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Near Bhutia Market, Haren Mukherjee Road, Ward No. 12, Hakim Para, Siliguri – 734001
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Near Bhutia Market, Haren Mukherjee Road, Ward No. 12, Hakim Para, Siliguri – 734001
+91 70017 24300
Kumarakom is probably one of the best places in Kerala to sit back and enjoy backwater life at a more leisurely pace. Located on the shores of Vembanad Lake, the destination combines houseboat cruises, narrow canals, birdwatching locations, paddy fields and tiny village communities.
Region
Kerala
Kumarakom is a scenic Kerala backwater destination known for houseboat cruises, birdlife, village experiences, lush waterways, and traditional Kerala cuisine.
It is world famous for its water borne activities like country boat or canoe, shikara or houseboat ride. Kumarakom also has numerous bird species. Located within the village is the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary which is settled over 14 acres. The sanctuary is a home for many resident and migratory birds.
Plan your Kumarakom trip with EasoTrip to enjoy backwater cruises, birdwatching, village life, local food, and peaceful stays.
Visit Kumarakom for slow backwater cruises, lakeside views, migratory birds, village experiences, and fresh Kerala flavours around Vembanad Lake.
If you want a holiday in Kerala that offers waters, nature and the local way of life all in one, then you should surely consider Kumarakom.
Vembanad Lake
Relax on the biggest lake in Kerala and experience the network of rivers it comprises by houseboat, canoe or motorboat.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary to watch herons egrets, darters, cormorants, and migrant birds
Let EasoTrip plan your Kumarakom stay, houseboat experience, sightseeing, food stops, and local activities in one easy Kerala itinerary.
October to March is a comfortable period for exploring Kumarakom’s backwaters and outdoor attractions. For migratory birds, November to February is a particularly good window.
Kumarakom can be visited throughout the year, but the best season depends on the activities you want to do.
Plan your Kumarakom itinerary around the season, whether you want backwater cruises, birdwatching, or relaxed village sightseeing.
| Months | Weather | Category | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| October to February | Pleasant & cooler evenings | Peak Season | For houseboat cruises, sightseeing, village walks, outdoor activities and birdwatching |
| March to May | Hot and humid days | Off-Season | For budget stays, relaxed resort holidays and shorter morning or evening outings |
| June to September | Warm and humid days | Moderate Season | For lush green scenery & peaceful stays |
If you are looking for the best places to visit in Kumarakom, add these to your itinerary:
Attractions
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Take a walk through the thick wooded Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary near Vembanad Lake and the surrounding backwaters and spot the migratory and endemic bird species.
Pathiramanal Island
Experience the island by boat and discover its birdlife, flora and natural environment.
Kumarakom Village
Discover coconut groves, navigable canals, paddy fields, farms and traditional activities while taking a tour of the village.
Kavanar River
Take a boat trip along the river Kavanar and experience the banks for birds.
Reach Kumarakom by road from Kottayam or Kochi. Kottayam is the closest railway point, while Cochin International Airport is the nearest major airport.
Kumarakom is well-connected to major transportation hubs by both railway and road. The closest airport is Cochin International Airport and the nearest railway station is Kottayam Railway Station. Buses and taxis can be taken from Kottayam and Kochi.
Skip the transport hassle with EasoTrip’s planned transfers and local travel options for your Kumarakom stay.
By Air
The nearest major airport is Cochin International Airport (COK). From the airport, you can continue to Kumarakom by private car or taxi. Airport-to-Kumarakom distances vary depending on the exact route and resort location, so check the location of your accommodation before booking transfers. Kerala Tourism lists Cochin International Airport as the nearest airport.
By Rail
Kottayam Railway Station is the most convenient major railway station for Kumarakom. From Kottayam, continue by taxi, bus or private vehicle to your resort. Kerala Tourism places Kottayam railway station roughly 13–15 km from Kumarakom.
By Road
You can reach Kumarakom by road from Kochi, Kottayam, Alappuzha and other Kerala destinations. A private car is useful if you plan to combine Kumarakom with places such as Kottayam, Alleppey or Vaikom.
By Water
You can experience Kumarakom through the backwaters by taking boat services from nearby points such as Muhamma or Alappuzha, depending on the route and current service availability.
Take a houseboat ride on Vembanad Lake, go birdwatching, explore village canals, try local fishing activities, see coir and palm-frond weaving, and enjoy a traditional Kerala meal.
From serene houseboat cruises and canoeing through narrow waterways to birdwatching at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, village walks, fishing, and feasting on freshly caught Kerala delicacies, Kumarakom offers a little bit of everything.
Choose EasoTrip for a Kumarakom itinerary that includes more than a houseboat ride, from village experiences and local crafts to food and birdwatching.
Enjoy a Canoe or Shikara Ride
Head into the smaller creeks passing by farms, fishing activities or Village life!
Stay overnight on a houseboat
Experience the most Kerala backwater experience on a houseboat and spend an overnight on Vembanad Lake.
Go for a Sunset Boat Ride
Finish off your day on the water watching the sunlight change over the lake and the coconut palms along the shore.
Include Kumara Mangalam Temple during your Kumarakom visit, then extend your route towards Kottayam for more traditional Kerala temple architecture and local culture.
Kumarakom have several temples, churches and other religious sites that can be added to your itinerary:
Sree Kumaramangalam Temple
Visit this temple dedicated to Lord Subrahmanya and associated with Sree Narayana Guru.
Muthante Nada Mahadeva Temple
Add this local Shiva temple if you want to explore the religious side of Kumarakom.
Add temple visits around Kumarakom to your itinerary if you want to include Kerala’s religious and cultural side.
Try Karimeen, Prawns, Duck Curry, Freshwater Fish, Appam, Kalapam and coconut based Kerala curries. Kumarakom is especially known for fish and duck dishes.
Food is an important part of the Kumarakom experience, especially if you enjoy Kerala’s traditional home-style cooking.
Karimeen Pollichathu
Pearl spot fish marinated with spices and cooked in a banana leaf.
Kappa & Fish Curry
Tapioca paired with spicy Kerala fish curry.
Add local food stops to your Kumarakom itinerary so you can try regional seafood, duck dishes, traditional meals, and local specialities.
Shop for coir items, woven palm crafts, Kerala spices, handmade souvenirs, and small local products that reflect Kumarakom’s village craft traditions.
Kumarakom is not a major shopping city, but you can still pick up useful Kerala-made products during your trip:
Coir Products
Buy mats, baskets and other items made from coconut fibre
Bamboo & Coconut Crafts
Look for locally made baskets, decorative pieces and household items.
Want something beyond regular tourist souvenirs? Explore Kumarakom’s local craft and spice shopping with EasoTrip.
Shop locally in Kumarakom for small craft and daily-use stores, then head to Kottayam for a wider selection of spices, textiles, jewellery, and traditional goods.
Kumarakom will not disappoint you with big shopping streets that you would see in Kochi or Kottayam. For your daily shopping and finding local produce, here are some places:
EasoTrip can add Kumarakom and Kottayam shopping stops to your route based on what you want to buy.
Carry light cotton clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses and mosquito repellent.
Start birdwatching early, especially if the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a priority.
Choose a smaller canoe or shikara if you want to explore narrow village canals.
Choose EasoTrip for a Kumarakom trip that connects stays, backwater cruises, sightseeing, local food, transfers, and nearby Kerala destinations in one practical itinerary.
When you plan your Kumarakom holiday with EasoTrip, you can build your trip around the type of backwater experience you actually want.
Customized Kumarakom Tour Packages
Plan a trip around houseboats, birdwatching, village life, food or a combination of all four.
Comfortable Stay & Transport
Choose from suitable lakeside stays and arrange convenient private transport for your itinerary
EasoTrip helps you experience Kumarakom beyond a quick backwater stop, with stays, local experiences, sightseeing, food, and transport planned around your trip.
Is Kumarakom worth visiting?
Yes. Kumarakom is a good choice if you want backwaters, birdwatching, village experiences, houseboat stays and traditional Kerala food in one destination. It is also one of Kerala’s established Responsible Tourism destinations.
What is the main attraction of Kumarakom?
The main attractions include Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Pathiramanal Island and the surrounding backwater villages.
How many days are enough for Kumarakom?
2 to 3 days are enough for a relaxed Kumarakom trip. You can spend one day on the backwaters, another exploring the bird sanctuary and village areas, and use an additional day for Pathiramanal or nearby Kottayam attractions.
What are the best things to do in Kumarakom?
Take a houseboat or canoe ride, visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, explore Pathiramanal Island, try local Kerala food, join a village-life experience and spend time around Vembanad Lake.
When is the best time to visit Kumarakom?
October to February is generally comfortable for sightseeing and backwater trips. November to February is particularly useful for seeing migratory birds, while Kerala Tourism also identifies June to August as a good birdwatching period.
Can I visit Kumarakom without staying on a houseboat?
Yes. You can stay at a lakeside resort or homestay and explore the backwaters through canoe, shikara, motorboat or day-cruise options.
What food is Kumarakom famous for?
Try karimeen preparations, kappa and fish curry, appam with stew, beef fry, beef puttu, prawns and traditional Kerala Sadya. Local Responsible Tourism food units also offer home-style Kerala dishes.
Is Kumarakom good for families?
Yes. Families can enjoy boat rides, birdwatching, village activities and relaxed lakeside stays. Choose shorter boat trips if you are travelling with young children.
What can I do in Kumarakom beyond houseboat rides?
Explore the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, visit Pathiramanal Island, take a village tour, see traditional fishing and coir-making activities, explore Aymanam or Maanchira, and try a local food experience.
How do I reach Kumarakom from Kochi?
You can travel from Kochi to Kumarakom by private car, taxi or bus. If you are flying into Cochin International Airport, you can arrange a direct road transfer to your Kumarakom accommodation.
Kumarakom | Kerala