Most important places to Visit in Kumarakom. / Sightseeing places in Kumarakom
VembanadLake, is one of the largest fresh water lakes in Asia and also offers the chance to take on eof the best backwater cruises. Kettuvallams are the traditional boarts which have been modified into cruise boats and house boats and include all the basic amenities for the travellers. Vembanad Lake is, at the same time, also rich in its flora and fauna. The Lake also has a tiny island called Pathiramanal or the Midnight Sands which can be reached by boat.
Water Bird Sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Lake Vembanad and is spread over 14 acres of land. This sanctuary is a favourite haunt for migratory birds, like the Siberian Stork, egret, darter, heron and teal. Local birds like the water fowl, cuckoo, owl and water hen can also be spotted here. A cruise along the Vemband Lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary and houseboats and motor boats are available on hire for this purpose.
Bay Island Driftwood Museum displays the art of the sea near the Kumarakom Jetty. The driftwood pieces were carved by RajiPunnoose, a retired teacher, into various shapes - from a crocodile to a sculpture. Visit the museum on all days except Mondays when it is closed. The museum is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekdays and from 11:30 am to 5:00 pm on Sundays.
Tour itineraries along with Kumarakom/ Which all places I can visit along with Kumarakom ?
Trivandrum – Kovalam – Kumarakom – Thekkady - Munnar - Athirappilly - Cochin
Trivandrum – Kovalam– Houseboat – Kumarakom-Thekkady / Periyar – Kodaikkanal – Ooty – Mysore – Bangalore
Trivandrum – Kovalam – Alleppey – Kumarakom – Thekkady - Munnar – Cochin
Alleppey is just next to Kumarakom so you visit Alleppey also.
How to reach Kumarakom?
How to Reach Kumarakom by Air
Kumarakom is served by the Cochin International Airport , situated 70 Km away in Nedumbassery adjoining the fringes of Kochi. One of the busiest airports in India, it is well connected to all major cities. It has a domestic and an international terminal capacitated to handle a large number of passengers during peak hours. At present, the airport is served by eight domestic and 16 international airlines which includes Air India, Jet Airways, Air Asia, Air Arabia, Emirates, SilkAir, Gulf Air and a host of other full service and low cost carriers.
If you’re not good at negotiating, don’t try your luck with the auto rickshaws and private taxi stands outside the airport. The city bus service offered by KSRTC is a smart option for the value travellers who stick to their shoestring budgets. Many passengers touch down at the Trivandrum International Airport which lies 170 km from Kumarakom. In this case, a train to Kottayam from Trivandrum Central or a direct taxi to the village is practical.
How to Reach Kumarakom by Rail
There are no railway stations in Kumarakom. The nearest railhead is in Kottayam, placed 16 km from the Kumarakom village. Trains to Kottayam can be boarded at Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. However, it’s wise to board a train at one of the neighbouring states in the region to avoid an exhausting long haul journey.
The Kanyakumari Express leaves for Kottayam from the Bangalore City Junction and consumes nearly nine hours to cover the 545 km distance. Another train, known as the Kochuveli Express, departs from the Yesvantpur Junction at Bangalore and provides a decent service at competitive fares.
In case you’re planning your trip from Chennai Central, Trivandrum Express is an excellent choice. The journey spans over 12 hours and tickets are very well-priced.
How to Reach Kumarakom by Bus
Private operators and state departments operate plenty of buses from Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Thiruvananthapuram and Cochin that access the Kottayam’s main road junction, which is located at a distance of 14 Km from the village. A handful of these buses stop at Kumarakom as well. An affordable option is the KSRTC, a state-run bus service, immensely popular amongst the locals and tourist.
Best time to visit Kumarakom
The best time to visit Kumarakom is during the winter season, from September to March when the weather is pleasant enough to enjoy sightseeing, exploring flora and fauna and indulge in various activities that take place during this period.
Summer months, from March to May are hot, with the mercury reaching a maximum of 37°C and hence it is advisable to avoid visiting Kumarakom during summer season.
During the rainy season, from June to September, Kumarakom experiences medium rainfall in Kumarakom. This is the ideal time for bird watching. Several migratory birds can be seen during this season. However, backwater cruising is not permitted at this time.
