Nestled on the tranquil Vembanad Lake in Kerala, Kumarakom is a serene paradise rich in backwaters, bird sanctuaries, houseboats, and heritage. Whether you’re seeking romantic escapes, nature retreats, or cultural experiences, Kumarakom promises a soulful journey. Dive into this curated guide to explore the top 15 places to visit, paired with local tips, food recommendations, and unbeatable travel deals!
1. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary 🐦🌿
Description:
A haven for bird lovers, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary offers enchanting trails through mangroves and wetlands. Spot rare migratory birds like Siberian cranes, herons, and kingfishers while enjoying a peaceful boat ride. Early morning visits are magical with the chorus of chirping birds and misty lake views. Nature photography and guided walks enhance the experience.
History 🏛️:
Established in 1847 as a hunting reserve by the British, it was later turned into a sanctuary, becoming a symbol of wildlife conservation in Kerala.
📍 Distance: 3 km from Kumarakom center | ⏱️ Travel Time: 10 min
☀️ Best Time to Visit: November to February
🚗 How to Reach: Easily accessible by local auto/taxi from Kumarakom town
🍛 Food Tip: Try toddy shop-style Karimeen Pollichathu at nearby The Waterside Restaurant
🎭 Cultural Insight: Visit during Onam for local performances and floral displays
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2. Vembanad Lake 🚣♀️🌊
Description:
The largest lake in Kerala, Vembanad offers dreamy houseboat cruises through coconut-fringed canals. Watch fishermen casting nets, admire pink sunsets, and enjoy luxurious onboard meals. The lake also hosts the annual Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race.
History 🏛️:
Vembanad has sustained the local economy for centuries through fishing and inland water transport. It’s part of the Ramsar-listed wetlands for its ecological value.
📍 Distance: 1 km | ⏱️ 5 min
☀️ Best Time to Visit: October to March
🚗 How to Reach: Walkable or auto from most resorts
🍛 Food Tip: Sample the local fish curry and tapioca at Karimeen Restaurant
🎭 Cultural Insight: Snake boat races in August draw massive local crowds and festivities
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3. Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls 💦🌳
Description:
A picturesque cascade nestled amidst rubber plantations, Aruvikkuzhi is a perfect picnic spot. The gentle waterfalls and cool breeze make it ideal for relaxation and short treks.
History 🏛️:
Long revered as a local secret, the falls have been a retreat for artists and poets over decades.
📍 Distance: 18 km | ⏱️ 35 min
☀️ Best Time to Visit: Monsoon (June–September) for full flow
🚗 How to Reach: Taxi from Kumarakom or en route from Kottayam
🍛 Food Tip: Stop by nearby Toddy shop for spicy duck curry
🎭 Cultural Insight: Rubber tapping and spice cultivation are common in this region
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4. Bay Island Driftwood Museum 🪵🖼️
Description:
This unique museum houses stunning sculptures made from driftwood collected from the Andaman Sea. Each piece tells a story — from wild shapes to mystical marine forms.
History 🏛️:
Founded by teacher-turned-artist Raji Punnoose, the museum is a testament to creativity and ecological art.
📍 Distance: 2 km | ⏱️ 10 min
☀️ Best Time to Visit: Year-round
🚗 How to Reach: Auto or walk from central Kumarakom
🍛 Food Tip: Try freshly brewed coffee and banana chips nearby
🎭 Cultural Insight: Combines Kerala’s love for art with environmental awareness
✨ Art meets nature — explore it all with Kreative Routes’ Kumarakom Heritage Trail! ✨
5. Pathiramanal Island 🌴🛶
Description:
Accessible only by boat, this lush green island is perfect for birdwatching, solitude, and photography. The name means “Sands of Night,” reflecting its quiet mystique.
History 🏛️:
Once privately owned, it’s now a government-managed eco-tourism spot.
📍 Distance: 13 km (via boat) | ⏱️ 30–45 min
☀️ Best Time to Visit: November to March
🚗 How to Reach: Boat ride from Kumarakom Jetty
🍛 Food Tip: Pack a picnic or opt for a cruise package with lunch
🎭 Cultural Insight: Local legends associate the island with divine interventions during moonlit nights
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Kumarakom Tour Packages
6. Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple 🛕🔥
Description:
An architectural marvel, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is famous for its stunning murals, especially the “Nataraja” dance painting. The sanctum exudes spiritual energy, and the annual “Ezharaponnana” (Seven and a Half Elephants) festival draws thousands.
History 🏛️:
Believed to be over 1,000 years old, Ettumanoor Temple was mentioned in ancient Malayalam texts. The golden elephants are a royal offering from the Travancore kings.
📍 Distance: 25 km | ⏱️ 45 min
☀️ Best Time to Visit: February (festival season), otherwise October–March
🚗 How to Reach: Taxi from Kumarakom or bus via Kottayam
🍛 Food Tip: Enjoy temple-style vegetarian feasts (sadhya) at nearby eateries
🎭 Cultural Insight: Classical music and Kathakali are often performed during festivals
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7. Thanneermukkom Bund 🌊🚤
Description:
A unique saltwater barrier on Vembanad Lake, the bund separates freshwater and saline water, creating a fascinating natural balance. It’s also a quiet spot to watch sunsets, migratory birds, and fishermen in action.
History 🏛️:
Built in the 1970s, it revolutionized agriculture in the Kuttanad region by preventing seawater intrusion.
📍 Distance: 9 km | ⏱️ 20 min
☀️ Best Time to Visit: November to February
🚗 How to Reach: Auto or cab from Kumarakom town
🍛 Food Tip: Fresh Karimeen dishes at Tharavadu Restaurant
🎭 Cultural Insight: The bund plays a key role in the Onam paddy harvest
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8. St. Mary’s Forane Church, Athirampuzha ⛪🎶
Description:
This historic church features intricate woodwork and European-style architecture. The peaceful ambience and annual feasts attract pilgrims and tourists alike.
History 🏛️:
Built in 1080 AD, it’s one of Kerala’s oldest Christian churches and was frequented by Saint Alphonsa.
📍 Distance: 22 km | ⏱️ 40 min
☀️ Best Time to Visit: December–March
🚗 How to Reach: Local taxi or bus via Kottayam
🍛 Food Tip: Sample local banana fritters and filter coffee nearby
🎭 Cultural Insight: The annual festival in January features music, lights, and a grand procession
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9. Kumarakom Beach 🏖️🌅
Description:
An offbeat, clean beach with soft sand and peaceful surroundings, ideal for unwinding or beach photography. The lack of crowds adds to the charm.
History 🏛️:
Though relatively modern, the beach evolved with the rise of tourism in the backwater region.
📍 Distance: 1.5 km | ⏱️ 5–10 min
☀️ Best Time to Visit: October to March
🚗 How to Reach: Walk or rent a bicycle from your resort
🍛 Food Tip: Beachside coconut water and fried prawns are a must-try
🎭 Cultural Insight: Local fishermen offer storytelling sessions about life at sea
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10. Kottayam Town 🏙️📚
Description:
Known as the “Land of Letters,” Kottayam offers bookstores, art galleries, churches, and authentic Kerala marketplaces. It’s a cultural hub and gateway to Kumarakom.
History 🏛️:
Kottayam was central to Kerala’s printing revolution and hosted the state’s first publishing house.
📍 Distance: 16 km | ⏱️ 30 min
☀️ Best Time to Visit: October to February
🚗 How to Reach: Buses and cabs run regularly from Kumarakom
🍛 Food Tip: Try Elayappam (steamed rice cakes) at Arya Bhavan
🎭 Cultural Insight: Hosts literary festivals and has deep ties to Malayalam literature
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Honeymoon in Kumarakom
11. Vaikom Mahadeva Temple 🙏🪔
Description:
One of the oldest temples in Kerala, this Shiva shrine is architecturally striking with wooden carvings and sprawling courtyards. Peaceful and spiritual.
History 🏛️:
Said to be over 1,500 years old, the temple played a key role in the Vaikom Satyagraha (civil rights movement).
📍 Distance: 16 km | ⏱️ 30 min
☀️ Best Time to Visit: November to March
🚗 How to Reach: Taxi or bus from Kumarakom
🍛 Food Tip: Local feasts during temple festivals
🎭 Cultural Insight: Hosts elaborate annual temple festivals with processions and elephants
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12. Kumarakom Craft Museum 🎨🧵
Description:
Discover Kerala’s traditional arts like coir-making, pottery, and woodwork. The museum also offers hands-on craft sessions for travelers.
History 🏛️:
Set up to preserve and promote dying arts and tribal traditions of Kerala.
📍 Distance: 2 km | ⏱️ 10 min
☀️ Best Time to Visit: Year-round
🚗 How to Reach: Auto or walk from town center
🍛 Food Tip: Tea and local snacks served in clay cups
🎭 Cultural Insight: Displays include Kathakali masks and temple puppets
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13. Chirakulam Snake Boat Yard 🛶🐍
Description:
Visit a boat-making hub where traditional “chundan vallams” (snake boats) are crafted. Watch artisans work and learn the boat’s symbolic importance.
History 🏛️:
Snake boats are integral to Kerala’s heritage and take months to craft by hand.
📍 Distance: 12 km | ⏱️ 25 min
☀️ Best Time to Visit: July–September (race season)
🚗 How to Reach: Cab from Kumarakom town
🍛 Food Tip: Toddy and tapioca meals at nearby local stalls
🎭 Cultural Insight: Learn about the competitive spirit and rituals before a race
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14. Kaipuzha Muttu 🐟🌿
Description:
A lush island area with scenic paddies, lotus ponds, and charming backwater channels. Known for village walks and kayaking.
History 🏛️:
Preserved as part of Kerala’s rural tourism initiative, it offers a glimpse into local life.
📍 Distance: 10 km | ⏱️ 20 min
☀️ Best Time to Visit: November to March
🚗 How to Reach: Auto or boat ride from Kumarakom
🍛 Food Tip: Farm-to-table sadhya meals in homestays
🎭 Cultural Insight: Folk music and boat songs are part of everyday life
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15. Aymanam Village 🛶🌾
Description:
Famous from Arundhati Roy’s novel The God of Small Things, Aymanam is a tranquil village with winding canals and coconut groves. Perfect for canoe rides and photography.
History 🏛️:
Its literary significance brought it global attention, while preserving its rustic charm.
📍 Distance: 10 km | ⏱️ 20 min
☀️ Best Time to Visit: November to February
🚗 How to Reach: Auto or cycle from Kumarakom
🍛 Food Tip: Homemade fish fry and jackfruit curry at local homestays
🎭 Cultural Insight: Locals still practice age-old fishing and coir-weaving techniques
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FAQs about Kumarakom Travel with Kreative Routes ✈️
What are the best travel packages available for Kumarakom?
A: 7–10 days for covering major destinations.
How do I book a houseboat cruise through Kreative Routes?
You can book directly via our website or get customized packages with meals, sightseeing, and transfers by contacting our travel experts.
What local dishes should I try in Kumarakom?
Don’t miss Karimeen Pollichathu (pearl spot fish), duck roast, tapioca with fish curry, and coconut-based stews.
How can I travel within Kumarakom safely and affordably?
Use local autos, rented bicycles, or ask Kreative Routes to arrange private transport for seamless travel.
Are Kumarakom tours suitable for families and kids?
Absolutely! From bird sanctuaries to boat rides, Kumarakom offers safe and enriching experiences for all age groups.
What cultural events can I witness here?
Experience traditional boat races in August, Onam festivities in September, and temple performances year-round.
Is Kumarakom a budget-friendly destination?
Yes, you can choose from luxury resorts to budget homestays — and Kreative Routes offers packages for all budgets without compromising comfort.
Does Kreative Routes offer full backwater tour packages in Kumarakom?
Yes! From luxury houseboats to eco-stays and cultural tours, everything is customizable.
Can I combine Kumarakom with other Kerala destinations?
Absolutely — ask about our Kerala Combo Packages with Munnar, Alleppey, Kochi, and Thekkady!
What’s the average cost of a 2N/3D Kumarakom trip?
Starting from ₹9,999 (excluding flights), including hotel, local tours, and breakfast.
Is vegetarian food easily available?
Yes, many local restaurants and homestays serve delicious veg meals and Kerala-style sadhya.
Are houseboats safe for kids and senior citizens?
100% — they’re family-friendly and equipped with safety gear and crew.
Any must-pack items for Kumarakom?
Carry light cotton clothes, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and binoculars for birdwatching.
How do I contact Kreative Routes for booking?
Reach out via our website or call our dedicated Kerala travel line for personalized assistance