Introduction
The tranquil waters of the Beautiful backwaters and the palm fringed emerald canals are fast gaining momentum as one of the most popular tourist destinations in India.
The breathtakingly beautiful backwaters are anytime a treat for our urban eyes, but it is at Kumarakom in Kottayam district that they can be witnessed at their bountiful best where the a large network of rivers and canals empty themselves into the Vembanad Lake, the focal point of the Kerala Backwaters. The lush paddy fields, the swaying palms, and the incessant chirping of the birds that flock to the lake are a sheer sensual delight. The fresh water of the Vembanad has sculpted the surrounding lands into labyrinth of waterways, lakes and canals that reach the apex of their bounty and fertility during the monsoon.
The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a hot favorite among waterfowls and migratory birds like Siberian stork, egret, heron, darter, wood pecker, etc. This bird sanctuary is all orinthologists' pilgrimage. Located by the Vembanad Lake, this bird sanctuary is spread over 14 acres.
The famous snake boat races that take place at Vembanad Lake during Onam (August/September) are a huge crowd puller. Each snake boat rowed by four helmsmen, 24 singers and 100-125 oarsmen try to beat each other while thousands of spectators cheer them from the banks.
Kumarakom- Location
Kumarakom is located in the Kottayam district and is 16 km from Kottayam city. The Kochi international airport is 85 km and the Thiruvanthapuram Airport is 175 km by road from Kumarakom. The nearest railhead is at Kottayam (16 km), an important station in Southern railways. The more adventurous ones can avail the boat ride from Alleppey to reach Kumarakom.
| 
