Kumarakom Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary featuring a river or creek as well as an individual male
Kumarakom
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary showing animals
Kumarakom showing a lake or waterhole
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary which includes a river or creek

Situated on the banks of the largest lake in the state of Kerala, this island village is best known as a jumping off point for backwater cruises. 

Kumarakom is a collection of small islands on the eastern banks of Vembanad Lake. The backwater destination features lagoons, coves and a labyrinth of canals among a landscape of mangrove forests and coconut palms.

Explore the waterways on a houseboat cruise. Rent your vessel for a day or for several nights. Make sure you select a boat with a good on-board chef who can cook delicious local specialties for you.

There are various cruise routes through the waterways. A popular course takes you from Kumarakom to the town of Alleppey, known as the Venice of the East for its numerous canals. Along the way, you will pass several luxury lakeside resorts.

Fishing is not only important for the livelihood of the locals, but it’s also a popular pastime. Rent a small boat, called a vallam, and try your luck on the lake. You can fish with nets, a rod or a bow and arrow. Most of the fishing takes place at night and your catch could include clams, shrimps and karimeen.

Try and coincide your visit with one of boat races that feature many of the locals. The contests are accompanied by processions and musical performances. One of the biggest is the Sree Narayana Jayanthi Boat Race that takes place in August/September.

There are also a number of attractions away from the water. Walk among wildlife at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, which occupies 14 acres (6 hectares) on the banks of the lake. See waterfowl, parrots, larks and migratory birds from the Himalayas and Siberia. Stop by the Bay Island Driftwood Museum to see wood fashioned into animal shapes and unusual forms. Visit some of Kumarakom’s temples such as Sree Kumara Mangalam Temple and Puthiyakavu Devi Temple.

Reach Kumarakom by flying into Cochin International Airport and then drive or take a taxi to cover the 48 miles (77 kilometers) to the islands. A fun way to get in is to rent a houseboat at Alleppey and then travel across Vembanad Lake.

Kumarakom Lake Resort

Kumarakom Lake Resort

5 out of 5
Kumarakom North P O, Kottayam, Kottayam, Kerala
The price is AU$517 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
AU$517
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Kottayam. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Kumarakom Backwaters and Kumarakom ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (109 reviews)
"Absolutely phenomenal property. There is a lot to do from fishing and kayaking to pottery and cultural programs. The staff too was exceptional. I regret not getting staff members names as they were very thoughtful and helpful. Highly recommend spending a few days at this resort."

Reviewed on 22 May 2025

Kumarakom Lake Resort
Taj Kumarakom Resort & Spa, Kerala

Taj Kumarakom Resort & Spa, Kerala

4 out of 5
1/404 Kamarakom, Kottayam, Kottayam, Kerala
The price is AU$331 per night from 30 July to 31 July
AU$331
30 July - 31 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury resort in Kottayam. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and Kumarakom ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (144 reviews)
"Lovely property and friendly staff."

Reviewed on 22 Feb. 2025

Taj Kumarakom Resort & Spa, Kerala
The Zuri Kumarakom Kerala Resort & Spa

The Zuri Kumarakom Kerala Resort & Spa

5 out of 5
V-235 A1 to A54, Karottukayal, Kottayam, Kerala
The price is AU$212 per night from 19 Aug to 20 Aug
AU$212
19 Aug - 20 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Kottayam. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Kumarakom Boat Jetty and Kumarakom Backwaters ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (208 reviews)
Lovely relaxed stay
"Very nice, very helpful staff. Lovely property—especially the villas with private pools. Good gym, good restaurant. Only downside is that it’s pretty isolated with not a lot to do nearby. But if relaxation is what you want, you’ll get it."

Reviewed on 11 Apr. 2025

The Zuri Kumarakom Kerala Resort & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Amã Stays & Trails Lily Pad , Kumarakom

Amã Stays & Trails Lily Pad , Kumarakom

3 out of 5
THE LILY PAD Building NO: 20A, 20B, Ward 16, Pallichira Post Kumarakom, Kottayam, Kerala
Stay at this 3-star villa in Kottayam. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Kumarakom Boat Jetty and Kumarakom Backwaters are located ...
6/10 (1 review)
"Customer care is worse. No one can visit you when you stay there. They wont allow anyone to enter resort to meet you."

Reviewed on 20 Jun. 2025

Amã Stays & Trails Lily Pad , Kumarakom
Kumarakom Lake Resort Houseboats

Kumarakom Lake Resort Houseboats

3.5 out of 5
North Post Vayitharamattom, Kumarakom, KL
Stay at this 3.5-star houseboat in Kottayam. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free valet parking. Popular attractions Kumarakom Backwaters and Kumarakom ...
Kumarakom Lake Resort Houseboats
Coconut Creek Homestay

Coconut Creek Homestay

Kumarakom
Stay at this vacation home in Kottayam. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Kumarakom Boat Jetty and Kumarakom Backwaters are located nearby.
Coconut Creek Homestay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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