Kumarakom Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary featuring a river or creek as well as an individual male
Kumarakom
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary featuring animals
Kumarakom showing a lake or waterhole
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary showing a river or creek
Situated on the banks of the largest lake in the state of Kerala, this island village is best known as a jumping off point for backwater cruises. 

Kumarakom is a collection of small islands on the eastern banks of Vembanad Lake. The backwater destination features lagoons, coves and a labyrinth of canals among a landscape of mangrove forests and coconut palms.

Explore the waterways on a houseboat cruise. Rent your vessel for a day or for several nights. Make sure you select a boat with a good on-board chef who can cook delicious local specialties for you. 

There are various cruise routes through the waterways. A popular course takes you from Kumarakom to the town of Alleppey, known as the Venice of the East for its numerous canals. Along the way, you will pass several luxury lakeside resorts.

Fishing is not only important for the livelihood of the locals, but it’s also a popular pastime. Rent a small boat, called a vallam, and try your luck on the lake. You can fish with nets, a rod or a bow and arrow. Most of the fishing takes place at night and your catch could include clams, shrimps and karimeen.

Try and coincide your visit with one of boat races that feature many of the locals. The contests are accompanied by processions and musical performances. One of the biggest is the Sree Narayana Jayanthi Boat Race that takes place in August/September.

There are also a number of attractions away from the water. Walk among wildlife at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, which occupies 14 acres (6 hectares) on the banks of the lake. See waterfowl, parrots, larks and migratory birds from the Himalayas and Siberia. Stop by the Bay Island Driftwood Museum to see wood fashioned into animal shapes and unusual forms. Visit some of Kumarakom’s temples such as Sree Kumara Mangalam Temple and Puthiyakavu Devi Temple.

Reach Kumarakom by flying into Cochin International Airport and then drive or take a taxi to cover the 48 miles (77 kilometres) to the islands. A fun way to get in is to rent a houseboat at Alleppey and then travel across Vembanad Lake.

Taj Kumarakom Resort & Spa, Kerala
Taj Kumarakom Resort & Spa, Kerala
4 out of 5
1/404 Kamarakom, Kottayam, Kottayam, Kerala
The price is ₹12,880 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
₹12,880
₹15,400 total
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 Apr
Stay at this 4-star luxury resort in Kottayam. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and Kumarakom ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (143 reviews)
"Lovely property and friendly staff."

Reviewed on 22 Feb 2025

Taj Kumarakom Resort & Spa, Kerala
Kumarakom Lake Resort
Kumarakom Lake Resort
5 out of 5
Kumarakom North P O, Kottayam, Kottayam, Kerala
The price is ₹25,246 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
₹25,246
₹30,295 total
includes taxes & fees
27 Apr - 28 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Kottayam. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Kumarakom Backwaters and Kumarakom ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (107 reviews)
"The staff were very helpful and competent"

Reviewed on 28 Aug 2024

Kumarakom Lake Resort
Rhythm Kumarakom
Rhythm Kumarakom
5 out of 5
Kumarakom Village, Kottayam District, Kottayam, Kerala
The price is ₹8,357 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
₹8,357
₹9,969 total
includes taxes & fees
27 Apr - 28 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kottayam. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (121 reviews)
"A comfortable stay with really good food! The 2 bedroom suites are great when you’re traveling with family, as there is a large living area to get together. The only problem we encountered was with extremely loud music coming from an adjoining property. I guess there was very little our hotel could ..."

Reviewed on 28 Feb 2025

Rhythm Kumarakom
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Amã Stays & Trails Lily Pad , Kumarakom
Amã Stays & Trails Lily Pad , Kumarakom
3 out of 5
THE LILY PAD Building NO: 20A, 20B, Ward 16, Pallichira Post Kumarakom, Kottayam, Kerala
Stay at this 3-star villa in Kottayam. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Kumarakom Boat Jetty and Kumarakom Backwaters are located ...
Amã Stays & Trails Lily Pad , Kumarakom
Houseboat Cruise in the Backwaters of Kerala
Houseboat Cruise in the Backwaters of Kerala
2.5 out of 5
Kottayam, Kerala
Stay at this holiday home in Kottayam. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Kumarakom Boat Jetty and Kumarakom Backwaters are located nearby.
Houseboat Cruise in the Backwaters of Kerala
Sreekrishna Houseboats
Sreekrishna Houseboats
3 out of 5
Punnamada road, Ambalapuzha, Kerala
Stay at this 3-star spa houseboat in Ambalapuzha. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple ...
6/10 (7 reviews)
"We had a really poor experience… 1) The bathrooms and washing areas were smelling bad / extremely unclean… the taps were all fully dark and rusty 2) very salty water provided for all washing / bathing. 3) extremely un-friendly staff who were showing absolutely no interest in the welfare of the guests. ..."

Reviewed on 19 May 2024

Sreekrishna Houseboats
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Kumarakom

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
4
5 - Excellent 80%
4 - Good
0
4 - Good 0%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 20%

5/5 - Excellent

NT

The hotel definately was the best part of our trip.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A beautiful, serene place in Kerala with very friendly villagers and lush greenery everywhere. The backwaters are especially enchanting and the local food is great.

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveller

We need our 50% room tariff , just spoke with the property and do the necessary steps for refund

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

My only tip is make it a loooong holoday. The resort is so awesome u won't feel like leaving.

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