Kumarakom travel information, Kerala
On the shores of the enchanting Vembanad Lake, 14 km from Kottayam, lies Kumarakom a small-town. The most interesting area in the backwaters is the "Kuttanad region" called the rice bowl of Kerala. Kumarakom is just one little village in this region on the banks of the beautiful Vembanad Lake.
The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary in Kumarakom 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 in flocks, in Kumarakom, 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 in Kumarakom.
Climate
Being situated very close to the sea, Kumarakom has a moderate climate, with heavy rains during June-August due to the southwest monsoon. Winter starts from December and continues till February in Kumarakom. In summer, the temperature in Kumarakom rises to a maximum of 35°C and 25°C in the winters. Annual average rainfall in Kumarakom is 310 cm.
History
Earlier an old rubber plantation, Kumarakom was developed into a Bird Sanctuary. Kumarakom is now a leisure retreat very popular with foreigners, who club a visit to the sanctuary with a ride on Kerala's houseboats, known as Kettuvalloms. An Englishman Henry Baker, fascinated by the beauty of Kumarakom, settled here in the last century. He made Kumarakom his home buying 104 acres of land from the
Tourist Attractions
Water Bird Sanctuary
A 14-acre bird sanctuary is situated on the eastern banks of the Vembanad Lake. The sanctuary adds to the natural beauty of Kumarakom. Birds (waterfowl, water ducks, cuckoos, wild ducks etc.) nest and spend happy summers here. Birds like Siberian storks migrate here every year.
At the water-bird sanctuary you can spot domestic birds like cuckoo, wild duck, egrets, darters, herons, teal, and waterfowl as well as migratory birds like the Siberian storks. Further ahead from Kumarakom you may visit the backwater town of Kottayam. At Kottayam you must check out the rubber plantations and the old churches.
Backwater Cruise
The backwaters of Kerala - endless miles of snaking waterways flanked on either side by emerald palms. Tranquil and alluring, they offer you the experience of a lifetime. While Kumarakom the boat races, houseboat cruise, canoeing and fishing are something not to be missed. A stay at the houseboat, called Kettuvallom is an unparalleled and unique experience. The scintillating beauty of nature and the simplicity of the people will not fail to touch you at Kumarakom
The Vembanad Lake
Kottayam is a vast network of rivers and canals, which empty into the great expanse of water called the Vembanad Lake. The lake, an enchanting picnic spot and a fast developing backwater tourism destination, provides boating, fishing and sightseeing experiences that are truly exhilarating.
Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls
Located 18 km from Kottayam town, is this beautiful 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. Tourists can also enjoy the shade of the rubber plantations here.
How to Reach
By Air: Kumarakom is well linked by Air, Rail and Road network. The nearest Airport from Kumarakom is the Cochin International Airport, which is 70 kms. Away from the Muhamma boat jetty. The Trivandrum International Airport is 171 kms away from Kumarakom.
By Road: Kottayam is 14 kilometer from Kumarakom and both State highway and National Highway links Kumarakom with the rest of the country.
By Rail: The nearest Railway station from Kumarakom is at Kottayam and regular local and express trains connect the city with rest of India.
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