KUMARAKOM – AN ENCHANTING BACKWATER DESTINATION
Kumarakom is a popular tourist destination located in the Kottayam district of Kerala, India. It is a cluster of small islands on the Vembanad Lake, which is the largest lake in the state. Known for its serene backwaters, lush greenery, and abundant wildlife, Kumarakom is often referred to as a paradise for nature lovers.
One of the main attractions of Kumarakom is its backwater cruises. Tourists can embark on houseboat rides or traditional Kettuvallam cruises that take them through the scenic backwaters, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The backwaters are a network of canals, lagoons, and lakes, lined with coconut groves, paddy fields, and small villages.
Kumarakom is also home to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, which is spread across 14 acres of land. The sanctuary is a haven for birdwatchers as it hosts a wide variety of migratory and resident bird species. Visitors can spot birds like herons, egrets, kingfishers, cuckoos, and many more. The best time to visit the bird sanctuary is during the migratory season, which is from November to February.
Another notable attraction in Kumarakom is the Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls. Located about 18 kilometers from the town, these waterfalls offer a picturesque setting surrounded by rubber plantations and dense forests. The cascading waterfalls are a popular picnic spot and attract visitors with their natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere.
In addition to these natural attractions, Kumarakom also offers opportunities for activities like fishing, boating, and ayurvedic treatments. The town has several resorts and hotels that cater to tourists, providing comfortable accommodations and a range of amenities.
Kumarakom is known for its traditional Kerala cuisine, which is a must-try for food enthusiasts. The local delicacies include dishes like appam (rice pancakes), karimeen pollichathu (pearl spot fish), and various seafood preparations.
Overall, Kumarakom offers a peaceful and rejuvenating experience amidst nature’s beauty. Whether you want to relax on a houseboat, explore the backwaters, spot exotic birds, or simply enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings, Kumarakom provides a perfect getaway for nature lovers and those seeking a break from bustling city life.
Kumarakom, a village on Vembanad Lake, 20 km from Kottayam Town laced with canals, where houseboats ply in the backwaters of Kerala.
Kumarakom – A Unique Name
It is believed that the word Kumarakom means a land formed by the build-up of sediments as it may be derived from 2 words ‘kuminja’ and ‘akam’. This land may be formed by the accumulation of mud and other substances through different natural and man-made ways.
In another version, the word Kumarakom might originate because of the presence of the Lord Subrahmanya temple which is located a few kilometers away from the centre of the village. It may be the combination of two words, ‘Kumara’ (Lord Subrahmanya) and ‘aham’ (home).
Kumarakom is a must-visit tourist destination in Kerala located on the Vembanad Lake with immense natural beauty. This scenic vacation spot is a cluster of small islands and a paradise for each ornithologist. The main tourist attraction of this destination is its bird sanctuary which is spread across more than 14 acres. You can spot many migratory and rare bird species here such as herons, waterfowls, teals, cuckoo, egrets, wild duck and darters. It must be a fascinating experience for the visitors to watch the migratory Siberian Stork that visits the region in flocks.
Kumarakom – A veritable dreamland!
Kumarakom is a very scenic tourist destination that offers a lot to its visitors. A lot of people visit this exhilarating vacation spot to experience its stunning backwaters. Aside, it is a gifted tourist place rich in coconut palms, paddy fields, and mangroves. The sparkling backwaters of Kumarakom reflect the beautiful blue sky.
Kumarakom is an ideal destination to spend a vacation with your family. It is truly a dreamland which the National Geographic Magazine has described as a must-visit tourist spot in a lifetime. In fact, more than seven million tourists visit this enchanting tourist destination every year.
The Vembanad Lake has its maximum length and breadth near Kumarakom than other nearby villages. With a vast network of waterways and a large and beautiful lake on one side, this enchanting destination can be a masterpiece created by both nature and man. Kumarakom plays an important role in the tourism scenario of Kerala.
Geographic and Demographic Information
Located nearly 14 kilometers away from Kottayam, Kumarakom is a part of Kuttanad, which is popularly known as the Rice Bowl of Kerala. It is interesting to know that these areas lie a few feet below sea level. You can reach Kumarakom within a 2-hour journey from Kochi/Cochin International Airport and it takes half an hour boat ride from Muhamma in Alappuzha.
Kumarakom is a picturesque village spread across more than an area of 51.67 sq km which includes 24.13 sq km of the lake. The green-rich paddy fields in the area below the sea level are sprawls over 15.75 sq km. There are around 1253 hectares of dry land in Kumarakom which is an inhabited area. Criss-crossed by streams and canals, you can watch the rural life by visiting this area.
As per the 19th-century records, Kumarakom was a sparsely populated area. There was only a population of 8332 in this small village according to the census of 1891. At that time, the houses built in this area were only 1700. However, the population in Kumarakom has increased to nearly 23000 with approximately 5120 households by 2001. Like the rest of the state, the sex ratio of the region is supporting women. The ratio was 1026 females as of 2001 for 1000 males.
Climate
Kumarakom is such an area that experiences a pleasant and moderate climate throughout the year. It is a safe tourist destination and the visitors do not face many challenges or risks. You can experience a very favorable weather throughout the year because of the proximity to Vembanad Lake. There is a continuous flow of cool wind to the land from this lake. The temperature of the area usually varies from 22 to 34°C.
When it comes to Monsoon, Kumarakom obtains 2 monsoons- the southwest monsoon from June to August with an average rainfall of 1100 mm and the northeast monsoon in November. Even if Kumarakom is famous for backwater cruising, you will not be able to enjoy this activity during the southwest monsoon. November to March is the best time to visit Kumarakom but people visit this destination throughout the year.