Kumarakom Tourism And Travel Guide

An untouched paradise of beaches, backwaters, fishermen and waterfalls; Kumarakom is a collection of small islands in Kerala. It is well connected to the rest of the country by air, road and rail while still retaining its aloof charm. The best time to visit Kumarakom is between September and November, when you can experience the best of tourism in Kumarakom, from bird gazing to canoeing, trekking to trying your hand at fishing. This Kumarakom travel guide will tell you all you need to know before visiting this island paradise.

Kumarakom might be a small archipelago, set near Lake Vembanad; but it is very easily accessible by air, road and rail.The nearest airport is Kochi, and nearest railway station, Kottayam. Roads are also well connected to the rest of the state and the country.

By Air

Kochi Airport is 45 km away and is the best bet for you if you want to fly in. Kochi receives flights from India’s major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bangalore etc.

By Rail

Trains in India are an extensive network and reach even the remotest towns and villages. Kumarakom is no exception, as it is only 10 km away from Kottayam, a town in Kerala. Trains from major cities stop here, making it cheap and easy for you to reach Kumarakom.

By Road

The island is connected to the rest of the country through State and National highways. Buses ply regularly and have a range of rates depending on their being AC or non AC. If you want, you can also hire a car but that is a relatively expensive option.

By Waterways

Kumarakom is also accessible by ferries from Muhamma (a town near Allepey). This mode of transport is the most scenic as you get to witness the best of Kerala greenery and waters.

The best time to visit Kumarakom is during its winters, in the months from September to March. This time is cool, pleasant and relatively dry. Light drizzle can be expected until November and then it is just a moderate, cool land, welcoming tourists.

Summer (March to May)

Summers are hot here, anywhere between 22-34°C. The nights though, give some relief from warm days. 

Monsoon (June to September)

With 1100 mm average rain per year, Kumarakom is a pretty wet place during Monsoon. The land becomes lush, fertile and green while the water bodies swell. This season might restrict outdoor activities and sports.

Winter (September to March)

The best time to visit Kumarakon is winter, when temperatures drop to 18 °C and the land is dry. After November, even the occasional drizzle stops and sailing up and down the backwaters becomes easier.

Kumarakom offers a range of activities and sights for one and sundry. There are sunset tours for those who want to relax, sailing and swimming for those looking at flexing their muscles, trekking up waterfall summits as well as pilgrim destinations in Dakshin Kashi. Some of the best things to do when in Kumarakom are:

Sightseeing

You can go bird-watching in the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. You are sure to sight herons, owls, wild ducks, teals and cuckoos along with the seasonal migratory species. Or you can rent a houseboat on Vembanad Lake and relax in the setting sun.

Fishing

This South Indian island is known for its fishermen. That is their main occupation, and you can pick up a trick or two by going fishing in the Vembanad Lake or the backwaters. Either carry your rods or cast a net. The womenfolk here have developed a unique technique by wading into the water and trapping fishes between their toes.

Water sports

The place brims with water, literally. You can take a canoe down the backwater canals or swim or go sailing. There are many ways to keep the waterbaby inside you entertained.

Pilgrimage

Kumarakom is very close to one of the biggest pilgrim centres of South India - the Dakshin Kashi or the Kashi of the south. The town of Vaikom houses the temple of Mahadev and becomes blessed in its culture. There is also the Juma Masjid, a 1000 year old mosque built in Kumarakom by the son of the man credited with bringing Islam to Kerala. Its ancient architecture and intricacies of woodcarving transport you back to that era in the blink of an eye.

Relaxation

Sunset cruises and houseboat rides are some of the best relaxations you are sure to remember when you return to your daily life. The houseboats on Vembanad Lake as well as many resorts offer sunset cruises, giving you the luxury to just relax in your boat as it passes through dancing trees and rippling water, into the setting sun.

The staple of this South Indian village is fish and rice, with a generous use of coconut and curry leaves, as is the case with most South Indian cooking. The food in this island is simple but rich with flavours. Sea food is their speciality; Karimeen, a spotted fish, is the most sumptuous of all. For vegetarians, the usual idlis, dosas and appams are great with white coconut chutney.

Known for its centuries old practise and knowledge of Ayurvedic healing, Kerala becomes a haven for Ayurvedic massages. The practices written down in Ayurved are implemented in the conception of special oils, kneading tired muscles and rejuvenating the body. Most hotels and resorts offer a variety of massages along with meditation sessions to choose from. We recommend you don’t miss this part of the trip.