Kumarakom, an attractively old-fashioned village laid down snugly on the shores of the Vembanad Lake in Kerala, is a safe place for nature lovers and those looking for a peaceful escape. With its beautiful, calm, simple places, and full of life birdlife, Kumarakom offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. This destination is not just about beautiful views but also about experiencing the laid-back and warm hospitality of the locals. Whether you're looking to unwind on a houseboat, explore the birdlife, or do real Kerala food, there are huge numbers of things to do in Kumarakom that promise to leave you with unforgettable memories.
Kumarakom is a destination where time seems to slow down, allowing you to be surrounded by something yourself in the simple pleasures of life. The village is a part of the Kuttanad area, known as the "Rice Bowl of Kerala," and is dotted with rice paddies, coconut groves, under a spell. The local culture is deeply rooted in traditions, with influences from both Hindu and Christian communities. Special celebrations, local crafts, and traditional performances are an important part of the area, offering visitors a short look into the rich cultural fabric of the area.
In this guide, we will explore the best things to do in Kumarakom, from calm boat rides to travels, making sure you make the most of your visit to this beautiful part of Kerala.
Top Things to Do in Kumarakom
1. Houseboat Ride
A houseboat ride on Vembanad Lake is one of the best things to do in Kumarakom and offers a perfect and important Kerala experience. These traditional Kettuvallams have been converted into beautiful floating places to live and sleep, prepared modern while holding their simple charm. As you drift along the peaceful, simple places, you'll pass by beautiful paddy fields, attractively old-fashioned villages, and swaying coconut palms.The houseboats provide a watch to celebrate and obey the daily life of the locals. Fishermen casting their nets, women washing clothes at the riverbanks, and children waving with lots of excited interest as you pass by are common sights. The gentle rocking of the boat and the comforting sounds of water lapping against the sides create a calm atmosphere, perfect for relaxation.
Most houseboat cruises include freshly prepared meals made with local ingredients. You can enjoy real Kerala dishes like Karimeen Pollichathu, Appam, and Payasam while enjoying the beauty around you. Some houseboats also offer evening entertainment with traditional music and dance performances.
2. Visit Kumarakom Bird Safe place
Bird watching at the Kumarakom Bird Safe place is one of the best things to do in Kumarakom for nature fans. Spread over 14 acre areas of land about, the safe place is a safe place for bird watchers and nature lovers alike. It's home to a wide variety of residents and birds, making it a paradise for bird scientists. Early mornings are the best time to visit the safe place, as the birds are most active during this time. You can spot Siberian Crane, Egret, Heron, and different types of Kingfishers. During the season, which spans from November to February, the safe place becomes a lively hub of activity with birds arriving from as far as Siberia and the Himalayas.
Walking through the safe place, you'll be surrounded by dense mangrove forests, beautiful green trees, and peaceful water bodies. There are watchtowers placed within the safe place, offering excellent for bird watching and photography. The calm mood and the sweet-sounding chirping of birds make this a truly under a spell experience.
3. Watch Kathakali Performance
Watching a Kathakali performance is one of the best things to do in Kumarakom, surround yourself with something in Kerala's rich cultural history. Kathakali is a classical dance-drama known for its elaborate costumes, detailed makeup, and actions. The performances usually show stories from Indian epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana. A Kathakali performance is a visual treat, with performers putting on full of life costumes and dramatic makeup that can take hours to apply. The dance is seen as detailed hand movements, facial expressions, and movements. The paired-up music, played on traditional devices like the chenda and maddalam, adds to the big effect.
Attending a Kathakali performance not only offers a short look into Kerala's artistic traditions but also provides an understanding of the state's and cultural history. Many resorts and cultural centers in Kumarakom organize Kathakali shows, often along with explanations of the story and the importance of different actions and expressions.
4. Journey to Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall
For fun trip fans, traveling to Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall is one of the exciting things to do in Kumarakom. Located about 18 kilometers from Kumarakom, the waterfall is set in the middle of beautiful rubber and offers a refreshing escape into nature. The journey to the waterfall is moderately challenging and takes you through, including dense forests and rolling hills. The sound of birds chirping and the rustling of leaves create a peaceful mood as you make your way to the waterfall. Along the way, you'll meet small streams and beautiful viewpoints that offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Once you reach Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall, you'll be greeted by the sight of water flowing down from a height of about 100 feet. The pool at the base of the waterfall is ideal for a refreshing dip, especially after the journey. The area around the waterfall is perfect for a picnic, where you can relax and enjoy the natural beauty.
5. Enjoy Lakeside Walks
Taking a walk along the shores of Vembanad Lake is one of the simplest yet most enjoyable things to do in Kumarakom. The lake, with its calm waters and beautiful green, provides a calm setting for a peaceful walk. The lakeside paths are lined with coconut trees and offer stunning views of the lake and the surrounding. As you walk, you can observe the daily activities of the local fishermen, spot different birds, and enjoy the gentle breeze. The sunset over the lake is especially, with the sky painted in hues of orange and pink, reflecting on the peaceful waters.
Walking along the lake also gives you a chance to interact with the locals and learn about their way of life. You can stop by small tea shops and local eateries to enjoy traditional Kerala snacks and drinks. The simpleness and charm of these walks make them a very pleasant experience.
6. Witness Nehru Snake Boat Race
If you visit Kumarakom between August and September, watching the Nehru Snake Boat Race is one of the best things to do in Kumarakom. This once-a-year event is a significant part of Kerala's cultural history and is held during the Onam special celebration. The race is named after India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, who began it in 1952. The snake boats, or Chundan Vallams, are long, narrow boats that can change something. The race is a thrilling sight to see, with teams competing extremely strongly, rowing in perfect to the beat of traditional boat songs. The energy and excitement of the race are, and the cheering crowds add to the festive atmosphere.
The race is held on the Punnamada Lake near Alleppey, a short drive from Kumarakom. Attending this event offers an understanding of Kerala's life culture and community spirit. It's an unforgettable experience of the skill, and teamwork of the rowers.
7. Shop at Street Markets
Exploring the local street markets is one of the fun things to do in Kumarakom. The markets are a wonderful bunch of traditional Kerala , fabrics, and spices. Wandering through the very busy stalls, you can find a variety of items that make for excellent gifts. Kerala is famous for its spices, and you can buy fresh and nice-smelling spices like black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. The markets also offer beautiful Kerala silk sarees, known for their detailed designs and high quality. Other popular items include coir products, handwoven mats, and Kathakali masks.
Shopping in the street markets also gives you a chance to interact with the local vendors and learn about their creations and products. Don't wait to arrive, as it's a common practice in these markets. The full of life atmosphere and the variety of products make shopping in Kumarakom a very pleasant experience.
8. Chill at Trunk Call Bar
For a relaxing evening, visit Trunk Call Bar in Zuri Resort & Spa. This stylish bar offers a great selection of cocktails, fine wines, and spirits, along with a beautiful and beautiful mood. Chilling here is one of the best things to do in Kumarakom after a day of sightseeing. The bar's interior is richly and beautifully designed, with comfortable seating and overall, all-around lighting. You can enjoy your drink while listening to soft music or watching the sunset over the lake. The bar also offers a range of snacks and light bites for you with drinks.
Trunk Call Bar is known for its signature cocktails, created with local ingredients and new and interesting ways of doing things. The friendly are happy to recommend drinks based on your preferences. It's the perfect place to unwind, talk with people, and enjoy an evening.
9. Explore Vagamon Hill Station
A short drive from Kumarakom, Vagamon Hill Station is a beautiful place to visit for a day trip. Lied down snugly in the Western Ghats, Vagamon is known for its rolling land , beautiful greenery, and cool climate. Exploring Vagamon is one of the best things to do in Kumarakom for nature lovers and fun trip fans. The trip to Vagamon takes you through routes with beautiful vistas. Once you reach Vagamon, you can enjoy activities like traveling, paragliding, and rock climbing. The hill station is also home to beautiful tea , pine forests, and calm lakes.
Vagamon is known for its full of life flora and animal population. The Kurisumala Ashram, located on a hilltop, offers very wide views of the surrounding area and is a peaceful place for deep thinking.
10. Go Fishing at Vembanad Lake
Fishing at Vembanad Lake is one of the relaxing things to do in Kumarakom. The lake is the largest in Kerala and offers a peaceful place for fishing. It's a great way to spend some quiet time close to nature and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. You can hire a local boat and set out with your fishing gear. The lake is rich in fish like Karimeen , prawns, and catfish. As you wait for a catch, you can enjoy the calm and the gentle sway of the boat.
Fishing in Vembanad Lake is also an opportunity to learn traditional fishing ways of doing things from the local fishermen. They use methods like cast netting and hand lining, which have been passed down through generations. The experience is both educational and enjoyable, offering a deeper connection with the local culture.
Conclusion
Kumarakom offers lots of activities that are experienced by all kinds of travelers. Whether you're looking for a fun trip, relaxation, or cultural experiences, there are plenty of things to do in Kumarakom. From houseboat rides and bird watching to massages and Kathakali performances, Kumarakom promises an unforgettable experience. Plan your trip to this calm paradise and enjoy the best things to do in Kumarakom.
