Known for its backwater tourism, Kumarakom is famous tourist spot in the state of Kerala, India. Kumarakom is located near the city of Kottayam which is just 16 km away from it. Tourism, fishing and agriculture form the economic activity of Kumarakom. It has vast area under mango groves, paddy fields, and coconut groves. Bird sanctuary of Kumarakom is famous for many species of birds including some migratory birds. Vembanad Lake in Kumarakom is known for being the largest backwater in Kerala. The lake houses many fresh water fish species. The lake and the sanctuary are major attractions of Kumarakom. Back water of Vembanad Lake is the main tourist place. Near the lake there are many hotels which provide facilities like boating, fishing, yachting, etc. Bird sanctuary is another attraction here and it can be visited by canoes made available by fishermen. This 2 hour long pleasant trip by canoes is available at reasonable price and can be taken in the early morning or in the evening to avoid scorching sun in the moon. The Taz Garden Retreat is another place of interest in Kumarakom. It is a modern resort built in Victorian style bungalow in 1881. The place is one of the most visited places in Kumarakom. Kumarakom has been declared as special tourism zone by Kerala state government. Kumarakom attracts thousands of tourists from across the country. If you are travelling by train you can get down at Kottayam railway station which is just 16 km from Kumarakom. From Kottayam you can take a state run bus or other private vehicles like car to reach Kumarakom. Kottayam railway station is well linked by many trains to many other cities and towns of the state and the country. State run buses and other private vehicles like cars and luxury buses connect it to other cities and towns of the state and the county. Cochin International Airport is nearest airbase to Kumarakom and is just 85 km away from it. The airport is well linked by several flights to other major cities of India and other countries. Malayalam and Tamil are widely spoken languages of the region and Hindi and English are also spoken by some. In monsoon season the activity of cruising backwater is not allowed. September to February is the ideal time to visit this beautiful place.
