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Nearby Kottayam is one of the main centres of the Syrian Catholic church and has been, for a long time, the commercial focus for trade in rubber, tea and
spices. The traditional tharawad style of housing has been adapted to a resort run by a group from Kochi, on the edge of the water. Transportation is arranged on both manually-operated and motorised boats. There is a profusion of coconut all around.
A gentle trip on a traditional rice boat is a must along the numerous inter-connected canals. En route, one may stop and come ashore to see village residents working on coir, fish-processing or exchanging views over a cup of coffee at the little shops that dot the canals. Here lies the best opportunity to mingle with the village folk of Kerala where some of the original mangrove swamps are still intact. One may set the pace to suit the time available or the need to stop when the sun is strong.
Ideally, one may come ashore from the boat and walk around the village waterside where the local residents will happily interrupt work to explain the intricacies of their daily round.
The more enterprising may even glide up a coconut tree and dislodge fresh fruit for on-the-spot sampling Above all, the languid pace in the backwaters, coupled with lush greenery all around, sets the perfect mood for a destressed return to nature.
Getting There
By Air
Nearest airport at Kochi at a distance of 106 km from Kumarakom (76 km from Kottayam). Prepaid taxis are available to transfer you to Kumarakom.
By Rail
Nearest railhead at Kottayam which is 15 km away. Taxis are available from Kottayam for Kumarakom.
By Road
Kumarakom is 15 km away from Kottayam which also has the nearest KSRTC Bus Stand. Buses from here run to Kochi, Trivandrum, Allepey, Thekkady, Thodupuzha, Kollam, Kozhikode and Bangalore.
Tourist Spots in Kumarakom
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Kumarakom is home to a wide variety of tropical flora and fauna. An important point of interest is the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, where a significant number of bird species are known to make migratory visits. The park area covers around 15 acres and functions under the aegis of the government of Kerala, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a delight for the lovers of birds. It occupies the area on the banks of the Vembanad lake and offers its visitors a glimpse into the Kerala's natural beauty.
The Sanctuary is actually a paradise for those who wish to escape away from the maddening rush of the city life and be with nature as well as themselves for a while.
Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls
Pay a visit to the picturesque Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls Located 18km from Kottayam town, 2 km down a mud lane from Kumarakom is this beautiful picnic spot where streams tinkle as they make their way through the landscape and waters roar as they cascade down the mountains from a height of 100 ft.
Pathiramanal (sands of midnight), an enchanting island on the lake, can be accessed by boat from here. This 10 acre island on the backwaters is home to many rare varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world.
According to mythology a young Brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water madeway for the land to rise from below. The island can be accessed only by boat. A cruise along the Vembanad Lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary.
Kottayam
Kottayam is an ancient town famous for its churches, especially the 700 years-old churches, the Cheria palli ('small church') with exceptionally lovely paintings over the altar and the Valia palli('Big Church') perched on a picturesque hillock over a small cluster of houses. In the St.Mary's Church Kuravilangad built in 355 AD there is an old bell which bears a hitherto undeciphered inscription.
The mortal remains of the blessed Alphonsa and the Blessed Father Chavara are entombed at the St.Mary's Church at Bharananganam and the St.Joseph's Monastery Church at Mannanam respectively.
Erumely
This is an important pilgrim centre for the Hindus and Muslims. Sree Dharmasastha Temple here is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. Pilgrims going to Sabarimala alight here.
Things to Do
Enjoy Houseboat and motorboat Cruise
This is perhaps the most popular way to sight the bird population of the park. On board the houseboats and motorboats, it becomes possible to sight a number of birds without actually disturbing them. What makes these cruises all the more special is the kind of tranquility felt while sailing through the serene waters of the Vembanad Lake. The Island of Pathiramanal ( meaning Sands of night) which attracts a large number of migratory birds is also easily accessible from the boats.
The story of the island goes that when a Brahmin entered into the water to perform his evening ablution, it made way and gave rise to land from below.
Enjoy Walking Tours
Another option to spot the bird species of the park is to set out on foot on the one and half km long walking track. Chances are that a large number of Herons, Darters, Storks, Teals etc will come across and provide an easy glimpse for the tourists. Cameras are allowed as such capturing birds in them is hugely popular. |
