Kerala Backwaters

The backwaters of Kerala are a mesmerizing network of interconnected canals, rivers, lakes, and lagoons that span across the coastal region of the Indian state of Kerala. These serene and picturesque waterways are a unique natural feature, attracting tourists from all over the world. The backwaters are formed by the convergence of several rivers and the sea, creating a peaceful and idyllic setting that is perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Traditional houseboats, known as "kettuvallams," gracefully glide through the tranquil waters, offering visitors a chance to experience the beauty of the backwaters up close. The surrounding landscape is adorned with lush greenery, swaying coconut trees, and charming villages, providing a glimpse into the authentic rural life of Kerala. The backwaters also serve as a vital means of transportation and livelihood for the local communities, who depend on fishing, agriculture, and tourism.

With its enchanting beauty, rich cultural heritage, and soothing ambiance, the backwaters of Kerala have rightfully earned their place as one of the must-visit destinations in India.

Touring Kumarakom, India

Kumarakom India touring information and tips . . . Unbiased Reviews

Kumarakom is about 60 Kilometers from Kochi (Cochin) which is about one hour and fifteen minute drive. Kumarakom and Alleppey are the places where tourists can enjoy Kerala's famous backwaters. Generally Alleppey is more crowed with houseboats than Kumarakom.

The distance by road from Kumarakom to Alleppey is about 34 Kilometers, approximately a 45 minute drive. We visited Kumarakom and stayed at the Manor Backwater Resort. The resort has an excellent location and rooms facing the river have scenic views with palm trees reflecting in the water.

If staying here opt for rooms facing the river. If you are looking for peace and quiet atmosphere to relax, then this is the ideal location to stay at. The rooms are spacious and clean, though not five star as some reviews would have you believe.

The staff and management were very helpful and courteous. Mr. Prabakar was the manager during our visit and very helpful.

Backwater boat tours can be arranged through the hotel front desk. Time the tour so you can see the fabulous sunset over the ocean! While free Wi-Fi was advertised in the brochure that we had, during our visit they did not have Wi-Fi, when we asked at the desk we were given a connecting cable about five feet long!

apparently every room has a wired Internet outlet.

Staying in a house boat or hotel in Kerala

One of the decisions most tourists visiting Kumarakom or Alleppey have to make is whether to stay in a hotel or houseboat. Since backwater tours is what visitors to these locations are there to experience, many people opt to simply spend the night in a houseboat. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you are leaning towards staying on a houseboat instead of a hotel.

Don't assume that the houseboat you hire will cruise the backwaters continuously. All houseboats have strict guidelines on when they can move. They start cruising from Noon to 5:30 PM.

At 5:30 PM all houseboats are parked and stay still. Checkout from houseboats is usually 9 AM. Houseboat rentals will include all meals in the price.

The houseboat crew will normally do the cooking on the boat. If you are fussy about meals, opt for a hotel. If you decide to stay in a hotel, you can still enjoy the backwater tours by simply renting a full boat or share a boat with other tourists.

Kumarakom Attractions for Tourists

While backwater cruising is the main attraction that draws visitors here, some of the other attractions are: Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple: This Lord Shiva temple is located in front f the Gopuram. Males are normally supposed to enter bare chested to most temples in Kerala state. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: A visit involves a walk of about 2 Kilometers.

There is also a butterfly park nearby that is worth visiting if you have the time. The best time to visit for real bird watching is the month of March. Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall: Normally worth visiting during the rainy season.

Its about 20 Kilometers from Kumarakom.

Shopping in Kumarakom

Kumarakom is primarily a backwater and birding experience rather than a shopping destination, but there are a handful of local products worth picking up either here or on the short drive back to Kottayam.

What to buy

• Coir products — Kerala's signature coconut-fibre craft. Mats, doormats, rugs, bags; the fixed-price Coir Board outlets are the reliable source.
• Kerala handloom — cotton sarees, kasavu-trimmed set-mundu, stoles and running cloth; the state cooperative Hantex and similar outlets sell certified pieces.
• Spices — pepper, cardamom, cloves, turmeric; Kottayam has several long-established spice shops.
• Ayurvedic oils and preparations — only from licensed outlets (Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala, Oushadhi, AVS branches).
• Cashew products — packaged whole cashews, spiced and roasted varieties.

Where to shop

• Resort and hotel gift shops — convenient for last-minute pickups, though usually at tourist prices.
• Kottayam town (about 15 km from Kumarakom) — for a fuller range of textile, spice and Ayurvedic shops, plus the nearest Coir Board retail outlet and Hantex showroom.
• Fort Kochi / Jew Town — most visitors combine Kumarakom with a couple of nights in Kochi; Fort Kochi is the better place for antiques, art, curated spices and Kerala crafts generally.

Shopping tips

• Coir — the state-run outlets are fixed-price and quality-certified; private shops often inflate prices.
• Spices — vacuum-packed or sealed tins are best for travelling home; loose bags quickly lose flavour in Kerala's humidity.
• Ayurvedic products — check for a manufacturing licence number, batch and expiry. Stick to recognised brands.

Tips for visitors

• What Kumarakom is for — it is a quiet backwater and birding destination, not a town with urban sightseeing. Expect resorts, a bird sanctuary, backwater cruises and not much else — and that is the point.
• Best time to visit:
  • November to February — ideal: dry, pleasant, and the prime migratory-bird season at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.
  • March to May — hot and humid.
  • June to September — monsoon; lush and dramatic but with daily heavy rain and limited boating on rough days.
• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary — the main daytime activity besides the backwaters. Go early morning, carry binoculars, and expect to walk quietly along the 2 km trail. The best bird-watching window is November to March; March has good breeding activity.
• Houseboats — the overnight backwater stay is the headline experience. A few things to know:
  • Book through a reputable operator — a resort, the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC), or an established agent. Confirm the boat's registration.
  • Houseboats cruise from around midday to about 5:30 pm and then must moor for the night; "overnight cruise" means evening dinner and a quiet night at anchor, not continuous movement.
  • Meals are included and are cooked on board. If you have dietary requirements, agree them before boarding.
• Alleppey combination — Kumarakom and Alleppey (Alappuzha) are both backwater bases, about 45 minutes apart by road. Alleppey has more houseboats, more bustle and more traffic on the water; Kumarakom is quieter and more resort-oriented. Many itineraries combine the two — a cruise starting from one and ending at the other gives a fuller backwater experience.
• Getting there — nearest airport is Kochi (COK), about 85 km (~2 hours by road). Kottayam (15 km) is the nearest major railway station. Trains from Ernakulam to Kottayam are frequent and cheap.
• Getting around — within Kumarakom everything is on the same small stretch of waterfront; your resort will arrange cars, boats and transfers. Auto-rickshaws work for short hops.
• Mosquitoes — a real feature of backwater life, especially at dusk. Use repellent and long sleeves in the evenings, and keep mosquito-netting or the room's screens in place at night.
• Etiquette — Kerala is broadly relaxed, but dress modestly away from the resort; visiting local temples calls for covered shoulders and legs, and non-Hindus may not be allowed into inner sanctums at some temples.