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Kumarakom City
The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad
Lake in Kerala, a state in India. Geographically, it is located at 9.35
North and 76.26 East.
Kumarakom's soil is extremely fertile due to the proximity of the water
source, this has resulted in the growth of a wide variety of flora in Kumarakom,
especially the mangrove and coconut trees.
Vembanad Lake is home to several types of marine life exclusively the 'Karimeen'
(Pearl Spotted Fish), the 'Chemeen' (Prawns) and the 'Konju' (Tiger Prawns).
When nature is all you need to recuperate, Kumarakom is undoubtedly the
most invigorating, fascinating paradise in Kerala, God's own country. The
slender coconut palms standing here, there and everywhere, its never ending
paddy fields, meandering lagoons and backwaters, mangroves nesting birds
of a hundred varieties can peacefully calm and invigorate your mind with
renewed inspiration for your vocation and life. That is the pristine beauty
of Kumarakom.
Kumarakom the charming emerald peninsula jutting into the ever-effervescent
Vembanad Lake takes you into the heart of the scenic lake where you'll come
across plenty of traditional country crafts, boats and canoes. The fresh
water of the lake runs into the mainland making a labyrinth of lagoons,
brooks, canals and waterways. The backwater houses a variety of species
of both fauna and flora. They are rich with marine life namely the exclusive
'Kumarakom Karimeen' (pearl spotted fish), Konju (tiger prawns), Njandu
(crabs), Chemeen (prawns) and many more.
Places to See in Kumarakom:
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. Thousands
gather at these holy shrines during festive occasions. Pala town and Kanjirappally,
nourished by the Meenachil and Manimala rivers respectively are centers
of rubber plantations. The Ettumanoor Shiva Temple 12 km north of town,
has exceptionally beautiful wall paintings and sculptures inside the temple.
In the heart of Kottayam town is the much venerated Thirunakkara Mahadeva
temple.
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.
Aranmula
50km from Kottayam, Aranmula is the site of the splendid Onam festival boat
races, usually in early September. These races unlike the more sporting
Nehru Trophy race at Alappuzha in August are essentially religious, based
on a temple festival. Caparisoned elephants with beaded umbrellas, processions
of decorated floats, and highly ornate boats make this a lovely event to
witness. Aranmula is also the centre of bell metal mirror crafts.
Vagamon
Vagamon, 64 km from Kottayam and 34 km from Pala, situated at an elevation
of 1100 meters above sea level is a trekker's paradise. It is an ideal tourist
spot surrounded by the greenery of tea gardens, beautiful meadows and valleys.
Other attractions: Thangal Para, Indo-Swiss project, Kurisumala Ashram.
Elaveezha Poonchira
Elaveezha Poonchira is yet another picnic spot accessible from Pala and
located in the midst of beautiful hills.
Vaikom
40km from Kottayam, famous for the Shiva Temple. The festival in November-December,
last for 12 days and the 'Panchavadyam' is an important musical performance
How to Reach Kumarakom:
By Road
From the Cochin International Airport it is an 85 Km delightful ride by
road to the Muhamma boat Jetty. From the Trivandrum International Airport
it is a 175 Km (approximately 3.30 hours ride by road) to the Muhamma boat
jetty. From the Calicut International Airport it is 180 Km ride to Muhamma.
By Rail
From Bombay, Madras or Bangalore, you can take a train to Kerala. The best
place to alight is either Cochin or Kottayam (the nearest railhead, just
16 Km away by road). Kottayam links you to all major cities in Kerala and
India with numerous trains plying this route daily. From Cochin, you could
also take a south bound train via the Alleppey route (enjoy picturesque
scenery as the route flanks the backwaters and the sea on its way). Alight
at Chertala for a short 14 Km ride to Kumarakom.
By Water
If you have arrived at Trivandrum International Airport, come to Quilon
by road or rail (takes just about one hour). From there, you can take the
regular ferry service to Alleppey - a long and delightful ride on Kerala's
backwaters. From Alleppey, it's just a short ride to Kumarakom.If you have
arrived at Cochin International Airport, perhaps you might prefer a ride
through the backwaters to Alleppey. There are many boat services offered
at Kochi.
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