Kumarakom is a village set on a cluster of emerald islands ringed by the waters of Vembanad Lake, which turn pale lilac when the water lilies that float on the surface go into bloom.
This is a lush paradise of mangrove forests and endless rice paddy fields, crisscrossed with canals and lagoons. Slender coconut palms grow in groves along the waterways and some of the smaller canals have Hibiscus bushes leaning right across to form a leafy canopy dotted with bright flowers.
Boats and canoes drift along the quiet channels, while houseboats provide another level of luxury and leisure in meandering the lake’s waters. In addition to swimming, boating and fishing, there are endless distractions along the palm-fringed waterways including Ayurvedic massage, yoga and meditation.
The Kumarakom bird sanctuary spreads across 14 acres and provides the opportunity to spot darters, herons, teals, waterfowls, and migratory birds like the Siberian Stork. At the Coir villages, the traditional Keralite village life carries on as it has for centauries. Vegetable traders call out from boats, farmers care for the paddys and flocks of ducks, and rustic homes and temples add to the picture-perfect scene.
The only interruption to the tranquil waters is the Nehru Trophy boat race when the lake comes alive with the colourful snake boats races as they race to cheering and song.
Highlights
A traditional Keralan lunch, eating with your hands at Vaikom village | Cruise the backwaters of Kerala on a House Boat | Go birding on the banks of Vembanad Lake Picnic on Pathiramanal (Midnight Sands) island
Interesting facts
− Kumarakom has a tropical climate and enjoys a fresh breeze year-round
− The local language is Malayalam
