Kumarakom is a village in the southern Indian state of Kerala that is popular with tourists and known for its peace and sophistication. It is known for its beautiful scenery, colourful plants, and many different kinds of birds. It is a great place for people who love nature and want to take a break.
The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is one of the best things to see and do in Kumarakom. This refuge is a haven for people who love birds. It is surrounded by beautiful backwaters and lots of greenery. Here, people can see a wide variety of birds in their natural habitats. Both migratory and local birds can be seen. The refuge is a great place to watch birds and take pictures because it is quiet and full of colourful birds.
Another famous thing to do in Kumarakom is to explore the backwaters. On a private houseboat, visitors can go on a unique trip through a network of lagoons, lakes, and rivers that all connect to each other. These houseboats with full-time staff offer a unique and luxurious way to see the beautiful scenery around them while staying in comfortable rooms and eating wonderful traditional food.
Kumarakom has cosy bed and breakfasts where people can relax and recharge in a more private setting. These places to stay are warm and personalised, giving guests a chance to experience the culture and kindness of the area.
You should also go to the peaceful Shiva Temple at Ettuman. The temple is famous for its detailed wood carvings, which show how skilled the people in the area are. The temple is peaceful and spiritually enlightening because of how it looks and how calm it is inside.
When it comes to food, Kumarakom has a wide range of tasty meals that will make your mouth water. Local food is known for using fresh, high-quality products and spices in a way that makes them smell good. From fresh seafood treats to traditional vegetarian dishes, tourists can try a wide range of delicious foods that show off the region’s rich culinary history.
Geography and Demographics
Kuttanad, Kerala’s rice bowl, includes Kumarakom. The islands are 14 km from Kottayam. This intriguing place is two hours from Cochin International Airport or a half-hour boat ride from Muhamma in Alappuzha district.
The village covers 51.67 km, including 24.13 km of lake. The fertile paddy fields below sea level cover 15.75 km2. 1253 hectares remain dry. 1179 hectares of canal-crossed land are inhabited.
Early 19th-century records show the area was sparsely populated. In 1891, the hamlet had 8332 people and 1700 dwellings. The 2001 census found 23,000 people and 5,120 homes.
Climate
Visitors are safe from the weather here. It’s 22–34 degrees Celsius. Lake Vembanad and its mild wind keep the weather pleasant year-round.
The south-west (June–August) and north-east (November) monsoons hit Kumarakom. South-west monsoons prohibit backwater cruising. Rainfall averages 1100 mm. The greatest season to visit is November–March, however travelers visit year-round.
Places near Kumarakom that are worth seeing
Vembanad Lake
The biggest lake in the Indian state of Kerala is Vembanad Lake. It is also one of the longest lakes in India. It is in the district of Kottayam and also spreads into the districts of Alappuzha and Ernakulam. The lake is a big part of the Kerala backwaters, which are a unique network of canals, lagoons, and lakes that make up a beautiful and biologically important area.
Vembanad Lake, which covers about 200 square kilometres, is a major tourist draw and an important part of Kerala’s tourism business. It is a famous place for nature lovers and people who want to get away from it all. It has beautiful scenery, a calm atmosphere, and a lot of wildlife.
People know the lake for its big body of water, which is bordered by lots of trees, coconut groves, and rice fields. Beautiful views and the chance to go boating, cruising, and exploring the backwaters are all part of the beautiful scenery. People can ride in traditional houseboats or smaller motorised boats through the network of canals and enjoy the peace and beauty of the area.
Birdwatchers also love Vembanad Lake because it is a great place to see both migratory and local bird species. Water birds like herons, egrets, ducks, and cormorants use the lake as an important place to live. On the eastern side of the lake is the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a popular place to watch birds and home to several rare and threatened bird species.
Besides being beautiful, Vembanad Lake is very important to the business of the area. The backwaters of the lake have a thriving fishing business. Fishermen use traditional boats to go out and catch fish and shrimp. Along the lake’s edges, the native coir industry also does well. This is where coconut fibres are taken out and processed.
Vembanad Lake is also important to culture. On the lake, the Nehru Trophy Boat Race takes place every year. It is one of the most important snake boat races in Kerala. People come from all over the world to take part in and watch this exciting event. They come to see how the long snake boats are rowed in sync.
Overall, Vembanad Lake has a beautiful mix of natural beauty, different kinds of birds, culture events, and ways for people to make a living. It is a must-see place for anyone who wants to relax and get lost in the beautiful backwaters of Kerala.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
The Vembanad Bird Sanctuary near Kumarakom, Kerala, India, is a famous bird sanctuary. It occupies 14 acres on the eastern shores of Vembanad Lake and is an important feature of Kumarakom’s tourism.
The sanctuary’s richness attracts migratory and resident bird species. The sanctuary attracts many birds seeking refuge and nourishment. These birds love the peaceful atmosphere and plentiful food.
Birdwatchers love Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Herons, egrets, darters, teal, waterfowl, cuckoos, owls, and migrating Siberian cranes, flycatchers, and teal from the Himalayas can be seen here. The refuge houses endangered Malabar grey hornbills and Indian cormorants.
Birdwatchers at the sanctuary have various possibilities. The refuge has well-maintained walking pathways and trails for birdwatching and photography. Guided boat cruises let tourists explore the backwaters and see the birds up close.
Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary during the migratory season, November to February. The sanctuary’s lively bird population grows as many migratory birds come. Bird flocks flying or gracefully wading over water are mesmerising.
The refuge offers birdwatching and flora and animal exploration. Mangrove forests, coconut groves, and wetlands provide a varied ecology of plants and animals.
The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a natural wonder that showcases Kerala’s birdlife. This refuge is a must-see for birdwatchers, environment lovers, and those seeking calm.
Kumarakom Craft Museum
The Kumarakom Craft Museum is home to a remarkable collection of antiquities, including but not limited to works of art, furniture, and decorative items made of wood. The majority of the region’s historically significant relics and antiques, many of which have been meticulously conserved, may be found here. In addition, the museum shop features the work of regional artists and craftspeople for sale.
Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple
Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu temple in Kottayam, Kerala, India. It’s one of Kerala’s most important Shiva temples.
The Kerala-style temple is centuries old. Ettumanoorappan is Lord Shiva’s primary deity. “Sada Shiva,” a unique manifestation of Lord Shiva in a serene mood, is the presiding god.
The Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple is famous for its wood sculptures. The temple’s woodwork on the ceilings, pillars, and walls is exquisite. Kerala artists’ intricate wooden sculptures represent mythological settings, gods, and goddesses.
The temple’s annual Ettumanoor Shivaratri Mahotsavam draws pilgrims from far and wide. In February or March, the temple is decorated with lights and elaborate rituals and processions honouring Lord Shiva. The festival’s highlight is “Kavadiyattam,” a traditional dance where worshippers carry Kavadis (ornate constructions) on their shoulders as a sacrifice to Lord Shiva.
Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple is important spiritually and culturally. Visiting the temple and praying to Lord Shiva is believed to grant wishes. The temple’s tranquilly and grandeur calm visitors and believers.
Pathiramanal Island
Pathiramanal Island, also called the “Sands of Midnight,” is a small island in India’s Kerala state. It is in Vembanad Lake, near the town of Muhamma in the Alappuzha district. The name “Pathiramanal” means “Sands of Midnight” in Malayalam, the local language. It is a popular place for tourists to go and a haven for people who like to watch birds and enjoy nature.
The island is known for its beautiful scenery, wide range of plants and animals, and importance as a bird refuge. It is a safe place for both migrating and permanent bird species, so people from all over the world come to watch birds there. During the migratory season, which usually lasts from November to February, the island is home to many different kinds of birds, such as herons, egrets, cormorants, terns, kingfishers, and many more.
Pathiramanal Island is a great place for people who like to watch and take pictures of birds in their natural setting because it is quiet and peaceful. The island’s lush greenery, swaying coconut palms, and calm backwaters make for a beautiful scene that makes birding even more enjoyable.
From the main land, people can get to Pathiramanal Island by boat or ship. From Muhamma and other nearby places, people can take boats to the island, which takes them on a beautiful trip through the backwaters. The boat ride itself is a lot of fun and gives you beautiful views of the land and water around you.
Pathiramanal Island visitors can do more than just watch birds. They can also look at the island’s various plants and take long walks on the trails that go all over the island. There are mangroves, tropical plants, and many different kinds of trees and shrubs on the island. It’s a quiet place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and a chance to spend time in nature.
Even though the island doesn’t have many services, people can spend a few hours there enjoying its beauty and peace. During the visit, it’s a good idea to bring drinks, snacks, and bug spray. Also, it’s important to keep the island’s ecosystem in balance by using responsible tourist practises and being respectful of the natural environment.
Pathiramanal Island is a paradise for people who love nature and a haven for birdwatchers who want a quiet place to stay in Kerala’s backwaters. It is a must-see place for anyone who wants to see the beautiful scenery of the area. It has a lot of different kinds of birds and a calm atmosphere.
Kumarakom ayurveda
You went birdwatching and houseboating. You’ve explored peaceful roads, sampled great local cuisine, and witnessed delightful village life. The final step is Ayurvedic rejuvenation therapy.
Kerala’s ancient medicine, Ayurveda, promotes holistic living and longevity. Most resorts provide Ayurvedic spas and healthcare centres with stress-relieving and revitalising programmes. These remove poisons from an unhealthy lifestyle to restore equilibrium.
Tourists usually get an oil massage to relax, relieve muscle pain, and make their skin sparkle. After using warm herbal oil, experienced masseurs will massage your body, leaving you relaxed and rejuvenated.
Ayurvedic rejuvenation is best during the monsoon season, when rain purifies the air. The monsoon package includes herbal oil head, face, and body massages and a medicinal steam bath.
Ayurvedic centres feature yoga, meditation, therapy, and steam baths. Some have recreational areas.
Most Kumarakom Ayurvedic spas employ multilingual male and female doctors and masseurs.
Shell Mining in Kumarakom
As there are a lot of black clams (Villorita cyprinoides) in the backwaters of Kumarakom, shell mining is one of the main things the locals do. Most of the locals are women and children, and they stand in water up to their knees and pick shells from the bed of the water.