15 Best Experiences You Should Not Miss

If you are looking for a peaceful Kerala getaway surrounded by backwaters, coconut palms, lush greenery and village life, Kumarakom is one of the best destinations to include in your Kerala holiday. Located on the banks of the beautiful Vembanad Lake in Kottayam district, Kumarakom is famous for its tranquil waterways, bird sanctuary, traditional village experiences and relaxing resort stays.

Unlike destinations that require a packed sightseeing schedule, Kumarakom is a place where the experience itself is the attraction. A slow boat ride through the backwaters, watching birds around the wetlands, enjoying Kerala food or simply sitting beside Vembanad Lake can become some of the most memorable moments of your trip.

If you are planning a visit, here are the best things to do in Kumarakom.

Quick Overview of Kumarakom

Travel Detail	Information
Location	Kottayam District, Kerala
Famous For	Backwaters, Vembanad Lake, Bird Sanctuary
Ideal Duration	1–2 nights
Nearest Railway Station	Kottayam
Nearest Airport	Cochin International Airport
Best For	Couples, families, honeymooners, nature lovers
Main Experience	Kerala backwaters and village life

Kumarakom is approximately 13 km from Kottayam and around 94–95 km from Cochin International Airport, according to Kerala Tourism.

1. Enjoy a Kumarakom Backwater Cruise

One of the best things to do in Kumarakom is to explore the famous Kerala backwaters by boat.

The waterways around Kumarakom connect to the vast Vembanad Lake and pass through coconut-lined landscapes, canals, villages, paddy fields and wetlands.

You can choose from different boating experiences depending on your itinerary and budget.

Popular options include:

Houseboat cruises
Country boat rides
Shikara-style boat rides
Motorboat cruises
Canoe experiences
Sunset cruises

For couples, a private sunset cruise can be particularly relaxing. Families may prefer a comfortable boat ride during the daytime.

The biggest advantage of exploring Kumarakom by boat is that you get to experience the destination beyond conventional sightseeing.

2. Explore Vembanad Lake

Vembanad Lake is the heart of Kumarakom’s backwater landscape.

It is the largest lake in Kerala and stretches across several regions of the state. Around Kumarakom, the lake provides a spectacular setting of open water, small islands, coconut palms and traditional villages.

What can you do around Vembanad Lake?

Take a boat ride
Watch the sunset
Enjoy photography
Go birdwatching
Experience traditional fishing
Relax at a lakeside resort
Enjoy a Kerala-style meal overlooking the water

For photographers, early mornings and evenings can offer particularly beautiful light.

3. Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is one of the most popular attractions in Kumarakom and is located beside Vembanad Lake.

The sanctuary covers about 14 acres and provides habitat for numerous resident and migratory birds. Kerala Tourism notes that more than 180 bird species have been identified in the sanctuary.

You may see birds such as:

Egrets
Herons
Cormorants
Darters
Waterfowl
Kingfishers
Cuckoos
Owls
Ducks
Parrots

Migratory birds also visit the region from areas including the Himalayas and Siberia.

Best experience

Visit early in the day, walk through the sanctuary and spend some time at the observation areas. A boat ride around the sanctuary can also provide a different perspective of the wetlands.

Tip: Carry binoculars if birdwatching is one of your main interests.

4. Take a Sunset Cruise

A sunset boat ride is one of the most relaxing experiences in Kumarakom.

As the sun begins to set, the backwaters become quieter and the changing colours of the sky reflect across Vembanad Lake.

A sunset cruise is particularly suitable for:

Honeymoon couples
Couples
Families
Photographers
Travelers looking for a relaxing experience

Rather than trying to cover several attractions during the evening, reserve this time to simply enjoy Kumarakom’s landscape.

5. Experience Kumarakom Village Life

Kumarakom isn’t just about resorts and houseboats.

The surrounding villages offer an opportunity to see traditional Kerala life, including activities connected with farming, fishing and handicrafts. Kerala Tourism highlights local experiences such as coir making, net fishing, palm-frond weaving and other village livelihoods.

A responsible tourism experience can give travelers a better understanding of how communities around the backwaters live and work.

This is particularly interesting for travelers who want something beyond the usual tourist attractions.

6. Try Traditional Kerala Food

No trip to Kumarakom is complete without enjoying authentic Kerala cuisine.

Depending on where you stay, you can try dishes such as:

Kerala fish curry
Karimeen preparations
Appam and stew
Kerala parotta
Vegetable thoran
Puttu and kadala curry
Fish fry
Tapioca and fish curry
Kerala-style vegetarian meals

The backwater region is particularly known for its fresh fish-based cuisine.

If you are staying at a resort or houseboat, ask about locally prepared Kerala meals rather than limiting yourself to standard continental dishes.

7. Enjoy a Relaxing Resort Stay

Kumarakom is one of the best places in Kerala for a slow, resort-style holiday.

Instead of spending the entire day travelling between attractions, consider staying at a lakeside or backwater resort and allowing yourself time to relax.

Look for properties offering:

Lake views
Swimming pools
Ayurveda and wellness services
Traditional Kerala cuisine
Backwater access
Private gardens
Sunset views

This makes Kumarakom particularly attractive for honeymooners and couples.

8. Experience Ayurveda and Wellness

Kerala is internationally known for Ayurveda, and Kumarakom is a popular destination for wellness-oriented holidays.

Depending on the property, travelers can find experiences involving:

Ayurvedic massages
Wellness treatments
Yoga
Meditation
Relaxation therapies

If you are considering Ayurvedic treatment rather than simply a wellness massage, choose a reputable centre with qualified practitioners.

9. Visit Pathiramanal Island

Pathiramanal is a small island located in Vembanad Lake and is accessible by boat.

The island is known for its natural beauty and birdlife. Kerala Tourism notes that the island attracts both resident and migratory birds.

Why visit Pathiramanal?

Scenic boat journey
Natural surroundings
Birdwatching
Photography
Peaceful atmosphere

A visit to Pathiramanal can be combined with a wider Vembanad Lake boating experience.

Because access is by boat, plan the visit according to local boat availability and weather conditions.

10. Go Fishing in the Backwaters

Fishing is closely connected to everyday life around Kumarakom.

Travelers can experience traditional fishing methods as part of certain local or responsible tourism experiences.

This can be especially interesting for families and international visitors who want to understand the lifestyle of Kerala’s backwater communities.

Rather than viewing fishing simply as an activity, it is worth experiencing it as part of the region’s traditional livelihood.

11. Enjoy a Traditional Canoe Ride

Large houseboats are the most famous boats in Kerala, but smaller traditional boats can offer a more intimate way to explore Kumarakom.

A canoe or country boat can take you through narrower canals where larger boats cannot travel.

You can see:

Coconut plantations
Small bridges
Village homes
Local fishermen
Paddy fields
Narrow waterways

For travelers interested in photography and local culture, this can be one of the most rewarding things to do in Kumarakom.

12. Watch Traditional Kerala Boat Activities

The waterways around Kumarakom are closely connected with Kerala’s traditional boat culture.

During festival periods, Kerala’s backwaters can become especially lively, with ceremonial water processions and traditional boat events.

Vembanad Lake is also associated with Kerala’s famous snake-boat racing tradition.

If your visit coincides with a major local event, check the current schedule before planning your trip.

13. Explore the Backwater Villages

One of the most underrated things to do in Kumarakom is simply exploring the surrounding villages.

Take a slow drive or boat ride through the region and observe:

Coconut groves
Paddy cultivation
Traditional homes
Small canals
Fishing activities
Local markets
Village temples and churches

This side of Kumarakom provides a completely different experience from staying inside a luxury resort.

14. Enjoy Photography in Kumarakom

Kumarakom is an excellent destination for travel photography.

Some of the best subjects include:

Vembanad Lake
Traditional boats
Coconut trees
Backwater canals
Sunrise and sunset
Birds
Village life
Paddy fields
Fishing activities
Houseboats

For sunrise photography, start early. For sunset photography, choose a location with an unobstructed view of the lake.

15. Simply Slow Down and Relax

Perhaps the most important thing to do in Kumarakom is nothing at all.

Kumarakom is not a destination where you need to fill every hour with sightseeing.

Wake up slowly, enjoy breakfast overlooking the water, take a short boat ride, read a book by the lake and watch the sunset.

That slower pace is part of what makes Kumarakom special.

Best Time to Visit Kumarakom

The best time depends on what you want to experience.

October to February

This is generally a comfortable period for exploring Kerala’s backwaters and enjoying outdoor activities.

The weather is typically more pleasant for sightseeing, boating and village experiences.

June to August

This is the monsoon period, when Kumarakom becomes particularly lush and green.

The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary also identifies June to August as an important period for bird activity, while Kerala Tourism’s broader birdwatching information highlights October to March for migratory birdwatching.

Monsoon travel can therefore be rewarding for travelers who enjoy rain, greenery and a quieter atmosphere, but boat operations and outdoor activities can be affected by weather.

March to May

These months can be warmer. Travelers visiting during this period should plan outdoor sightseeing around the cooler parts of the day.

How Many Days Are Enough for Kumarakom?

1 Night / 2 Days

A short stay can cover:

Day 1

Check-in
Resort relaxation
Backwater cruise
Sunset experience

Day 2

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Village experience
Departure

2 Nights / 3 Days

A longer stay allows you to slow down and enjoy:

Day 1: Resort + backwaters + sunset cruise

Day 2: Bird Sanctuary + village experience + local food

Day 3: Pathiramanal or additional boating + departure

For a Kerala holiday combining multiple destinations, Kumarakom can work particularly well as a relaxing stop between destinations such as Munnar and Kovalam.

Kumarakom for Couples

Kumarakom is an excellent choice for couples looking for a peaceful Kerala escape.

The combination of:

Private boat rides
Lakeside resorts
Sunset cruises
Candlelight dinners
Ayurveda and wellness
Quiet backwaters

makes it especially suitable for honeymoon and romantic holidays.

Kumarakom for Families

Families can enjoy Kumarakom through a combination of boating, birdwatching, village experiences and resort activities.

Children may particularly enjoy:

Boat rides
Birdwatching
Fishing experiences
Exploring villages
Watching traditional boats

Choose a comfortable boat and avoid excessively long cruises with young children.

Kumarakom for Honeymooners

If you are planning a Kerala honeymoon, Kumarakom can be an excellent destination for a slower, more romantic section of the itinerary.

A popular honeymoon combination could include:

Munnar → Thekkady → Kumarakom → Kovalam

This gives travelers a mix of mountains, wildlife, backwaters and beaches.

How to Reach Kumarakom

By Air

The nearest major airport is Cochin International Airport, approximately 94–95 km from Kumarakom according to Kerala Tourism.

From the airport, travelers can continue by private cab or other road transportation.

By Train

The nearest major railway station is Kottayam, approximately 13 km from Kumarakom according to Kerala Tourism.

From Kottayam, taxis and local transportation are available for the onward journey.

Travel Tips for Kumarakom

Book your backwater experience in advance during busy holiday periods.
Carry sunscreen, sunglasses and mosquito repellent.
Carry binoculars if you want to explore the bird sanctuary seriously.
Check weather conditions before planning long boat trips.
Wear comfortable footwear for walking around the bird sanctuary.
Carry light cotton clothing for warmer months.
Respect local communities and avoid disturbing birds or wildlife.
Check current attraction timings and boat availability before travelling.
Consider staying at least one night to experience Kumarakom properly.
Don’t make your itinerary excessively packed—the charm of Kumarakom is its slow pace.

Places to Visit Near Kumarakom

If you have additional time, you can combine Kumarakom with other destinations in Kerala.

Kottayam

Located close to Kumarakom, Kottayam can be added to a wider Kerala itinerary.

Alleppey

Alappuzha is another major backwater destination and can be combined with Kumarakom depending on your route.

Vagamon

For travelers wanting a change from backwaters, Vagamon offers hills, greenery and a cooler landscape.

Munnar

Munnar is one of Kerala’s most popular hill destinations and can be combined with Kumarakom as part of a multi-destination Kerala holiday.

Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Kumarakom

What are the best things to do in Kumarakom?

The best things to do include exploring the backwaters, taking a boat cruise on Vembanad Lake, visiting Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, experiencing village life, visiting Pathiramanal Island, enjoying Kerala cuisine and relaxing at a lakeside resort.

Is Kumarakom worth visiting?

Yes. Kumarakom is particularly worth visiting if you enjoy backwaters, nature, birdwatching, village experiences and peaceful resort holidays.

How many days are enough for Kumarakom?

One night and two days is enough for the major experiences, while two nights and three days allows for a more relaxed trip.

Is Kumarakom good for couples?

Yes. The peaceful backwaters, private cruises, resorts and sunset experiences make Kumarakom a popular choice for couples and honeymooners.

What is Kumarakom famous for?

Kumarakom is best known for the Vembanad Lake backwaters, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, houseboat experiences, village life and scenic lakeside resorts.

Which is better for a houseboat, Kumarakom or Alleppey?

Both are important backwater destinations, but the best choice depends on your route, preferred boat and type of experience. Kumarakom is particularly attractive for travelers who want a quieter lakeside environment and resort experience.

What is the best time to visit Kumarakom?

October to February is generally comfortable for outdoor sightseeing, while the monsoon months offer lush greenery. Birdwatchers should consider seasonal bird activity when planning their trip.

Is Kumarakom suitable for a family holiday?

Yes. Boating, birdwatching, village experiences and resort activities make it suitable for families.

How far is Kumarakom from Kottayam?

Kumarakom is approximately 13 km from Kottayam according to Kerala Tourism.

How far is Kumarakom from Kochi Airport?

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

Final Verdict: Is Kumarakom Worth Visiting?

If your idea of a Kerala holiday involves peaceful backwaters, beautiful landscapes, boat rides, local food and slow travel, Kumarakom deserves a place on your itinerary.

The destination is particularly attractive for couples, honeymooners, families and travelers who want to escape busy city life.

Instead of treating Kumarakom as a quick sightseeing stop, spend at least one or two nights here and experience the backwaters at a relaxed pace.

For travelers planning a complete Kerala holiday, MyHappyJourney.com can help create a customized itinerary combining destinations such as Munnar, Thekkady, Kumarakom, Alleppey and Kovalam.