Kumarakom, a haven of beauty and serenity in the background of blue backwaters with abundant mangrove trees and swaying coconut groves portrait a typical Kerala village. To experience the calm and serenity of village life there is no better place than Kumarakom.
Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands situated on Vembanad lake dotted with plenty of rice boats and canoes. The charm of Kumarakom with slender coconut palms, green paddy fields, meandering lagoons and a wide variety of exotic birds in the background of Blue backwater is irresistible.
Kumarakom is rich with a wide variety of flora and fauna. This tiny little village was unknown to the outer world till Henry Baker purchased land from the Raja of Travancore to build himself a huge Bungalow. This changed the fate of this quite fishing hamlet into a popular tourist spot with so many modern resorts and heritage homes.
The main attraction of Kumarakom is the Bird Sanctuary. Its hear the Meenachil river meets Vembanad Lake. Pathiramanal Island, an hour distance from bird sanctuary is an ideal midway point and a popular picnic spot. During Onam the water of Vembanad lake in here come alive with boat races. You can also enjoy fishing in Kumarakom.
Places to Visit in Kumarakom
The best way to explore the beauty of Kumarakom is by taking a houseboat cruise across the serene backwaters. A traditional houseboat cruise on the blue backwaters of Kumarakom offers you the wonderful sight of backwaters, the beauty of lagoons and reveal the simplicity of village life.
1. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a beautiful green spot on the banks of Vembanad lake is a wonderful place to take a visit. Spreads across 14 acres of land this sanctuary is home to various species of birds. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, an ornithologist's paradise is also favourite haunt of migratory birds. One can spot migratory birds like the Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal in this sanctuary.
Take a close look of local birds like waterfowl, cuckoo, owl and the water duck. By taking a houseboat cruise along the lake will give the beautiful sight of rare migratory birds. For watching migratory birds the best time to visit is between November and February.
2. Bay Island Driftwood Museum
This unique museum shows ‘The Art of the Sea’. The museum is beautiful with pillared veranda and sloped tiled roof. Carefully shaped drift woods from Andaman and Nicobar islands give this museum the name. There are sculptures made of driftwood including those of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and a crocodile found off Port Blair Wandoor Beach.
Where To Stay in Kumarakom
Kumarakom has some of the most beautiful resorts. Some are expensive while others are affordable. You can choose as per your budget and need. Some of the best resorts in Kumarakom are Kumarakom Lake Resort, Coconut Lagoon’s heritage Mansions and Bungalows.
Also Taj Garden Retreat, Backwater Ripples, Radisson Plaza, Kerala Tourism’s Waterscapes, Golden Waters, Tharavadu Heritage Home - a homestay, GK’s River View HomeStay, Philipkutty’s Farm etc.
Where To Eat in Kumarakom
Delicious Kuttanad food is a speciality of this place. You can dine at any of the hotels, resorts or homestays in here. Seafood is the main attraction in here. One can have grilled lobster, fried pearl spot fish, creamy Prawn curry and various Kuttanadan dishes of Duck.
The best place to dine are Lake Resort’s Vembanad Seafood Bar, Ettukettu and Thattukada restaurants. Coconut Lagoon’s Tharavadu and Waterscapes Pearlspot Restaurant also offers delicious Seafood.
