Kumarakom is a tourist destination in Kottayam district, Kerala, India. It is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake in Kerala. Kumarakom is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a noted bird sanctuary where many species of migratory birds visit. Vembanad Lake, the largest backwater in Kerala, is habitat for many marine and freshwater fish species and it teems with 'Karimeen' (Pearl Spotted Fish), shrimp (chemmeen in the local language) and prawns. The bird sanctuary extends over 14 acres (57,000 m²), and came into existence following preservation efforts from the government. It is a major tourist attraction.
The Bird Sanctuary can be visited by canoes, which can be arranged with local fishermen at the entrance to the sanctuary. A two-hour rowing canoe trip is quite cheap and is best undertaken in the evening or early morning to avoid the afternoon sun. Houseboats or speed boats can cover longer distances but cost more to hire.
How to Reach
By Air: via Cochin International Airport and the Trivandrum International Airport
By Rail: via Kottayam * By boat: From Muhamma (near Alappuzha) to Kumarakom Jetty.
By Road: (16 kilometres) Buses and taxis are easily available at all times of the day from Kottayam.
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