Things to Do In Kumarakom: A Traveller’s Guide

The chirping of migrant birds along with the light breeze and alluring sunsets make Kumarakom an exceptional destination for a vacation. It is a dreamland for those who love an abundance of nature around them and want to spend time in serenity. There are many places to visit in Kumarakom, however, one should not miss out on visiting the backwaters as it is the soul of Kerala.

From beautiful lakes to Bird sanctuaries, your Kumarakom sightseeing itinerary will be a unique blend of nature for your trip. Every traveller who has been to this place enjoys the natural beauty that comes in the form of unique skies, pristine forests, and exotic birds. If you are planning a trip to Kerala, here are the top things to do in Kumarakom:

1.    Boating In the Backwaters

Kerala tourism is known for its pristine backwaters and it should definitely be on your things to do in Kumarakom list. The surreal feeling of boating in the waterbody and watching the breathtaking sunsets is something you cannot get elsewhere. You can either opt for a boat ride or book a houseboat to fully indulge yourself in the experience. The prices of a houseboat are quite minimal for the views you will be seeing in its comfort. It is a true paradise for those who love nature and want to spend hours surrounded by it. If you are lucky enough, you will be able to spot rare migrant birds on your boat ride in Kumarakom.

2.    Go For Birdwatching

One of the best things to see in Kumarakom for bird lovers is the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary as you can spot numerous migratory and local birds. As you go deeper inside the lush woodland, you will be able to find a plethora of flora and fauna hiding here and there. You can also take a boat ride on the Vembanad Lake which is one of India’s biggest lakes and a part of the Kerala backwaters. The boat ride will give you the chance to witness the wondrous views of woodland, shores, and islands. Make sure you go to the top of the sanctuary’s lookout tower and take a pair of binoculars to see birds like kingfisher, cormorant, woodpecker, cuckoo, and more. The best time to visit the bird sanctuary is during the sunrise as the birds are busy sourcing food.

3.    Explore the Flora and Fauna at Pathiramanal

Just a few kilometres away from the bird sanctuary is Pathiramanal which you can add to your Kumarakom sightseeing itinerary. This spectacular island is situated in Alappuzha which is another backwaters destination of Kerala. It is another great place for birdwatching as there is a wide variety of rare varieties of migratory birds that come from different parts of the globe. This natural habitat is home to lush greenery, magnificent natural views, and abundant flora and fauna. You can enjoy a quiet time in nature which is one of the absolute favourite things to do in Kumarakom for nature lovers. As there is such a wide variety of birds in Pathiramanal, bird lovers can bring their guidebooks and spot the rare birds of Kumarakom.

4.    Enjoy Water Sports at Kumarakom Beach

The crystal clear water, pretty skies, and verdant greenery are the best things to see in Kumarakom. You can enjoy water activities such as water polo, swimming, snorkelling, beach volleyball, and more which will give you a rejuvenating feeling. The best thing about the Kumarakom Beach is that it is clean and surrounded by tropical trees. You can dedicate the mornings to yoga or meditation near the beach to calm your mind at the beginning of the day. In the evening, you can take a stroll around the beachside and have a time of serenity with your loved one or alone. Along with this, there are various eating shacks near the beach where you can have delectable local seafood.

5.    Book a Stay at Taj Kumarakom Resort & Spa

If you are planning for a romantic getaway and looking for Kerala tour packages for couples, then there is nothing better than the Taj Kumarakom Resort & Spa. This beautiful property is located near the prominent destinations of Kumarakom and offers the comfort of your home. One of the things to do in Kumarakom is to book a stay at this resort and enjoy the tranquillity of nature around it. The 5-star resort is nestled in natural greenery with endless views of backwaters. Take advantage of the nearby backwaters and enjoy a boat ride whenever you want. The resort also has an exquisite spa where you can have a relaxing time by getting a specialized massage.

6.    Experience the Art of Kathakali

Travelling to Kerala and not watching a show of Kathakali is totally unjust to your trip. Experiencing the art of Kathakali is one of the most amazing things to do in Kumarakom. It is a traditional art form of Kerala which is popular around the world. The many mudras, expressions, and rhythmic performances make the dance very interesting to watch. Performers of the Kathakali dance take many hours to get dressed and do their makeup. If you generally love art, make sure you watch a Kathakali performance and make your trip worthwhile. You can either book a ticket for a show or if you are lucky enough, your resort or hotel will include it in one of its cultural shows.

7.    Witness World-Class Boat Races

Among the many fascinating things to see in Kumarakom are the boat races. The tradition of boat races goes back many years and many travellers especially come to Kerala to watch it live. You can choose from different events like the Nehru Snake Boat Race and the Kumarakom Sri Narayana Guru Jayanthi Boat Race that you can attend. In the event, the locals sing and row their boats in the backwaters of Kerala to win the race. To see these numerous people trying to row the boat as fast as possible is something you should not miss out on. Make sure you are aware of the dates and timings for the boat race.

8.    A Road Trip to Fort Kochi

Your list of things to do in Kumarakom should not miss a road trip to Fort Kochi. Almost a 2-hour drive from Kumarakom, Fort Kochi is a historically important location of Kerala and influences the Dutch, Portugal, and British colonial architecture. Today, you can spot many art cafes, quaint shops, churches, and heritage buildings that give Fort Kochi its lively vibe. You can try out a variety of cuisines in the chic cafés of this cutesy area. In addition to this, you can take a quick stroll around the Jewish town where you will find Insta-worthy photo corners with colourful doors and windows.

These are some of the things to do in Kumarakom that you can enjoy on your next vacation to this picturesque destination. Veena World Kerala tour packages have amazing itineraries that you can check out when you are planning for the holiday.