15 Best Tourist Places in Kumarakom to Visit

Kumarakom is one of Kerala’s most beautiful backwater destinations, known for its peaceful waterways, lush coconut groves, traditional village scenery and the expansive Vembanad Lake. Located near Kottayam, this scenic destination offers a slower and more relaxing side of Kerala, making it ideal for families, couples, nature lovers and anyone looking for a peaceful getaway.

From exploring the famous Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and enjoying a traditional houseboat cruise to visiting quiet islands and experiencing village life, there are plenty of tourist places in Kumarakom to explore. The destination also serves as a convenient base for discovering several attractions around the backwaters of central Kerala. If you are planning a Kerala holiday and wondering about the best places to visit in Kumarakom, this guide covers the major attractions, experiences and nearby places worth adding to your itinerary.

Why Kumarakom Is Worth Visiting?

Kumarakom is different from Kerala's busy hill stations and popular cities. Its charm comes from the calm rhythm of the backwaters, narrow canals, green paddy fields, coconut palms and traditional settlements along the waterways. The destination sits on the banks of Vembanad Lake, Kerala's largest lake, creating opportunities for boating, birdwatching, fishing and houseboat journeys. Its natural surroundings also make it an excellent destination for travellers who want to combine sightseeing with relaxation.

Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or including Kumarakom in a longer Kerala itinerary, its attractions offer a combination of nature, culture and leisurely experiences.

15 Best Tourist Places in Kumarakom Kerala

Kumarakom is the ultimate trip when you are visiting with family or going to spend quality time and create romantic memories with a loved one! Families can enjoy bird watching at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, take a picnic lunch near the Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls or take part in a cultural visit of the Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple. Couples can stay on a houseboat on Vembanad Lake, visit Pathiramanal Island, or simply spend time together around the quiet tourist places in Kumarakom. Kumarakom's combination of nature, culture and romance makes it a popular location for family vacation and couple trips.

1. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

It is one of the most popular Kumarkom tourist places for nature lovers, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. The sanctuary is situated at the riverbank of Vembanad Lake which is characterized by its wetland habitat and rich bird life. The sanctuary is accessible to visitors via walking tracks, and offers opportunities to see birds amongst the mangroves, trees and waterways. Visitors who wish to engage in bird watching or photography will find early morning visits to be ideal. The sanctuary is a place of tranquility and beauty for couples and families, offering a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of Kumarakom.

2. Vembanad Lake

The core of Kummakom, and one of the most significant natural assets of the area is Vembanad lake. Thick coconut trees, villages, paddy fields and network of waterways encircle the lake. No tour to Kumukom is complete until you spend time around the lake. Greeted with a sunset cruise, travellers can go for the traditional boat ride or just sit by the water and relax. Vembanad lake is one of the most picturesque tourist spots in Kumarakom due to its changing colors during the sunrise and sunset. The changing colours of the sky during sunrise and sunset make Vembanad Lake one of the most scenic places to visit in Kumarakom.

3. Kumarakom Backwaters

The Kumarakom backwaters are one of the most Indian of places to experience Kerala. Villages are crisscrossed by canals, lagoons and waterways which provide a peaceful environment for exploration. A houseboat cruise will enable guests to take their time as they enjoy a cruise through these waterways, observing coconut plantations, local houses, fishing boats and paddy fields. For first-time visitors, exploring the backwaters should be one of the top things to include among the places to visit in Kumarakom.

4. Kumarakom Houseboat Cruise

A traditional Kerala houseboat cruise is more than just a sightseeing activity. It's a chance to take in the scenery from the water while floating down the quiet waterways. Houseboats typically have rooms for comfortable living, dining spaces and open decks to take in the views. Depending on the itinerary, cruises may include meals and overnight stays. A houseboat adventure in Kumakom can be a key element of a holiday in Kerala, offering a distinctive and enriching experience for couples, families as well as groups.

5. Pathiramanal Island

Pathiramanal is a small island situated in Vembanad Lake and is known for its peaceful surroundings and birdlife. The island is accessible by boat and is a popular destination for those who enjoy nature and peaceful scenery. This is an experience that will include the trip to the island; the boat will be navigating through the backwaters of Kerala and the scenery along the way. Pathiramanal is one of the more distinctive Kumarakom tourist spots and can be included in a boating or backwater excursion.

6. Kavanar River

The Kavanar river is also a beautiful river close to Kumarakom where the visitors can enjoy the serene side of Kerala's backwater river. The river is surrounded by vegetation, villages and traditional waterways. You can see day-to-day life along Kerala's waterways on a boat trip. The Kavanar River is among the lesser visited areas in and around Kumukom and can be a good addition to the itinerary for travellers who want to avoid the congestion of the area. Travellers looking for less crowded places to see around Kumarakom can consider adding the Kavanar River to their itinerary.

7. Kumarakom Village

Visiting the village of Kumarakom will help the visitors to experience the place beyond its famous attractions. The landscape of the village features coconut plantations, traditional houses, narrow waterways and fields. Strolling through the village or a boat trip through the village will give a window into their way of life and the traditional connection of the people of Kerala with the backwaters. It is especially handy for those who desire their experience in Kumakom to be more cultural than sight seeing.

8. Bay Island Driftwood Museum

The Bay Island Driftwood Museum is a singular attraction in Kumukom where pieces of driftwood collected from various coastal areas are used to create art. The museum is something different from the usual backwater sightseeing experience. It is an interesting place for people interested in art, craftsmanship and unusual sights, thanks to its unusual collection. It can easily be combined with other Kumarakom tourist places during a local sightseeing tour.

9. Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall

Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall is a picturesque waterfall surrounded by trees, located in the region of wider Kottayam. The waterfall and the surrounding landscape are very beautiful in the monsoon and the post monsoon season. The area offers a refreshing change from the backwaters and can be considered when looking for places to see around Kumarakom. For the travellers, extra travel time should be added when planning their sightseeing in Kumakom with the waterfall.

10. Vaikom

The historic town Vaikom, located near Kumarakom is significant primarily for the Vaikom Mahadeva Temple. The town offers an experience of another side of Kerala with its temple architecture, traditions and life. The region of Vaikom can be included in a Kumarakom tour package for those who are interested in cultural and heritage tour.

11. Kumarakom Beach

While Kumarakom is more famous for its backwaters than its classic beaches, there are relaxing waterfront areas around the destination to enjoy its scenery. The peaceful ambiance is perfect for unwinding after exploring the area. Residents of the waterfront hotel can also look out on the lake and nature.

12. Toddy Shops and Local Kerala Cuisine

A great way to discover Kumakom is by exploring local food! Rice, coconut, spices, seafood and local dishes are common menu items in traditional Kerala cuisine. Those who like can indulge in local cuisines at the traditional restaurants and, if available, experience the local toddy culture. For food lovers, sampling local cuisine adds another dimension to the list of things to do in Kumarakom.

13. Kumarakom Paddy Fields

Kumarakom's green paddy fields are an integral part of the topography. These low-lying agricultural lands are a beautiful contrast to its neighbouring streams and coconut plantations. Photograph the Kerala landscape and observe agricultural activities, through a drive or a village trip in the countryside. The paddy fields are especially appealing to travellers searching for peaceful and less commercial tourist attractions in Kumarakom.

14. Kottathodu Waterways

The lesser known waterways in the vicinity of Kumakom show a different side to the famous backwater network of Kerala. Villages are linked to each other, houses and agricultural fields by narrow canals, traditional boats are still an integral part of the daily life. Canoeing or smaller houseboat trips along these waterways can offer a more intimate experience than the larger house boat trips.

15. Kottayam

Kottayam is an important nearby destination that can be combined with a Kumarakom trip. The town and surrounding region are known for churches, temples, plantations, markets and Kerala's cultural heritage. Because of its proximity, Kottayam is useful for travellers who want to combine backwater experiences with city sightseeing and regional exploration.

How Many Days Are Enough for Kumarakom?

One to two days can be enough to experience the main Kumarakom attractions, while three days allow you to explore at a more relaxed pace and include nearby destinations.

Suggested 2 Days Kumarakom Itinerary

Day 1: Backwaters and Local Sightseeing

Arrive in Kumarakom
Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Explore Vembanad Lake
Enjoy a backwater or houseboat cruise
Relax by the waterfront
Enjoy a sunset over the lake

Day 2: Nature and Village Experiences

Explore Kumarakom village
Visit Pathiramanal Island
Explore local waterways and paddy fields
Try traditional Kerala cuisine
Visit a nearby attraction such as Vaikom or Kottayam

This itinerary provides a balance of sightseeing, nature, local culture and relaxation without making the trip feel rushed.

Best Time to Visit Kumarakom

The cooler months between October and March are generally comfortable for sightseeing, boating and exploring the backwaters.

The monsoon season brings lush greenery and fuller waterways, creating a different atmosphere for travellers who enjoy Kerala's rainy landscapes. However, outdoor activities and boat schedules can be affected by weather conditions.

Before travelling, it is useful to check the local weather and operating conditions for specific attractions and boating activities.

Plan Your Trip to Explore Tourist Places in Kumarakom

Kumarakom is a destination best experienced at a relaxed pace. Spend a morning exploring the bird sanctuary, cruise along Vembanad Lake, watch the sunset from the backwaters, or take a slow boat ride through the surrounding villages and waterways. Each experience reveals a different side of Kerala's natural beauty and local life. For travellers planning their first visit, the tourist places in Kumarakom offer a good mix of nature, culture and backwater experiences. You can combine the major attractions with quieter village areas, scenic waterways and nearby destinations to create an itinerary that suits your travel style.

Whether you are travelling as a couple, with family or as part of a Kerala holiday, Kumarakom gives you plenty of opportunities to slow down and enjoy the landscape. Exploring the places to visit in Kumarakom at an unhurried pace can make the trip more memorable than trying to cover every attraction in a single day.

Best Places to Visit in Kumarakom, Kerala: Top Tourist Attractions