Kumarakom Travel Guide

The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and this small water world is part of the Kuttanad region. The land of lakes, canals and paddy fields, Kumarakom transports you to sheer ecstasy.

The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres is a favorite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live There in flocks are a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands.

An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom offers visitors many other leisure options. Boating and fishing facilities are available at Kumarakom. Holiday packages on the houseboats, traditional Kettuvalloms, are an out-of-this-world experience at Kumarakom.

An unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with while lillies - this is Kumarakom.

The Kerala Backwaters are a chain of brackish lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Arabian Sea coast (known as the Malabar Coast) of Kerala state in southern India. Local people call it Kayals The backwaters of Kerala- twisty inland lakes networked by canals - extend to over 1900km.. Vembanad lake is the largest of the lakes, covering an area of 200 sq km, and bordered by Alappuzha (Alleppey), Kottayam, and Ernakulam districts. Just 12 km from Kottayam, this exclusive backwater destination sited on the banks of the Vembanad lake is considered the gateway to the backwaters of Kuttanad. The port of Kochi (Cochin) is located at the lake's outlet to the Arabian Sea. Alleppey, populariy known as " Venice of the East" has a network of canals that meander through the town. Boating across these soothing stretches is an experience exclusive to Kerala.

Large Kettuvalloms (traditional country crafts over 60ft. in length) have been renewed into luxury houseboats for these cruises The Vallam Kali (the Snake Boat Race) held every year in August is a major attraction. 12km from Kottayam, this unique backwater destination situated on the banks of the Vembanad lake is considered the gateway to the backwaters of Kuttanad.

The yearly Snake boat races are a exhilarating fiesta held in Alappuzha, Kerala, India, just before the festival of Onam in August or September every year. These annual races characterize many classes of boats, but the most magnificent event is the race involving the colossal Snake Boats or Chundanvallams at the annual races or Vallamkalis held on the Punnamada Backwaters at Alappuzha. The Snake Boats or Chundanvallams, can seat up to 100 people. The rowers pull with all their strength, sitting two in row along the length of the Snake Boat. The boats drift low in the water and have an elongated curvature. The prow is pointed in shape or may have an ornamental knob at the end. The prow rides low in the water with the length of the Snake Boat expanding behind it.

Apart from rowers, the Snake boat carries a cox, and leaders who retain the tempo of rowing through hymns, songs and exclamations. The excitement of the Snake Boat Races has to be experienced to be appreciated. The snake boat races at Alappuzha have become a popular attraction for international travelers. The pleasure of the Snake Boat contests has to be experienced to be cherished. The snake boat races at Alappuzha have become a trendy fascination for worldwide vacationers. You can see the amazing Snake Boats of Kerala on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater. You can see the amazing Snake Boats of Kerala on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.

A calendar of the snake boat races of Kerala from July to September

Champakulam Moolam Boat Race

Aranmula Uthrattadi Vallamkali Payippad Jalotsavam

Nehru Trophy Boat Race (Squads of rowers compete for the Nehru Trophy)

Available for backwater cruises in the lake.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Summer : February - May (24 - 33 Dg. C)

HOW TO GET THERE?
Air	Cochin International Airport, about 78 kms from Kottayam town From the Trivandrum International Airport it is a 177 Km
Rail	Nearest railway station: Kottayam, about 17 km
Road	The nearest bus terminal, is at Kottayam, 15 Km away by road

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