Kumarakom - Best Backwater resort in India

The state of Kerala is endowed with such tremendous natural beauty that tourists are constantly attracted to it. There are so many towns and interesting tourist destinations that tourists are spoilt for options. One such destination is Kumarakom. It is a famous tourism destination not far from the city of Kotayam which is just 16 km away. Kumarakom is well known for its backwater tourism. All this backwater tourism is set up in the backdrop of the Vembanad Lake which is one of the largest fresh water lakes in the country and the largest in Kerala. Kumarakom village basically consists of a group of small islands on the Vembanad Lake. It is part of the Kuttanad region. The Kumarakom bird sanctuary is the favourite haunt of migratory birds. Ornithologists will just love to spend time in the bird sanctuary. It is spread across 14 acres and is home to a number of avian species such as Egrets, darters, herons, teals, waterfowls, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian Stork. These birds flock the sanctuary during season and tourists are especially fascinated to watch these birds.

Kumarakom is also home to a diverse species of flora and fauna. Apart from the bird sanctuary, there are other places of interest too. The Vembanad Lake is home to many marine and freshwater fish species. It is teeming with life and species such as Pearlspot, known as Karimeen locally, and shrimp are found here in abundance. The bird sanctuary and the Vembanad lake make Kumarakom a very beautiful place and a major tourist destination. The climate in Kumarakom is balanced and tropical. Both the south west and the north east monsoons bring rains to the region. The weather is conducive for tourists throughout the year, although some might not prefer the rainy months.

The mainstay of the local economy is fishing, agriculture and tourism. The balanced climate of Kumarakom is conducive to cultivation. The place has abundance of mangrove forests, coconut groves and paddy fields. Fruits like Banana, Mango, Tamarind, Jackfruit, Ambazhanga, Chaambenga, Peraycka, Aathaycka and Pineapple grow here in abundance. Coffee and cocoa plantations too are found here. Yam and colocasia are cultivated too. The canals of Meenachi River and the interspersed waterways are tapped for irrigation. The construction of the Thanneermukkam bund has ensured that connection between the backwaters and the sea is cut off. So the tidal movement of the water in the canals has stopped and it is not as salty as it used to be in the olden days when the water in canal moved in and out with the sea water. Since the waters are pretty much stagnant these days, it has caused the growth of water hyacinths forming a beautiful green carpet studded with lilac flowers.

Hinduism, Christianity and Islam are the religions practiced in Kumarakom. There a number of churches, temples and also a Jumma masjid in the town. Fish is a staple food in Kumarakom as in most parts of Kerala. Small boats called vallam and gill nets are used for fishing. The most sought after varieties of fish in the region are the black clam, Pearl spot and shrimps. Tourists can even get a boat ride on these fishing boats. Especially honeymoon couples will love these boating trips.

Kumarakom is world famous for its boat races and houseboats. There are a wide variety of houseboats and the place is renowned the world over for the top notch house boat experience on offer. Most of the houseboats are used for tourists these days but special boats known as Kettuvallam is used by the locals to go fishing or to transport goods. Most of the tourism in Kumarakom mainly revolves around the backwaters of the Vembanad Lake. There are several luxury and budget resorts lined up on the shores of the lake. These resorts provide tourists with facilities for boating, yachting and fishing. Such trips offer tourists with panoramic views of the lake. The Bird Sanctuary can also be approached by water by use of canoes. These trips are carried out by local fishermen at the entrance of the sanctuary. Dawn and dusk are the best time to visit the sanctuary. Even though the bird sanctuary timings are between 6 AM and 6 PM, its best to avoid the afternoon sun.

The annual Kumarakom boat race attracts millions of tourists from across the country and around the world. The boat race happens around Onam festivities. Over one thousand oarsmen in boats of all sizes and shapes participate in the event. The most sought after race is the Iruttukuthi in which 50 oarsmen row each boat during a race. The races are conducted in the canal near the central market place. All these races are contested in order to win the Sree Narayana Ever Rolling Trophy. The Taj Garden Retreat, the biggest and most modern tourist resort in Kumarakom is set up in a Victorian two storied bungalow which was built by Alfred George Baker in the year 1881. It is built on huge pieces of Teak rafters. The bungalow was the house of the Baker family for four generations spanning over a 100 years. The bungalow along with the bird sanctuary and the lake are places of interest for tourists from all over the world. The Bungalow still has a grand, imposing presence and is a silent reminder of an age gone by. Its design and architecture are simply spellbinding. Kumarakom has recently been declared as a special tourism zone (STZ). Tourists will just love spending a few days in Kumarakom. An enchanting backwater destination that Kumarakom is, it offers tourists many other leisure options. Apart from the premises of the lake, boating and fishing facilities are also available at the Taj Garden Retreat. Then there is also Waterscapes, a backwater resort developed by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC). Waterscapes has independent cottages built on stilts and it is set amidst coconut groves and offers panoramic views of the backwaters.  Holiday packages involving houseboats and traditional Kettuvalloms (rice barges) offer great experiences and tourists, especially honeymoon couples should make use of such packages.

Kumarakom is accessible by road from Kottayyam which is 16 km away. The nearest airport is the Cochin International airport which is 94 km away. Kottayyam is also the nearest rail head which is just 13 km away. There is also a waterway leading to Kumarakom from Alappuzha. Intercity bus services are abundant and a ride from Kottayyam to Kumarakom should take about half an hour. Pre paid cabs can be hired from the Cochin Airport. The awesome beauty and tremendous landscape of Kumarakom are just hard to describe in words. Such beauty must be experienced in person. Anybody visiting Kerala should definitely include Kumarakom in their itinerary.

Must visit tourist places in Pondicherry

Matrimandir &  Aurobindo Ashram

Pondicherry has a lot to offer in terms of sightseeing, history, attractions and pristine beaches. Pondicherry is a land of spiritual awakening. The mother and son duo- Sri Aurobindo and his mother made way to Pondicherry to make a cult and leave an everlasting impression by offering teaching and spiritual explanations out of the world that led only to unity amidst diversity. 

Dedicated to ShriAurobind- the ashram named after him has been a prime tourist attraction that places Pondicherry on the global map. After his death the responsibility of carrying out the ashrams principles lay on the shoulders of his mother who brought to Pondicherry and experimental city that invited nationals from different parts of the world to stay and begin a life that would showcase to the rest of the world that peace can be obtained amidst various kinds of diversities. Both Aurobindo Ashram and Matrimandir are remarkable in their own realms and draw tourists day after day to witness its unique presence and learn its teachings. The ashram over the years has attracted several tourists domestic and international, who also visit to seek meditation, learn yoga and feel rejuvenated.

The Gardens

Pondicherry is home to several well maintained public parks and gardens. The famous few that top the chart as tourist attractions are Bharti Park, AayiMandapam, and Pondicherry botanical garden. Aayi Mandapam was previously known as Place Du Pantheon. Even after its name change, the monument and the surrounding park are maintained in a manner that it showcases the beauty of French like and French style architecture.

Aayi Mandapam is also a prominent landmark and
serves as the emblem of the government of Pondicherry.

Pondicherry botanical garden was called The Colonial Park in 1826. Today it houses nearly 1500 species of plants that are rare. Most of these plant species are from Madras, Calcutta, Ceylon, and Reunion all of them newly named as Chennai, Kolkata, Srilanka and Russia. The botanical garden is a must visit attraction not to be missed while touring Pondicherry. This garden has attracted several nature enthusiasts and environmentalists from time unknown.  The colorful flower bed, beautiful stone paths, gravels and trees that are rare and never seen before make the Botanical garden a crowd puller. The musical fountain adds to the gardens beauty. Artificial hills, granite benches increase the appeal factor of the garden.

Effervescent Beaches and lakesOf Pondicherry

The sparkling and glittering clean beaches of Pondicherry are a true delight for any traveler or tourist. Seaside Promenade is one of the famous beaches in Pondicherry that witnesses a large crowd gathering; mostly mix of tourists and locals. You can find several residents taking their morning and evening walks on the beautifully laid pavements, tourists just lazing off on the resting benches and the beautifully erected Gandhi statue that’s made the Promenade Sea side a prime are for major celebrations.

Clearly its growing popularity has paved way to several eateries, restaurants, hawkers, shopping stops so on and so forth. The chattering of people, the buzzing vehicles -all go silent against the wild roaring of the hard hitting sea tides and that’s what makes Promenade sea side a hot spot beach of Pondicherry.

For some private moment and tranquil experience, Auro beach, Serenity and Paradise beach are ideal destinations for you to retreat to.

Chunnambar backwater along the Cuddalore main road is a promising destination within Pondicherry worth visiting. A silently flowing creek, it certainly is paradise you’d love to be at. The backwater offers you a perfect sea setting to sail and clean sandy shore to dig a tent or simply laze off to get yourself a sun bath. Known as Plage Paradiso, the Chunnambar beach is located at the mouth of the backwater. The sandy beach is clean and the water crystal clear – an instant attention grabber.  You can be further entertained by taking a cruise into the sea and watch the innocent Dolphins.  Chunnambar backwaters offer excitement and fun for leisure travelers and adventure enthusiasts. Tree top houses offer a majestic view of the backwaters, restaurant with bar are available a throw away distance from the backwaters and tree houses with a rope ladder leading to a balcony adds to the excitement and adventure to your stay.

Ousteri is a large lake shared by Pondicherry and Tamilnadu. This beautiful natural lake has an island in the center and offers boating facilities that tourists can indulge in. The lake is a haven for bird watchers and paradise for leisure tourists. You can catch a glimpse of the Asian Pelican, grey heron, Pond Heron, Glossy Ibis and more species of birds. The Lotus flowers add to the beauty of the lake. The vastness of the lake, the sight of the migratory birds, the hidden murkiness of the water under the lotus flowers and water plants and the slapping of the breeze during the boat ride make the modest visit to OusteriLake a memorable one.

Heritage Walk in Pondicherry

Pondicherry reflects and displays everything true to French and French lifestyle. BE it the architecture, cuisine or the surroundings – the several nooks and corners of Pondicherry remain true to the original façade of the French setting. The several monuments and structures placed in different popular sections of Pondicherry town make for an excellent heritage walk in Pondicherry. The French statues, churches, buildings augment the beauty of the Pondicherry’s heritage.

French war memorial located at the famous Goubert avenue at promenade attracts several visitors and tourists on the Bastille Day celebration Fete held on 14^thJuly. You can find the monument dolled up and the pompous celebration is a respectful reminiscence of the several soldiers who laid their life during the war. The French war memorial adds to the French cultural legacy making Pondicherry a coveted tourist destination.

The statue of Dupleix is another standing example of French influence in Puducherry.  The statue of Dupleix stands tall in both France and Pondicherry. It stands as recognition of Dupleix’s untiring services. The statue is another reminiscence of French history that come alive when you take a walk through the Goubert avenue reconnecting with the French cultural and historical legacy.

Statue of Joan of arc stands gloriously in the center of well laid garden in front of the Notre Dame Des Anges.  The courage and valor of Joan of Arc, a great believer of Christ was a ground breaking revolutionary who won several battles and led men into winning those battles due to the repeated visions she received and believed were from Christ. From a warrior, martyr to finally a saint- Joan of Arc is a synonymous French historical personality that in the form of a statue adds to Pondicherry’s heritage.

The Sacred sites of Pondicherry

Like several other popular tourist destinations, Pondicherry too is an all-rounder destination that has something to offer to meet the likings of many. Besides popular attraction site and entertainments, Pondicherry is also known for its sacred sites- temples, churches and mosques. Pondicherry might not be a pilgrim’s destination but its sacred sites naturally manage to invite any tourists on a vacation or getaway to at least pay their respects and offer prayers.

Some of the prominent Hindu temples of Pondicherry are- Thirunallur temple, Sri Gokilambal Thirukameswara temple, Karaikal Ammaiyur temple, Varadaraja temple, Vedapureswarar temple, Mannakulu Vinayaka temple and more. The Thirunallur temple is a prominentHindu temple in Pondicherry and it’s dedicated to lord Saneeswaran. Varadaraja and Vedapureeswarar temple are famous for their architecture galore and the Kamatchiamman temple sees devotees from across different parts of the country visiting Pondicherry to seek blessing of Goddess Durga.

The Durgah of MustanSaheb, Mullah Mohammed Mosque, Meeran Mosque, and Khutba Mosque are the known mosques in Pondicherry. The Khutba mosque has been made in the same appearance as the Mecca hence it is an important prayer center for Muslim pilgrims Visiting Pondicherry from different parts of the country.

The three hundred year old French colony, Pondicherryhas massive French influence in its architecture, monuments and buildings. The same is seen in the churches too that exist within Pondicherry. The Church of Our Lady of good health, Eglise De Notre Dame De La and Des Agnes at Rue Dumas, The Jesus Church, Church Of The Capuchins, Church Of The Assumption, and The Church of Our Lady Of Lourdes are the prominent and monumental churches of Pondicherry.

Prime Places toVisit in Pondicherry

Pondicherry has more to offer to its tourists besides being a union territory. Ariyankuppam Archaeological site is not just a place of worship for scholars but even a leisure traveler. The nineteenth century lighthouse is the most visited tourist destination in Pondicherry. Standing tall and majestically on the red hills in Gorimedu the lighthouse has a mystic charm that lures its onlookers.

The Four hundred year old Banyan tree in Keezhoor village is another interesting destination tourist can head to while touring Pondicherry.

While you plan to tour Pondicherry be rest assured the experience of visiting the places will certainly be unique and different from several other promising tour destinations.