KumarakomThe awe-inspiring backwater townof Kerala, is known for its lushgreen surroundings, majesticbackwaters and unexplored naturalbeauty. This picturesque cluster ofsmall islands make for a calm,serene holiday amidst the bountyof nature. Come bird-watching forrare, exotic migratory birds,especially the Siberian Crane, thatflock to this beautiful land duringdifferent seasons.

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Famous For : City

This historical island-town in VembanadLake is named after Kumaran, the deity ofKumarakom's oldest temple. In theKottayam district of "God's Own Country",the cluster of islands were developed by theEnglish farmer, Mr. Baker and his family,whose old 19th Century house has beenrestored and renovated into a resort by Tajhotels. 

It’s easy to see why National GeographicTraveller would call Kumarakom “one of theten paradises on Earth”. The backwatersfishing village is indeed a haven, and hashad its attractions advertised by somestunning top-end resorts by the side of LakeVembanad. The erstwhile Prime Minister ABVajpayee did his bit by retreating here andreleasing his ‘musings’ to the nation. Tillaround 1880, this area was a marshy tract,part of the huge Vembanad Lake wetlandsecosystem, itself part of the backwaters that

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connect Kottayam, Kochi and Alappuzhadistricts. Then, the king of Travancoregranted 500 acres here to one AG Baker,later to become Kumarakom’s local legend.In his watery acreage, Baker reclaimed land,filled the marsh, made embankments forfields, planted mangroves to protect the soil,and grew paddy and coconut. He alsoretained some protected area for birds. Andtoday the little village by the vast lake teemswith water and palms, birds and fish, boatsand rice, sun and breeze. And, of course,high-end tourism.

This is one destination where the hotel youstay in will be a very large part of yourholiday. Most of the Kumarakom resortsmake excellent use of the Vembanad or itscanals, revel in Kerala heritage furnishingsand offer great Kerala Ayurvedic treatments.They also take you on activities like watchingtraditional boat-building, cycling aroundnearby plantations, visiting the birdsanctuary. Also, houseboat stays, boat ridesand sunset cruises are a must.

A popular honeymoon destination,Kumarakom is also thronged by bird-

watchers throughout the year, who come tospot migratory birds in the Kumarakom BirdSanctuary. Visitors will find shrubs, treesand mangroves, the area being stillunexploited and fertile, particularly lushduring monsoons, when the lake overflowsinto little canals to irrigate the soil. Fishing isa popular activity here, with an extensivevariety of fish, especially the "Pearl Spot"fish, which is a delicacy in and aroundKumarakom. Come here for an exoticholiday, rent a floating houseboat in themost picturesque of surroundings and hirea chef to cook up some local specialities.

When To

VISIThttp://www.ixigo.com/weather-in-kumarakom-lp-1138422

JanPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen.Max: 31.5°C Min:

23.100000381469727°C

Rain:32.29999923706055mm

FebPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen.Max:31.799999237060547°C

Min:24.100000381469727°C

Rain:24.299999237060547mm

MarPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen.Max:32.400001525878906°C

Min:25.399999618530273°C

Rain:39.099998474121094mm

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AprPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.Max:32.79999923706055°C

Min:25.700000762939453°C

Rain:103.69999694824219mm

MayPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.Max:32.20000076293945°C

Min:25.600000381469727°C

Rain:270.79998779296875mm

JunPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.Max:30.100000381469727°C

Min:24.299999237060547°C

Rain:615.9000244140625mm

JulPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.Max:29.299999237060547°C

Min:23.700000762939453°C

Rain:516.0999755859375mm

AugPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.Max: 29.5°C Min:

24.100000381469727°C

Rain: 330.5mm

SepPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.Max: 30.0°C Min:

24.200000762939453°C

Rain:283.79998779296875mm

OctPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.Max:30.399999618530273°C

Min: 24.0°C Rain:422.1000061035156mm

Nov

Pleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.Max:31.100000381469727°C

Min:24.100000381469727°C

Rain: 135.0mm

DecPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen.Max: 31.5°C Min:

23.100000381469727°C

Rain:40.400001525878906mm

What To

SEE5 Sights

http://www.ixigo.com/places-to-visit-see-in-kumarakom-lp-1138422

1 Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Kavanattinkara SaktheeswaramTemple Road, Kavanattinkara,Kumarakom, Kerala 686563, India

As you sail across the glistening

backwaters, perch yourself at theKumarakom Bird Sanctuary for a tete-a-tetewith nature. The Bird Sanctuary nestlescozily along Lake Vembanad and is alsosometimes referred to as Vembanad BirdSanctuary. Here, you'll be greeted by thelocal waterfowl, egret, duck, moorhen,cuckoo, owl, Brahminy Kite, Heron Darterand Cormorant and the migratory SiberianCranes as well. 

Protected by a thick cluster of mangroves,the bird sanctuary spreads across 14 acresand is home to over 180 species of birds. It’sbest to visit on foot by a 11/2-km-longwalking track, where you are likely to spotheron, darters, storks, teals and commonegrets. Or take a boat ride, which brings youcloser to waders like waterfowl and ducks,and some fliers like parrots, larks andflycatchers. In Nov-Feb, the sanctuary turnsinto a transit lounge for migratory birds. 

There are also Teals, Larks, Parrots,Flycatchers etc. Stroll through the 14 acresin the morning or evening hours for birdwatching and say hello to some of the rarest

species of birds. If you visit the birdsanctuary during the month of November,you can easily spot some migratory birdswhich you wouldn't otherwise witness. Awalk in the woods amidst the melodiouschattering of elegant sky creatures awaityou at the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Headhere for an insightful peek into the ways ofnature. 

2 Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall

Near Pallickathode, Kumarakom,Kottayam, Kerala 686563, India

Surrounded by rubber plantations,Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls is one of the mostpopular sightseeing spots in this lovelytown. Reached by a narrow, sludge path, thefirst sight of these cascading waterfalls isbreath taking. Falling from a height of 100meters, the falls join numerous smallerstreams. A perfect picnic spot, you can headhere for a lazy afternoon complete with ahearty picnic basket. Enjoy the naturalsplendour of the place as the sun sets and

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the sound of the water soothes your senses.A must visit if you are in Kumarakom.

3 Vembanad Lake

Kumarakom North, Kottayam,Kerala, 686566, India

Kumarakom is a cluster of little islandssituated in the Vembanad Lake. The longestlake in India, it is also the largest in Keralawhich falls on the northern extension of thebackwaters. Known as Punnamada Lake inKuttanad (located in the Kuttanad region ofthe district of Alappuzha) and Kochi Lake inKochi ( located in and around the Kochimainland), this lake plays host to the famousNehru Trophy Boat Race. Identified underNational Wetlands ConservationProgramme by the Government, the lake isa home to a wide variety of flora and fauna.These backwaters are very popular amongtourists and give its visitors a memory for alifetime. Here you can indulge in theserenity of the backwaters when you sailthrough the lagoons and backwater linedwith tall coconut trees. Look through the

clear water, and you'll be able to spot littleKarimeen (pearl spot fish). What are youwaiting for? Hire a houseboat and set outsailing on the Vembanad Lake to experiencenature at its best. You can either hire ahouseboat which are more on the luxuriousside with fancy bedrooms and bathrooms orget a boat which looks like a passenger boatand has a deck.

4 Juma Masjid

Thazhatangady, Juma Masjid,Kumarakom, Kottayam, Kerala686005, India

A quick 16 km from Kumarakom atThazhathangady (Kottayam town) is theJuma Masjid. It's been said the mosque hasnow been standing there for over athousand years, along the River Meenachil.The mosque has an intriguing historicalbackground. At one point, the cemetery ofthe mosque was used for cremations. It hasstunning interiors with gorgeousarchitecture and detailed wood carvings andtraces of some historical cobwebs spun hereand there. The members of this Mosquealso contributed greatly to the freedomstruggle. It is interesting to note thedifferent style in which the Muslim menwear their munda (dhoti). The area aroundtheJuma Masjid is extremely well maintainedbesides the mosque itself. A definite mustvisit if you are in this lively town.

5 Thirunakkara MahadevaTemple

Temple Road, Thirunakara,Kottayam, Kerala, India

Bang at the centre of the city, the

Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple built byRaja of Thekkumkoor is a splendid site. Over500 years old, the temple still retains itsgrandeur.The interiors of the ancient temple areadorned by murals which are episodes rightout of the epics. Although the main deity isLord Shiva, there are shrines dedicated toLord Ganesha as well. ThirunakkaraMahadeva Temple celebrates three festivalswith much zeal and fervour. The ten daylong festival called ‘Aaraattu’ sees thetemple in a completely different light. Fromdazzling Kathakali dances to folk music, thetemple is soaked in excitement.

Where To

Eat5 Places

http://www.ixigo.com/foods-in-of-kumarakom-lp-1138422

1 Ettukettu

C/O Kumarakom Lake Resort,Kumarakom North, Kumarakom,Kottayam, Kerala, 686566, India

+91-481-2524900

Hiding within the Kumarakom Lake Resort,Ettukettu is one of the most popular eatingplaces in Kumarakom. The restaurant,reminiscent of Keralan architecture isextremely warm and inviting. Apart from theregular Chinese, Indian, Mughlai,

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Continental cuisines, it doles out some ofthe best Kerala dishes. Fresh andscrumptious seafood to Karimeen andeverything else. It’s a popular eating placefor the people living in the adjoining areastoo. You can also request for the catch ofthe day and have your meal cooked rightinfront of your eyes. Eat your stomach’s fillbecause your heart will keep longing formore. Duck Roast, parwns, Mappas, appamsand vegetable stew are a must try here atEttukettu.

2 Cordon Bleu

Backwater Ripples, Kumarakom PO,Kottayam, Kumarakom, Kottayam,Kerala, 686563, India

+91-481-2565404

Cordon Bleu is the place to try authenticKerala food. The special Malabar cuisinethat includes unique recipes from NorthernMalabar is something you must not miss outon. They serve everything from Karimeen(pearl spot fish) as starters, lobsters, regularrice and vegetable, mutton curry, chickencurry crabs, prawns and so much more. The

special Malabar cuisine also includes pidiand kozhi which is small rice balls andchicken, something you only get in Malabar.If you are keen on trying something special,talk to the manager or the chef at CordonBleu and they’ll arrange for the best mealyou’ve ever had. Also, if desserts are yourweakness, you are in for a wonderfulsurprise. The have an array of sinfuldesserts which make your meal a wee bitmore memorable.

3 Grannery

Whispering Palms, New NazarathRoad, Kumarakom, Kottayam, Kerala,686563, India

+91-481-2523820

One of the most popular restaurants inKumarakom, Grannery is known for itsdelicious local delicacies and grand buffets.From soft and fluffy appams, spicy fishwrapped in banana leaf to other Keralandelicacies, it has a feat awaiting you. Thecompact wooden setting in a spacious

restaurant seems to do a little magic to theappetite. The outside seating is a wonderfulchoice. Overlooking the little pond withswans, your meal becomes a wee bit morespecial. Apart from Keralan dishes, Granneryalso serves Chinese, Indian and Continentalfood for those who don’t like to experimenttoo much.

4 Llakesong

Ammankari Road, Kumarakom,Kottayam, Kerala, 686563, India

+91-481-2526300

Overlooking a beautiful lake, Llakesong is awonderful choice if you are looking fordelicious food. Amidst long sightseeingsprees, this restaurant is a blessing forthose growling stomachs. From Chinese tolocal delicacies, the restaurant churns outquite a lavish fare. You can pick amongst avariety of cuisines and enjoy a relaxing mealoverlooking the lake. Polite service andbeautiful ambience make your meal all themore special.

5 Cocobay Restaurant

Kavanattinkara, Kumarakom North,Kottayam, Kerala

+91-481-2523200

Cocobay Restaurant is a beautiful restaurantlocated inside Cocobay Resorts. It is the bestchoice if you are looking for a memorabledining experience. Besides authentic treats,the restaurant is also known for its NorthIndian spread.Head here for a lovely afternoon meal or aquiet dinner overlooking absolutelystunning views.Amazing views and amazing food. Need wesay more? A must visit for food lovers for itsambiance and for the memorableexperience.

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Quick

LOCATEhttp://www.ixigo.com/hotels-in-kumarakom-lp-1138422

SeeA: Kumarakom Bird SanctuaryB: Aruvikkuzhi WaterfallC: Vembanad LakeD: Juma MasjidE: Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple

AccommodationF: Saro Lake CountyG: Vinnca Lake HouseH: Soma Kerala PalaceI: Saro Lake CountyJ: Vinnca Lake HouseK: Soma Kerala PalaceL: Saro Lake CountyM: Vinnca Lake HouseN: Soma Kerala Palace

FoodO: EttukettuP: Cordon BleuQ: GranneryR: LlakesongS: Cocobay Restaurant