Kumarakom is
an breathtakingly beautiful paradise stocked with divine mangroves
and coconut groves, lush green paddy fields, gushing waters snaking
through the dense forests and the magnificent delicate fluttering
blossoms. The place is located on the Vembanad Lake. This illustrious
land is recognized for its traditional country crafts. There are
exquisite boats and canoes that take you on a cruise round the
lake. Fantastic resorts are available nearby that offer leisurely
accommodation with an ever increasing line of facilities provided
like Ayurvedic massage, yoga, meditation, boating, fishing, angling
and swimming.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
This fabulous bird sanctuary is on the banks of the Vembanad lake
house. An ornithologist's delight, this place is the favourite
haunt of the migratory birds like the Siberian stork, egret, darter,
heron and teal. Among the other species are the woodpecker, skylark,
crane, water hen and parrots. To get the right feel of the place,
once should cruise along the lake. Take a look at Pathiramanal
too, which is a delightful island on the lake and can be accessed
by boat from here.
Climate
Kumarakom enjoys a well-balanced tropical climate. The lowest
and highest temperatures recorded are 16.10 C and 37.80 C. There
is always a cool, fresh breeze, which makes even the warmest weather
readily agreeable. The South West monsoon is from early June to
early August. However, slight drizzles persist till early November.
Average rainfall is 1100 mm per year. The peak tourist season
is from November to March.
Backwater
in Kumarakom
Kumarakom slumbers on the banks of the famous Vembanad Lake. The
Vembanad Lake with its majestic canals, streams and distributaries
along its banks weave an intricate and enchantingly beautiful
web. The gorgeous green of the fringed palms ripple in the blue
waters and blend into wavelets.
The
entire state of Kerala is blessed with plenty of rivers and the
resources of many are still untapped. The waterways of Kerala
play a main role in the economy of the state, links remote villages
and islands with the main land. The water ways provide a cheap
and economical mode of transport. It is incredibly different experience
to cruise in the backwaters in country boats, absorbing the beauty
of Kerala villages. The scenery flashes up vivid contrasts of
breath-taking greens and deep blues. Boat rides, houseboat cruises
and holiday packages are available for tourist and others at nominal
rates.
The
serene lake comes alive during Onam with a spectacular water regatta-the
snake boat races. It is indeed amazing to watch oarsmen, at least
a hundred in one boat, slice their way through the waters to the
rhythm of their own full throated singing.
Tourist
Attractions near Kumarakom
Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls
Pay a visit to the picturesque Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls Located
18km from Kottayam town, 2 km down a mud lane from Kumarakom is
this beautiful picnic spot where streams tinkle as they make their
way through the landscape and waters roar as they cascade down
the mountains from a height of 100 ft.
Pathiramanal
Pathiramanal (sands of midnight), an enchanting island on the
lake, can be accessed by boat from here. This 10 acre island on
the backwaters is home to many rare varieties of migratory birds
from different parts of the world. According to mythology a young
Brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions
and the water madeway for the land to rise from below. The island
can be accessed only by boat. A cruise along the Vembanad Lake
is the best way to experience the sanctuary.
Kottayam
Kottayam is an ancient town famous for its churches, especially
the 700 years-old churches, the Cheria palli ('small church')
with exceptionally lovely paintings over the altar and the Valia
palli('Big Church') perched on a picturesque hillock over a small
cluster of houses. In the St.Mary's Church Kuravilangad built
in 355 AD there is an old bell which bears a hitherto undeciphered
inscription. The mortal remains of the blessed Alphonsa and the
Blessed Father Chavara are entombed at the St.Mary's Church at
Bharananganam and the St.Joseph's Monastery Church at Mannanam
respectively. Thousands gather at these holy shrines during festive
occasions. Pala town and Kanjirappally, nourished by the Meenachil
and Manimala rivers respectively are centers of rubber plantations.
The Ettumanoor Shiva Temple 12 km north of town, has exceptionally
beautiful wall paintings and sculptures inside the temple. In
the heart of Kottayam town is the much venerated Thirunakkara
Mahadeva temple.
