| The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live here in flocks are a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands. An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom offers visitors many other leisure options. |
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How to Get There
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Kottayam, about 16 km.Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 76 kms from Kottayam town. |
Quick Facts
Average temperature in Kumarakom in Celsius.
Feb-May: 24°c - 33°c
Jun-Sep: 22°c - 28°c
Oct-Jan: 22°c - 32°c
Area: 30 sq kms
Population: 7000
Language: Malayalam, English
Rainfall: 2700 mm
Climate: Tropical rainy |
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| Sight Seeing |
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The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, the bird sanctuary is spread across 14 acres. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, an ornithologist's paradise is a favourite haunt of migratory birds like the siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal. |
A visit to the bird sanctuary, set within the lush acres of wooded land nearby, acquaints you to the variety of migratory birds that flock in thousands, some from the Himalayas, some even from as far as Siberia. In addition, you can get thrilled of the native kingfishers ablaze in psychedelic colours, experience a walk under rookeries of egrets and night herons or lone golden-backed woodpeckers and even delight in the acrobatics of the paradise fly-catchers.
Attractions of Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
The main attractions are local birds like the waterfowl, cuckoo, owl, egret, heron and the water duck, as well as the migratory Siberian cranes. Parrots, teal, larks, flycatchers, wood beetle, and other birds are seen here during their respective migratory seasons.
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Viewing the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Houseboats and motorboats are available on hire for bird watching cruises on the lake.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to bird watch is between June and August. To watch Migratory birds, November to February is the best time. |
| 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. |
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| Places of Interest: Around 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 (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. |
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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. |
Erumely
This is an important pilgrim centre for the Hindus and Muslims. Sree Dharmasastha Temple here is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. Pilgrims going to Sabarimala alight here. |
Aranmula
50km from Kottayam, Aranmula is the site of the splendid Onam festival boat races, usually in early September. These races unlike the more sporting Nehru Trophy race at Alappuzha in August are essentially religious, based on a temple festival. Caparisoned elephants with beaded umbrellas, processions of decorated floats, and highly ornate boats make this a lovely event to witness. Aranmula is also the centre of bell metal mirror crafts. |
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Vagamon
Vagamon, 64 km from Kottayam and 34 km from Pala, situated at an elevation of 1100 meters above sea level is a trekker's paradise. It is an ideal tourist spot surrounded by the greenery of tea gardens, beautiful meadows and valleys. |
Other attractions: Thangal Para, Indo-Swiss project, Kurisumala Ashram.
Vaikom
40km from Kottayam, famous for the Shiva Temple. The festival in November-December, last for 12 days and the 'Panchavadyam' is an important musical performance.
Festivals
Boat race: Backwaters host many special events during August and September in and
near Kottayam.
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| Food and Culture |
Food
Rice and fish are the major food items of Kumarakom and of the inhabitants on the banks of Vembanad Lake generally. This apart it is usually 'Dosa' or 'Idly', made from rice paste, with coconut chutney for breakfast. |
Culture
The people are environmentally wary and that's why their dwellings and surroundings are very clean. 'Karimeen' a spotted fish is a special gift of the backwaters. Fishing is a livelihood for the backwater people. Paddy remains the major crop.
Bunds are constructed around the lake and water is pumped out to make it suitable for farming. The method adopted for farming is in the style adopted in Holland. Coconut, cocoa and banana are also cultivated. |
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Swaying coconut palms are a common sight throughout Kerala. They give a distinctively green touch to Kumarakom. Water of tender coconut of this place is the finest drink in the world and it is no doubt a valuable gift of nature to mankind.
Toddy which is tapped from coconut trees is a favourite drink among the rural men folk as well as visiting tourists. 'Kappa' (Tapioca) and fish curry served with toddy make a unique combination.
Spices
Varied agro-climatic condition in Kumarakom offers vast scope for production of a variety of herbs from Mint to Parsley to Oregano. |
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