Vembanad Lake, one of India’s longest and largest lakes, forms the backbone of Kerala’s renowned backwater tourism. Encompassing a vast network of canals, streams, wetlands and mangroves, the lake brings to you the surreal tropical beauty of Kerala. The whispering coconut grooves and lush paddy fields fringing the lake further accentuate its scenic beauty. The best way to enjoy the backwaters is to rent a houseboat. Sit-back and relax as the beauty of the backwaters unfolds right in front of your eyes.
Enjoy a pleasant getaway to the beautiful Aruvikkuzhi waterfalls. The waterfall cascades down the rocky terrain from a height of 100 feet. Located at a distance of just 2 km from Kumarakom, the place is perfect for a weekend picnic trip. The rubber plantations near the falls add more charm to the beauty of the falls.
The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, spread across 14 acres and surrounded by lush wooded landscape, plays host to a diverse variety of avian residents. The sanctuary is a safe haven for the egrets, darters, golden backed woodpeckers, herons etc, just to name a few. It is also a favorite stop-over for thousands of migratory birds that flock from as far as the Himalayas and Siberia. A vibrant mix of colorful exotic birds and migratory birds makes Kumarakom an attractive destination for bird-lovers from around the globe. The sanctuary, accessible only through water, can be best experienced by renting a boat.
Arundhati Roy’s bestseller and 1997 Booker prize winner the ‘God of Small Things’ is set in Aymanam. The fame of the book catapulted Aymanam into a popular tourist destination – sought after by the fans of the book. Many places in Aymanam finds mention in the book like the ‘History House’, ‘Aymanam House’ etc. The ‘History House’, built by the British missionary Alfred George Baker aka ‘Kari Saipu’, is now a luxury hotel – The Taj Garden Retreat, managed by Taj Group of Hotels. The ‘Aymanam House’, connected with the childhood of the author, is situated on the banks of the river Meenachil.
Kottayam, the district headquarters, is a place famous for its many ancient Syrian Christian churches. Among the most famous of the churches are the Cheria Palli and Valiya Palli. Cheria Palli, under the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Church, is renowned for its biblical murals done in vegetable dyes and exquisite altar paintings. The Valia Palli, under the Knanaya Jacobite Syrian Church, is famous for its ancient stone cross with Persian inscriptions. Kottayam is also famous for the shrine of Sr. Alphonsa, the first catholic woman saint of Indian origin, hailing from the Syrian Malabar Catholic Church
The museum houses a large collection of root-sculptures of different shapes and sizes. It is aptly named as the exhibits are mainly from the Bay Islands in the Bay of Bengal. The museum extols the creative and imaginative mind of a single artist – Mrs. Raji Punnose – a retired teacher from Bay Islands
House boat :Houseboats, aptly called the floating palaces, can accommodate any number of people from a couple of two to a family of many. They are equipped with all modern luxury amenities including living room, fully stocked kitchen, balcony, modern bathrooms, a personal cook, and a captain.
Fishing:Fishing is a good way to enjoy the backwaters in an idyllic pace. The most perfect way to enjoy a fishing trip would be to rent a small canoe and relax and laze-around while attempting to catch some fish.
Ayurveda:Kumarakom has many Ayurvedic facilities including some of the best spas. One session is bound to leave you invigorated both in body and soul. Do ensure that you consult a certified Ayurvedic practitioner before venturing into any treatment.
Kumarakom Boat Races :Don’t miss the exhilarating, hi-energy packed Kumarakom boat race conducted as part of the Onam celebrations which fall during the month of August-September. The race transforms the otherwise calm backwaters into an adrenalin packed venue akin to the eye of a maelstrom. Separate races are conducted for different categories of boats ranging from small ones to the gigantic snake boats. The vying snake boats will each have over a 100 oarsmen, accompanied by around 25 singers adding more zing to the race. The event attracts both national and international attention. Don’t just sit amongst the cheering crowds; if possible try to get a closer feel of the race by renting a houseboat.
Erumeli Petta Thullal :This age-old ritual is conducted every year as part of the annual temple festival of Sri Dharma Sastha Temple. Falling in the month of January, the celebration is earmarked by loud music, traditional music concert and elephant pageants, attracting hordes of devotees from different parts of the state.
Ponadu Chootu Padayani :Padayani is a ritualistic festival celebrated in ancient temples dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali. The annual Padayani festival of the ancient Bhagwathy temple near Meenachil is celebrated with much fervor and enthusiasm. The performers dressed up to resemble demigods run around the temple carrying burning torches made of dry palm leaves.
You can buy good quality traditional handcrafted merchandise for a gift or a souvenir. Popular buys include Kathakali masks, lampshades, brass lamps, items made from coconut shell, bamboo and cane, etc. There are also a handful of shops selling hand-woven garments and antique items.
