Nestled along the shores of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is one of Kerala’s top backwater spots. This village offers the best of Kerala backwater tourism journey. The state is famous for its tranquil vistas, rich bio diversity, and culture.
With its lush coconut groves, charming houseboats, and vibrant birdlife, it caters each tourist. In this blog, we’ll meanwhile explore some of the best things to do here. That further make your backwater experience joyful.
1: Stay in a Houseboat
A houseboat stay is often at the top of each one’s list. Kumarakom offers an array of houseboats. That starts Kerala Kumarakom tour packages from Madurai ancient kettuvallams that are made entirely of wood and coir. They further goes to modern, lavish boats with premium comforts.
These floating stays firstly provide a pleasant, immense way to experience the backwaters. Your boat glides along Vembanad Lake and its nearby canals. Meanwhile, you’ll witness life along the water. See the fishermen casting their nets, women washing clothes, and children playing by the banks.
Houseboats in Kumarakom mainly come with an onboard crew. That further include a chef. He makes tasty local meals, adding an ideal touch to your experience.
For a truly stunning experience, try staying overnight on a houseboat. There, you can firstly relax on the deck under a starlit sky. Meanwhile, enjoy the gentle lapping of water all around you.
2: Explore Vembanad Lake
Vembanad Lake is the longest lake in India and the lifeline of Kerala’s backwater system. It is Kumarakom’s main tourist spot during Kerala backwater tourism to explore. Known for its calm waters, the lake is perfect for boat rides, fishing, and sightseeing.
For a more close experience, firstly opt for a shikara (a small wooden canoe) ride. Unlike houseboats, shikaras can go through smaller canals. They further allow you to get up close with the local flora and fauna. That further include unique plant species and vibrant marine life.
Vembanad Lake is also home to many islands, each having a unique experience. Pathiramanal, a tiny island in the lake, is a must visit for nature lovers.
The island serves as a haven for foreign birds. That meanwhile adds an extra layer of charm to the lake.
3: Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
For bird lovers, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a heaven. Spread across 14 acres, the sanctuary is home to various species of local and foreign birds. Located on the eastern banks of Vembanad Lake, it is best seen during the early morning.
At that time, the birds are most active. With binoculars in hand, you’ll likely spot egrets, herons, waterfowls. If lucky, you may even the random Siberian crane during migratory season.
The sanctuary has well marked trails. You can either explore on foot or take a boat ride through the sanctuary’s waters. That offers an optional view.
Firstly, make sure to visit between November and February. During that, you can see the sanctuary at its peak. This is when foreign birds from across the globe arrive in large numbers.
4: Experience Ayurvedic Wellness and Spa Treatments
This state is famous for its ancient Ayurvedic treatments. Kumarakom offers some of the best wellness retreats in the state.
Various resorts and wellness centers around This village provide ancient wellness treatments. That further include massages, herbal treatments, and detox programs. They are planned to revive your body and mind, using local herbs and oils.
The experience mainly begins with a talk with an Ayurvedic expert. He will firstly advise treatments based on your dosha, or body type.
Whether you choose a soothing abhyanga massage or a detox panchakarma session. An Ayurvedic treatment can be the perfect way to unwind after a day of touring.
5: Witness Traditional Kerala Art Forms
Kumarakom’s local culture is steeped in customs. The village is a great place to witness state’s folk arts. Many resorts and cultural centers organize programs of Kathakali.
Its a ancient dance drama famous for its vibrant outfits and loud makeup. These programs meanwhile depict tales from Hindu epics. The actors use minute facial moves and hand gestures to convey emotions.
One more ancient art form you might see is Mohiniyattam. Its a graceful dance style known as the “dance of the enchantress”.
Firstly, Kathakali is bold and dramatic. Mohiniyattam is soft and rhythmic, showing state’s diverse art remains.
6: Enjoy Fresh Seafood and Local Cuisine
Kerala’s cuisine is firstly a highlight for many tourists. Kumarakom’s backwater setting means a range of fresh seafood. From spicy fish curries to prawn fry and crab roast, flavors are rich, aromatic, and joyful.
Above all, be sure to try Karimeen Pollichathu. Its a pearl spot fish marinated in spices and grilled in banana leaf. This is a local dish that represents the unique flavors of Kerala’s backwater region.
In addition to seafood, don’t miss out on Kerala’s local veg dishes. That further include appam (rice pancakes), puttu (steamed rice cakes), and avial (a veg based dish).
Many houseboats and resorts offer local famous meals served on banana leaves. That meanwhile allows you to enjoy the flavors of state in the most real way.
7: Visit the Bay Island Driftwood Museum
For a unique cultural experience, stop by the Bay Island Driftwood Museum. It lies at a short distance from Kumarakom. This museum contains an ideal number of statues and artifacts.
That are firstly made from driftwood taken from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Each piece of driftwood has been hand carved to resemble animals, birds, and mythical creatures. That meanwhile showcase the artist’s skill and creativity.
The Bay Island Driftwood Museum is a unique yet charming spot. That highlights the art of reusing natural things.
It further offers a refreshing option to ancient sightseeing. Tourists meanwhile find the creative exhibits both charming and stunning.
8: Take a Village Tour
A village tour in Kumarakom offers a closer look at rural life in Kerala. Many tour agents and local guides offer packages that allow tourists to see ancient homes.
They can firstly visit local farms and learn about the region’s farming methods. That meanwhile include rice farming and coir making (rope made from coconut fiber).
You can meanwhile witness toddy tapping. Its a unique local process of extracting sap from coconut trees. With that, Kerala’s ancient alcoholic beverage, toddy is made.
A village tour is an ideal option during Kerala backwater tourism trip. With that, you can connect with the local people. Above all, you can learn about the customs, culture, and daily lives of the people. Those who call Kumarakom their home.
9: Enjoy Sunset Views over the Backwaters
The sunsets in Kumarakom are truly stunning. During it, the sky takes on vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple. That can be seen as the sun dips below the horizon.
One of the best places to enjoy the sunset is from the deck of a houseboat. You may further see it from a lakeside resort. As the day winds down, the tranquil beauty of the backwaters seems even more charming.
Conclusion
Kumarakom is an ideal place to experience the unique charm of Kerala’s backwaters. Explore from houseboat stays and bird watching to Ayurvedic wellness treatments and local art forms. In short, there is no shortage of things on Kerala backwater tourism to do.
Whether you’re a nature lover, a culture lover, or someone seeking ease. Kumarakom has some thing special to offer for all. So, pack your bags and set off. Lets meanwhile explore the serene beauty and vibrant customs of Kumarakom’s backwaters.
