‘Nature’s healing touch – Kumarakom’
Decked on the Eastern banks of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is a refreshing nature getaway and backwater destination in Kerala. It’s a perfect place for an awesome South India vacation surrounded by emerald green forests, fresh tint of trees, mesmerising backwaters which compel us to be lost in the folds of time forever to live in bliss, and narrow canals running through the other side of the lake that will definitely seduce your senses.
When you visit Kumarakom you will be spellbound to see the exotic flora and fauna, delightful migratory birds, exquisite houseboats and fantastic rural ambience. It is one of the most favourite travel destinations of honeymoon couples because it offers picture-perfect landscapes, backwater cruise experience, delicious cuisines, nature’s refreshing vibes and alluring beaches making Kumarakom one of the best places to visit when it comes to Kerala Tourism. It would take me a whole day to describe Kumarakom, it’s so beautiful that the definition of beauty is redefined here. It is advised that one must visit Kumarakom once in their lifetime.
If you are already planning a trip to Kumarakom then here is our wonderful list of top tourist attractions to visit here
- Kumarakom Backwaters
- Kumarakom Beach
- Kudamaloor
- Kallara
- Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
- Aymanam
- Pathiramanal Island
- Vembanad Lake
- Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls
- Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple
Get Ready for a Wonderful Kerala Vacation – The Gateway to the Backwaters
Kumarakom Backwaters – Enjoy the Most Fascinating Backwater Tourism Destination
If you are visiting Kumarakom then the tourist attraction which comes first in the list of top travel destinations in South India is Kumarakom backwaters. Soul pleasing vistas of mangrove forests, narrow canals, a network of rivers, coconut groves and green hills make this spot the best place to enjoy holidays in Kerala.
Vembanad Lake of Kumarakom is the state’s largest freshwater lake, and it is well-known globally for its backwater tourism in the South. It is one of the most alluring nature destinations where your eyes and mind will be captivated by lush paddy fields, and meandering lagoons along with the country rafts and canoes that will delight your soul. Its beauty will completely overpower your mind and soul.
Kumarakom Backwaters Highlights
- Amazing Boating, houseboat cruise and fishing facilities. In fact, the activity of river cruising in Kumarakom is worldwide famous.
- Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, an alluring nearby destination for sightseeing and birdwatching is also present nearby.
- Visit the scenic rubber plantations, remote villages, cascading streams, soul soothing narrow canals and Vembanad Lake.
- Enjoy ayurveda, massage spas and yoga centres around the area.
- Canoeing, swimming, fishing, boating, water sailing, water skiing and others are some of the top adventure activities to do in Kumarakom backwaters.
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Timings: Sunrise to sunset
Location: 16 km from Kottayam town
Also Read: 6 Best Places to Visit in Kerala with Family
Kumarakom Beach – Relax and Rejuvenate Your Mind
Kumarakom Beach offers the most stunning shoreline vistas to tourists making it one of the best places to include in your Kumarakom travel itinerary. Situated on the banks of Vembanad Lake, the beach provides a tranquil ambience and soothing breeze that takes all the tiredness away. The beach is lined with coconut trees, mangrove forests, and vibrant vegetation, providing a tranquil and scenic atmosphere for visitors.
The resorts and restaurants nearby offer exciting recreation to the tourists as the delicious seafood and ayurvedic massages of the spas nourish the soul. For couples, one of the best things to do here is to enjoy some fun-filled adventure activities with your partner such as water skiing, water polo, parasailing, windsurfing, snorkelling and boating.
Kumarakom Beach Tour Highlights
- Enjoy an amazing nightlife by indulging in nighttime activities to make your day here.
- The delicious sea cuisines, luxury lounges, bars and pubs will make your holidays in Kerala more exciting.
- You can also enjoy a romantic stay on a Kumarakom houseboat cruise, the luxuries and all the comforts will definitely make your moment with your partner special.
- Relaxation should be your first priority. So, don’t forget to enjoy the bliss of Ayurvedic massage at the beach.
- Try amazing water adventure activities like water skiing, water polo, swimming, parasailing, windsurfing, boating and many others while enjoying the Kumarakom Beach sightseeing tour.
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
Location: Kottayam
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Kudamaloor – Where History, Culture and Beauty Meets
The delightful rural ambience of Kudamaloor in South India attracts tourists from far away. If you are looking for a place to stop for a moment and introspect your soul then this is a perfect place for you. You will witness scenic temples and experience amazing rituals and cultural performances along the sightseeing tour of ruined forts, churches, and mural paintings in this fascinating and peaceful travel destination making it one of the best places to visit in Kumarakom.
Moreover, this place will lure you with its simplicity and earthiness. There are many traditional Nalukettu houses and mansions of historical importance in the area to witness. The combination of history, culture and divinity has kept the beauty of this place intact through stories, rituals, culture, heritage and architecture.
Kudamaloor Tour Highlights
- Mesmerising vistas of the blissful river Meenachil will overpower your mind.
- Witness the traditional and gorgeous Nalukettu Houses.
- Visit Vasudevapuram Temple and Eeraveeswaram Mahadeva Temple. These temples will take your breath away with their soothing ambience and attractive Mural paintings.
- Do visit the Virgin Mary Church. It is believed that the country’s first woman saint, St Alphonsa was baptised here.
- The art and research centres are some of the must visit places here to enjoy the amazing art and culture of the place such as Sopanasangeetham, Kalamezhuthu and Mudiyattom. This will definitely elevate the holiday experience in Kerala through cultural knowledge.
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Timings: Visit any time of the day
Location: Banks of River Meenachil
Also Read: Must Visit Hill Destinations in Kerala
Kallara – A Serene and Enchanting Hamlet
The unmistakable charm and subtle magic of Kallara’s beauty will be etched on your soul forever. It is advised to visit this scenic village of Kallara once in your lifetime. The hamlet is an offbeat destination located 20 km away from Kottayam and is said to be one of the best serene tourist spots to explore in Kumarakom while on your Kerala Holiday tour.
The delightful canals which lead you to the enchanting backwaters of Ezhumanturuth and the ever-pleasing Vembanad Lake will be memorable forever. Why not consider it for a romantic vacation? Believe us, its calm ambience, and picturesque vistas will let you spend soothing romantic moments and click amazing pictures. Surely, it will make your romantic holidays in Kumarakom blissful.
There are many ancient temples and churches in the village to get divine blessings. The lush greenery and enchanting backwaters of Kallara can be best experienced by a houseboat cruise and Kettuvallams making it one of the best places to visit near Kumarakom.
Kallara Tour Highlights
- Enjoy the enchanting backwaters of Ezhumanturuth in a wonderful houseboat cruise or Kettuvallams.
- Let the soul pleasing churches and temples be the answer to your tired soul.
- Keep amazing pictures as a memory of this scenic village. Nature’s beauty is at its peak here.
Best Time to Visit: January to May
Timings: Visit any time of the day
Location: Kottayam
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Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary – Enjoy Bird Watching
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, also known as the Vembanad Bird Sanctuary, is a spectacular and lovely bird sanctuary located in Kumarakom of Kerala in South India. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is spread over 14 hectares and is one of the top tourist attractions to visit in Kumarakom. Many migratory birds from different parts of the world visit this beautiful bird sanctuary to enjoy the climate of the place.
If you are fond of birdwatching and nature photography then it is a must visit place to capture some amazing vistas of nature and the cheerful sight of migratory bird species. You will witness the sight of waterfowls, water ducks, flycatchers, Siberian cranes and larks etc. The bird sightseeing tour gets more interesting on a boat trip where you can behold greenery and water birds. It is an amazing place to spend a fun-filled moment with your family and friends amidst the lush green setting.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary Highlights
- Capture a picture of amazing migratory bird species like doleful parrots, flycatchers, waterfowls, water ducks, moorhen, owls, egrets, Siberian cranes and many others.
- Embrace the alluring beauty of dense forests, green paddy fields, coconut groves and lush green tea plantations.
- Don’t forget to visit the amazing butterfly garden known as Kumarakom Heronry which houses around 25 species of beautiful butterflies.
- Climbing at the observatory tower will enable you to see the birds and beautiful green landscapes.
Best Time to Visit: June and August
Timings: 06:30 AM to 05:30 PM
Location: Banks of Lake Vembanad
Entry Fee:
- Indians: 50 INR
- Foreigners: 150 INR
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Aymanam – Surreal Scenic Village
Aymanam is one of the must visit scenic places in Kumarakom of South India. Located near Kottayam, this quaint tourist spot is a scenic village having beautiful Vembanad Lake in the background. The village is another obscure treasure trove of God’s Own Country, renowned for its unsurpassed natural beauty and rich cultural variety.
You will not doubt its beauty when you come to know that it is the place chosen by a renowned novelist Arundhati Roy’s novel, The God of Small Things which also won the Booker Prize. The local culture, the simplicity in the ambience, and nature walks in the peaceful lanes will make you feel like you are in a different world. It is one of the best river cruising destinations in Kerala as river cruising through the quaint waters is an experience of a different kind which is quite difficult to explain in words.
Aymanam Tour Highlights
- The splendid architecture of scenic churches and temples will attract your senses. One of the prominent churches to visit here is St George Jacobite Syrian Christian Church. Shree Narasimha Swamy Temple is one of the most famous temples to visit here.
- Also, visit Sarpa Kavi, it is a blissful abode of snake gods.
- You can also enjoy cultural dance performances like Kathakali here.
- One of the best things to do here is country boat rides. It is the best way to explore the scenic village life of Aymanam.
Best Time to Visit: September to March
Timings: Visit any time of the day
Location: 1.5 hours boat ride from Kumarakom
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Pathiramanal Island- Sands of the Night
Surrounded by the serene Vembanad Lake, Pathiramanal Island is one of the top places to visit in Kumarakom in South India. The island serves as a haven for bird watchers and nature lovers to witness the thousands of migratory and resident birds who come and flock here to lure visitors with their sweet chirpings.
The Pathiramanal Island houses around 91 local birds and 50 species of migratory birds. Some of the most prominent bird species here to see around the island include Purple Heron, Whiskered Tern, Little Egret, Indian Shag, Cattle Egret Darter and other colourful birds, here you can only reach by boat ride which is in itself a delightful experience. The backwaters of Pathiramanal Island offer scenic vistas to tourists. So, get ready for a wonderful island visit with your camera and binoculars to capture some enchanting pictures.
Pathiramanal Tour Highlights
- Pathiramanal is a bird watcher’s heaven. You will behold amazing local and migratory bird species here such as Whiskered Tern, Little Egret, Indian Shag, Cattle Egret, Purple Heron Darter and other flying species.
- Nature walks, boat rides and Bird watching will make your Kumarakom sightseeing tour wonderful.
- Spending the night in a houseboat is an amazing idea for tourists.
- There are around 24 species of dragonflies and 34 species of butterflies to see in Pathiramanal.
Best Time to Visit: Summer (April to June)
Timings: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
Location: 1.5 km from the Muhamma boat Jetty
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Vembanad Lake – Best of Kerala Tourism
Vembanad Lake is one of the top tourist destinations to visit in Kumarakom in Kerala. In fact, it is a landmark tourist attraction of Kumarakom, one cannot miss it as the area is decked with breathtaking mangrove forests, coconut groves and lagoon islands. Be it a small canoe or boat ride, stay on luxurious houseboats or the thrills of water adventure sports, Vembanad Lake will take you to the world of enchantment with its one-of-a-kind soothing experience. You will enjoy the best moment of your life here.
The splendid vistas of greenery all around with emerald backwaters and its various lagoon islands make the scene out of this world. It can also be the voice of your lovely heart’s sentiments as it is one of the best romantic places in Kerala. Couples really enjoy houseboat cruising here in the Vembanad Lake. If you visit here during the harvest festival Onam you will see amazing snake boat races in its alluring waters. Oh! That sight will be awe inspiring.
Vembanad Lake Tour Highlights
- Indulge in photography. Embrace the splendid beauty of greenery all around and the amazing vistas of lagoon islands and backwaters.
- Enjoy houseboat cruising. The stay experience is one of a kind.
- Boating, Canoeing, fishing and birdwatching are the best things to experience here.
- Also, visit Thanneermukkom Bund which is visually very appealing. It divides the lake into two sections. One is salty water and the other is fresh water which is enriched by various rivers.
Best Time to Visit: August and September and November to March
Timings: Sunrise to sunset
Location: Throughout Kerala
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Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls – Hidden Bliss
Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall is one of the popular points of tourist interest in Kumarakom in South India. The height of this enchanting water spring in Kerala is about 30 feet. One of the best things about this place is that your day here will never get dull. There are also many things to enjoy for a wonderful memory of Kumarakom tourism. You can enjoy hiking trails around Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls and capture amazing pictures of nature. Here nature walks feel like you are in a fairyland.
Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls is a wonderful place to enjoy a picnic with your family and friends and indulge in tourist activities like trekking and photography with your friends. The calm and pleasant environment away from the hustle and bustle of daily life is all that we need to fine tune our tired spirit. Here it is in the form of an enchanting waterfall that pleases the mind and soul of visitors.
Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall Tour Highlights
- Become one with nature, the entire scenery around Aruvikkuzhi is so soothing.
- Nature walks, photography, trekking and other thrilling activities are some of the best things to experience to enjoy the best of Kumarakom sightseeing tour.
- The refreshing vibes of this enchanting waterfall will heal your spirit.
- It is a great spot to enjoy fun moments with family and friends.
Best Time to Visit: Monsoon (July to September)
Timings: 6:00 am to 7:00 pm
Location: Oravackal Koorali Road.
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Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple – Embrace the Divinity
Located in the small village of Ettumanoor near Vaikom in Kumarakom, “Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple” is one of the popular tourist attractions of Kumarakom in the Southern part of India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, thousands of devotees throughout the year come where to take divine blessings.
The temple houses an ever-lit lamp in the centre, clay murals on the wall, a famous painting of Nataraja and long queues of devotees waiting to pour oil into the lamp are seen every day in the temple. If you are planning a trip to the major tourist places of Kumarakom with your family or friends, then you must visit the Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple to take the blessings of Lord Shiva on your trip.
Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple Highlights
- For a spiritual bent of mind, this temple’s serene environment and mystical vibes are enough to captivate the senses of a tourist.
- Get the divine blessings of Lord Shiva and embrace the whirlwind of spiritual wisdom within you.
- There are many wooden sculptures in the temple which will overpower your senses.
- The Ezhara Ponnana festival is the best time to visit here which is celebrated in the months of February to March every year.
Best Time to Visit: February to March
Timings: 04:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 05:00 PM to 08:30 PM
Location: Ettumanoor Temple Road, Kottayam
Kumarakom is an all-rounder destination which has a proper blend of scenic, spiritual and offbeat destinations offering the best Kerala holiday experiences to tourists of all kinds. You will get the bliss of backwater tourism, serene tourist attractions for a solace seeker, spiritual hubs for spiritually elevated souls, amazing picnic spots for family and friends and there is no dearth of romantic places in Kumarakom.
Visiting Kumarakom in the South is definitely a wonderful part of Kerala Tourism. So, pack your bags and flock to Kumarakom, make some amazing memories and share your experience with us in the comment section of the blog.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best day trip tourist attraction options from Kumarakom?
There are many best tourist attractions to enjoy on your day trip from Kumarakom. You can choose from these scenic locations –
- Pathiramanal Island - Enjoy Bird Watching and Nature sightseeing
- The backwaters of Vembanad Lake
- Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls and trekking to its serene environment.
- Vagamon - A lovely Hill Station for awesome and refreshing holidays
How many days are required to explore the best of Kumarakom tourism?
Kumarakom is a wonderful backwater destination in Kerala. There are many tourist attractions in and around Kumarakom. Scenic villages, hill stations, temples and many interesting islands and adventure activities to do here. You can give 3-4 days to this destination for a wonderful Kumarakom Holidays.
What are the top sightseeing places in Kumarakom?
Some of the top sightseeing places to explore in Kumarakom are –
- Kumarakom Backwaters
- Vembanad Lake
- Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple
- Pathiramanal Island
- Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
- Kallara
- Kudamaloor
- Aymanam
- Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls
- Kumarakom Beach
What is the right time to visit Kumarakom for a holiday vacation?
The right time to visit Kumarakom is in the months of November to February. It is the best time for sightseeing, backwater tourism, bird watching, houseboat rides and adventure activities. The weather is extremely pleasant for enjoying vacations here.
How are the accommodation facilities for tourists in Kumarakom?
There are numerous luxury resorts, Spa resorts, 5-star hotels and budget stay options in Kumarakom to choose from. Moreover, you can also stay in Houseboats for a unique experience. Depending on your budget and preference you will get the stay options according to your needs. The warm hospitality of the people, amazing facilities and hygiene will give you the best stay experience here.
Which is the nearest airport and railway station to Kumarakom?
- Nearest Airport to Kumarakom- Cochin International Airport
- Nearest Railway Station to Kumarakom - Kottayam Railway Station
About the author
She is a candle who burns and melts in the chaos of infinity, from where her visceral whistles and leaves an imprint of desire in her heart to know the map of an Island where there are different sunrises and sunsets. Her curiosity brightens to conquer the hearts unrelieved and sometimes mysterious. Her name is - Pallavi Roy - A traveller by soul and a writer by Profession.
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