Kumarakom - Kerala, get the famous houseboat experience in Kerala

Kumarakom

Think of houseboats. Think of Kumarakom. This sleepy little town on the Vembanad Lake, part of the legendary backwaters of Kerala, is one of the best places to get the famous houseboat experience in Kerala

Kumarakom was once part of the kingdom of Thekkumkur and is famous for its Chundan Vallam and Kettu Vallam boats that moved at lightning speed to defend the kingdom. This ancient tradition lives on in the thatched houseboats that dot the backwaters of Kumarakom.

Kumarakom Boat Race

The Kumarakom Boat Race also called the Sree Narayana Jayanthi Boat Race, takes place on the Vembanad Lake, one of the most important places in the backwaters of Kerala. The race is always held in September amidst the Onam festival. More than 20 boats of different sizes and shapes participate in this event.

Though snake boats also participate in this race, the importance here lies with Iruttukuthi, where about 50 rowers compete. The successful Iruttukuthi win the Sree Narayana Ever Rolling Trophy.

Backwater cruises

Kumarakom is the most charming backwater destination in Kerala. It is located on the banks of Vembanad Lake in the Kuttanad locality in the Kottayam region. Vembanad Lake is one of the largest new water lakes in India. Kumarakom, also called Queen of Vembanad, is the most famous backwaters destination in Kerala for conventional houseboat cruises and one of the most popular places for Kerala holidaymakers.

Bay Island Driftwood Museum

The Bay Island Driftwood Museum houses an amazing collection of driftwood sculptures in Kumarakom. The museum was founded by owner and curator Raji Punnoose, who was awarded by the Limca Book of Records in 2001.

The artifacts have been created through a very rare and innovative art form practised in Kumarakom village in Kottayam. Innovative and unique root sculptures can be found here. This is an amazing initiative that is innovative and original in its approach. It uses materials that are normally considered waste to create beautiful art.

Bird watching in Kumarakom

Bird watching or birding is a typical form of observing birds in the wild. This activity is also one of recreational activity as one has to observe nature with the naked eye or with the help of tools like binoculars.

The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is the best place in Kerala for bird-watching. This sanctuary is located in the Kottayam district of Kerala. The sanctuary covers an area of 14 hectares on the south bank of the river Kavanaugh.

Vembanad Lake

This is one of the most beautiful places in Kumarakom that you must not miss. The Vembanad Lake is the longest lake in Kerala and is also one of the largest in India. Some watercourses channel their water into the lake in some places. Since it is a long lake, it stretches over many places in Kerala and has different names in each area like Punnamada Lake in Kuttanad or Kochi Lake in Kochi.

Kumarakom Beach

The phenomenal and serene Kumarakom beach is situated in the locality of Kottayam in the stunning province of Kerala. The enchanting excellence of the coastline with its immaculate sand and smooth waters is what attracts guests from all over the country to this place. It is also a place where loved ones can indulge in various adrenaline-pumping games as many activities like parasailing, volleyball, water polo, and water skiing are offered here. The ideal mix of tranquillity and fun makes this place a must-visit for those in the area.