8/6/2019 Kumarakom Travel Guide

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KumarakomFound in the popular state of Kerala, Kumarakom is a beautiful, tropical location that is in India. This cluster of small

picturesque islands is clustered around the remarkable Vembanad Lake. The landscape makes this a perfect place to not

only visit, but also to explore in depth.

This small town was established by the Indian government as a part of a special preservation effort. Since preservation is

the predominant goal around this area, the landscape remains impressive and pristine. An abundance of breathtaking

views abound in this location. The soil found in Kumarakom is especially fertile, so impressive paddy fields, mangroveforests, and coconut groves can be found throughout the small islands. The lush greenery is an amazing sight and is

soothing to the soul. It is so beautiful that this cluster of islands is an especially popular destination for honeymooners.

Thousands of migratory birds flock to this area every year. Numerous people travel to Kumarakom with the strong desire to

witness the sight of so many remarkable birds all in one location.

This beautiful city has numerous small fishing skiffs throughout the town. With both salt water and fresh water surrounding

Kumarakom, it makes sense that there are numerous varieties of fish that are fit for consumption that can be found there.

Excellent marine and freshwater fish including tasty karimeen (also known as pearl spotted fish), shrimp, and prawns are

available in the area.

Experiencing the backwater and ayurvedic massage are two other reasons that countless tourists flock to Kumarakom.

When To Go

Kumarakam is the famous back water tourist centre located on the bank of Vembanad Lake in Kerala. It experiences a

tropical climatic condition. During summers (March to May), the temperature rises up to the level of 38C. Winters

(December to February) are pleasant and temperature goes down to 22C. Medium rainfall is recorded in monsoons (June

to September).

Sree Narayana Jayanthi Boat race held in the month of September every year is a major attraction to tourists. Bird

watching centre at Kumarakom also attract many tourists during post monsoon seasons. Many migratory birds can be

spotted here during this season.

Best time to visit is September to February. In monsoons, backwater cruising is not allowed.

History

This leisure town of Kerala is said to have been an old rubber plantation ground which was later developed as a bird

sanctuary. As far as history is concerned, Kumarakom does not have too much to talk about.

The latest documentation of the city goes back to the year 1878, when George Alfred Baker, got extremely pleased with

the serene location and planned to build a home here. Since then, the British have been predominantly settled in

Kumarakom.

In the year 1956, Kumatakom was declared to be a part of the freshly formed Kerala.

Travel within city

Kumarakom is a tourist destination in Kerala and the village is located in the back waters. Due to the proximity to the back

waters most of the local transport is done by boats and catamarans using the various interconnected waterways in the

area. Some of the other options are local buses that ply from town to town and they pass through the main areas of the

city. Kottayam is the closest railway station and it is situated around 16 km away from the village. There are cab operators

in Kottayam that ply regular services to the backwaters.

TaxiSome of the cab operators are Shankar Taxis, Phone No-0484 2361334

Kerala Taxi Cabs, Phone No-098 09884184

Broadway Travels, Phone No-0484 2360074

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8/6/2019 Kumarakom Travel Guide

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Bus

The closes airport is at Cochin and Trivandrum. Buses are frequently available from both the cities and many local cab

operators also offer shuttle services.

Boats/Steamer

Hiring boats and steamers are the best option for local travel and they are available extensively through the rivers. Many of

the hotels also offer boats for hire. However it may be advisable to book in advance. House boats are also available and

they usually charge around Rs 2000 to 3000 a day depending on the size of the boat.

Attractions

Backwaters

Kumarakom is famous all over the world for its backwater lagoons. Tourists can enjoy an ethereal stay on the luxury

houseboats and explore the natural vista of surrounding.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

The prime attraction of Kumarakom, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a haven for rare and migratory species of birds.

Sprawling on an area of 14 acres some of the commonly sighted birds are kingfisher, paradise fly-catchers and egrets.

Contact: 0477-2253308, 2251796 Timings: 10 am to 6 pm Charges:Entry: Indians: Rs 5/-, Foreign nationals: Rs 45/-,Guide: Rs 100-200/-, Boat Trip: Rs 200-250/- (Two Hours)

Distances from Kumarakom

Alleppey 38 km

Kochi 54 km

Thekkady 120 km 1h, 50m

Munnar 124 km 1h, 50m

Thrissur 133 km 2h

Trivandrum 177 km 2h, 40m

Kovalam 184 km 2h, 50mPalakkad 187 km 2h, 40m

Coimbatore 235 km 3h, 30m

Wayanad 339 km 5h

Bangalore 559 km 8h, 30m

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