KUMARAKOM

An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom offers visitors many other leisure options. Boating and fishing facilities are available at Kumarakom. Holiday packages on the houseboats, traditional Kettuvalloms, are an out-of-this-world experience at Kumarakom.

The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres is a favorite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live There in flocks are a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands

An unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut grovesinterspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with while lillies - this is Kumarakom.

The Kerala Backwaters are a chain of brackish lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Arabian Sea coast (known as the Malabar Coast) of Kerala state in southern India. Local people call it Kayals The backwaters of Kerala- twisty inland lakes networked by canals - extend to over 1900km.. Vembanad lake is the largest of the lakes, covering an area of 200 sq km, and bordered by Alappuzha (Alleppey), Kottayam, and Ernakulam districts. Just 12 km from Kottayam, this exclusive backwater destination sited on the banks of the Vembanad lake is considered the gateway to the backwaters of Kuttanad. The port of Kochi (Cochin) is located at the lake's outlet to the Arabian Sea. Alleppey, populariy known as " Venice of the East" has a network of canals that meander through the town. Boating across these soothing stretches is an experience exclusive to Kerala.

Large Kettuvalloms (traditional country crafts over 60ft. in length) have been renewed into luxury houseboats for these cruises The Vallam Kali (the Snake Boat Race) held every year in August is a major attraction. 12km from Kottayam, this unique backwater destination situated on the banks of the Vembanad lake is considered the gateway to the backwaters of Kuttanad.

A calendar of the snake boat races of Kerala from July to September

GENERAL INFORMATION

Summer : February - May (24 - 33 Dg. C)

Kumarakom is a popular tourism destination located near the city of Kottayam (16 kilometres (10 mi), in Kerala, India, famous for its backwater tourism. It is set in the backdrop of the Vembanad Lake which is the largest freshwater lake in the state of Kerala.