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Kumarakom is a holidayer's paradise. Kumarakom Known as the backwater country, It is just an -hour-and -a-half cruise journey from Cochin. It is a fascinating journey ending at this peaceful place on the shores of the Vembanad Lake. Kumarakom has its own charm-restful and quiet.

History
In 1878, the marshy mangrove on the bank of the Vembanad Lake was cleared and replaced by coconut plantations. The person in the wake of this maneuver was one George Alfred Baker of Essex who had arrived in India sixty years earlier to take up missionary work in Kottayam. The Englishman was so awestruck by the splendor of Kumarakom that he settled here and made Kumarakom his abode.

Earlier an old rubber plantation, Kumarakom was developed into a Bird Sanctuary. Kumarakom is now a leisure retreat very popular with foreigners, who club a visit to the sanctuary with a ride on Kerala's houseboats, known as Kettuvalloms. An Englishman Henry Baker, fascinated by the beauty of Kumarakom, settled here in the last century.

What to see
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (16 km from Kottayam town):
Located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, an ornithologist's paradise, is a favourite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal. Other common varieties like the woodpecker, skylark, crane, water hen and parrots can also be spotted here. A cruise along the Vembanad Lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary. Pathiramanal, an enchanting island on the lake, can be accessed by boat from here.

Vembanad Lake (Vembanad Kayal or Vembanad Kol) is the largest lake in Kerala, India.
It covers an area of 200 km², and bordered by Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam districts. The lake lies at sea level, and is separated from the Arabian Sea by a narrow barrier island. Canals linkthe lake to coastal lakes to the north and south. Several rivers flow into the lake, including the Achenkovil, Manimala, Meenachilaru, Muvattupuzha, Pamba and Periyar. The lake surrounds the islands of Pathiramanal, Perumbalam and Pallippuram.

The Vembanad Lake,
Kumarakom (16 km from Kottayam town): Kottayam is a vast network of rivers and canals which empty into the great expanse of water called the Vembanad Lake. The lake, an enchanting picnic spot and a fast developing backwater tourism destination, provides boating, fishing and sightseeing experiences that are truly exhilarating. The Kumarakom Tourist Village offers houseboat cruises and holiday packages. The serene lake comes alive during Onam with a spectacular water regatta - the snake boat races. It is indeed amazing to watch oarsmen, at least a hundred in one boat, slice their way through the waters to the fast rhythm of their own full throated singing.

The port of Kochi (Cochin)
is located at the lake's outlet to the Arabian Sea. The town of Alapuzha (also known as Allepey), is sometimes called the "Venice of the East" for its large network of canals that meander through the town. The Vallam Kali (the Snake Boat Race) held every year in August is a major attraction.

Vembanad Lake is designated a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.

Pathiramanal:
This 10 acre island on the backwaters is home to many rare varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world. According to mythology a young brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water made way for land to rise from below, thus creating the enchanting island, Pathiramanal (sands of midnight).

Getaways
Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls
Pay a visit to the picturesque Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls Located 18km from Kottayam town, 2 km down a mud lane from Kumarakom is this beautiful picnic spot where streams tinkle as they make their way through the landscape and waters roar as they cascade down the mountains from a height of 100 ft.

Pathiramanal (sands of midnight), an enchanting island on the lake, can be accessed by boat from here. This 10 acre island on the backwaters is home to many rare varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world. According to mythology a young Brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water madeway for the land to rise from below. The island can be accessed only by boat. A cruise along the Vembanad Lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary.
Kottayam
Kottayam is an ancient town famous for its churches, especially the 700 years-old churches, the Cheria palli ('small church') with exceptionally lovely paintings over the altar and the Valia palli ('Big Church') perched on a picturesque hillock over a small cluster of houses. In the St.Mary's Church Kuravilangad built in 355 AD there is an old bell which bears a hitherto undeciphered inscription. The mortal remains of the blessed Alphonsa and the Blessed Father Chavara are entombed at the St.Mary's Church at Bharananganam and the St.Joseph's Monastery Church at Mannanam respectively. Thousands gather at these holy shrines during festive occasions. Pala town and Kanjirappally, nourished by the Meenachil and Manimala rivers respectively are centers of rubber plantations. The Ettumanoor Shiva Temple 12 km north of town has exceptionally beautiful wall paintings and sculptures inside the temple. In the heart of Kottayam town is the much venerated Thirunakkara Mahadeva temple

Erumely
This is an important pilgrim centre for the Hindus and Muslims. Sree Dharmasastha Temple here is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. Pilgrims going to Sabarimala alight here.

Aranmula
50km from Kottayam, Aranmula is the site of the splendid Onam festival boat races, usually in early September. These races unlike the more sporting Nehru Trophy race at Alappuzha in August are essentially religious, based on a temple festival. Caparisoned elephants with beaded umbrellas, processions of decorated floats, and highly ornate boats make this a lovely event to witness. Aranmula is also the centre of bell metal mirror crafts.

Vagamon
Vagamon, 64 km from Kottayam and 34 km from Pala, situated at an elevation of 1100 meters above sea level is a trekker's paradise. It is an ideal tourist spot surrounded by the greenery of tea gardens, beautiful meadows and valleys. Other attractions: Thangal Para, Indo-Swiss project, Kurisumala Ashram.

Elaveezha Poonchira
Elaveezha Poonchira is yet another picnic spot accessible from Pala and located in the midst of beautiful hills.

Vaikom
40km from Kottayam, famous for the Shiva Temple. The festival in November-December, last for 12 days and the 'Panchavadyam' is an important musical performance.

Dining Out
The Kumarakom Lake Resort has a selection of restaurants, serving mouthwatering Indian, Continental, Chinese, Mughalai and traditional Kerala cuisine delicacies. The Ettukett is our multi-cuisine specialty restaurant with a well-stocked bar. The Vembanad Seafood Bar serves a good selection of wines along with nutritious fresh seafood dishes. The Lake Resort has a 24-hr coffee shop and also offers excellent services for outdoor barbecue.
There are multi cuisine restaurants standing on the stilts over the lakes that offer unique dining experiences amidst the serene backwater environs in Kumarakom. The specialty is freshwater fish and tapioca. 'Karimeen' (Pearl Spot) is a common freshwater fish in Kumarakom areaShopping
There is a wide range of shops selling good quality souvenirs. Most of the beach front shops are the general Kashmiri stores you see everywhere. Beware of hawkers though. Once you show interest in a certain product, they will pursue you everywhere until you buy it. Try some of the shops behind the beach front stores. You'll get a better price plus some hidden gems.

Shopping
Kumarakom is an ideal getaway for a nature lover. Therefore it is not an ideal shopping destination. However you can pick up souvenirs form the shops in the small town.
In Kumarakom, you will find handcrafted gift items typical of the state of Kerala. They include things made form coconut shells ranging from lampshades to fashion accessory like earrings, brass lamps, kathakali masks and so on.

Visiting
Kumarakom enjoys a well-balanced tropical climate. The lowest and highest temperatures recorded are 16.10 C and 37.80 C. There is always a cool, fresh breeze, which makes even the warmest weather readily agreeable. The South West monsoon is from early June to early August. However, slight drizzles persist till early November. Average rainfall is 1100 mm per year. The peak tourist season is from November to March.

Tourist Offices
The Kerala Tourism Development Corporation is responsible for the promotion of tourism to Kerala. The KTDC Reception Centre is on Station Road. Telephone: 330031

Tourist offices at KSRTC (Kerala State Road Transport Corporation) bus stations will have information on travelling by road: distances, bus timings, an approximation of the time it will take, and other relevant news.

How to get there

Air
The Trivandrum International Airport is 171 kms away from Kumarakom.

Rail
The nearest Railway station from Kumarakom is at Kottayam and regular local and express trains connect the city with rest of India.

Road
Kottayam is 14 kilometer from Kumarakom and both State highway and National Highway links Kumarakom with the rest of the country.