumarakom is 18 km. The most preferred option for travelling between the two places is via a taxi or car as there is no public transportation available.

Set in the Kerala Backwaters the bird sanctuary is a favourite haunt of migratory birds. Not only a must visit for bird watchers, the Kumarakom bird sanctuary is also an idyllic tourist attraction to revive your senses. The main attractions are waterfowl, egret, heron, cormorant and Brahminy kite. Migratory birds from Himalayas and as far away as Siberia make the sanctuary their home during winter between November and May

The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary can be visited at any time between June to August. Though, if you want to watch migratory birds, the best time to visit is from November to February.

For those who are religiously inclined, Kumarakom is known for being home to a centre of diverse faiths and beliefs. With a plethora of sacred places, this famous tourist attraction is known for major temples and pilgrimage centers that draw scores of devotees from around the world.

Some of the best pilgrimage centers which are recommended for tourists are:

• Vaikom Shiva Temple
• Shiva Temple in Thalikkotta
• Jama Masjid Thazhathangadi
• St Mary’s Church
• Cheriapalli