Kumarakom Backwaters

Kumarakom district is essentially a group of small islands on the Vembanad Lake. The region offers magnificent scenery and a wide range of active pursuits. Travelers flock to this region of still-water lakes and backwaters, where the fishing is abundant, hiking trails abound, and virgin landscapes have created nature enthusiasts' paradise.

The backwaters flow through miles of majestic scenery that is quintessentially rural Kerala. Mangrove forests nesting birds of a hundred varieties, vast paddy fields, and coconut groves characterize the region. While the shores teem with attractions, the backwaters offer some interesting sights as well. The fishermen casting their nets, women and children knee-deep in water to search for fish with their bare feet, large groups of ducks waddling down to the water from thatched huts on the bank, and the cattle grazing in lush fields - all offer an insight into rural Indian life.

Boat rides and houseboat cruises can be hired at nominal rates. These boats are either navigated by local oarsmen or powered by a 40 HP engine. Boat trains, formed by linking two or more houseboats, are a suitable mode of sightseeing for a large group.

Cruising down the backwaters, visitors will discover that the region's natural marvels share the spotlight with the marine life, migratory birds and aqua sports. The main sporting attraction of Kumarakom Backwaters is the superior fishing. The region's angling prospects lure thousands of tourists each year. Vembanad Lake is home to several types of marine life, particularly the 'Karimeen' [Pearl Spotted Fish], the 'Chemeen' [Prawns] and the 'Konju' [Tiger Prawns].

Kumarakom is home to migratory birds like Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal in addition to local species like waterfowl, cuckoo, owl, egret, heron and water ducks. The secure nesting spots provided by thick trees and a close source of food and water attract birds in flocks. The authorities have protected the birds and their habitat by constructing a 14-acre bird sanctuary on the banks of the Vembanad Lake. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a must-stop for ornithologists. Visitors can book bird watching cruises aboard a houseboat or motorboat. If you love bird watching then the best months to visit are between June and August. Migratory birds can be seen from November to February.

Kumarakom is accessible by air [Cochin International Airport and the Trivandrum International Airport], by rail [via Kottayam], by boat [from Muhamma to Kumarakom Jetty], and by road.

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