Kumarakom

Situated on the banks of Vembanad Lake in the Kuttanad region of Kottayam district, Kumarakom is a stunning backwater destination and is known for its mangrove forests, coconut groves and beautiful paddy fields. This is one of the few places in the world, where the boat is the major mode of transportation.

Great for bird watching in a 14 acres sanctuary, the other places of interest are  Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls, Pathiramanal, Kottayam,Vaikom Temple, Aranmula, Erumely and Vagamon.

What to expect at Kumarakom

• Kumarakom is the popular backwater destination especially so after the God's Own Country campaign. You can tour in the backwaters in boats or even take a ferry to travel from place to place.
• September to February is the best time to visit, as backwater rides in boats are not so safe during the rainy season.
• Kumarakom has a tropical climate and is hazy during the monsoons.
• Lots of blue and greens in the scenery with water bodies all over and lush green trees, shrubs and grass.
• Ayurvedic massage parlours.
• Friendly localites, if you are able to make friends with some of them, they can be your best guides.
• Local tea shops and thattukadas, where one can have tea, coffee and local snacks.

Notes about Kumarakom

It gets very hot in the day time and sun cream is a must (unless you are looking for tan). It's also advisable to carry some mosquito repellent (like Odomos) to avoid mosquito attack.

Places to visit around Kumarakom

The drift wood museum is one of its kind in the country

Aranmula: Situated on the banks of the Pampa river in Pathanamthitta district, Aranmula is most known for the Aranmula Vallamkali or the boat race which is the largest water festival in Kerala. Aranmula is known for the Parthasarathi Temple, the Pullikkunnumala Mahadeva Temple, Aranmula Palace, and the Aranmula Kannadi or the Aranmula Mirror which is made of bronze.

The Vastu Vidya Gurukulam is a Gurukulam that promotes traditional techniques of architecture and mural paintings.

The Vijnana Kalavedi provides an opportunity to be acquainted with the art and culture of Kerala. Founded by Ms. Louba Schild, a French artist who has settled in Kerala since 1968, Vijnana Kalavedi allows one to stay there for a short or long term.

Pathiramanal:
This is an island that is situated on the Kottayam- Alappuzha border. This was originally a private property that was handed over to the government after the Land Reforms Act was passed. The name Pathiramanal means 'Midnight Sand'. This island is a great place for birdwatching.

Reaching there- From Kumarakom it takes about 40mins by boat. You can also take boats from Alappuzha to reach Pathiramanal.

Kottayam:
Kottayam is the nearest town to Kumarakom, and it is the capital of the Kottayam district. There is a large Syrian Christian population here, and their influence on the culture here is prominent. Margamkali, Parichamuttukali, Arjuna Nritham, are some dance forms from here. This is a stop for most pilgrims traveling to Sabarimala.
Vaikom temple, Thirunakkara Temple, Manarkadu church and the Thazhathangadi Jama Masjid are popular religious destinations here.
The largest circulating regional newspaper of the nation, the Malayala Manorama has its headquarters here.
A must try is the typical Syrian Christian dish- Appam and Stew.

Vagamon:
Vagamon is a hillstation on the Kottayam- Idukki border and there are many homestays here. The Kurishumala Ashram is a popular pilgrim destination here. Some places to visit here are the Mottakkunnu, Suicide Point and the Kurishumala.

Places to stay at Kumarakom

• Kumarakom Lake Resort, Coconut Lagoon, Backwater Ripples and Taj Garden Retreat are some of the resorts you can stay at in Kumarakom. Kumarakom Lake Resort is more lavish but Coconut Lagoon is more friendly kind and is preferred by many travelers.
• For a true feel of the place, try a homestay. Live with a family, eat local food. You'll also find the best of the guides in your host.
• Houseboats are very popular for staying. They are expensive but worth the money. You can stay for a full day (and night) in a houseboat. All the resorts have an option to stay in houseboat as well which are operated by them. Try going for a houseboat fitted with AC since afternoons are very hot.

• Some not-very-expensive options:
  
  Abad Whispering Palms.
  3800- 9000 0481-2523824
  0481-2523819
  whispering_palms@
  hotmail.com www.abadhotels.com

  Waterscapes 2735- 4000 0481-2525861
  0481-2525862
  kumarakom@vsnl.com
  www.ktdc.com

  Lakshmi Hotel & Resort 2300- 3200
  0481-2523313
  0481-2523315
  lakshmihotels@hotmail.com
  www.lakshmiresorts.com

  Illikkalam Lake Resort 900- 2000 0481-2523282, 2524234
  lakeresort@rediffmail.com
  www.illikkalamlakeresort.com

  Tharavadu Heritage Home 750- 1500 0481-2525230
  tharavadu@sancharnet.in
  www.tharavaduheritage.com

  http://www.cocobayresort.net is a nice not-so-expensive place.

Getting to Kumarakom

The nearest railway station is Kottayam, about 16kms away and the nearest airport is the Nedumbassery airport in Cochin. You can reach Kumarakom by road via Kottayam- taxis and buses are available from Kottayam at regular intervals. By boat you can travel from Muhamma near Alappuzha to Kumarakom Jetty.