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INTRODUCTION

Kerala, the god's own country is very reputed for its backwaters which are especially a chain of saltish lagoons and lakes.Kumarakom is actually a cluster of islands on the Vembanad Lake. Apart from this Kumarakom is also of interests to the ornithologists for the backwater section boasts of a bird sanctuary and exhibits a rich flora and fauna and is marked as one of the important Aqua Tourism destination. The other major attraction of Kumarakom is the local houseboats known as Kettuvalloms along with thatched roofed cargo boats. You can spend your day in activities like canoeing, dingy sailing, catamaran riding and much more. There are ample of luxury and budget resorts with associated units of ayurvedic massage, yoga, and meditation and swimming. The local spring season emerges from August and coincides with the harvest festival of Onam when locals enjoy in festivities and tourism blooms. Most of these Ayurvedic centers are attached to the resorts in a peaceful and rejuvenating atmosphere which contributes for rejuvenation and healing.

LOCATION

Kumarakom is situated at a distance of about 16 km from Kottayam town. It coordinates between 9°350N 76°260E.

IDEAL TIME TO VISIT

The best time to visit this place is from September to March. The local spring season emerges from August and coincides with the harvest festival of Onam.

KUMARAKOM AND AYURVEDA

Ayurveda is the only science which deals in bringing a perfect balance of the body, mind and the soul.Kumarakom one of the ideal destination for AYurveda is said to be rich in medicinal herbs and oils is also geographically placed in a tropical climate. A visit to Kumarakom promises one of the most successful natural therapy AYurveda in healing the soul, mind and the body. This age old medicinal practice heals all your body and mental suffering and imparts vigour and strength to the body.It gives a feeling of magical experience of Ayurveda in Kumarakom apart from giving an excellent opportunity in relaxing and rejuvenating your mind and body.Kumarakom has a number of Ayurvedic resorts involved in Ayurvedic treatment in healing ailments like arthritis, paralysis, obesity, sinusitis, migraine, premature ageing, skin ailments etc. Kumarakom is a calm,placid and unruffled place with all comforts and services thus offering an excellent facilities for the tourists visiting this place.Kumarakom is also noted for its other holistic age old treatments like Rasayana Chikilsa,Abhyangam, Dhanyamladhara, Ksheeradhoomam, Pizhichil, and Sirovasthi.There is a wide range of packages and programs for all kinds of Ayurvedic treatments. There are number of packages especially for stress management.Ayurevdic massages in Kumarakom include both herbal oil and herbal powder. More than just curing Ayurveda is into rejuvenation of the body system and enabling general fitness. There are various treatments given here in the Ayurvedic resorts which detoxify your body by removing the harmful toxins and impurities.

OTHER ATTRACTION

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

This spreads over an area of about 14 acres and is totally under the control of Government of India for it was also established by them to preserve the natural habitat.

Both the ornithologists as well as the lame people come here to see numerous varities of birds in this sanctuary.

Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls

The Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls which is an ideal spot for picnics is at a distance of 2 kms from Kumarakom.

The water here cascades from an altitude of about 100 ft and as they come down makes their way through the landscapes as small streams.

Pathiramanal

This is a beautiful island on the lake spreading over an area of about 10 acres, can be accessed only by boat.

Another attraction of Pathiramanal is that it is the home to many rare varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world.

SHOPPING

In Kumarakom you can also shop for the various articles made up of coconut shell, bamboo and cane. Some of items that can be shopped for in Kumarkum include the metal-ware, woodcarvings, camel-bone carvings, grass mats. The finely hand crafted items are the most popular amongst the shoppers. In the local markets of Kumarkum you can also shop for antiques, jewelry, readymade garments, and traditional hand-woven textiles. You can also buy lampshades made of coconut shell and bamboo, earrings made of coconut shell, brass lamps, and 'kathakali' masks.

EAT OUTS

Ettukettu - the multi-cuisine specialty restaurant of Kumarakom Lake Resort - specialized in sea foods and Kerala special items.

The Vembanad Seafood Bar - part of Kumarakom Lake Resort, serves fresh and delectable sea food varieties.

Cordon Bleu - the multi-cuisine restaurant of Backwater Ripples Hotel

The multi-cuisine restaurant - Abad Whispering Palms Lake Resort

The local 'Toddy Shops' where you can find local dishes & local drink

AYURVEDIC RESORTS 1.Ayurtheeram Kumarakom Tourist Complex Kumarakom North, Kottayam, Kerala, India. 2.The Zuri Kumarakom Kerala Resort & Spa V 235 A1 to A54, Karottukayal Kumarakom, Kottayam 686 563, Kerala INDIA +91 481 2527 272 3.Kumarakom Lake Resort Kumarakom North Post Kottayam 686 566, Kerala, India, 91 481 2524900, 2524501 4.Coconut Lagoon WorldViewer Dot Com (India) Pvt. Ltd. II Floor, G 66, Elders Forum Road, Panampilly Nager, Cochin, Pin 682 036. +91484 4010403, 4010404 +91 484 2319597 5.Backwater Ripples Pvt. Ltd. Kumarakom P.O, Kottayam - 686 563 Kerala India 91-481-2565404, 2563404 6.Whispering Palms NEW NAZARATH ROAD, KUMARAKOM 686 563 Tel : +91 481 2523820-26 7.Illikkalam Lake Resort Kumarakom P.O., Kottayam District kerala State, India, PIN 686563 ++91- 481- 2525651, 2526251 8.Paradise Resorts Kumarakom South P.O, Kottayam Kerala, India. 0481 2524983, 2524721 9.Tharavadu Heritage Home Govt. Boat Jetty Kumarakom-686563 India 0481 2525230 10.The Lake Village Heritage Resort Kodimatha, Kottayam-686 039, Kerala, India. 0481-2363637, 2363638

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GETTING THERE

By Air

If you are getting to Kumarakom by air, then the jetty landing is accessible from the Cochin Airport.

By Road

The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation buses provide plenty of good service to the region from Cochin, Calicut and Thiruvananthapuram if you do decide to go by road.

By Rail

The Kottayam Railway Station is the closest railhead and is 15 km from Kumarakom.