Kumarakom

A 14-acre bird sanctuary is situated on the eastern banks of the Vembanad Lake. This sanctuary is an ornithologists' paradise. One can find a wide range of migratory birds like Siberian stork, darter, heron, egret, and teal. Every year hundreds of Siberian cranes come across from far away Siberia to roost and breed before going back.  A cruise in the Vembanad lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary. The sanctuary adds to the natural beauty of Kumarakom is located 10 km to the west of Kottayam open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

      A beautiful tourist resort with 100acres of Coconut estate and Bungalow called Baker Mansion at Kumarakom, the former estate and residence of a British Missionary cum planter called Baker. It is now the 'Taj Garden Retreat', a hotel of Taj group offer comfortable accommodation and exclusive leisure options like an Ayurvedic massage, yoga, meditation, boating, fishing, angling and swimming. The Kerala Tourism Development Corporation rents boats for backwater cruises in the surrounding lake. The charge is Rs. 60 per hour for a maximum capacity of ten persons.

How to reach

By Road
From the Cochin International Airport it is an 85 Km delightful ride by road to the Muhamma boat Jetty. From the Trivandrum International Airport it is a 175 Km (approximately 3.30 hours ride by road) to the Muhamma boat jetty. From the Calicut International Airport it is 180 Km ride to Muhamma.

By Rail
From Bombay, Madras or Bangalore, you can take a train to Kerala. The best place to alight is either Cochin or Kottayam (the nearest railhead, just 16 Km away by road). Kottayam links you to all major cities in Kerala and India with numerous trains plying this route daily. From Cochin, you could also take a south bound train via the Alleppey route (enjoy picturesque scenery as the route flanks the backwaters and the sea on its way). Alight at Chertala for a short 14 Km ride to Kumarakom.

By Water
If you have arrived at Trivandrum International Airport, come to Quilon by road or rail (takes just about one hour). From there, you can take the regular ferry service to Alleppey - a long and delightful ride on Kerala's backwaters. From Alleppey, it's just a short ride to Kumarakom.If you have arrived at Cochin International Airport, perhaps you might prefer a ride through the backwaters to Alleppey. There are many boat services offered at Kochi.