Chamber of Vembanad Hotels & Resorts, Welcomes You to the Land of Lakes and Backwaters!
Kumarakom Unveiled: Explore, Experience, Enchant!
Kumarakom sits along Vembanad Lake in Kerala’s Kuttanad region, covering 51.67 square kilometers that include 24.13 square kilometers of water. This village, 14 kilometers from Kottayam, features backwaters, mangroves, and canals. In the 1840s, Alfred George Baker turned 500 acres of wetlands into farmland by filling and leveling the soil, planting coconut trees on 150 acres, and setting up paddy fields with irrigation canals. He built bunds from canal mud to block saltwater, using methods that protected local plants and animals.
The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary covers 14 hectares and draws birdwatchers with over 180 species, including residents like owls, egrets, and ducks, plus migrants such as Siberian cranes and herons from September to March. June to August offers the best visits during monsoon. Vembanad Lake invites boat rides through its channels, while toddy shops serve fresh palm wine and dishes like kallappams, duck roast, and seafood curries laced with coconut milk.
Kumarakom blends quiet backwater life with nature spots and local food, making it a key stop for Kerala visitors seeking houseboat trips or nearby sites like Alleppey.
Discover unparalleled tranquility at Kumarakom’s premier hotels and resorts, nestled along the serene Vembanad Lake backwaters. Indulge in luxurious houseboat stays, Ayurvedic rejuvenation, and birdwatching adventures at the iconic Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. View All ➤
Savor the serene and lush embrace of Kerala’s timeless backwater haven – Activities in and around Kumarakom. View More ➤
Wonderful Tourism Locations in Kumarakom. Discove More ➤
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Tour Packages by Hotels & Resorts. View All Packages ➤
Drift into a mesmerizing tapestry of emerald backwaters where lazy houseboats glide like whispers on silk, fringed by coconut groves that sway in the balmy breeze, and the sun-kissed air pulses with the iridescent flutter of kingfishers and the sweet symphony of monsoon-kissed blooms in Kerala's eternal, verdant embrace.
The Chamber of Vembanad Hotels and Resorts (CVHR), established on July 5, 2006, serves as a unifying association for the hospitality sector in Kumarakom, a serene village along the banks of Vembanad Lake in Kerala’s lush backwaters. Comprising a diverse network of hotels, resorts, and homestays—from luxurious heritage properties to intimate lakeside retreats, CVHR champions sustainable tourism while fostering collaboration among its members to elevate Kumarakom’s global appeal as an eco-paradise.
The chamber addresses key challenges like infrastructure development and environmental conservation, ensuring that the region’s natural beauty, including its paddy fields, coconut groves, and migratory bird sanctuaries, remains preserved for future generations.
CVHR’s efforts have profoundly shaped Kumarakom’s appeal. Once a quiet fishing hamlet transformed by British missionary Alfred George Baker in the 19th century—who reclaimed lake lands for agriculture—the village now draws global travelers seeking immersive experiences. Thanks to the chamber’s advocacy, attractions like the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (home to over 180 migratory species) and Vembanad’s houseboat safaris thrive alongside modern upgrades. Tourism, which forms the backbone of the local economy, generates jobs in hospitality, guiding, and crafts, with CVHR ensuring equitable distribution.
The best thing about Kumarakom as a visitor is the profound sense of calm and connection to nature. Drifting along the tranquil backwaters on a houseboat, surrounded by coconut palms, paddy fields, and the occasional splash of a bird taking flight, feels like stepping into a living painting. It’s not just sightseeing—it’s an immersive, slow-paced experience where the rhythm of life is measured by water, wind, and sunlight rather than clocks. The combination of natural beauty, rich wildlife, and traditional culture makes it uniquely restorative.
Kumarakom isn’t just a place you visit; it’s a place that lets you pause, breathe, and notice the small, timeless details of life.
