Kumarakom - Bewitching Backwaters

Kumarakom :
Synonymous with lazy lagoons, Kumarakom is an inimitable paradise of mangroves, lush paddy fields and blissful biodiversity. Located at 16 km west of Kottayam, Kumarakom is an idyllic bewitching backwater spot in Central Kerala. Inviting a tourist to sense tranquility, the cluster of Emerald Green Islands provides him to experience leisures of life while enjoying intimate moments of nature.

Climate :
Summer: 35 °C (Max) - 22 °C (Min)
Winter: 30 °C (Max) - 18 °C (Min)
Rainy Season : April to October, heavy tropical rainfall
Best time to visit : January to April and August to October

Main Attractions : Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Pathiramanal.

Location :
Geographic : Kumarakom is situated in central Kerala, in the basins of both, the Meenachil River and the Vembanad backwaters.
Famous for: Beautiful backwaters, houseboats and rich cultural heritage.

How to Reach Kumarakom :
By Air : The closest airport is located at Cochin.
By Road : Kumarakom is well connected to surrounding towns of Thiruvanathapuram- three 3 hours & Madurai, 3 hours.
By Railways : : It is well connected by trains, Thiruvanathapuram, 3 hours, Ernakulam, 2 hours.

Attractions :
Kumarakom, is famous for its lush backwaters & vibrant biodiversity, as displayed by its wide variety of flora and fauna. It is located near the city of Kottayam in Kerala, which is famous as a center of Syrian Christianity. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is famed for many species of migratory birds it hosts, while Vembanad Lake, the largest Kerala backwaters, teems with Karimeen (Pearl spot), shrimp and prawns, which are part of mouth-watering local delicacies, a treat both visual & culinary, which can be savored as part of Kumarakom city tour.

Some of prime tourist places in Kumarakom are -

Vembanad Lake :
The lake has become a major tourist destination lately due to its significant bio-diversity, recognized in its listing amongst wetlands of international importance. A unique characteristic of the lake is the location of the 1252 meter long Thanneermukkom salt water barrier, the largest of its kind in India, constructed to prevent tidal action and intrusion of salt water. The lake teems with activity, as hundreds of kettuvallams crisscross it while the biggest 'snakeboat' regatta held in Kerala, the Nehru Cup also takes place on this lake.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary :
Highlight of the Kumarakom city tour, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a bird watcher's paradise and a favorite haunt of migratory birds. Spread over 14 acres on the southern bank of the Kavanar River, it has well laid out paths for moving around within the sanctuary. Some of the main spottings include: the waterfowl, cuckoo, owl, egret, heron, cormorant, moorhen, darter, Brahminy kite, Parrot, teal, lark, flycatcher and other birds seen during their respective migratory seasons with migratory birds coming here from as far as the Himalayas and a few from far away Siberia. An interesting driftwood museum is located nearby at Chakranpadi.

Pathiramanal :
Another hotbed of scenic beauty combined with amazing bio-diversity is Pathiramanal, literally meaning, 'sands of night' a small island. It is home to around 91 local species of birds and 50 migratory birds such as: Pintail Ducks, Common Teal, Night Heron, Cormorant, Darter, Indian Shag, Purple Heron, gulls, terns, large egrets, Intermediate Egret, Cattle Egret, Indian Pond Heron, Little Egret, Pheasant-tailed and Bronze-winged Jacanas, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Watercock, Whistling Duck, Cotton Pygmy-Goose, Little Cormorant, Whiskered Tern & Monarch flycatcher.

Cities near Kumarakom :