When nature is all you need to
recuperate, Kumarakom is undoubtedly the most invigorating, fascinating
paradise in Kerala, God's own country. The slender coconut palms
standing here, there and everywhere, its never ending paddy fields,
meandering lagoons and backwaters, mangroves nesting birds of a hundred
varieties can peacefully calm and invigorate your mind with renewed
inspiration for your vocation and life. That is the pristine beauty of
Kumarakom.
Kumarakom
the charming emerald peninsula jutting into the ever-effervescent
Vembanad Lake takes you into the heart of the scenic lake where you'll
come across plenty of traditional country crafts, boats and canoes. The
fresh water of the lake runs into the mainland making a labyrinth of
lagoons, brooks, canals and waterways. The backwater houses a variety of
species of both fauna and flora. They are rich with marine life namely
the exclusive 'Kumarakom Karimeen' (pearl spotted fish), Konju (tiger
prawns), Njandu (crabs), Chemeen (prawns) and many more.
As the monsoon winds bring rain to the shores of Vembanad
Lake, the Kumarakom is transformed into a rich fertile land. The
streams, lagoons, brooks break their banks and provide nourishment to
springs and shrubs that sprout from every available space.
Water birds, migratory birds, mangrove shores and the renowned
bird sanctuary form their niche. The resorts nearby offer comfortable
accommodation and exclusive leisure options like an
Ayurvedic massage,
yoga, meditation, boating, fishing and swimming. The adventurous could
indulge in water sports such as windsailing and waterskiing. You could
even take a canoe out into the quite lakes and armed with a fishing rod,
catch your own supper. Make sure you do not miss out on Karimeen and
fresh toddy, the favourite fresh water food and the local wine.
The local spring season emerges from August and coincides with
the harvest festival of Onam, blooms the tourist and the local people.
And so,
..Come & Ride
-through the backwater country that offers a glance of the rustic Kumarakom life.
..Come & Watch
- the swaying paddy fields with the herds of ducks and other water birds.
..Come & Roam
-the lofty coconut palms standing upright above the evergreen foliages of the mangroves and other wetland vegetation,
..Come & sail
-on the canoes,
houseboat, country boats silently through the zigzagging waterways
..Come & listen
the occasional call of the migratory bird.
All liven up an image of that eternal beauty for which Kumarakom is much famous.
Climate: 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.
Places of Interest: Around Kumarakom
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 fromhere. 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 - Pathanamthitta
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
Kumarakom
in Kerala, South India is just a few miles (16 km) from the nearest
city, Kottayam. As entry point to India; you can fly to Mumbai (Bombay)
or Chennai (Madras). There are daily flights to Kerala where, as entry
points, you have a choice of three international airports - Kochi
(Cochin), Kozhikode (Calicut) and Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum). 
Champakulam Moolam Boat Race