Chennai

Rated 5 out of 5

Overview

Current Weather

Current Weather

17.3° C / 63.1° F

Current Conditions:

Clear Sky

Best Time

Best Months To Visit:

October to June

Recommended Duration:

6 to 10 Days

How to Reach

Nearest Airport:

Guwahati International Airport
(20 kms)

Nearest Railway Station:

Guwahati Railway Station

An untouched paradise of beaches, backwaters, fishermen and waterfalls; Kumarakom is a collection of small islands in Kerala. It is well connected to the rest of the country by air, road and rail while still retaining its aloof charm. The best time to visit Kumarakom is between September and November, when you can experience the best of tourism in Kumarakom, from bird gazing to canoeing, trekking to trying your hand at fishing. This Kumarakom travel guide will tell you all you need to know before visiting this island paradise.

How To Reach

How to Reach: Kumarakom Tourism And Travel Guide
Photograph by http://www.thehindu.com

Kumarakom might be a small archipelago, set near Lake Vembanad; but it is very easily accessible by air, road and rail.The nearest airport is Kochi, and nearest railway station, Kottayam. Roads are also well connected to the rest of the state and the country.

 

By Air

Kochi Airport is 45 km away and is the best bet for you if you want to fly in. Kochi receives flights from India’s major cities like MumbaiDelhiAhmedabad, Bangalore etc.

 

By Rail

Trains in India are an extensive network and reach even the remotest towns and villages. Kumarakom is no exception, as it is only 10 km away from Kottayam, a town in Kerala. Trains from major cities stop here, making it cheap and easy for you to reach Kumarakom.

 

By Road

The island is connected to the rest of the country through State and National highways. Buses ply regularly and have a range of rates depending on their being AC or non AC. If you want, you can also hire a car but that is a relatively expensive option.

 

By Waterways

Kumarakom is also accessible by ferries from Muhamma (a town near Allepey). This mode of transport is the most scenic as you get to witness the best of Kerala greenery and waters.

Things To Do

Things to Do: Kumarakom Tourism And Travel Guide
Photograph by http://www.myowncity.in/1103/kumarakom-bird-sanctuary/

Kumarakom offers a range of activities and sights for one and sundry. There are sunset tours for those who want to relax, sailing and swimming for those looking at flexing their muscles, trekking up waterfall summits as well as pilgrim destinations in Dakshin Kashi. Some of the best things to do when in Kumarakom are:

 

Sightseeing

You can go bird-watching in the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. You are sure to sight herons, owls, wild ducks, teals and cuckoos along with the seasonal migratory species. Or you can rent a houseboat on Vembanad Lake and relax in the setting sun.

 

Fishing

This South Indian island is known for its fishermen. That is their main occupation, and you can pick up a trick or two by going fishing in the Vembanad Lake or the backwaters. Either carry your rods or cast a net. The womenfolk here have developed a unique technique by wading into the water and trapping fishes between their toes.

 

Water sports

The place brims with water, literally. You can take a canoe down the backwater canals or swim or go sailing. There are many ways to keep the waterbaby inside you entertained.

 

Pilgrimage

Kumarakom is very close to one of the biggest pilgrim centres of South India – the Dakshin Kashi or the Kashi of the south. The town of Vaikom houses the temple of Mahadev and becomes blessed in its culture. There is also the Juma Masjid, a 1000 year old mosque built in Kumarakom by the son of the man credited with bringing Islam to Kerala. Its ancient architecture and intricacies of woodcarving transport you back to that era in the blink of an eye.

 

Relaxation

Sunset cruises and houseboat rides are some of the best relaxations you are sure to remember when you return to your daily life. The houseboats on Vembanad Lake as well as many resorts offer sunset cruises, giving you the luxury to just relax in your boat as it passes through dancing trees and rippling water, into the setting sun.

Best Time

Kumarakom is a collection of islands in Kerala, blessed with a tropical climate and a maritime influence. Situated beside the Vembanad Lake, the island is cooled even in scorching heat because of all the water around it. The weather in Kumarakom is naturally regulated throughout the year, making it a major tourist attraction. The best season to visit Kumarakom though, is its ‘winter,’ which lasts from September to March. These months are cooler, pleasant and dry.

Summer (March to May)

Summer (March to May): Kumarakom Weather And Best Time To Visit Kumarakom
Photograph by https://www.thrillophilia.com/kumarakom-houseboats

The heat in Kumarakom is highly humid during summers. The temperatures can be anywhere between 22-34°C, which is not as extreme as the rest of the country. Summer sets in by March and reaches its peak by May. The days are hot, while the nights give some respite from the heat.

 

Summer is a good time to visit Kumarakom if you are not too bothered by mild heat and humidity. Additionally, for families, this falls in the time of children’s school vacation, which makes it even more lucrative.

Monsoon (June to September)

Monsoon (June to September): Kumarakom Weather And Best Time To Visit Kumarakom
Photograph by https://www.deccanchronicle.com/140705/lifestyle-travel/gallery/12-monsoon-gateways-india

Kumarakom receives a good amount of rainfall (1100 mm) from June through September. The land becomes lush and fertile, trees dance in the rain, winds howl, while waterbodies swell. This is THE season to enjoy the weather with a cup of filter coffee and revel in a tranquil mood, with pattering raindrops for company. But heavy and frequent rains can upset plans for outdoor activities, as most waterbodies are not navigable if they swell. Hence it is not advisable to visit Kumarakom during its monsoon, especially is you are looking forward to water sports.

Winter (September to March)

Winter (September to March): Kumarakom Weather And Best Time To Visit Kumarakom
Photograph by http://www.sitaonline.in

Winter in Kumarakom is the most pleasant time of the year; with temperatures going down to 18°C. Being cooler and drier than the rest of the year, winter months become the ideal time to plan a trip to Kumarakom. You get unhindered access to the streams, lakes and backwaters, as well as get to enjoy most of the outdoor activities. Water sports are open to one and sundry. At the same time you get to relax in the cool, dry weather of these islands. Therefore the months from September to March become the ideal time to visit Kumarakom.

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