The southern part of the country of India is known to be one of the mostenriched places of the country in respect to culture, tradition and beauty. Among the states that make up the southern part of the country Kerala is one of the best known state that has an abundance of natural beauty, culture, tradition and architecture.
The state is mostly known for its enchanting emerald coloured backwaters and among the places that this enchanted backwater flows through Kumarakom can be said to be one of the best.
Located at a distance of about 16 kilometers from the city of Kottayam this place is a destination that has to be visited when in the state of Kerala. The beautiful setting of the place against the Vembanad Lake and the emerald backwaters wind through it makes it a great backwater destination.
The tourism of the place is not only limited to the backwaters but the flora, fauna, villages and the famed boat races make up the tourist attractions in Kumarakom.
When in this place the beauty exhibited by it will entice your minds, appeal to your heart and touch your soul to a great extent. This place is a haven for flora and fauna of different species. The bird sanctuary of Kumarakom is one of the best places to see and a tour of this sanctuary aboard a long canoe is amazing.
A large number of migratory birds flock the place and you can spot them roosted on tree tops as you sail along the Kavanar River on whose banks the sanctuary has been established. The various species of birds that one might see here would be egret, waterfowl, cuckoo, Brahminy kite, Siberian crane, parrot, larks etc.
When in Kumarakom a stay in a houseboat is the ultimate experience. Spend a night or two aboard the traditional houseboats. The houseboats come well equipped with all the basic amenities of life and a stay on them are very comfortable.
The house boats range from economy to standard to luxurious stays so that one can choose the type he wants to stay in with respect to his budget. The houseboats also take you on backwater tours and this mode of touring the backwaters is the best.
As the backwater runs through most of the areas boats are a common sight however if you have arrived during a time of festivity during which the famous snake boat races are held then you are in for a treat.
Well decorated boats with a large number of oarsmen race their boats for the grand trophy of Sree Narayana Ever Rolling Trophy. This race take place in the Vembanad lake and is a sight so grand that it will be a feast for your eyes.
The Vembanad Lake that makes up the backdrop of Kumarakom is the longest lake in India and is a grand lake to visit. The scenic beauty of this lake is a sight that needs to be seen rather than being read. A cruise on this lake on houseboats is a great activity that you can indulge in. One must visit this lake to witness the grandness that it exhibits.
All the Kumarakom tourist attractions are exhibits of natural beauty and needs to be seen rather than being read about. So when you are in the culture, tradition and natural beauty enriched state of Kerala do visit this enchanted place that is known to the world as Kumarakom.
