Monday, August 3, 2009

KERALA TOURIST PLACES : KUMARAKOM


Kumarakom is a tourist village in Kottayam district, Kerala, India. It is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake in Kumarakom is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a noted bird sanctuary where many species of migratory birds visit. The Vembanad Lake, the largest backwater in Kerala, is habitat for many marine and freshwater fish species and it teems with Karimeen (Pearl spot), shrimp (chemmeen ) and prawns. The bird sanctuary extends over 14 acres (57,000 m²), and came into existence following preservation. Vembanad Lake is a feast for the eyes with its traditional country crafts or Kettuvallams and canoes floating up and down. The lake and its surrounding area can be best explored on a houseboat. There is a small island, Pathiramanal or Midnight Sands which is worth a visit for its natural beauty. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is spread over 14-acres and is a favourite haunt of migratory and other water birds. Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls, 2 Km down a mud lane is known for its beautiful landscape and cascading falls. Kottayam, 16 Km away is famous for its churches and rubber plantationsn efforts from the government.
Backwater cruises, fishing, and boating are the most popular things to indulge in at
Kumarakom. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary demands more than one visit for serious birdwatchers. You can also seek some ayurvedic therapy from the experts and go in for a rejuvenating massage.
The quaint town is a cluster of little islands, located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake in the Kuttanad region of Kerala. Renowned for its natural beauty, Kumarakom is an ideal base to experience the famous Kerala backwaters, replete with meandering lagoons, coconut trees, endless rows of paddy fields interspersed by waterways and canals. Just 16 Km from Kottayam, Kumarakom is also home to a bird sanctuary.The major sight seeing option at Kumarakom is boat cruise. There are Country boats and Houseboats for the boat cruise experience. A Houseboat cruise along the backwaters is really an amazing experience for every traveller to Kumarakom.
Kumarakom has a wide variety of houseboats. They are used only for tourists these days. A separate boat known as Kettuvallam is used by the people to go fishing or to transport goods. Apart from these, there are elegant special boats like Kochu-odi Vallam, Odi-Vallam, Iruttukutthi Vallam, Churulan Vallam and Chundan Vallam(Snake Boat), which take part in the boat races around Onam time. The Kumarakom boat-race is conducted in the big canal in the centre near the market. There is a private sailing club in Kumarakom, located on the shore of the Vembanad lake.Kumarakom is one of the most beautiful villages in the world. Foreign visitors used to think that it is like a paradise.
via Cochin International Airport and the Trivandrum International Airport, by rail via Kottayam by boat From Muhamma (Alappuzha) to Kumarakom Jetty, by road (16 kilometres) Buses and taxis are easily available at all times of the day from Kottayam

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