Kumarakom

Kumarakom is a blissful and beautiful city in Kerala, the seat for a significant share of tourism in the State. It is a cluster of some man-made islands and is located by Vembanad Lake. The peaceful ambiance, the natural richness of the place, and the rich culture of the locality make this a popular tourist destination.

Historical Background:

The name of this region comes from the deity that is worshipped in the temple Kumaran. Since it was fertile land, the region was important for the kingdoms of Thekkumkur and later to the British.

Things to Do and Major Attractions in Kumarakom:

Explore the backwaters dotted by coconut trees and the horizon meeting the calm waters at a distance. Take a houseboat and breathe in the freshness and tranquility of the backwaters.

It would be best to visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, which is absolute heaven for the bird-lovers. Pay a visit to the famous Bay Island Driftwood Museum and observe the unique fishing techniques used to catch fish in the region.

The Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls are an incredible sight, and the visit to the Kumarakom beach is undoubtedly going to be another pleasant experience. Other places of interest in Kumarakom include Kumarakom Craft Museum, Juma Masjid, St Mary’s Church, and Pathiramanal, one of the most beautiful islands in the region.

People and Culture:

The region has a multi-lingual population with languages such as Marathi, Tamil, Konkani, and English being used. But the most popular and official language here is Malayalam.

The people here have a simple lifestyle and stay close to nature. Most are engaged in fishing in the backwaters or agriculture or tourism activities. The majority of the population are Hindus, while there is also a significant Muslim and Christian and followers of other religions as well. Onam and Ugadi are the two most important festivals in the region.

Environment of Kumarakom:

Kumarakom is home to a wide variety of fauna and flora. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a famous sanctuary where many species of migratory birds visit. The largest backwater in Kerala, the Vembanad Lake, is a habitat for many marine and freshwater fish species. It seems with Karimeen (Pearl spot also known as Etroplus suratensis) shrimp (Metapenaeus dobsonii) common name Poovalan chemeen. The bird sanctuary extends over 14 acres (57,000 m²) and came into existence following preservation efforts from the government. It is a major tourist attraction

Local Food and Popular Shopping Items:

Appam and Kappa are some local delicacies that you ought to try out. The seafood here is to die for and includes the likes of shrimps, lobsters, crabs, and Karimeen, which is a popular local freshwater fish. The foodie in you is sure to be satisfied here in Kumarakom. 

While shopping in Kumarakom, you can pick from the gorgeous array of Kerala Silk Sarees, handicrafts, camel-bone carvings, Kathakali Masks, etc., among other things that you will find in the local markets.

Best Time to Visit Kumarakom:

The ideal time for a comfortable visit to Kumarakom is between September to March. It is during this time that the temperatures are cool and soothing while the summers are scorching. Those who love bird-watching prefer visiting during the monsoon season, but that also means that you will miss out on the backwater travels.

Availability of Accommodation Type:

The options when it comes to finding accommodation are plentiful in Kumarakom, and it fulfills every criterion from budget living to luxury living. Choose from hotels such as Kudakasseril Habitat, Johny Moose Backwater Farm, etc., for a luxurious stay. To live economically, you can head to hotels such as the Kumarakom Guest House and Focus Residency.