Why the Stars flock to Kumarakom!
One lazy laidback destination in Kerala attracts discerning travellers and celebrities like no other…and that’s Kumarakom. Located some 75 kilometres from Kochi, Kumarakom consists of a cluster of little islands along the enchanting Vembanad Lake. With its vast expanse of shimmering backwaters, it’s indulgent and laidback atmosphere, its total isolation from the din of urban living, and its wide choice of accommodation ranging from modest home stays to five star luxury resorts, Kumarakom holds an irresistible appeal for the footloose traveller.
Little wonder the place attracts its share of high profile celebrities including the likes of pop singer Janet Jackson and ex-Beatle Paul McCartney and his wife Heather Mills. For everyone looking forward to a lazy, laidback vacation in Kerala, Kumarakom is the place to be.
The Vembanad Lake acts as a bewitching backdrop to all of Kumarakom – endless miles of meandering waterways flanked on either side by swaying palms. Sailing on these waters I a house boat is an indescribably enchanting experience. Kerala’s houseboats are large, slow moving vessels equipped with air-conditioned, bath-attached bedrooms, open lounge deck, dining area and kitchenettes. They are generally powered by remarkably quiet inboard diesel engines, allowing one to cruise along at a gentle pace. Most of the vessels are equipped with chemical toilets. Some even have solar panels. Authentic Kerala food is served onboard. The houseboats offer the best way to experience the labyrinth of meandering waterways, canals, streams, and lagoons forming the famous backwater system of Kerala.
A popular attraction in Kumarakom is the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a 14-acre enclave on the eastern banks of the Vembanad Lake. The sanctuary is a favourite haunt of migratory birds such as egrets, Siberian storks, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, and wild duck. The best way to watch these birds is by boat. Pathiramanal (midnight sands) is an enchanting 10 acre island on the Vembanad Lake that can be accessed by boat from Kumarakom. This island is also home to a variety of migratory birds from different parts of the world.
Numerous resorts have come up in the area, including properties owned by the Taj, Zuri group and the CGH Group among others. Incidentally the much acclaimed CGH group property called Coconut Lagoon in Kumarakom has just won this year’s prestigious Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Award for Responsible Tourism, one of the four grand awards instituted by the organization in the environment conservation category.
To include Kumarakom as part of your Kerala holiday call one of Kerala Travel Centre’s experts today on freephone 0808 178 9799 or visit www.keralatravelcentre.co.uk.
