INDIALINE
Complete India Travel Guide

Kumarakom Tourism

Kumarakom Backwaters- Kerala

Kumarakom

Located near a bird sanctuary, on the edge of the Vembanad lake and along the backwater cruising route, lies Kumarakom, a typical Kerala village.

Why Kumarakom? one might ask, when wishing to plan a village trip. The answer lies in its attractive location, on the edge of the massive Vembanad lake, 15 km from Kottayam. And not just that, for Kumarakom is ideally situated on the backwater cruising route with a bird sanctuary.

Nearby Kottayam is one of the main centres of the Syrian Catholic church and has been, for a long time, the commercial focus for trade in rubber, tea and spices.

The traditional tharawad style of housing has been adapted to a resort run by a group from Kochi, on the edge of the water. Transportation is arranged on both manually-operated and motorised boats. There is a profusion of coconut all around.

A gentle trip on a traditional rice boat is a must along the numerous inter-connected canals. En route, one may stop and come ashore to see village residents working on coir, fish-processing or exchanging views over a cup of coffee at the little shops that dot the canals. Here lies the best opportunity to mingle with the village folk of Kerala where some of the original mangrove swamps are still intact. One may set the pace to suit the time available or the need to stop when the sun is strong. Ideally, one may come ashore from the boat and walk around the village waterside where the local residents will happily interrupt work to explain the intricacies of their daily round. The more enterprising may even glide up a coconut tree and dislodge fresh fruit for on-the-spot sampling Above all, the languid pace in the backwaters, coupled with lush greenery all around, sets the perfect mood for a destressed return to nature.

Getting There

Nearest airport at Kochi at a distance of 106 km from Kumarakom (76 km from Kottayam). Prepaid taxis are available to transfer you to Kumarakom.

By Rail

Nearest railhead at Kottayam which is 15 km away. Taxis are available from Kottayam for Kumarakom.

By Road

Kumarakom is 15 km away from Kottayam which also has the nearest KSRTC Bus Stand. Buses from here run to Kochi, Trivandrum, Allepey, Thekkady, Thodupuzha, Kollam, Kozhikode and Bangalore.