Top Tourist Attractions & Things to Do

Kumarakom is one of the most beautiful backwater destinations in Kerala, known for the serene Vembanad Lake, traditional Kerala villages, lush coconut groves, canals, birdlife and relaxing houseboat experiences. Located in Kottayam district, Kumarakom is an excellent destination for couples, families, honeymooners and anyone looking for a peaceful Kerala holiday.

If you are searching for the best places to visit in Kumarakom, you will find that the destination is less about rushing between attractions and more about enjoying the landscape, waterways and slow pace of village life.

From cruising across Vembanad Lake to exploring the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and experiencing Kerala’s traditional village culture, there are plenty of memorable things to do in Kumarakom.

Quick Overview of Kumarakom

Travel Information	Details
Destination	Kumarakom, Kerala
District	Kottayam
Famous For	Backwaters, Vembanad Lake, houseboats, bird sanctuary
Ideal Trip Duration	2–3 days
Best For	Couples, families, honeymooners, nature lovers
Nearest Railway Station	Kottayam
Nearest Airport	Cochin International Airport
Main Attraction	Vembanad Lake
Recommended Experience	Backwater cruise and village exploration

Kumarakom is situated on the banks of Vembanad Lake and is approximately 13–15 km from Kottayam, depending on the route and location within Kumarakom. Cochin International Airport is roughly 94–95 km away.

Best Places to Visit in Kumarakom

1. Vembanad Lake

Vembanad Lake is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Kumarakom and the heart of the destination’s famous backwater experience.

The lake forms a stunning landscape of shimmering water, coconut palms, small islands, canals and traditional villages. Kumarakom sits along the eastern side of Vembanad Lake, making it an excellent base for exploring Kerala’s backwaters.

Things to do at Vembanad Lake

Take a traditional houseboat cruise
Enjoy a sunset boat ride
Go canoeing or kayaking
Watch local fishermen at work
Photograph the backwaters
Enjoy a peaceful morning cruise
Experience Kerala’s village life along the waterways

For couples and honeymooners, a private backwater cruise can be one of the most relaxing experiences in Kumarakom.

2. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kumarakom and an excellent choice for nature lovers and birdwatchers.

Located beside Vembanad Lake, the sanctuary covers about 14 acres and is home to a variety of resident and migratory birds. Kerala Tourism lists species including herons, egrets, darters, cormorants, kingfishers, waterfowl and other birds.

A walking trail through the greenery leads towards a birdwatching tower, while boat rides around the sanctuary provide another way to explore the wetlands.

Why visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary?

Birdwatching
Nature photography
Walking through mangrove-rich surroundings
Enjoying the peaceful lakeside environment
Spotting migratory birds during suitable seasons

Birdwatchers should plan their visit according to seasonal bird activity. Kerala Tourism identifies different periods as favourable depending on the species and conditions.

3. Kumarakom Backwaters

The Kumarakom backwaters are more than just a sightseeing attraction—they are the main reason many travellers choose Kumarakom for their Kerala holiday.

The network of canals and waterways passes through coconut groves, paddy fields and villages, creating the classic Kerala backwater landscape.

A houseboat stay is particularly popular for travellers who want to experience the backwaters at a slower pace.

Best ways to experience Kumarakom backwaters

Houseboat cruise
Shikara boat ride
Canoe ride
Country boat experience
Sunset cruise
Village backwater tour

For a short trip, even a few hours on the water can give you a memorable introduction to Kumarakom.

4. Pathiramanal Island

Pathiramanal Island is a small island located in Vembanad Lake and is another interesting place to include in a Kumarakom sightseeing itinerary.

The island is known for its natural surroundings and birdlife. Kerala Tourism notes that it is a popular habitat for both local and migratory birds.

The journey to Pathiramanal itself can be part of the experience, as visitors travel across the lake by boat.

Why visit Pathiramanal?

Scenic boat journey
Birdwatching
Photography
Peaceful natural surroundings
A different perspective of Vembanad Lake

Check current boat arrangements and access conditions before planning your visit, as these can change seasonally.

5. Kumarakom Village

If you want to experience something beyond the usual tourist attractions, spend some time exploring Kumarakom village.

Kumarakom is known for its traditional village environment, coconut plantations, canals, paddy fields, fishing activities and local handicrafts.

Kerala Tourism’s responsible-tourism initiatives highlight experiences such as coir making, palm-frond weaving, fishing and village activities.

Things to experience

Walk through village roads
See traditional homes
Observe local fishing
Explore paddy fields
Learn about coir making
See traditional weaving
Experience local food

This is particularly worthwhile if you want your Kumarakom trip to include authentic local experiences rather than only sightseeing.

6. Thanneermukkom Bund

Thanneermukkom Bund is located near the Vembanad lake region and is known for its scenic surroundings and connection with the backwater landscape.

The nearby village offers a quieter environment with greenery, waterways and places of worship.

It can be considered as an additional stop when exploring the wider Kumarakom–Vembanad region.

7. Kumarakom Temples

Kumarakom and its surrounding areas are home to several temples with historical and cultural significance.

Kerala Tourism lists around 11 temples in and around Kumarakom, including the Sree Kumara Mangalam Temple, Subrahmanya Temple, Sree Dharma Sastha Temple and other local shrines.

These places can be included in an itinerary for travellers interested in Kerala’s culture and religious traditions.

Best Things to Do in Kumarakom

Kumarakom is best experienced slowly. Instead of trying to cover too many attractions in one day, leave some time to enjoy the surroundings.

1. Take a Kumarakom Houseboat Cruise

A houseboat cruise is one of the most popular things to do in Kumarakom.

Spend a few hours travelling through the backwaters while watching coconut trees, villages, paddy fields and fishermen along the waterways.

2. Enjoy a Sunset Cruise

A sunset cruise across Vembanad Lake can be particularly beautiful.

The changing colours of the sky over the water create excellent photography opportunities.

3. Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Nature lovers should keep at least a couple of hours for the bird sanctuary.

Carry binoculars if birdwatching is one of your main interests.

4. Explore Kumarakom Village

Take time to see how people live and work around the backwaters.

Traditional occupations such as fishing, coir making and weaving are an important part of the local experience.

5. Try Kerala Cuisine

Kumarakom is a great place to enjoy traditional Kerala food.

Popular dishes to look for include:

Karimeen pollichathu
Kerala fish curry
Appam and stew
Puttu and kadala curry
Kerala-style prawns
Tapioca with fish curry

Food availability varies by restaurant and season, so ask your hotel or local guide about the best local options.

Best Time to Visit Kumarakom

Kumarakom can be visited throughout much of the year, but the experience changes considerably with the seasons.

October to February

This is generally one of the most comfortable periods for sightseeing and backwater experiences, with pleasant weather compared with the hotter months.

It is also a useful period for travellers interested in migratory bird activity.

March to May

The weather becomes warmer and more humid.

Early-morning and evening sightseeing can be more comfortable than travelling during the hottest part of the day.

June to September

The monsoon transforms Kumarakom into an intensely green landscape.

Rain can affect outdoor plans and boat activities, but travellers who enjoy Kerala’s monsoon atmosphere may find this season particularly beautiful.

Kerala Tourism specifically highlights June to August as an important period for birdwatching at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, while other tourism information highlights November to February for migratory birds.

How to Reach Kumarakom from Bangalore

By Air

The most convenient option for many travellers from Bangalore is to fly to Cochin International Airport and continue to Kumarakom by road.

The airport is approximately 94–95 km from Kumarakom.

You can arrange:

Private cab
Airport taxi
Rental car
Pre-booked hotel transfer

By Train

The nearest major railway station is Kottayam.

From Kottayam, Kumarakom can be reached by taxi or local transport. Kerala Tourism places Kumarakom roughly 13 km from Kottayam.

By Road

Kumarakom can also be reached by road from Bangalore, although the journey is considerably longer than flying.

Road travel can make sense for travellers planning a larger Kerala itinerary covering destinations such as Kochi, Kumarakom, Alleppey, Munnar or Thekkady.

How Many Days Are Enough for Kumarakom?

1 Night / 2 Days

Suitable for travellers who want a quick backwater escape.

You can cover:

Kumarakom backwaters
Bird sanctuary
Village sightseeing
Sunset cruise

2 Nights / 3 Days

This is a better option for most travellers.

You can comfortably include:

Vembanad Lake
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Houseboat/backwater cruise
Pathiramanal Island
Village experiences
Local sightseeing

3 Nights / 4 Days

Ideal if you want a relaxed holiday rather than a packed sightseeing schedule.

You can combine Kumarakom with nearby destinations or simply spend more time enjoying the resort, backwaters and local experiences.

Suggested 3-Day Kumarakom Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival & Backwaters

Arrive in Kumarakom
Check into your hotel/resort
Relax
Explore the nearby backwaters
Enjoy an evening sunset cruise

Day 2 – Bird Sanctuary & Village Experience

Early morning visit to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Breakfast
Explore Kumarakom village
Experience local fishing or handicraft activities
Lunch
Relax at the resort
Evening backwater cruise

Day 3 – Vembanad Lake & Departure

Enjoy breakfast
Explore Vembanad Lake
Visit Pathiramanal Island if boat arrangements permit
Lunch
Depart for the next destination

Where to Stay in Kumarakom

The best area depends on the type of holiday you want.

For Couples & Honeymooners

Choose a lakeside or backwater resort where you can enjoy:

Lake views
Private spaces
Romantic dining
Spa/Ayurveda facilities
Backwater activities

For Families

Look for resorts with:

Spacious rooms
Swimming pool
Family activities
Easy road access
On-site dining

For Budget Travellers

Homestays and smaller hotels can offer a more local experience while keeping accommodation costs lower.

Kumarakom for Different Travellers

Kumarakom for Couples

Kumarakom is particularly well suited to couples who want a peaceful getaway.

A private backwater cruise, lakeside stay and sunset experience can make a memorable romantic holiday.

Kumarakom for Families

Families can enjoy the combination of nature, boating, village experiences and relaxed sightseeing.

Kumarakom for Honeymooners

For honeymooners, Kumarakom works especially well as a slow-paced destination combined with other Kerala destinations such as Munnar or Thekkady.

Kumarakom for Senior Citizens

The destination can be comfortable for senior travellers if the itinerary is kept relaxed and long boat journeys or excessive road travel are avoided.

Places to Visit Near Kumarakom

If you have additional time, consider combining Kumarakom with nearby destinations.

Kottayam

Kottayam is the nearest major town and can be combined with Kumarakom for a broader exploration of the region.

Alleppey

Alappuzha is another major Kerala backwater destination and can be included in a longer Kerala itinerary.

Vagamon

For travellers looking for a change from the backwaters, Vagamon offers hills, valleys and a cooler highland environment. Kerala Tourism identifies Vagamon and Peermade among the nearest hill-station options from Kumarakom.

Kochi

Kochi can be combined with Kumarakom to create a balanced itinerary covering Kerala’s heritage, city attractions and backwaters.

Travel Tips for Kumarakom

Start outdoor sightseeing early in the morning.
Carry sunscreen, sunglasses and mosquito repellent.
Wear comfortable footwear for the bird sanctuary.
Carry binoculars if you enjoy birdwatching.
Confirm boat timings and availability before travelling.
Keep some flexibility in your itinerary during monsoon months.
Try authentic Kerala food during your stay.
Respect local communities and avoid littering around the backwaters.
Book accommodation early during busy holiday periods.
Check current attraction timings and local travel conditions before departure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to visit in Kumarakom?

The top places include Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kumarakom backwaters, Pathiramanal Island, Kumarakom village and Thanneermukkom Bund.

Is Kumarakom worth visiting?

Yes. Kumarakom is particularly worthwhile for travellers who enjoy backwaters, nature, birdwatching, village experiences and peaceful resort holidays.

How many days are enough for Kumarakom?

A 2-night/3-day Kumarakom trip is a good choice for most travellers. A 1-night stay works for a quick backwater escape, while 3 or more nights allow for a slower itinerary.

What is Kumarakom famous for?

Kumarakom is famous for the Vembanad Lake backwaters, houseboats, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, coconut-lined waterways and traditional village experiences.

Is Kumarakom good for couples?

Yes. The peaceful backwaters, lakeside resorts, sunset cruises and relaxed atmosphere make Kumarakom a popular choice for couples and honeymooners.

Is Kumarakom suitable for families?

Yes. Families can enjoy boating, nature, birdwatching and village experiences without needing an extremely hectic sightseeing schedule.

What is the best time to visit Kumarakom?

October to February is generally comfortable for sightseeing and backwater holidays, while different periods can offer different birdwatching opportunities. Always check current local conditions before travelling.

How far is Kumarakom from Kottayam?

Kumarakom is approximately 13 km from Kottayam according to Kerala Tourism’s destination information.

How far is Kumarakom from Kochi Airport?

Cochin International Airport is approximately 94–95 km from Kumarakom.

Can I stay on a houseboat in Kumarakom?

Yes. Houseboat and backwater cruising are among the signature experiences associated with Kumarakom and Vembanad Lake.

Final Verdict

Kumarakom is one of Kerala’s best destinations for travellers who want to slow down and experience the state’s famous backwaters.

The best places to visit in Kumarakom are not limited to conventional tourist attractions. Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Pathiramanal Island and the surrounding villages together create an experience that combines nature, culture and relaxation.

For a first visit, plan 2 nights and 3 days and include a backwater cruise, bird sanctuary visit, village experience and plenty of time to simply enjoy the scenery.

If you prefer a hassle-free Kerala holiday with accommodation, transportation and sightseeing planned together, explore customised Kumarakom holiday packages from MyHappyJourney.com.