Kumarakom
Introduction and history: Kumarakom is a tiny village in Kottayam district of Kerala. It is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad lake, one the largest backwaters. It is ideal as a cheap holiday retreat that is completely relaxing. A wide variety of flora and fauna abound.
Before its popularity as a tourist town, Kumarakom was an area located near a marshy mangrove on the edge of the Vembanad Lake.
What to see and when to go: Kumarakom bird sanctuary is a major tourist attraction. The Janardhana temple built centuries back is a major Hindu pilgrimage centre here. The Vembanad Lake draws all the tourists. The best time to visit is from November to March.
Things to do: The must-do thing at Kumarakom is to take a sunrise or sunset cruise in the backwaters of Kerala. Snake-boat races during the Onam festival is something that should not be missed out. The local bird-sanctuary and the beaches add up to the list of attractions in Kumarakom. The water sports at the water sports complex of Rama varma Union would be a great place for children to enjoy. For adults holistic Ayurvedic therapy is available to rejuvenate from the daily routine.
Accommodation: There are ample amount of resorts available in Kumarakom, which has the price range from 750 to 10000 rupees a day. Houseboats can also be rented, at 10,000 rupees per night.
Mode of transport: Cochin is the nearest International Airport, which is 85 kilometres away. It is well connected with all major domestic and international location. Trivandrum is the next nearest airport which is 250 kilometres away. Kottayam is the nearest railway station which is 16 kilometres away. One can also travel by boat from Muhamma (near Alappuzha) to Kumarakom Jetty. Buses and Taxis are easily available at all time of the day from Kottayam.
Related links:
• Tourist information: http://www.kumarakom.com
See also: Aruvikkuzhi waterfalls,Kottayam.
