This cluster of islands is located 16 km away from Kottayam, a central town in Kerala. It also has the nearest railway station to Kumarakom. Some of the most popular places to visit in Kumarakom include Vembanad Lake, Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kumarakom Beach as well as backwaters, Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, Juma Masjid, Bay Island Driftwood Museum, among others.
Wide array of leisure options are available for visitors in Kumarakom. Whether it is Waterscapes, a backwater resort of Kerala Tourism Development Corporation or Taj Garden Retreat, you can enjoy panoramic view of backwaters, boating and fishing facilities. You can also relax in the independent cottages or luxurious rooms, built amidst coconut groves and avail holiday packages that include stay at houseboats. Living on these rice barges, traditionally called Kettuvalloms assure an experience of a lifetime.
Places to See in Kumarakom
Vembanad Lake
Vembanad is not only the largest lake in Kerala but also the longest one in the country. Wide network of water bodies (canals as well as rivers) empty into this lake, making it a great expanse of water. It is one of the most happening picnic spots in Kumarakom. You can boat, fish, and enjoy pristine natural beauty of this place.
The best part of availing tour packages to the region is the Kumarakom village-life experience, which is included in the itinerary. If you want a romantic retreat on the backwaters, it is highly recommended. If you visit here during one of their most popular festivals, Onam, you will be thrilled to watch the snake boat racing that is organised on the otherwise serene lake.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
One of the must-see destinations in Kumarakom is the bird sanctuary, spread over 14 acres of land. You will find all kinds of birds here, right from wild duck, cuckoo, waterfowls, wood beetle, native kingfishers, flycatchers, larks, and parrots to migratory birds such as Siberian stork, teals, herons, darters, and egrets.
You can also book your place in the bird watching cruises if you love to watch innumerable species of birds chirping and living in this peaceful place. The best time to watch indigenous birds is from the month of June to August. If you have a fascination for watching the migratory birds, the best time to visit is between November and February.
Kumarakom Beach
Tourists fond of serene beaches should visit Kumarakom Beach for its captivating beauty. To explore the beach fully, tourists can take a houseboat. Tourists can involve themselves with activities like swimming, boating, wind surfing, skiing and parasailing, while being at this beach.
Kumarakom Backwaters
Tourists who are fond of staying close to nature, can sail through lakes and rivers by taking a houseboat. The houseboats offer all kinds of facilities that are usually available in luxury hotels. Tourists can also enjoy fishing here.
Juma Masjid
Also called as Thazhathangadi Mosque, Juma Masjid is famous for being more than 1000 years old. It is said that this mosque was built by Habib Dinar, Malik Dinar's son. Malik Dinar was the one who introduced Islam to Kerala. The other thing for which the mosque is popular is its architecture.
Tourist Destinations near Kumarakom
Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall
It is one of the most popular sightseeing spots located 34 km from Kumarakom. Falling from a height of over 100 feet, this waterfall is simply beautiful. One of the best places to picnic, Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall is surrounded by lush green rubber plantation. You will find birds chirping in this wetland, thus adding on to its charm. The best time to enjoy the beautiful Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall is just after monsoon season, i.e., after September.
Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple
This is one of the ancient temples in Kerala. It is said that the Pandavas and the sage Vyasa used to worship here. Interestingly, the name of this place has its origin from the word 'manoor', which means the land of deer.
The current structure of the building was built around 1542 AD. Inside as well as outside of its main entrance, you will find Dravidian mural paintings. One of the finest pieces of art here is the famous fresco painting on the wall depicting Dance of Lord Shiva, known as 'Pradosha Nritham'. During the months of February and March, a grand festival is organized at Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, called 'Arattu'. People flock to this temple during 8th and 10th day of this festival. Don't forget to see the other attractions of this temple such as divine oil lamp (Valiyavilakku), elephant statue of gold (Ezharaponnana), ox made of bronze (Vrishbha Vahanam), and a small temple of goddess Kali (Peroor Kavu).
Last Updated on : November 17, 2016
