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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. The people of Kerala call it as Kayals in their local language. These backwaters of Kerala lie exactly parallel to the Malabar Coast. The Verbena Lake which has the magnetic power to enthrall the people with its accommodation of the Kumarakom backwaters.Kumarakom is actually a cluster of islands on the Vembanad Lake. Only if you make a tour to Kumarakom you will know the vital role played by the Vembanad Lake in these parts of the Kerala backwaters. Though the path to these islands looks quite intricate with thickets of mangroves, coconut palms and rich paddy fields, they are actually well organized network of small streams and canals. Apart from this Kumarakom is also of interests to the ornithologists for this part of backwater section boasts of a bird sanctuary. This fascinating waterworld also exhibits a rich flora and fauna and is marked as one of the important Aqua Tourism destination. It is rich in marine life especially the exclusive kumarakom karimeen or pearl spotted fish, konju or tiger prawns, njandu or crabs, chemmeen or prawns and many more. 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. As you are relaxing in the houseboats can also enjoy the rural sights, the abundant marine life, boat cruises and angling tours with the services and privileges offered by the innumerable tour operators and travel agencies in Kerala.There are also ample of luxury and budget resorts with associated units of ayurvedic massage, yoga, 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.

LOCATION

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

BEST 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.

PLACES OF INTERESTS

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary 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. This place is of great interests to both the ornithologists as well as the lame people for you to see numerous varities of birds in this sanctuary. Number of migratory birds even from places like Siberia end up at the sanctuary. It is common to see golden-backed woodpeckers, night herons, kingfishers, paradise fly-catchers, and egrets. There are local guides who can help you around the entire 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

Pathiramanal in the local language means sands of midnight. 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. There is a folklore attached to this place which says that a young Brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water madeway for the land to raise from below. A cruise along the Vembanad Lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary.

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 

ACCOMMODATION 1.The Manor Backwater Resort Cheepungal, Kumarakom Kottayam District Kerala, India +91-(0)481-2526328 / 29 / 30 / 31 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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HOW TO REACH

By Air

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

By Trains

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

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 Boat

Another exciting way to get to Kumarakom is by boat. Boats are available all the way from Cochin. There is also regular boat service from Cochin Boat Jetty to Kumarakom.