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Plan Your Perfect Kumarakom Getaway – The Ultimate Kumarakom Experience
Kumarakom is one of the most preferred tourist locations in Kerala while looking for a peace filled vacation. With is rich flora and fauna and a wide variety of landscapes including lakes, backwaters and lush green forests, Kumarakom, undoubtedly steals the heart of each visitor. The numerous churches, temples, mosques and museums in Kumarakom can quench the cultural, historical and adrenaline thirst of all those who visit this precious land. A ride in the greenish blue backwater in a Kerala houseboat is something that you should do in your trip.Here are a few places you can visit while enjoying a vacation in Kumarakom.
1. Bird Sanctuary
The Kumarakom bird sanctuary is every bird watcher’s dream land. This vast 14 acres of land nourished with a lush green forest cover and cozy cool climate makes it home to a number of species. The sanctuary will be crowded during the peak season when birds like Siberian storks migrate to Kumarakom from Siberia and even the Himalayas. You can spot other birds like water duck, flycatchers, wood beetles, parrots, owls, egrets, darters and water fowls. The entry fee for Indians is Rs 50/- and for visitors from other countries, it is Rs 100/-. The sanctuary is open from 6:00AM to 6:PM. Also don’t forget to enjoy the boat ride to Pathiramanal which is just 10 minutes from here.
2. Bay Island Driftwood Museum
Apart from ordinary museums, the Bay island driftwood museum was built to display a number of driftwood sculptures made with intricate artistic techniques. The museum had its humble beginnings when a lady school teacherstarted to collect sea deposits after cyclones. She saw a great potential in these collected driftwood. When scraped molded and polished, these could be made into brilliant sculptures. A number of these are sculptures are of reptiles, birds and other animals.
3. Village Life Experiences
The people of Kumarakom are simple and friendly. Being very hygienic, you can see that all the houses and surroundings are well maintained. With the village life experience (VLE) package offered by the Government of Kerala, you can experience the traditions and culture of the peoplein detail. You can see the daily livelihood activities and skills of the local communities in a closer look. Being the first place where RT (responsible tourism) was implemented, the locals here are very particular about inculcating ecological elements into tourism activities. From broom making, shell mining, coconut palm front weaving, screw pine making etc. you can participate in a number of activities with the locals.
4. Kumarakom Toddy Shop
This toddy shop has been given the status of a ‘model toddy parlor’ by the government of Kerala. Other than the cliché toddy shops where a predominant male crowd takes the place over, Kumarakom toddy shop is pretty known for being family friendly. As you go inside the shop, you can see live counters were hot parathas are made. The aroma of spiced curries and fried fish are sure to intoxicate your senses. From the duck roast, prawns fry and sweet appams, they have the legendary karimeen pollichath (sea pearl fished cooked in coconut milk and plantain leaf)
5. Vembanad Lake
Being the converging point of about ten rivers, Vembanad Lake would uplift your spirits by offering some breathtaking scenic views of the backwaters along with the verges of the land perched with swaying coconut trees and paddy farms. A houseboat ride throughthe Vembanad Lake is must to do thing if you are in Kumarakom.
6. Nehru Trophy Boat Race
The ‘Chundan Vallam’ initially was used for small fights and conflicts between the kings of these territories. The sleek architecture of the boats was brilliant and provided swift movements during constant fights. These Chundan Vallams were found apt for boat races as well. The popular Nehru trophy vallam kali, conducted in the month of August every year, is one of the most famous boat races of Kerala.
7. Vaikom Mahadeva Temple
The Vaikom temple is best known for its annual festival called Vaikathashtami. Having the statue of a Shiva Linga which is considered to be from The thethra yuga ( the second yuga out of the four yugas), Vaikom temple is visited by thousands of devotees each year. This is the only temple to have an oval shaped sreekovil (the place where themaindeity is kept). Surroundedby Vembanad lake, this beautiful temple is sure to bring in peace to you. It is interesting to note that the first chamber of temple is built with a single piece of wood and stone.
8. Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple
This temple is best known for the mural paintings of Lord Nataraja on the main tower. In most temples, while the idols face the east, here Lord shiva’s idol faces west. Built in 1542 CE, the temple has a historical legacy . The temple is most crowded each year when theezharaponnana , or the statue of seven and a half elephants carved out in gold is brought out in a procession. Ettumanoor Mahadeva temple is one of the famous 108 Shiva temples of Kerala.
9. Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple
The Thirunakkara Mahadeva temple, dedicated to lord Shiva, gained its fame for the antique architectural style and beautiful mural paintings. The temple which is believed to about 500 years ago portrays the dashavathara, which is supposed to be the ten avarthars of Vishnu and also shows stories of Shiva through its paintings. The traditional Koothambalam often would have cultural programs like kathakali and dance performances. It also has an anakottil, which is a camp for elephants.
10. St Mary’s Church
This church, apart fromits religious vibe, has a rich legacy of possessing vestiges from the past. Built in 1579 by the Maharaja of Thekkumkoor, this church was the product of a conflict between the Knanaya Christians and the vadakumbhagar .The king granted a piece of land for the vadakkumbhagar and thus by this church was built. The unique architectural style blends in Portuguese and Kerala style of building. The walls and ceilings are painted with both Christian and non-Christian themes.
11. Erumeli
Situated at a distance of 65 kilometers from Kottayam, Erumali is best known as a pilgrimage center. Being the base camp of the tiresome Sabarimala Trekk, Erumeli has legendary importance. The name Erumeli is derived from ‘Eruma Kolli’. It is believed that Lord Ayyappa killed a demon buffalo Mahishi while he was going to collect tiger milk from the forest. Erumeli town is best known for its communal harmony. There is a temple and a mosque facing each other. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyapa whereas the Mosque is for Vavar Swami who was Ayyappa’s companion. As one of the three main roots in reaching Sabarimala, many prefer to take Erumeli route, though being the longest route.
12. Marari Beach
If you are a beach fanatic, it’s your turn to enjoy the splashing waves sitting on the golden sands of Marari beach. The beach got its name from Mararikulam, the village where it is situated. This peaceful fishing village along with the amazing beach offers you nothing else but a sense of peace and happiness. As you stroll through the edges of the water, you can see nature at its best with the swaying coconut and palm trees and spot village of Mararikulam brimming with life. There are activities promoted in the beach like parasailing, seasurfing, deep sea fish diving, skiing etc. You can also visit the Mararikulam Shiva temple where the deities are Lord Shiva and Parvathy.
If you are looking for a luxury boat cruise in Kerala, for the houseboat promoted by Niche stays at Kumarakom. With great food, top class service and cheerful staff, this is definitely the best houseboat in Kerala. With minimum interferences and a lot of privacy, this is the best luxury backwater cruise for honeymoon
