Bordered by the lofty western ghats on the east and the vembanad lake and paddy fields of kuttanad on the west, kottayam is a land of unique characteristics. Panoramic backwater stretches, lush paddy fields, highlands, extensive rubber plantations and a totally literate people have given this district the enviable title, the land also boasts the first malayalam printing press which was established by benjamin bailey, a christian missionary, in 1820 A.D.


Places To Visit In Kumarakom ( Kottayam )

Kumarakom Backwaters : Among the most popular backwater stretches in Kerala, is that formed by Vembanad Lake, in Kumarakom, 16 km from Kottayam town. The Lake is an enchanting picnic spot and a fast developing backwater tourism destination, providing with facilities like boating, fishing and sight seeing.

Adjacent to Kumarakom is the Kottayam region offering with paddy fields, rubber plantations and the highlands. You can also take a cruise from Kollam to Kumarakom, in a houseboat. The town of Kollam is a gateway to the backwaters of Kerala. The longest backwater cruise commences from Kollam and ends at Alappuzha..

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary : 12 Kms from Kottayam, Kerala, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Vembanand Lake. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is known for its varied avian population. Local varieties such as waterfowls, cuckoos and owls, as well as the migratory Siberian Cranes can be viewed here.

Sprawling over 101 acres of enchanting wooded land and lake, the Kumarakom Tourist Complex, which was built around the 50-year-old 'Baker's Mansion', has been renovated in grand style by the Taj Kerala Resorts Ltd. Earlier this complex was a small hotel run by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC).

Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls : Pay a visit to the picturesque Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls . It is this beautiful picnic spot where streams tinkle as they make their way through the landscape and waters roar as they cascade down the mountains from a height of 100 ft.

Pathira Manal : Pathiramanal is a 10 acre island on the backwaters and is home to many rare varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world.This little island on the backwaters is a favorite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. The island lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom, and is accessible only by boat.


Excursions

» Anchuvilakku - 22 kms from Kumarakom
» Erumeli - 60 kms north - east of Kumarakom
» Nadukani
» Karimbukayam


How To Reach There

Nearest international airport is at Kochi (Nedumbassery - 80 km).The railway station is situated 2 km from the central bus station and is connected to the major cities of india.An excellent road network links the district to all major towns and cities in india.