Top Things to do in Kumarakom

There are numerous top things to do in Kumarakom, is one of the prime tourist destinations in Kerala. A stunning cluster of little islands adorning the vast waters of the Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is an enchanting backwater destination. Like other exotic destinations of Kerala, exuding an inexhaustible charm of backwaters, Kumarakom too, is a place of unceasing lush and allures.

Vembanad Lake

Vembanad Lake is one of the top places to see in Kumarakom. The vast serene lake is the longest such water body in India and largest in Kerala. In fact, Kumarakom is the group of islands which are situated within the Vembanad Lake. It is nevertheless a great place to experience the delight of backwaters.

Lined with tall coconut trees, the lake is a home to some really exotic flora and fauna. All this can be explored and experienced on a memorable houseboat cruise on the lake. The Vembanad Lake also play host to the extremely popular Nehru Trophy boat race and hence is a great place to visit.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

This exotic bird sanctuary is spread in the vast area of 14 acres and is a home to some of the most wonderful and fascinating avian species. Located on the banks of the quaint Vembanad Lake, The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary also attracts a large number of migratory birds during their wintering season, making the total number of species available to be quite large. Thus, it is doubtlessly a bird and nature enthusiast’s paradise.

One of the major highlights at the sanctuary is the houseboat and motorboat ride, which you can take to explore the area. Declared as one of the most significant wetlands of India, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a must visit place.

Backwaters

Backwaters is the most important highlight of any destination in Kerala and same is true for Kumarakom as well. A true bliss of nature is pervaded all over as backwaters is home to a great verdant delight. The best way to enjoy this nature’s bounty is by sailing through it on a houseboat, navigating through various canals, rivers and lakes.

Backwaters is not only an ideal place for family and friends to visit, but it can be a great honeymoon and romantic destination as well, giving you the necessary privacy. Some of the other activities that you can enjoy at Backwaters are wind sailing and fishing, thus making you relish you trip to the hilt.

[ Check-out Serene Backwaters of Kerala Tour ]

Pathiramanal

This exotic, 10 acre island is one of the most beautiful places in Kumarakom. Pathiramanal is one of the islands located in the Vembanad Lake and literally means the “sand of the night”. The place is home to a zoo and an aquarium and a large number of exotic migratory birds could be seen here.

The island is full of most amazing ambience. It is located at a 40 minute drive from Alappuzha. The wonderful views of golden sand beaches and an experience of cool breeze is just mind blowing. Visiting this island certainly feels like a vacation to some other world destination.

Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls

The waterfalls are located approximately 18 kilometers from Kottayam and is a great spot for picnic, drawing locals as well as tourists. The water falls from a height of 100 feet and affords a majestic scene. The surroundings are amazingly refreshingly photogenic. The waterfalls are situated amidst picturesque wooden landscapes and rubber plantations.

There is also an option of exploring nearby attractions by trekking. St. Mary’s Church, located on the top of the Aruvikkuzhi waterfalls is yet another attraction which the tourists can explore here. A great place to spend your lazy afternoons, Aruvikkuzhi waterfalls is a must visit.

Kumarakom Beach

The beach is one of the best places to enjoy water sports in Kumarakom. There are plenty of options to get your heart racing with water skiing, boating, parasailing, swimming, wind surfing and water polo etc. Besides there are rejuvenating spas and Ayurveda massage centers and resorts lining the beach, to let you have truly refreshing time.

An exciting way to enjoy the incredible beach ambience is by taking a ride on a houseboat. Taking you through the stunning backwaters, the houseboat lets you spend a great time with your spouse and family.

Bay Island Driftwood Museum

A unique museum with a superb collection of driftwood sculptures of high artistic value, the Bay Island Driftwood Museum is truly one of its kind. The museum is an experience in itself. No surprise that it has been listed in the Limca book of records as the only museum that exhibits the collection of rare items recovered from the Andaman seas and its beaches.

The museum was established by Raji Punnoose, who is the curator as well as the proprietor of the facility. The museum is also a wonderful exhibition of the creative spirit of its founder. With each cyclone, the sea brought with itself broken trees and roots which were then cleaned and shaped to give creative forms such as fishes, birds and mammals.

Located within the beautiful surroundings of Kumarakom, the museum is a great place to witness the ingenuity and imagination of mind in giving shape to the useless items procured after a cyclone.

Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple

The temple is one of the most important structures of religious importance in Kerala. Popular for its exotic designs such as murals, frescos, sculptures and paintings, the present structure of the temple was created around 1542 AD. The main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva along with Goddess Bhagvati, while Ganesha, Sastha and Yakhsi are small deities.

The temple hosts the famous Arattu festival in February-March which is celebrated with much pomp and glory. In this this festival seven and a half elephants made of pure gold are held in public view. Thubalam is an important ritual associated with the temple, when a child is weighted against the gold and other offerings to the God in the anticipation of the fulfillment of wishes.

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