Kumarakom Backwaters
The splendid backwaters all around snaking through the region with several shrubs, coconut groves and mangroves dotting its tranquil waters. Beautiful Houseboats rythemically cruising along, forming tiny waves on the lake amidst chirping of Birds and howling of oarsmen penetrating the serene calm of the region. Kumarakom is indeed the fairytale land of Kerala whose exotic beauty is beyond description.
Located upon the Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is a small hamlet of tiny islands about 16 km from Kottayam town. Lying around Kuttanad region, this charming place is surrounded by Alappuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam from three sides. Vembanad Lake at 200 sq km is the largest in the region whose several streams and distributeries plays a significant role in the region’s economy. These splendid boat cruises also serves the purpose of transportation in an economical & tasteful way. To preserve the tranquil touch of Kerala culture, the old country crafts have been converted into luxurious houseboats catering to different budgets.
Due to ample availability of water source, Kumarakom possesses an extremely fertile soil. Home to a wide variety of flora & fauna, Kumarakom also houses a famous bird sacntuary. The lake itself is inhabited by several freshwater and marine fish. Angling, boating, swimming are some of the things you shall enjoy here. Now turned into a 'tourism village'-Kumarakom is an ideal healthcare tourism destinaiton with several Yoga, meditation and Ayurvedic treatments centers located here.
However, the most popular attraction of the region is the annual Snake Boat race held during the Onam festival. The spectacle involves several long traditional canoes peddled by around hundred oarsmen each, each vying to finish the race first.
The unique lifestyle and natural settings around which the whole region is organised and dwells is what sets Kumarakom apart from other destinations. An experience so unique one cannot help but come back to again and again. Kumarakom-indeed the fairytale land of Kerala.
How to reach
By Air: Cochin International Airport and Trivandrum International Airport
By Rail: Kottayam Railway station is the nearest one
By Waterways: From Alappuzha to Kumarakom jetty
