India Hotels
Kerala
Kerala Kumarakom
Located near a bird sanctuary, on the edge of the Vembanad lake and along the backwater cruising route, lies Kumarakom, a typical Kerala village. Why Kumarakom? one might ask, when wishing to plan a village trip. The answer lies in its attractive location, on the edge of the massive Vembanad lake, 15 km from Kottayam.
And not just that, for Kumarakom is ideally situated on the backwater cruising route with a bird sanctuary. Nearby Kottayam is one of the main centres of the Syrian Catholic church and has been, for a long time, the commercial focus for trade in rubber, tea and spices.
The traditional tharawad style of housing has been adapted to a resort run by a group from Kochi, on the edge of the water. Transportation is arranged on both manually-operated and motorised boats. There is a profusion of coconut all around. A gentle trip on a traditional rice boat is a must along the numerous inter-connected canals. En route, one may stop and come ashore to see village residents working on coir, fish-processing or exchanging views over a cup of coffee at the little shops that dot the canals. Here lies the best opportunity to mingle with the village folk of Kerala where some of the original mangrove swamps are still intact.
One may set the pace to suit the time available or the need to stop when the sun is strong. Ideally, one may come ashore from the boat and walk around the village waterside where the local residents will happily interrupt work to explain the intricacies of their daily round. The more enterprising may even glide up a coconut tree and dislodge fresh fruit for on-the-spot sampling Above all, the languid pace in the backwaters, coupled with lush greenery all around, sets the perfect mood for a destressed return to nature.
Aruvikkuzhi : Aruvikkuzi Waterfalls is located about 18 km from Kottayam town. This is a beautiful picnic spot where streams tinkle as they make their way through the landscape and waters roar as they cascade down the mountains from a height of 100 feet.
Erumely : Erumely is an important pilgrim centre for the Hindus and Muslims. Sree Dharmasastha Temple here is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary : The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a world famous bird sanctuary. This bird sanctuary is located about 16 kms from Kottayam on the banks of the Vemband lake. This sanctuary is an ornithologists paradise. Some migratory birds migrate during the winter from across the world including the Siberian stork. Some local birds which are found at this sanctuary are Water fowl, Cuckoo, Owl, Egret, Heron, Teal and Water duck. The best time to visit this sanctuary is between June and August and if you want to view the migratory birds then the best time is from November to February.
Aranmula Boat Race, Kumarakom Aranmula : Aranmula is located about 50 kms from Kottayam. Aranmula is the place where the splendid Onam festival boat races take place. These races are religious, based on a temple festival. Caparisoned elephants with beaded umbrellas, processions of decorated floats, and highly ornate boats make this a lovely event to witness. Aranmula is also the centre of bell metal mirror craft .Vaikom is famous for the Shiva Temple. A festival take place here in November and December and last for 12 days. The 'Panchavadyam' is an important musical performance in the festival. Elaveezha Poonchira is yet another picnic spot accessible from Pala and located in the midst of beautiful hills.
Pathiramanal: Pathiramanal or sands of midnight is an enchanting island on the lake. This island can be accessed by boat from here. This 10 acre island on the backwaters is home to many rare varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world. According to mythology, a young Brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water made way for the land to rise from below.
The nearest airport from Kumarakom is the Cochin International Airport, which is 70 kms from Kumarakom.The Trivandrum International Airport is 171 kms from Kumarakom.
How to reach Kumarakom by Rail : Kottayam is the nearest railway station. There are regular local and express trains, which connect Kumarakom with major cities in India.
How to reach Kumarakom by Road : Kottayam, the main road junction is just 14 kms from Kumarakom.It is also well linked with all the major cities in India through the State and National Highways.
And not just that, for Kumarakom is ideally situated on the backwater cruising route with a bird sanctuary. Nearby Kottayam is one of the main centres of the Syrian Catholic church and has been, for a long time, the commercial focus for trade in rubber, tea and spices.
The traditional tharawad style of housing has been adapted to a resort run by a group from Kochi, on the edge of the water. Transportation is arranged on both manually-operated and motorised boats. There is a profusion of coconut all around. A gentle trip on a traditional rice boat is a must along the numerous inter-connected canals. En route, one may stop and come ashore to see village residents working on coir, fish-processing or exchanging views over a cup of coffee at the little shops that dot the canals. Here lies the best opportunity to mingle with the village folk of Kerala where some of the original mangrove swamps are still intact.
One may set the pace to suit the time available or the need to stop when the sun is strong. Ideally, one may come ashore from the boat and walk around the village waterside where the local residents will happily interrupt work to explain the intricacies of their daily round. The more enterprising may even glide up a coconut tree and dislodge fresh fruit for on-the-spot sampling Above all, the languid pace in the backwaters, coupled with lush greenery all around, sets the perfect mood for a destressed return to nature.
Tourist Attractions
Aruvikkuzhi : Aruvikkuzi Waterfalls is located about 18 km from Kottayam town. This is a beautiful picnic spot where streams tinkle as they make their way through the landscape and waters roar as they cascade down the mountains from a height of 100 feet.
Erumely : Erumely is an important pilgrim centre for the Hindus and Muslims. Sree Dharmasastha Temple here is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary : The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a world famous bird sanctuary. This bird sanctuary is located about 16 kms from Kottayam on the banks of the Vemband lake. This sanctuary is an ornithologists paradise. Some migratory birds migrate during the winter from across the world including the Siberian stork. Some local birds which are found at this sanctuary are Water fowl, Cuckoo, Owl, Egret, Heron, Teal and Water duck. The best time to visit this sanctuary is between June and August and if you want to view the migratory birds then the best time is from November to February.
Aranmula Boat Race, Kumarakom Aranmula : Aranmula is located about 50 kms from Kottayam. Aranmula is the place where the splendid Onam festival boat races take place. These races are religious, based on a temple festival. Caparisoned elephants with beaded umbrellas, processions of decorated floats, and highly ornate boats make this a lovely event to witness. Aranmula is also the centre of bell metal mirror craft .Vaikom is famous for the Shiva Temple. A festival take place here in November and December and last for 12 days. The 'Panchavadyam' is an important musical performance in the festival. Elaveezha Poonchira is yet another picnic spot accessible from Pala and located in the midst of beautiful hills.
Pathiramanal: Pathiramanal or sands of midnight is an enchanting island on the lake. This island can be accessed by boat from here. This 10 acre island on the backwaters is home to many rare varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world. According to mythology, a young Brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water made way for the land to rise from below.
Access
How to reach Kumarakom by Air:
The nearest airport from Kumarakom is the Cochin International Airport, which is 70 kms from Kumarakom.The Trivandrum International Airport is 171 kms from Kumarakom.
How to reach Kumarakom by Rail : Kottayam is the nearest railway station. There are regular local and express trains, which connect Kumarakom with major cities in India.
How to reach Kumarakom by Road : Kottayam, the main road junction is just 14 kms from Kumarakom.It is also well linked with all the major cities in India through the State and National Highways.
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