KUMARAKOM
| Location
: |
12
km From Kottayam |
| Main
attraction : |
Bird
sanctuary, Vembanad lake, backwaters |
| Season
: |
November
- March |
The
reputation of Kumarakom as a quality backwater destination was
enhanced ever since the sojourn of the Prime Minister Atal Bihari
Vajpayee. It has hosted several dignitaries including the Sri
Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, and Rahul and Priyanka
Gandhi, children of the former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
The place is, in fact,
a string of small islands on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, which
is a part of Kuttanad, known as the rice bowl of Kerala. It enjoys
a well-balanced tropical climate.
It is an unbelievably
beautiful place with mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields
and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and
canals.
Prominent among the
other attractions at the place is the bird sanctuary. A variety
of local and migratory birds can be seen here. Domestic birds
such as cuckoo, wild duck, egrets, darters, herons, teal, and
water fowl can be observed here. The Siberian storks migrate to
the area each year. The best way to watch the birds is by taking
a boat ride.
Kumarakom offers the
visitor many other leisure options as well. Boating and fishing
facilities are available. Many travellers consider holiday packages
on the houseboats (traditional Kettuvalloms), are an out-of-this-world
experience.
Vembanad
Lake
It is one of the largest fresh water lakes in Asia. The backwater
cruise through the Vembanad Lake is considered as a great experience
which offers beautiful natural vistas. The ride will take you
through some of the most verdant and attractive parts of Kerala.
GETTING
TO THE PLACE:
Nearest
airport : Kochi International Airport (Nedumbasseri)
Nearest railway station : Kottayam
Nearest bus station : Kottayam
|
