Attractions in Kumarakom
Kumarakom is a frequently visited tourist destination in Kerala.This article covers the details regarding Kumarkom including the Kumarakom baackwaters, boats and boatraces, Kettuvallams, bird sanctuary, the life style of Kumarakom people, the accommodation facilities in Kumarakom etc.
Attractions in Kumarakom
Kumarakom is one of the frequently visited tourist village in Kerala. This serene village is situated in Vembanad, Kottayam district of Kerala state. It's just 15km from Kottayam and is a part of the 'granery of Kerala', Kuttanad. Kumarakom consists of a group of little islands with the enchanting backwaters lined along the coast. Kumarakom has a variety of attractions, each one is enough for a person to stay close to nature. This tranquil village is considered one among the top fifteen beautiful places in the world by National Geographic team. The main attractions in Kumarakom include the backwaters, Kumarakom bird sanctuary, Kumarakom houseboats and Snake Boat races.How To Reach Kumarakom
Kumarakom is easily accessable by means of roads, rails, airways and waterways.
By Roads : Buses and taxis are available from the nearby bustands in Kottayam(16 km) and Cherthala(22 km).
By Rail : The nearest railway station is the Kottayam railway station, 18 km away from Kumarakom.
By Air : Kochin International airport is the nearest airport.
By Waterways : Visitors can have the boat trip from Alappuzha boat jetty to KumarakomKumarakom Backwater
Backwaters of Kumarakom are the most fascinating attraction here. This beautiful backwaters with the emarald paddy fields, mangrove forests, canopies etc lined along the waterways make it the real paradise in Kerala. This backwater tourism is fastly developing and serenely beautiful. Don't forget to have the backwater cruise in Kumarakom. This give you the most promising way to explore the traditional village life of Kerala. You will find the green beauty as the reflection in the backwaters, the scenic sunset and sunrise,flora and fauna etc. On the way, you will spot the ancient homes and churches along the coast. As a whole, a simple trip through the backwaters will give you an unbelievingly panoramic trip.
Kumarakom backwaters consists of rivers, lakes, lagoons etc. All these together make this backwaters the largest in Kerala. The Vembanad lake is the most important among this. Kumarakom is nestled on the western banks of Vembanad lake, covering a total of 900 sq. km area. Kumarakom backwaters are not only a tourist spot for Kumarakom people, but it's their life too. You can find many of the local people working for the benefits of tourists near the backwaters, resorts, in the 'Kettuvallams' etc. These backwaters contribute to the development of the traditional village Kumarakom to the modern form without loosing the charm of traditions.Boating In Kumarakom
If you want to make the Kumarakom trip the most thrilling one, boating is unavoidable. Canoe, motorboat or houseboats etc of different costs and facilities are available for the tourists. To enjoy the most out of the trip, the houseboat cruise is the best. You will get all the modern facilities in these 'Kettuvallams', but still staying close to the traditional Kerala life style. These houseboats are used by the people for other activities like transportation, fishing etc.
The tourists are allowed to stay in the houseboats throughout the night as they wish. Tour packages of different days plans are available. The still and serene waterways, amidst the lights of old lamps, and slowly blowing winds will make you feel calm. There will be helpers in the houseboats to give you all the helps including the cooking, driving and guiding. But don't feel that they will interfere in your private life. They are having other accommodations.
Get to the houseboats early in the evening so that you won't miss the stunning scenery of sunsets. The reddish sky with the sun moving slowly to the waters will make you feel that you are really in heaven. Similarly, wake up early in the morning and feel the beauty of sunrise.
The backwaters of Kerala are known for the Snake boat races. If you plan your trip according to these races, you will get the unique opportunity to find the world's largest team sport event close. These races make the backwaters into the energetic form with all the Snake boats competing one another for the cup.Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
The fourteen acre bird sanctuary in Kumakom is located on the banks of Vembanad lake. The bird sanctuary is the favourits home for varieties of birds including the migratory birds during the peak seasons. The thousands of migratory birds flying to this serene land from almost all the parts of world including Himalayas,Siberia etc. The main attractive birds in Kumarakom bird sanctuary are waterfowl, cuckoo, owl, egret, heron and the water duck. During the migratory season, the place is rich with migratory Siberian cranes. Parrots, teal, larks, flycatchers, wood beetle etc.
The best time to visit this sanctuary is during the months of June and August. This is the season in which the sanctuary enjoys the flow of migratory birds in folks. As a best option to explore the sanctuary, hire a houseboat and have the trip through the backwaters. The Pathiramanal island is close to the lake.The Lifestyle of Kumarakom People
If you want to see the peace loving and sleepy lifestyle of people, Kumarakom is the best place. When Kumarakom enjoys the stunning scenic natural beauties and the people in Kumarakom are having a healthy and clean life, it beckons the tourists again and again to this paradise. They are not having the plenty and lavish life of the modern times. They are going on with the simple farming life with some are engaged in the backwater tourism. During the backwater cruise, you can spot the life of Kumarakom people near the coastal area. The paddy fields, fishing sites etc stays close to their life and style.Food and Accommodations in Kumarakom
Kumarakom with it's largest tourist population enjoys nice facilities for food and accommodation. The place is providing tourists the opportunities to stay in their own ways. The place is having very nice and traditional homestays, resorts, hotels and chap lodges. Tourists can select the accommodation according to one's own budget and needs. Even a stay in the houseboats will make one delightful with all the facilities.
The Kumarakom resorts are also a beautiful attraction in Kumarakom, apart from the nice accommodation facilities they are offering. The carved stone pillars, the traditional architectures and other modern facilities make the resorts attractive.
The foods in Kumarakom is worth to mention. Don't feel that you won't get the native foods of your own area. There are hotels and restaurants providing the menus of different places in the world. But, keep you close with the spicy foods of Kerala village life. The specialty here is the freshwater fish and tapioca. 'Karimeen',Pearl Spot, is a common freshwater fish in Kumarakom area. If you want to have the taste of Kerala's toddy, ask the village people and have it.
So, start your trip today itself and enjoy the exhilarating beauty of Kumarakom!
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