Hey readers, how're you doing?
Recently, we conducted a survey of the best holiday destinations in South India and came to the conclusion that Kerala is the topmost choice for many. You know the reasons well, but we would like to add what the people said:
1. "I would love to devour the different food items of Kerala"
2. "It is a trekker's haven"
3. "Exploring the underwater life".
Though there are multitudinous places to visit in "God's Own Country" Kerala, Kumarakom is a place that has its own charm. It is endowed with the beauteous surroundings in profusion. The calm backwaters, waterfalls in the quaint corners, beguiling bird sanctuaries & valleys, and much more that is soul-calming. It wouldn't be wrong in saying that Kumarakom is nature's masterpiece and never fails to attract and impress visitors.
So, before you gear up and leave for Kumarakom, don't miss taking a look at this short guide that will assist in visiting the places that you would love exploring. Happy journey pals!
Surrounded by the tantalizing green surroundings, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a major crowd puller. It is a habitat for umpteen species of the domestic birds and can immediately uplift the mood of visitors due to its calm ambiance. The migratory birds like the Siberian crane, stork, geese etc. are usually spotted during the winters. By paying a minimal fee, visitors can enter the sanctuary and observe the amazing birds.
Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall serves as a magnet for tourists and shutterbugs that want to ensnare the beauty of this waterfall forever in their cameras. Words would be less for describing this marvel of nature but, here's a short description. The white waters of Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall gush down from a height of more than 80 feet. That's indeed a great escape from the daily hustle of the concrete jungles.
Vembanad Lake or better say Amazon of India' stands one among the major tourist attractions in Kumarakom. It is the longest lake in India and the largest lake in "God's Own Country" Kerala. The backwaters of this lake are a remarkable spot and people throng to this place on a wide scale across the year. You can enjoy a convenient stay in the houseboat but, beware it may compel you from not leaving the place!
Among the famous places in Kumarakom, the beach of Kumarakom holds a special status. It is a frequented spot in the locale that is set along the shoreline of the Arabian Sea. The squishy sands of the beach never fail to draw locals and visitors extensively. It is a great place for strolling, meditating, and basking in the sun. If you're a water baby then the sports like parasailing, jet-skiing, and boating. A flying visit would work, pals.
To relish the best beer & skittles in Kumarakom, head towards its backwaters and we're sure you'll not regret the decision. The backwaters of Kumarakom are crowd pullers and nature's another living masterpiece! It is an offbeat place where you will find the mental peace that will breathe a new life into the tired senses. And yes, do not miss to watch the astounding sunset.
Attention art lovers, this one is exclusively for you! Bay Island Driftwood Museum is a name that is well-known by sizable people in Kumarakom. A place in one of its kinds, this museum showcases the intriguing driftwood items that were discovered from the shores. Also, a special gallery showcases the driftwood items that were created artificially. This museum charges no fee from the visitors and can be visited throughout the year, excluding the national holidays and festivals.
Forgetting the name of Vagamon? Nope, that's impossible. Endowed with the alluring surroundings, Vagamon is a hill town in the district of Idukki. It is elevated 3,900 feet above the sea level and is a must-see spot in Kumarakom. This place is a blend of serenity and nature's beauty that cannot be described using words. People visit this place for experiencing the thrill of trekking, didn't we say that?
The City of Mural' Kottayam is a spectacular place in Kumarakom. Take a look around and you can see the blend of the traditional and modern aura. The calm backwaters, serene hills, lush green fields etc. make it nature's bounty but, there are many different laurels to its name as well. The city is dotted with various attractions that will insist you to extend your holidays.
Literally translating into the Sands of Night', Pathiramanal Island is an arresting tourist spot. It rests in Vembanad Lake and provides shelter to a vast variety of birds that include the names like the Indian Shag, darter, common teal, pintail duck, Indian pond heron, cormorant, and much more. Due to the presence of numerous birds, Pathiramanl Island is a haven for bird watchers. A short excursion on a winter noon would be an amazing choice!
Juma Masjid is a thousand-year-old grandiose in Kumarakom. It is a functional mosque where umpteen Muslims gather for the daily prayers. Juma Masjid is also famous as Taj Juma Masjid due to its uncanny but, a miniature resemblance to Taj Mahal. The interiors of this mosque boast the serpentine wood carvings that depict the skillful craftsmanship of the ancient era. On the occasion of Id, this mosque is flooded by the enthusiastic Muslims.
St. Mary's Church in Cheriapally is one amid the oldest Orthodox Cathedrals in India. It was erected over four hundred years ago under the reign of Thekkumkoor Maharajah. Since then, no changes in its architecture have been made. Though it stands in the European style of architecture, some walls of it resemble that of a Hindu shrine. It has a bell that was brought from Goa on a special order of the king. Today, it is widely frequented by people of all faiths. A visit during Christmas and you know the rest.
Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple is a frequented Hindu shrine in Ettumanoor, Kottayam. As per its name, the presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva and he is worshipped in the form of Nataraja. According to legends, this Hindu temple dates back to the period of Mahabharata as the excavations revealed that Pandavas used to worship Lord Shiva here during their exile. Thirusalvam is a major festival that is celebrated here.
A must-visit place for all Shaivaites, Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is one of the prominent Hindu temples in Kumarakom. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and stands in the traditional Kerala style of architecture. The interiors walls are embellished with the Hindu iconographies that depict the different religious figurines like the Hindu Trinity, river Ganges, and other demigods. The grand festival of Vaikom Ashtami is celebrated with a great pomp.
Last, but not the least, Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu shrine that we cannot miss. It is a Shiva temple that was built in over 500 years ago by Thekkumkoor Rajah. It is visited by the followers of Shaivism extensively because it is believed that Lord Shiva's idol was installed by Sage Parshurama himself. Interestingly, the custom of worshipping the Brahmarakshasa is running down from a prolonged period of time. Want to know about that? Visit this temple and find out.
Simply fascinating! Whether it is a scenic location or a sacred site, people throng to such places extensively. Let's say that in simpler words, Kumarakom is a huge crowd-puller due to its astounding attractions. Do not miss visiting any of the above-listed places else you will miss a major portion of fun during a trip to Kumarakom.