Kumarakom is a village surrounded by the Vembanad Lake in the Kottayam district in Kerala. The place lush with greenery is popular around the world for its backwater tourism. Shikkara cruise is an economic option to explore the backwaters, enjoy the cool breeze and discover the beauty of the place lined with coconut palms, lush green paddy fields and mangroves.
Rankings & Ratings #1 in 4 Things to Do in Kumarakom
#1 in 3 Boatings in Kumarakom
Kumarakom is a place where you experience Kerala's pristine backwaters. The backwaters, in fact, serve as the backbone of Kerala’s social life. Shikkara Cruise is the most economic way to experience it and it wouldn't take too much of your time. Since the Shikkara boats are smaller, they can take you through narrow waterways that cannot be reached on bigger boats.
Kumarakom is a village in the Kottayam district of Kerala famous for its backwaters. It is located almost 16 kms from Kottayam, by road. You can also approach the place from Muhamma in Alappuzha, another district in Kerala via boat.
You can revel in the beauty of the exotic Vembanad Lake from this place. The water from the lake traverses through the mainland creating many canals and narrow inland waterways. The backwater is rich in fauna and flora complete with the mangroves and different types of marine life especially the tiger prawns and pearl spotted fish (which is the state fish). So obviously the place is also famous for its fish cuisines. Enjoying monsoon at Kumarakom, when the rains bring in plenty of water to the lake and backwaters and make them break their banks, is also equally popular and a memorable experience for the monsoon fans.
While at Kumarakom, exploring the backwaters is a must do activity. We recommend Shikkara cruises provided it is not monsoon. Shikkara boat is a traditional open boat fitted with bamboo seats and a roof; mind you there are no toilets. Shikkara cruises allow you to traverse through the narrow inland water ways, which houseboats will not be able to take you through. It allows you to familiarise with village life more closely. You start off in the lake and then navigate through the narrow inner ways to nearby villages. Relish the sight of lush green paddy fields and view the banks lined with coconut palms. You can also watch and experience the different walks of a village life. For example, you can see how coconut leaf mats are weaved and how toddy, a local intoxication drink is extreacted from coconut.
