Kumarakom and Kottayam

The, quaint backwater village of Kumarakom nestles serenely on the bank of the majestic Vembanad Lake. Welcoming you to a world that would make you want to treasure each moment in life. Here the birds and the trees and even the tiny blades of grass inspire you to indulge in absolutely nothing. Makings you pause for a moment to reflect on the beauty of life.

Highway

A fascinating network of lagoons backwaters and Canals that fork out of the Vembanad Lake will take you through 900 km of meandering waterways. Here life floats by at a dreamy 10 kmph. No blaring horns no traffic signals, no pollution...

Floating Options

Drift into the heart of the backwater kingdom in the luxury of your houseboat. Or hire your own personal ferry. Better still, row your own little canoe and explore.

Cruise on an Exotic Houseboat

Embark on an enchanting journey across the sun-dappled backwaters on kettuvallom- a fully furnished traditional rice boat. Replete with bedrooms, bathrooms and balconies and a kitchenette.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

At the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, the only music in the air is the chirping of winged visitors from across the world. A favourite haunt of migratory birds, birdwatchers get to glimpse a rich collection of feathered friends at certain times of the year.

Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron, teal, cormorant, lark, flycatcher... An early morning stroll along the 1.5 km walking track is the best way to experience the sanctuary. Or else you can take a boat ride along the Vembanad Lake which will bring you closer to waders like waterfowl and ducks.

Fun n' Frolic

The native children learn to swim before they learn to walk. Here, water encompasses life- be it work or play. Many resorts offer sports like water skiing and wind sailing round the year. And during the festival time of Onam, the waters of Kumarakom come alive with boat races such as the Kumarakom Arpookara Vanitha Jala Mela and the Kavanthikara Boat Race.

Family Fishing Getaway

Try fly fishing or have a go at the fishes with a bow and arrow. Better still; try out the more ingenious method of walking deep in water and trapping the fishes with terracotta pots. Or else, you can even join the villagers and dive for fresh water mussels and bring up cartloads of them.

A Different Walking Experience

Venture into the very heart of lush paddy fields on narrow dykes. Don't lose yourself completely in the dazzling green around you-watch out for the slushy water passages if you don't particularly enjoy a mud bath!

Catch of the Day

No backwater holiday is complete without tasting the prize catch of karimeen or pearl spot that is freshly caught and prepared right in front of you. Marinated with delicate spices and wrapped in a plantain leaf, the fish is baked to perfection in a closed pan. Then there are those delicious fresh water prawns and mussels which are a must-try. And yes, don't miss the traditional combination of kappa and fish curry, ideally washed down with fresh toddy.

Set out on a Village Tour...

Try your hand at coir making, the main small-scale industry of the area. Watch coconut fibre being put through a series of processes to make coir. Pick up a range of coir products for every day use.

Learn the nuances of toddy tapping. An exotic brew made from fermented coconut water, toddy is collected from the trees by experienced tappers either at dawn or at dusk.

Ride a country boat. Wonder how these unique water vessels are made? Crafted purely out of wood, these boats are made without using a single nail. Artisans who have been into boat making for generations pass on the secrets of this art to family members, keeping alive the boat making tradition

Rule over an entire Island

A boat ride through serene waters will take you to the beautiful, uninhabited island of Pathiramanal. Spread over 10 acres, this charming place is home to many rare varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world. The peace and quiet o this place will be a refreshing change.