Places To Visit In Kumarakom Sightseeing

Vembanad Lake is the largest lake in Kerala. It is India’s longest lake too as the vast expanse of water runs from Kochi in north to Alleppey in south. It is otherwise known as Vembanad Kayal. It invites migratory birds from all parts of the world. It is a confluence of three rivers. To explore Kumarakom, you could hire a houseboat and sail the stretch of water. The small islands around and the serene atmosphere will be heavenly. The lake is rich in marine creatures with over 150 different kinds of fish in the waters.

Aruvikkuzhi waterfalls is located 18 km from Kottayam. The over 100 feet high water falls is a famous picnic spot. It falls in five steps and it is an ideal location to be photographed. Located amidst rubber plantations, the wooden landscape and the streams flowing down make the place one of the most picturesque waterfalls. If you love to trek, you can have a still greater time here. Yet another attraction here is the St. Mary’s Church, which is located at the top of Aruvikkuzhi waterfalls.

The bird sanctuary houses a wide range of birds including cuckoo, water duck, owl, kingfishers, woodpeckers and egret. The migratory birds that attract attention include Siberian cranes, teal, wood beetle and many more. It is a birdwatchers’ paradise and you could make best use of your visit to this place by hiring houseboats and motorboats.

Your choice of destination to relax on your holiday is completely justified here. The sandy shores and the serene coastal lines make the place a perfect spot for a leisure walk. You could unwind and observe the beauty of the place that brings calm to your mind or go all out to enjoy the various sporting activities available here. You could go swimming, boating, wind surfing, skiing and parasailing. You could go on a houseboat cruise to explore the beach to enjoy its enthralling beauty.

Kumarakom backwaters is a scenic place where you can enjoy the bliss of nature. It is home to a wide range of plants and animals. The best way to enjoy the beauty of Kumarakom backwaters is to go on a houseboat that takes you through various canals, lakes and river around here. The houseboats offer you the best possible facilities you need for a comfortable journey on water. Be a passive admirer by sailing along or indulge in various water sports such as skiing and wind sailing. You could get lucky if you attempt at fishing.

Bay Island Driftwood Museum houses unique collections of articles made of driftwood. The driftwood articles are highly valued as modern art techniques have been used in their making. The sculptures found here are made of driftwood that were deposited on the shores of Andaman and Nicobar. The twisted trunks of the trees, roots and stumps were transformed into sculptures. Some sculptures resemble animals, fish and birds. Some driftwood articles could be centuries old as some of the trees that were washed away to the seashore owing to cyclones are ancient.

Pathiramanal is one of the islands in Vembanad Lake. Pathiramanal means the ‘sand of night’. The 10 acre island houses an aquarium and a zoo. Some of the exotic types of migratory birds can be seen here. Since this island can be accessed only by boat, you could stop on your cruise on the backwaters to stretch yourself on the green island.

At a distance of 1 Km from Kumarakom Bus Station, Sri Kumara mangalam Temple dedicated for Sri Subrahmanya Swamy, this temple is situated on the banks of Meenachil River. In 1903, Sree Narayana Guru, the great social reformer, who fought against caste prejudices in Hinduism, consecrated an idol of Lord Subrahmanya at Kumarakom. The idol became the deity of the Sree Kumaramangalam temple. Guru questioned against the caste prejudices and amorality that exist in A.D 19 in Kerala by consecrated an idol of Lord Shiva in Aruvippuram , North Kerala at the shore of the river Neyyar. After that Guru established more than thirty three temples inside and outside the State of Kerala for backward classes people to worship the Loard.

Elaveezha Poonchira is yet another picnic spot accessible from Pala and located in the midst of beautiful hills. ‘A flowery lake where no leaf falls’ or Elaveezha Poonchira, holds great mythological value. It is said to be a place where the characters of Mahabharata namely, the Pandavas and Draupadi, made a visit. This place is located at a height of 3200 feet from the ground. The sun kissed valleys and the scenic mountains make up a mesmerizing view to enjoy. The journey to Elaveezha Poonchira, is done through a narrow, unpaved and rocky mountain path, on a jeep. A small lake just below, named Poonchira, is perennial. During the monsoons the whole valley turns into a lake, as the water accumulates. Just as the name suggests, not a single leaf falls to the valley as the mountain tops are void of trees.

Magomeadows is the world’s 1st Agricultural theme park spread across 30 acres of land with more than 4500 species of plants and trees. It is one of the most bio diverse pieces of land on the planet. With great care being given to developing the bio-diversity at the park, tending to the needs of the hour and solving different problems that where never heard of gave Kurian the knowhow needed to perfect his design. To preserve nature and the little things that mattered to us as children, Kurian knew that it was no easy task. He decided it to be upon himself to guard the bio-diversity, culture and tradition of his landbringing this mammoth project to life. He was aware that in order to see the fulfillment of his dreams he would have to invest everything that he had amassed over the years.

Mozart Art Gallery, a private art gallery owned and managed by the eminent artist M. Somu, is situated in Ayemenem village. Located within his residential complex, this place is a haven for the lovers of art, be it paintings or sketches. The art gallery showcases a collection of his work. M. Somu has used a variety of paints like oil, acrylic, water color, charcoal, pencil, and sometimes a combination of more than one media. Artists from across the globe visit the gallery to view the paintings and the variety of painting techniques illustrated here.

St. Mary's Church is a church in Vechoor, that was consecrated in 1463. It stands on the Eastern bank of Vembanad Lake. It belongs to the Syro-Malabar Catholic Major Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly. It is a centre of pilgrimage because the Church has a painted image of St. Mary believed to be a true copy of St. Luke's portrait of Mary. The image is believed to have the power to make miracles.

The temple is located at Iravimangalam, around 3 km away from Kaduthuruthy. There are several unique temples in Kerala, making it one of the important pilgrim destinations in India. Each of these temples has a story to convey, a legend worth exploring. The Adithyapuram Sun Temple is one such wonder in Kerala that is a must visit. It is the only Sun Temple or Surya Temple in Kerala. Let us get to know more about this marvellous temple.

Varanad is little away from Chertala. The deity, Devi, is in a riding on Vethala posture. Shiva, Rakteshwari Devi and Kodumkali are sub-deities housed here. The temple precinct is always considered as holy. The imposing flagmast of the temple seems declaring the smoothing, curing and delivering power the Devi possesses. Such a giant flagmast is difficult to be seen elsewhere temples. The old and experienced testify that Varanad Devi has created unbelievable surprises. Incurable diseases get cured; blinds get sight; unmarried girls get married; foes turn friends – are some of the examples.