Kumarakom

The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad lake in Kerala, a state in India. Kumarakom's soil is extremely fertile due to the proximity of a water source, the Vembanad lake which has resulted in the growth of a wide variety of flora in Kumarakom, especially the mangrove and coconut trees. Further more Vembanad Lake is home to several types of marine life exclusively the 'Karimeen' (Pearl Spotted Fish), the 'Chemeen' (Prawns) and the 'Konju' (Tiger Prawns). Kumarakom is also a habitat to several migratory birds which are attracted by the availability of a safe nesting area provided by the trees and a close source of food and water which is delivered by the Vembanad lake. The authorities have successfully attempted to protect the birds and their habitat through the construction of a bird sanctuary which spans 14 acres (57,000 m²).The Bird Sanctuary is now a major tourist attraction and has been bought under the jurisdiction of KTDC (Kerala Tourism Development Corporation).

Water Bird Sanctuary

Spread in an area of 14 acre, the Kumarakom bird sanctuary is lies on the eastern banks of the Vembanad lake. The sanctuary adds to the natural beauty of Kumarakom. Birds (waterfowl, water ducks, cuckoos, wild ducks etc.) nest and spend happy summers here. The sanctuary becomes home to several migratory birds in the winter, who arrives here every winter. Here you can spot domestic birds like cuckoo, wild duck, egrets, darters, herons, teal and waterfowl as well as migratory birds like the Siberian storks.

Backwater Cruise

The backwaters of Kerala - endless miles of serpentine waterways bordered on either side by emerald palms. Tranquil and intoxicating, the backwaters cruise here offer you the experience of a lifetime. In Kumarakom the boat races, backwater houseboat cruise, canoeing and fishing are something not to be missed. A stay at the houseboat, called Kettuvallom (by local people) is an unparalleled experience. The sheer beauty of nature and the composed climate will not fail to touch you at Kumarakom.

The Vembanad Lake

Kottayam is an immense network of rivers and canals which flows into the great expanse of water called the Vembanad lake. The lake, a charming picnic spot and a fast emerging backwater tourism destination, provides boating, fishing and sightseeing experiences that are truly mind blowing.

Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls

Located 18 km from Kottayam town, is this scenic picnic spot where streams jingles as they make their way through the landscape and waters roar as they cascade down the mountains from a height of 100 ft. Tourists can also enjoy the shade of the rubber plantations here.

By Road

From the Cochin International Airport it is an 85 km delightful ride by road to the Muhamma boat jetty. From the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport it is a 175 km (approximately 3.5 hour ride by road) to the Muhamma boat jetty. From the Kozhikode International Airport it is 180 km ride to Muhamma.

By Rail

From Mumbai, Chennai or Bangalore, you can take a train to Kerala. The best place to alight is either Kochi or Kottayam (the nearest railhead, just 16 km away by road). Kottayam links you to all major cities in Kerala and India with numerous trains plying this route daily. From Kochi, you could also take a south bound train via the Alapuzha route (enjoy picturesque scenery as the route flanks the backwaters and the sea on its way). Alight at Cherthala for a short 14 km ride to Kumarakom.

By Water

If you have arrived at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, come to Kollam by road or rail (takes just about one hour). From there, you can take the regular ferry service to Alapuzha - a long and delightful ride on Kerala's backwaters. From Alapuzha, it's just a short ride to Kumarakom. If you have arrived at Kochi International Airport, perhaps you might prefer a ride through the backwaters to Alapuzha. There are many boat services offered at Kochi.