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In
And Around |
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When
nature is all you need to recuperate, Kumarakom is undoubtedly the
most invigorating, fascinating paradise in Kerala, God's own country.
The slender coconut palms standing here, there and everywhere, its
never ending paddy fields, meandering lagoons and backwaters, mangroves
nesting birds of a hundred varieties can peacefully calm and invigorate
your mind with renewed inspiration for your vocation and life. That
is the pristine beauty of Kumarakom.
Kumarakom the charming emerald peninsula jutting into the ever-effervescent Vembanad Lake takes you into the heart of the scenic lake where you'll come across plenty of traditional country crafts, boats and canoes. The fresh water of the lake runs into the mainland making a labyrinth of lagoons, brooks, canals and waterways. The backwater houses a variety of species of both fauna and flora. They are rich with marine life namely the exclusive 'Kumarakom Karimeen' (pearl spotted fish), Konju (tiger prawns), Njandu (crabs), Chemeen (prawns) and many more. As the monsoon winds bring rain to the shores of Vembanad Lake, the Kumarakom is transformed into a rich fertile land. The streams, lagoons, brooks break their banks and provide nourishment to springs and shrubs that sprout from every available space. Water
birds, migratory birds, mangrove shores and the renowned bird sanctuary
form their niche. The resorts nearby offer comfortable accommodation
and exclusive leisure options like an Ayurvedic massage, yoga, meditation,
boating, fishing and swimming. The adventurous could indulge in
water sports such as windsailing and waterskiing. You could even
take a canoe out into the quite lakes and armed with a fishing rod,
catch your own supper. Make sure you do not miss out on Karimeen
and fresh toddy, the favourite fresh water food and the local wine.
Climate:
Kumarakom enjoys a well-balanced tropical climate. The lowest and
highest temperatures recorded are 16.10 C and 37.80 C. There is
always a cool, fresh breeze, which makes even the warmest weather
readily agreeable. The South West monsoon is from early June to
early August. However, slight drizzles persist till early November.
Average rainfall is 1100 mm per year. The peak tourist season is
from November to March. |
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| Places
of Interest: Around Kumarakom |
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| Aruvikkuzhi
Waterfalls Pay a visit to the picturesque Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls Located 18km from Kottayam town, 2 km down a mud lane from Kumarakom is this beautiful picnic spot where streams tinkle as they make their way through the landscape and waters roar as they cascade down the mountains from a height of 100 ft. Pathiramanal (sands of midnight), an enchanting island on the lake, can be accessed by boat from here. This 10 acre island on the backwaters is home to many rare varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world. According to mythology a young Brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water madeway for the land to rise from below. The island can be accessed only by boat. A cruise along the Vembanad Lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary. |
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| Kottayam | |||
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Kottayam
is an ancient town famous for its churches, especially the 700 years-old
churches, the Cheria palli ('small church') with exceptionally lovely
paintings over the altar and the Valia palli('Big Church') perched
on a picturesque hillock over a small cluster of houses. In the
St.Mary's Church Kuravilangad built in 355 AD there is an old bell
which bears a hitherto undeciphered inscription. The mortal remains
of the blessed Alphonsa and the Blessed Father Chavara are entombed
at the St.Mary's Church at Bharananganam and the St.Joseph's Monastery
Church at Mannanam respectively. Thousands gather at these holy
shrines during festive occasions. Pala town and Kanjirappally, nourished
by the Meenachil and Manimala rivers respectively are centers of
rubber plantations. The Ettumanoor Shiva Temple 12 km north of town,
has exceptionally beautiful wall paintings and sculptures inside
the temple. In the heart of Kottayam town is the much venerated
Thirunakkara Mahadeva temple. Enter Bay Island Museum |
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| Erumely | |||
| This is an important pilgrim centre for the Hindus and Muslims. Sree Dharmasastha Temple here is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. Pilgrims going to Sabarimala alight here. | |||
| Aranmula | |||
| 50km from Kottayam, Aranmula is the site of the splendid Onam festival boat races, usually in early September. These races unlike the more sporting Nehru Trophy race at Alappuzha in August are essentially religious, based on a temple festival. Caparisoned elephants with beaded umbrellas, processions of decorated floats, and highly ornate boats make this a lovely event to witness. Aranmula is also the centre of bell metal mirror crafts. | |||
| Vagamon | |||
| Vagamon, 64 km from Kottayam and 34 km from Pala, situated at an elevation of 1100 meters above sea level is a trekker's paradise. It is an ideal tourist spot surrounded by the greenery of tea gardens, beautiful meadows and valleys. Other attractions: Thangal Para, Indo-Swiss project, Kurisumala Ashram. | |||
| Elaveezha Poonchira | |||
| Elaveezha Poonchira is yet another picnic spot accessible from Pala and located in the midst of beautiful hills. | |||
| Vaikom | |||
 40km
from Kottayam, famous for the Shiva Temple. The festival in November-December,
last for 12 days and the 'Panchavadyam' is an important musical performance |
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