Kerala Tour Package: Imagine a place where the roads are made of water, where your morning alarm is the call of a Siberian stork, and where your hotel room floats serenely beneath a canopy of palm trees. Welcome to Kumarakom, a cluster of islands nestled on the edge of the vast Vembanad Lake in Kerala, India.
It’s more than just a destination; it's an experience that slows down time, inviting you to breathe deep, relax, and soak up the unique beauty of the backwaters. If you've been searching for the definitive list of things to do in Kumarakom, you’ve found it. This isn't just a list of spots to visit; it’s a guide to the genuine, tranquil, and delicious heart of this backwater heaven.
The Essential Backwater Bliss: Houseboats, Shikaras, and Canoes
There is one image that defines Kumarakom and Kerala as a whole: the tranquil backwaters. This maze of canals, rivers, and lagoons that open up into the Vembanad Lake is the lifeblood of the region, and exploring it is hands-down the number one activity.
The Classic: Overnight Houseboat Cruise
The houseboat (or kettuvallam) is the iconic way to experience the backwaters. Forget the hard words; this is essentially a floating luxury hotel, traditionally built from natural materials like coir and bamboo.
- The Experience: You check in around noon, get a welcoming drink, and then glide into the silent world of the backwaters. Your boat sails until sunset, offering you uninterrupted views of paddy fields, coconut groves, and village life. The best part? They anchor in a peaceful spot for the night, and you wake up to the glorious backwater sunrise.
- Must-Try: The onboard chef will prepare traditional Kerala meals for you, often including the local delicacy Karimeen Pollichathu (Pearl Spot fish marinated in spices and wrapped in a banana leaf before being cooked).
- Why it's one of the best things to do in Kumarakom: It’s a complete package accommodation, food, and sightseeing all in one beautifully slow, moving experience.
The Intimate View: Shikara and Canoe Rides
While the houseboat is magnificent, the smaller boats offer a more up-close and personal view of the backwater life.
- The Shikara: Think of this as a motorized, covered wooden boat with comfy seating. It can navigate the wider canals and Vembanad Lake beautifully. This is perfect for a sunset or sunrise cruise (around 2-3 hours), which is often cited as a more authentic alternative to a full day/night houseboat stay.
- The Canoe: This is the smallest, quietest, and most intimate option. A local guide rows you through the narrowest canals, right past the homes of villagers, where you can see children heading to school, women washing clothes, and fishermen casting nets. It’s the ultimate way to feel like you’ve stepped into the local rhythm.
A Birdwatcher's Paradise: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Tucked away on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a must-visit, especially if you love nature and wildlife. This 14-acre sanctuary is a haven for a massive variety of birds.
- The Best Time to Visit: If you want to spot migratory birds, plan your trip between November and February. This is when winged visitors like the Siberian Stork, Pintail Duck, and Teal fly in from distant lands. However, the resident birds like the Kingfisher, Egret, and Waterfowl are there all year round.
- How to Explore: The best way to cover the sanctuary is a mix of walking on the well-maintained trails and taking a small boat ride along the waterways that cut through the reserve. Early morning (around 6:30 AM) is the optimal time for bird spotting when the air is cool and the birds are most active.
- A Quiet Moment: Even if you aren't an expert birdwatcher, the lush greenery, peaceful paths, and the symphony of bird calls make this a truly calming experience.
Delving into Village Life: The True Taste of Kumarakom
To truly understand the rhythm of life here, you need to step off the big boats and onto the land. The villages around Kumarakom are where the magic of Kerala’s culture thrives.
The Village Life Experience
Many local operators offer village life tours, and this is where you get to meet the real heroes of Kumarakom.
- Coir Making: Watch how coconut husks are soaked, beaten, and spun into coir rope. It’s a traditional art and a key part of the local economy.
- Toddy Tapping: See the daring task of climbing a coconut palm to collect Toddy, a mild, sweet palm wine. You can even visit a local Toddy Shop (a genuine, rustic local bar) to try it with some spicy local snacks like fried fish or tapioca. It's a completely local, spicy, and unforgettable experience.
- Paddy Field Visits: Kumarakom is part of the Kuttanad region, known as the 'Rice Bowl of Kerala.' The remarkable thing is that much of this farming happens below sea level. Learning about the unique agricultural practices here is fascinating.
Pathiramanal Island: The Sands of Midnight
Nestled in the Vembanad Lake, Pathiramanal Island is a small, uninhabited island accessible only by boat. Its name translates to "Sands of Midnight."
- What to do: It's another excellent spot for bird watching, especially during migration season. But more than that, it’s a perfect pit stop on your backwater journey for a peaceful walk, a quiet moment, and stunning views across the vast expanse of the lake.
Food, Glorious Food: A Culinary Adventure
Kerala cuisine is famous for its use of coconut, rice, and a wonderful blend of local spices. Food here isn't just sustenance; it's a celebration.
The Seafood Delicacies
Being right on the water means the seafood is incredibly fresh.
- Karimeen Pollichathu: We mentioned it earlier, but it deserves its own spot. The Pearl Spot fish, found in the backwaters, is the star. It's so fresh, it's often caught the same day you eat it.
- Prawns and Duck Roast: Try the spicy prawn curries (Chemmeen Curry) or a flavourful duck roast, often paired with soft, lacy Appam (a light pancake made from fermented rice batter).
Get Hands-On: Traditional Cooking Classes
A fantastic way to dive deep into the culture is to take a cooking class. Several homestays and local kitchens in Kumarakom offer hands-on sessions.
- What You Learn: You'll learn the art of balancing spices, the secret to the perfect coconut milk consistency, and how to make a complete traditional sadya (feast).
- The Best Part: You get to eat the delicious feast you prepared! It’s a fun, interactive way to learn a skill and make friends.
Ancient History and Art: Beyond the Water
While the backwaters are the main draw, the nearby attractions offer a glimpse into Kerala's rich history and spirituality.
Thazhathangady Juma Masjid
Just a short drive from Kumarakom, this mosque is one of the oldest in India, believed to be over 1,000 years old.
- Unique Architecture: It is a marvel of traditional Kerala architecture. Unlike typical mosques, it has no minarets or domes. Instead, it looks like a two-storied wooden manor with a sloping roof, very much in sync with local temple architecture. It stands beautifully by the Meenachil River.
Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple
Located a bit farther out (about 22 km), this is one of the most famous and oldest Shiva temples in Kerala.
- The Mural Art: The temple is a brilliant example of Kerala's architectural style and is famous for its exquisite mural paintings, particularly the fresco of Nataraja (Shiva as the cosmic dancer), which is truly a masterpiece. A visit here offers a peaceful, spiritual counterpoint to the vibrant water life.
Bay Island Driftwood Museum
This is one of the most unique and surprisingly captivating places in the region.
- The Collection: The museum showcases a collection of highly creative artwork made entirely from driftwood, salvaged from the Andaman Islands. The pieces are shaped by the ocean and then meticulously transformed into stunning sculptures. It’s a wonderful place to see how nature’s raw material can be turned into high art.
The Perfect Sunset Spot: Vembanad Lake
The largest lake in Kerala, Vembanad Lake, is the epicentre of Kumarakom. You will be on it during your houseboat or shikara ride, but there's a specific way to appreciate its grandeur.
- The Sunset: Find a quiet spot along the lake’s edge perhaps the lawn of your resort, a local jetty, or a quiet beach. Watching the sun descend over the expansive water, setting the sky ablaze in hues of orange, pink, and purple, is a mandatory entry on your list of things to do in Kumarakom. The calm water reflects the colours, creating a magical, mirror-like effect that feels like a painting.
Wellness and Relaxation: The Ayurvedic Touch
Kerala is known globally as the heartland of Ayurveda, an ancient holistic healing system. Kumarakom, with its calm environment, is the perfect place to experience it.
- Ayurvedic Spas: Many resorts and standalone centres offer authentic Ayurvedic treatments. Whether you’re looking for a simple massage to relax your body (Abhyanga) or a more intense detox program (Panchakarma), the skilled therapists and natural oils will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
- The Vibe: The cool, humid climate and the abundance of natural medicinal plants create an ideal environment for healing and wellness. Schedule a session to melt away the stress of travel.
A Day Trip Adventure: The Waterfalls and Hill Stations
If you've had your fill of backwaters and are looking for a change of scenery, a short day trip can lead you to green hills and gushing water.
Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall
Located about 35 km from Kumarakom, this 100-foot waterfall is a lovely spot for a picnic or a short hike, especially right after the monsoon season when the water is fullest.
- The Setting: The walk to the falls takes you through lush rubber plantations, offering a different kind of natural beauty than the backwaters. Remember to wear comfortable shoes for the walk!
Vagamon (For the full day out)
For a more substantial adventure, consider a day trip to Vagamon (about 78 km away). This stunning hill station is famed for its vast, rolling meadows, pine forests, and cool, misty climate. It’s a beautiful contrast to the humid plains of Kumarakom and a favourite for those who love winding mountain roads and quiet scenery.
