Situated in the southern part of India, Kumarakom is a picturesque tourist destination in the city of Kottayam in Kerala. Scattered along the banks of the Vembanad Lake, this village forms a part of the Kuttanad region. The popularity and recognition of this place grew immensely with the vivid descriptions of its natural beauty in the Man Booker Prize-winning novel of Arundhati Roy - “The God of Small Things”. From luxurious resorts like Kumarakom Lake Resort and Vivanta by Taj to unique architectural marvels and being home to diverse flora and fauna, this place is a perfect holiday retreat, offering countless things to do in Kumarakom for every kind of traveler. Let’s explore the top 15 things to do at Kumarakom in this guide. Stay till the end to uncover some hidden gems that will truly mesmerize your senses and make your experience unforgettable.

One of the most obvious things to do in Kumarakom, in fact, anywhere else in Kerala, would be to enjoy the traditional dance. This is the land of vivid cultures and traditions, so make sure to check out the most unique and attractive dance form, i.e., Kathakali. The luring facial expressions and the unique mudras of this dance form make it popular all across the country. Get the experience of witnessing the beauty of this dance form by booking your tickets for an evening show, which is quite popular among Kumarakom attractions. Traveller Information:&nbsp;<ul><li>Best Time to Visit: Anytime of the Year&nbsp;</li><li>Duration: 1-2 Hours in the Evening</li></ul>

Also known as Vembanad Bird Sanctuary, this beautiful sanctuary is located in the district of Kottayam in the state of Kerala. This scenic spot lies along the banks of Vembanad Lake in the Kerala Backwaters and is among the Kumarakom Kerala tourist places. It is a favorite for many migratory birds as well as native wildlife and bird enthusiasts. For anyone with a keen interest in rare species of birds, this place is sure to be a delight. There are facilities for motorboats and houseboats available for rent to explore the area. The timings of this bird sanctuary are from 6 AM to 6 PM. Traveller Information:<ul><li>Best Time to Visit: June and August</li><li>Duration: 2 - 3 Hours&nbsp;</li></ul>

One of the fun activities in Kumarakom can be a relaxing day beside the river or fishing. This activity is more than just a livelihood for the local people. It is a popular tourist bait, meeting the demands of travellers, visitors, and agencies. Most of them seek traditional methods of fishing included in most packages. Among things to do in Kumarakom, tourists can pick up tools like nets and angling equipment easily while enjoying the calm, scenic surroundings there. Traveller Information:<ul><li>Best Time to Visit: September - March</li><li>Duration: 3-4 Hours</li></ul>

Another way to spend your time on a visit to Kumarakom could be by strolling around the toddy shops, one of the unique places to visit near Kumarakom. While on a cruise or travelling across the village, one could be fascinated by the sight of these toddy shops. These shops are usually small thatched buildings with a blackboard placed outside. On this board, the word “Kallu” is written in white paint. These shops represent a tradition of the place and could turn out to offer interesting experiences. These shops are often furnished with wooden benches and tables where liquor is served in clay pots. Traveller Information:<ul><li>Best Time to Visit: Anytime of the Year</li><li>Duration: 1-2 Hours</li></ul>

Waterfalls are a delight to behold. In the state of Kerala stands a 30-foot high Aruvikkuzhi waterfall that remains filled with gallons of water during the monsoon season. This is one of the major attractions among places in Kumarakom. The water here dries up during the summer seasons, making monsoons the only ideal time to visit. Surrounded by the charm of rubber plantations, this is an ideal spot for a picnic or even sightseeing. The cool breeze flowing around this place makes it a very pleasant spot. There are several beautiful trails, and dense forestation makes it a must-visit. Traveller Information:<ul><li>Best Time to Visit: From September&nbsp;</li><li>Duration: 1-2 Hours</li></ul>

One of the most sought-after places to visit in Kumarakom is this beautiful beach. The breathtaking charm of this captivating beach makes it an ideal spot to refresh your mind and soul. The clear and sparkling waters here create a perfect setting for various recreational activities, water sports, and swimming. It is located within walking distance of the town of Kumarakom. This destination also offers some of the finest seafood through numerous restaurants and resorts. Situated on the banks of Kerala’s largest lake, Vembanad Lake, this place is an excellent location to spend your day. Traveller Information:<ul><li>Best Time to Visit: November-February</li><li>Duration: 1-2 Hours</li></ul>

A place of religious significance to visit in Kumarakom is the Juma Masjid, which is about a thousand years old. In fact, it is one of the oldest mosques in the country and among the notable Kumarakom attractions. Another interesting fact about this mosque is that it was built by someone who introduced Islam to Kerala, Habib Dinar, son of Malik Dinar. The beauty of this place lies in its construction, featuring a carved wooden roof, latticed windows, a stunning inner courtyard, and a traditional bathing area that reflects royal attributes. Recognised even by the government of Kerala, this mosque has a sacred well with stone steps resembling those of temples. If unique architecture is what intrigues you, the Juma Masjid is a must-visit in Kumarakom. Traveller Information:<ul><li>Best Time to Visit: Anytime of the Year</li><li>Duration: 1-2 Hours</li></ul>

Discover the hidden charm of southern India by planning your getaway to Kumarakom, the serene lake town of the south. The shimmering backwaters mirroring the blue skies, the lush green stretches of mangroves, coconuts, and palms, the water lilies and lotuses blossoming by the waters, and the birds soaring across the tropical sky make Kumarakom an irresistibly beautiful tourist destination in Kerala.

The most exciting, as well as chilling, Kumarakom things to do could be to book a day on a houseboat. You could simply step onto one of these houseboats and enjoy the most mesmerizing views while cruising across the backwaters. The major attractions of this activity include the lush green patches along the banks under a clear blue sky and the sight of Vembanad Lake. The houseboats provide basic luxuries such as a comfortable stay, lunch, and breakfast, and are operated by experts who prioritize the safety of visitors. The duration of the stay completely depends on the visitors - it could be a few hours or even the entire day. Traveller Information:&nbsp;<ul><li>Best time to Visit: November - February&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Duration: 1 Day</li></ul>

To make your visit to Kumarakom a memorable and comfortable one, you could opt for the Trunk call bar in Zuri Spa and Resort. This place has to offer one of the best lake views in the state. A stay at this place allows you to enjoy your time both in nature and luxury. The stay here is chilling because it offers you a range of drinks and cocktails. To make the evening fun and happening in Kumarakom, make sure you visit this place among the most iconic places to visit in Kumarakom. The place is open from 11 AM to 11 PM. Traveller Information:&nbsp;<ul><li>Best time to Visit: Throughout the Year&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Duration: 3 - 4 Hours or 1 Day</li></ul>

Kumarakom is a place that caters to all kinds of relaxation, from soothing your soul to rejuvenating your body. After indulging in the fun and exciting experiences here, you can plan a spa day at Maya Spa, which is a wellness centre at one of the top Kumarakom places to visit, the Zuri Spa and Resort. This is possibly the best retreat in the town, offering numerous Ayurvedic therapies derived from the lush greenery surrounding the area. As a proud recipient of the Green Leaf certification for its authenticity and excellence, it provides skilled and professional services in treatments like Ksheeradhara, Shirodhara, Padabhyanga, facial massage, Patra Potala Swedam, Njavarakizhi, and Udwarthanam. Traveller Information:<ul><li>Best Time to Visit: Available every day from 8 AM to 8 PM</li><li>Duration: 3 - 4 Hours</li></ul>

One of the things you could get lucky enough to experience while exploring Kumarakom attractions is witnessing one of its most famous events, the Nehru Snake Boat Race. It is held on the Punnamada Backwaters of Alappuzha in the month of August, specifically on the second Saturday of the month. This grand race is conducted in memory of the visit of the former Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, in 1952. The ticket prices for this event usually start from Rs. 2000, though they may vary depending on availability. A lively and exhilarating activity that you simply cannot afford to miss during your visit in August is undoubtedly this iconic boat race. Traveller Information:<ul><li>Best Time to Visit: August</li><li>Duration: Half a day (subject to change)</li></ul>

On a vacation, you always tend to carry back a lot of memories in your heart as well as in your bags. Calm your shopaholic spirit by strolling around the local streetside markets of Kumarakom. You could go on a quick exploration of the local markets selling traditional South silk sarees, crafted metal and bronze statues, wooden carvings, woven screw pine mats, etc. You could also bring souvenirs for your loved ones from places near Kumarakom. Traveller Information:<ul><li>Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year</li></ul>

Any trip to a place is incomplete without exploring the food of that destination. Kumarakom is a paradise for food lovers because it offers many exciting restaurants and resorts. While discovering Kumarakom tourist places, one must try the grilled fish served in a banana leaf, which is best prepared at Abad Hotel. Other specialties of this region include Karimeen Pollichatu and delicious appam. Additionally, Cheemen Ularthu and Meen Molee are popular dishes, known as signature preparations of the Cocobay resort. Traveller Information:<ul><li>Best Time to Visit: Any Time of the Year</li></ul>

Originating from the lake of Vembanad, the Kumarakom Backwaters are situated about 17 km away from the village of Kottayam in the southern state of Kerala. This lake is formed from one of the largest freshwater lakes in the state and attracts many tourists throughout the year. For someone looking to spend holidays in the backwaters, this place is definitely a must-visit for experiencing Kumarakom sightseeing and witnessing picturesque views under the wide blue sky. The starting point of the cruises of this place is the Vembanad Lake, and it stretches across the lush greenery of tall grasses and hundreds of coconut trees. This place is sure to treat your eyes with its mystical views and the wide range of flora. Traveller Information:&nbsp;<ul><li>Best Time to Visit: September and March&nbsp;</li><li>Duration: Depends on Personal Interest&nbsp;</li></ul>

This museum is widely known for its use of innovative modern art techniques in creating unique designs of root and tree trunk sculptures. It was established by Raji Punnose, a school teacher from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. A diverse range of sculptures is showcased here, including twisted tree trunks, stumps, roots, and more. The creative techniques used in this museum make it truly remarkable and have earned it a place in the Limca Book of Records. One should definitely include this amazing attraction among the places to see in Kumarakom during their visit. The museum remains open to visitors from 11:30 am to 5 pm every Sunday. Traveller Information:&nbsp;<ul><li>Best Time to Visit: September and March&nbsp;</li><li>Duration: 1-2 Hours</li></ul>

Top 15 Things To Do at Kumarakom

India > Kerala > Kumarakom

10 Apr 2026

Explore in Kumarakom

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