Kumarakom – Beautiful Backwaters in Kerala

 

Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and is part of the Kuttanad region. Mainly known for its lush, green beauty and gushing backwaters. The winding lagoons, swaying coconut trees, refreshing breeze, endless rows of paddy fields, interspersed by waterways and canals makes Kumarakom an enchanting backwater destination.

Location: Lies on the banks of Vembanad Lake, 16 km west to Kottayam Dt.

How to reach

By Air: Cochin International Airport(88km)
By rail: Kottayam (13km)
By road: From Kottayam town, head towards Illikkal via Puthanangadi (5km). Kumarakom Boat Jetty is just 7km. From here the alternate route is via Cherthala (Alappuzha Dt.). From Cherthala town proceed towards Thaneermukkam Bund via Kalikulam Jn. Take a divartion towards right to Kumarakom from Vechur Bund Road Jn. (22Km).

Contact (STD Code 0481)

Resposible tourism center, Kumarakom, Ph: 2524343
District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), Kottayam, Ph: 2560479
KTDC Info center Ph: 2525861
DTPC, Kottayam, Ph: 0481 – 2560479
Tourist Reception Centre (DTPC), Alappuzha, Ph: 0477- 2260722, 2251796

Stay

Coconut Lagoon, Ph: 2524491
Whispering Palms, Ph: 2523820
Waterscapes (KTDC), Ph:2525861
Lakshmi Hotel & Resorts, Ph:2523313
Illikkalam Lake Resort, Ph:2523282,
Backwater Ripples, Ph:2565404
Tharavadu Heritage Home, Ph: 2525230
The Zuri Kumarakom, Ph:2527272
Golden Waters, Ph: 2525826
The Backwater Resort, Ph: 2525388
Cocobay Resort,Ph: 2523200
Vivanta by Taj, Ph: 2525711
Paddy Fields Resorts,Ph: 2526033
Kodianthara Resorts, Ph: 2524314

Sights Around

Vembanad Lake:The best way to explore the Vembanad backwaters is by a houseboat.

Pathiramanal Island: a 10-acre isle an hour’s ride from the Kumarakam bird sanctuary is an ideal point for a backwater picnic. KTDC offers motorboats and speedboats. There are plenty of private operators too.

Bird Sanctuary: The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is spread over 14 acres on the eastern banks of the Vembanad Lake. Best to visit by foot through a 1.5 km long walking track, one can spot Heron, Darters, Storks, Teals and Common Egrets or take a boat ride along the sanctuary. Between November and February the sanctuary turns into a haven for migratory birds. Entry timings 6.30 am-5 pm, Entry fee Indians- 5, foreigners-45

Bay Island Driftwood Museum: Displays a unique collection of driftwood sculptures of very high artistic value. The Museum is located near Kumarakom Jetty. Entry fee -25, Entry Timing:10am to 5 pm, Sunday: 11.30am to 5 pm, Monday:Holiday, Ph: 0481 2526223, Website www.bayislandmuseum.com

House Boats in Kumarakom

Vellappally House Boat, Ph: 9447156238
Chaithram Holidays, Ph: 9446820072
Adithyan House Boats, Ph:9846625566
Betheleham House Boat, 94462 69677/ 0481 3291318
Ganga House Boat, Ph:09947084167
Kailasam Floating Castle, Ph: 9947448112
Kananavasan Holidays, Ph:9249428138
Karippuram House Boat, Ph:9447125661
Kasinathan House boats , Ph:9895288278
Kovilakom Holidays, Ph:9745575656
Lakeshore Palace, 9447194174
Land n’ lake India, Ph:9745117922.
Nandanam House Boat, Ph:9846864864.
Residency Tours, Ph:9847173452
Royal star House Boat, Ph:9847098469
Sharavanam Holidays, Ph: 9995367317
Sivaganga Holidays, Ph:9447136182
St.Crispin, Ph:9495333849.
St.Dominic, Ph:9895115202.
Summer Breeze, Ph:9447658634
Panjajanyam House Boat, Ph:9746400505
Vadakkanappan Holidays, Ph:9947337478
Whispering Waves, Ph: 9847116277
Mayooram, Ph:9447806244
River n Lake Backwater, Ph: 9846184654
Vimala House boat Service, Ph:9249455484