Kumarakom Tourist Places: Kumarakom is one small village located on the shores of Vembanad Lake which is Kerala’s largest lake. This is an underrated location, especially for people who want to avoid busy tourist places like Alleppey and Munnar. If you are looking for a romantic getaway for newly married couples, then what’s the best place than Kumarakom which is full of greenery and pleasant backwaters? This village is famous for traditional houseboats which lets you peek into the culture of Kerala villages.
Kumarakom Tourist Places – Places to Visit, Things to do in Kumarakom & Travel Guide
Highlight of Kumarakom village is its rich biodiversity, especially the Kumarakom bird sanctuary which is filled with numerous species of birds. The calm environment coupled with the friendly nature of the locals makes this place one of the best tourist destinations for those who seek absolute peace.
How to reach Kumarakom
This village is well connected to all the major cities in the country.
By Air: Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport to the Kumarakom village. It is located around 80 km away from the village. Being an international airport, Cochin Airport is well-connected to all the major cities in the country and the world. Once you land at the airport, you can either hire a private taxi or board a public transport bus to reach Kumarakom village. Usually, the journey from Cochin airport to Kumarakom village takes around 2 hrs if the traffic is moderate.
By Train: Kottayam Railway Station is the nearest railway station to the Kumarakom village. It is located around 16 km away from the village. Kottayam being a city is well connected to all major cities in India like Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai and Delhi. Once you reach the railway station, you can either hire a private taxi or use a public transport bus to reach the village. Buses are available at regular intervals so you don’t need to worry about the availability option.
By Road: Kumarakom village is well connected to all the major cities in Kerala. You can board a public transport bus from Kochi (80km away), Alleppey (35 km away) or Thiruvananthapuram (175 km away). Kottayam is the nearest city to Kumarakom village and it takes only 30 minutes to reach. You can also hire a private taxi if you want a comfortable journey.
By Water: One of the advantages of being in a state filled with backwaters is you can also opt to travel by water. The nearest backwater destinations close to Kumarakom are Alleppey and Cochin. You can board a houseboat or hire a private ferry to reach the village. If you want a unique experience then I would definitely recommend opting for this.
| City | Distance(kms) |
| Kochi (Cochin) to Kumarakom | 50 |
| Kottayam to Kumarakom | 14 |
| Alappuzha (Alleppey) to Kumarakom | 33 |
| Munnar to Kumarakom | 160 |
| Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) to Kumarakom | 170 |
| Kollam to Kumarakom | 108 |
| Vagamon to Kumarakom | 70 |
Suggested Read: Alleppey HouseBoat Stay Details
Best time to visit Kumarakom
You can visit this village all year long. However, if you truly want the best experience, then you need to travel during a certain season.
Winter(September to March): Winter is truly the best time to visit Kumarakom village. Temperature during this time will be between 18c to 32c maximum making it the perfect time to do outdoor activities like boat rides, birdwatching and hanging around.
Monsoon (June to August): You can also visit during the Monsoon season but be wary of the heavy rainfalls which is a common thing every year in Kerala. However, on the plus side, you will be able to witness the greenery version of the village during this season. The downside is the heavy rainfall will probably interrupt your outdoor plans. If you just want to sit and relax, then you can absolutely visit during the Monsoon season.
Summer(April to June): This place can get quite humid and hot during the summer season. It will be uncomfortable for you to do sightseeing or any outdoor activities in this weather. However, if you are visiting for any ayurvedic treatment, then you can visit during summer. Another advantage of travelling during the season is you can get discounts on almost everything.
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Kumarakom Tourist Places
Because of its rich diversity and backwaters, there are several things to do in Kumarakom Village.
1. Houseboat rides
The major attraction of Kumarakom village is its houseboats which are famously known as Kettuvallams. Cruising in a houseboat along the waters of Vembanad Lake is something you will cherish for a long time. There are ample amenities in the houseboats including private rooms, a balcony and dining areas. Don’t forget to taste authentic Kerala cuisine when you are here. Trust me when I say it’s one of the best cuisines in the country.
2. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
If you are a nature enthusiast, then there’s no better place than Kumarakom village in Kerala. This vast bird sanctuary is spread over 14 acres and is home to several species of migrant and local birds. People all over the world visit this place to do birdwatching during the migratory season. If you are interested in photography or a birding enthusiast, then you can get lost here for hours. Just get your binoculars and apt camera lens and capture the perfect moments.
3. Explore Vembanad Lake
Being India’s longest lake, this place offers absolute peace and joy to visitors. You can hire a motorboat to just ride around the lake or rent. You can also go kayaking in this lake. This lake is also part of the Nehru trophy boat race which is held annually in Alleppey.
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4. Visit Aruvikkuzhi waterfalls
Aruvikkuzhi waterfalls are located nearby to the Kumarakom village. It is located in -between rubber plantations. You can simply trek to the base of the waterfalls and enjoy a picnic during the morning or evening. If you want to witness the waterfalls in full force, then do visit during the monsoon.
5. Ayurvedic Treatments and Spa
This village is famous for its Ayurvedic treatments. Many of these techniques which are passed down from generations are best to restore the balance to the body and mind. Multiple resorts offer Ayurvedic massages and detox programmes. If you are suffering from stress or any joint pain, then I would recommend these treatments. However, note that this is not an alternative to modern medicine.
Accommodation
There are numerous resorts and hotels according to your budget. If you want the best experience and no budget constraints, then opt for the luxury resorts. A few of the luxury resorts are Kumarakom Lake Resort, Taj Kumarakom Resort & Spa and Zuri Kumarakom Resort & Spa. These places offer private villas and pools with a lake view and wellness leisures.
If you want a different experience then opt for a houseboat stay. This is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of Kumarakom village. Cruising through the waters and relaxing got to be one of the best feelings in the world. If you are tight on the budget, you can opt for homestays. This way, you can also have a cultural experience of the village.
Suggested Read: Thenmala EcoTourism Travel Guide
Conclusion
Kumarakom village is a unique place with calm nature filled with lush greenery. This village is a perfect blend of nature, culture and history. Be it birdwatching or backwater or Ayurvedic therapies, this village definitely doesn’t disappoint you. Next time you visit Kerala, don’t forget to visit Kumarakom and experience the less-crowded village and warm hospitality. Hope I’ve covered everything about the village. If you have any queries regarding the village or article, please comment below. Tales of BackPacker will get back to you as soon as possible with the best solution.
