Kumarakom Backwaters

Kumarakom Backwaters is a scenic backwater destination located in the Kottayam district of Kerala. The Kumarakom Backwaters are a cluster of little islands surrounded by lagoons and canals with the blue backwaters reflecting the sky on the surface of Vembanad Lake. The backwaters offer a picturesque view of coconut groves, mangrove forests, and small fishing villages. The backwaters are known for their houseboats, traditional Kettuvalloms (rice barges), and canoes, which provide a unique experience to tourists.

Kumarakom Backwaters is formed by the very well-known Vembanad Lake for its backwater tourism. With truly thrilling boating, fishing, and sightseeing opportunities, Kumarakom is a charming picnic location and a rapidly growing backwater tourism destination in Kerala. Kumarakom is well-equipped with a variety of high-end and low-cost resorts that offer distinctive recreational opportunities like ayurvedic massages, yoga, meditation, swimming, fishing, and boating.

The rare pearl spotted fish, tiger prawns, crabs, and many others are among the abundant marine life in Kumarakom. When the monsoon winds bring rain to the Vembanad Lake shoreline, Kumarakom is transformed into fertile and abundant land. Waterscapes, the backwater resort of the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, offers independent cottages built on stilts amidst coconut groves, offering a panoramic view of the backwaters. Holiday packages involving houseboats and traditional Kettuvalloms offer great experiences.

National Geographic has selected Kumarakom as one of the most beautiful places in the world that one should visit at least once. Kerala is the only Indian state got listed in the list of 52 places to visit in 2023 by the New York Times and the report mentions the beautiful Kumarakom village and its scenic backwaters.

Although one can explore the beauty of Kumarakom anytime throughout the year, the ideal time to visit is from October to March. Kumarakom is located just 13 kilometers from Kottayam town and 36 kilometers away from Alappuzha, one can reach Kumarakom easily by road. The nearest railway station is at Kottayam which is 14 kilometers away and the closest airport is Cochin International Airport which is located 81 kilometers away from Kumarakom.