The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and this small water world is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres is a favorite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live There in flocks are a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands.

An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom offers visitors many other leisure options. Boating and fishing facilities are available at Kumarakom. Holiday packages on the houseboats, traditional Kettuvalloms, are an out-of-this-world experience at Kumarakom.

An unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with while lillies - this is Kumarakom

A picturesque world of backwaters, thatched houseboats, Cormorants, Chinese fishing nets and swaying palms - An ideal getaway.

Population: Approx. 86,000

Language(s): Malayalam , English

Climate: Kumarakom, located on the Southern coast of India enjoys a well-balanced tropical climate. Nature has composed its magic to perfection here. A million verdant coconut palms lining the rivers lean to examine its reflections on the glassy rivers. Everywhere, nature is at its best. Blooming forth in perfumes of flowers. In the riot of colours of multi-hued birds. In the fresh, succulent and bountiful freshwater fishes

The local spring season emerges from August and coincides with the harvest festival of Onam. The lowest and highest temperatures recorded are 16.10 C and 37.80 C. There is always a cool, fresh breeze, which makes even the warmest weather readily agreeable. The South West monsoon is from early June to early August. However, slight drizzles persist till early November. Average rainfall is 1100 mm per year.

Best times to visit: November to March.

Places of Interest

If visiting in or around the month of September you simply have to experience the Onam festival held in Aranmula 50km from Kottayam. This is the site of the splendid boat races and unlike the more sporting Nehru Trophy race at Alappuzha in August are essentially religious, based on a temple festival. Caparisoned elephants with beaded umbrellas, processions of decorated floats, and highly ornate boats make this a lovely event to witness. Aranmula is also the centre of bell metal mirror crafts.

Pay a visit to the picturesque Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls Located 18km from Kottayam town is a popular picnic spot where streams tinkle as they make their way through the landscape and waters roar as they cascade down the mountains from a height of 100 ft.

You simply must go on at least one Backwater Cruise while here. The backwaters of Kerala especially around Kumarakom, offer endless miles of snaking waterways flanked on either side by emerald palms. Tranquil and alluring, they offer you the experience of a lifetime, The scintillating beauty of nature and the simplicity of the people will not fail to touch you while here.

If your hotel doesn't have a pool you may need to take a trip to the local Beaches which are not too far away and worth driving to. For more information on beaches in the area take a look at the information supplied on our Alappuzha (Alleppey) pages.

Another worthwhile drive will take you to Erumely (Erumeli) About 60km northeast of Kottayam which is an important pilgrim centre for both the Hindus and Muslims. Sri Dharma Sastha Temple, an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, is located here. An ancient mosque dedicated to Vavar, the companion of the deity of the Sabarimala Temple, is also situated here and Hindu pilgrims customarily worship here before their trek to Sabarimala.

Try your hand at Fishing which is one of the main attractions of this simple place and it’s a great activity for the whole family to enjoy.

While here take a drive to Kottayam situated 15km from Kumarakom which is well known for its rubber plantations, churches and temples. Christianity is the dominant religion here and it is dotted with old churches. Rejuvenating ayurvedic massages are available here too.

You can't afford to miss visiting the Kumarakom Bird Santuary On the southern bank of the Kavanar River, is a small bird sanctuary where numerous species of birds, including darters, bitterns, brahminy kites, marsh harries, teals and several varieties of herons roost. A 6.00 am start is the best and whatever you do, don’t forget your camera.

Experience the romance of a Sunset or Sunrise Cruise No trip to Kumarakom is complete without a Kettuvallam (local boat) sunset or sunrise cruise. The ride offers a close look into the delightful local rural life. Skiff-fishermen launch their tiny boats, large flotillas of ducks waddle down to the water from coconut leaf thatched houses and palm-filled lagoons, you get an enchanting view of wooded islands and the mainland both of which create poetically beautiful scenes.

You can't avoid seeing the Vembanad Lake one of the largest fresh water lakes in Asia. It flows through the verdant lands of Kerala and offers some of the best backwater cruises. Most of the flora and fauna in this region flourishes around this supply of fresh water and the lake also acts as a balancing reservoir against floods. The boats that ply on the lake vary from the large stitched-hull, cargo carriers with domed mat-roofs to houseboats and exploring these waterways by boat is one of the main reasons most people visit. The lake, an enchanting picnic spot and a fast developing backwater tourism destination, provides boating, fishing and sightseeing experiences that are truly exhilarating.

How to get there

By Road

The nearest bus terminal, is at Kottayam, 14 Km away from the resort by road. Nearest railway station: Kottayam, about 16 km.

By Air

From the Trivandrum International Airport it is a 171 Km (approximately 3 hours ride by road) to the Muhamma boat jetty. Cochin International Airport, about 76 kms from Kottayam town.

By Rail

From Bombay, Madras or Bangalore, you can take a train to Kerala. The best place to alight is either Cochin or Kottayam (the nearest railhead to the resort, just 16 Km away by road). Kottayam links you to all major cities in Kerala and India with numerous trains plying this route daily. From Cochin, you could also take a south bound train via the Alleppey route ( enjoy picturesque scenery as the route flanks the backwaters and the sea on its way). Alight at Chertala for a short 14 Km ride to Kumarakom.

By Boat

If you have arrived at Trivandrum International Airport, come to Quilon by road or rail (takes just about one hour). From there, you can take the regular ferry service to Alleppey - a long and delightful ride on Kerala's backwaters. From Alleppey, it's just a short ride to Kumarakom.

If you have arrived at Cochin International Airport, perhaps you might prefer a ride through the backwaters to Alleppey. There are many boats services offered at Cochin.