Kumarakom Backwaters

Backwaters, Kumarakom Overview

The Backwaters of Kumarakom, formed by the beautiful Vembanad Lake, is located about 17 kilometres from Kottayam in God's Own Country, the South Indian state of Kerala. Vembanad Lake is the largest freshwater lake in the state and is known worldwide for its famous backwater tourism. The Backwaters of Kumarakom offer a picturesque location that proves to be a perfect backwater destination for travellers who are persistently searching for one.

The Vembanad Lake of Kumarakom is the starting point for backwater cruises in Kerala, along with Allepey. Formerly known as the Baker Estate and now developed as a Rubber Estate, Kumarakom is home to a diversity of flora and fauna. The lush green surroundings with tall grass, shrubs and countless coconut trees that line the horizon of the pristine lake are a treat to the eyes.

1. Vembanad Lake

Vembanad Lake is a lagoon located in the district of Alleppey in the South-Indian state of Kerala. This expansive lake/ lagoon is longest lake in the country and the largest Lake in Kerala, accessible (Read More) from Kottayam, Kuttanad and Kochi. Vembanad Lake is known by different names in different regions of Kerala. It is called the Kochi Lake in Kochi, the Punnamada Lake in Kuttanad and as Vembanad in Kottayam. Locals also call it Vembanad Kol or Vembanad Kayal.

A houseboat stay is a must for tourists visiting the backwaters of Kumarakom. There is a range of fine houseboats that one can choose from depending on their requirement. These tours come in vari (Read More)ous packages ranging from INR 3500 to INR 21,000 per person per night. Food services are available in the packages along with other services like massages, market trips and fishing.

3. Day Boat Tours

Day trips are a favourite for those who are on a time crunch or for those who do not want to spend the night on a houseboat. The trips are arranged from Kumarakom to Alleppey and back to Kumarakom in (Read More)one day. The boats sail by the beautiful paddy fields and halt at Alleppey where tourists can explore a little bit of the village. These tours include meals and snacks and a memorable experience.

4. Night Boat Tours

These tours begin around midday. Freshly prepared meals and snacks arranged for along with drinking water and beverages (if requested). The tour includes a pit stop at the backwater market to purchase (Read More) fresh produce for the meals. Tourists get to watch the evening activities of the locals as they watch the sun go down. Post dinner the lights are dimmed and the boat sails serenely across the lake till early morning.

5. Boat Race

If you happen to visit the backwaters of Kumarakom during the festival of Onam, be sure to watch the breathtaking Boat Race. The Snake Boat races are fun to watch but the Iruttu Kuthi which requi (Read More)red 50 oarsmen rowing in total synchronization shouldn't be missed at all.

Types of Backwater Boats

These are manly Kettuvellam Houseboats and Punting houseboats with 1/ 2/ 3/ 4 bedrooms to suit the tourist requirements. They are made of jackfruit logs and coconut fibre and you are bound to these boats cruising through the backwaters pretty much all the time. Some boats even have air-conditioning and massive sun-decks that can be used for family and corporate events. Most of these houseboats are operated using an engine. However, there are some that have a boatsman to sail using oars. The houseboats are categorized as Gold Star, Silver Star and Green Palm on the facilities they provide.

Best Time To Visit Backwaters

The best to visit the backwaters of Kumarakom is between September and March as the weather is pleasant to explore the location.

Tips For Visiting Backwaters

1. Bus services are not available to reach the backwaters. However, taxis are. One can find taxis almost at every junction in Kumarakom.
2. Wear light clothing, hats and sunscreen at all times while exploring the location.
3. Drink a lot of water. Drinking coconut water is an excellent way to stay hydrated.
4. There are several Ayurvedic Treatment Centres for Ayurvedic Massages that one can avail.
5. Visitors must negotiate the boat ride rents well in advance.
6. The peak season in Kumarakom is December. The prices are hiked at least three times during this month. The ones travelling on a budget may want to reschedule their travel plans to fit the budget.

How To Reach Backwaters

If you are travelling by train you can reach at Kottayam Railway Station. You can also take the boat from Muhamma (near Alappuzha) to Kumarakom Jetty. By road, KSRTC (Local Govt. Bus Station) (16 kilometres) Buses and taxis are easily available at all times of the day from Kottayam.