Sailing on a boat, relish the fragrance of this dozy little town. Kumarakom lies on the shores of the pleasant Vembanad Lake, which is a part of Kuttanad, 12 kms west of Kottayam town. Loveliness of the place enticed an English man, Henry Baker, who selected Kumarakom as his residence and built a bungalow with a beautiful garden, acquiring 104 acres of land from the then Maharaja of Travancore. This beautiful bungalow has now been modified into the 'Taj Garden Retreat', a hotel with modern living facilities but still retaining the traditional old style. Kuttanad, the 'Wonder Land' believed to have been lying below the sea level, sprang out into the marshes when the sea receeded later. As a testimony to this fact, one can see large deposits of shells in the lakes here, that are usually found in the sea. It comprises of a number of islands in the backwaters and waterways linking the islands providing enough panoramic treat for the visitors.
Birds from all over the world flock at a sanctuary in their process of migration which is plentiful in south India. Kumarakom is one such place.
Pilgrim Centres
Siva Temple, Thalikkotta. Approx 12 kms from Kumarakom, it is the place of worship of the erstwhile Thekkumkoor Royal family.
Thazhathangadi Valiapalli (12 kms from Kumarakom). Built in 1579 by Thekkumkoor Maharajah, this church displays outstanding architecture, which is a blend of Kerala and Portuguese styles. The walls are adorned with beautiful murals made in oriental and western styles on biblical and non-biblical themes.
Jama Masjid Thazhathangadi Approx 12 kms from Kumarakom this ancient mosque on the banks of the Meenachil River is believed to be 1000 yrs old. It is one of the oldest in India.
Thirunakkara Mahadevar Temple In the heart of Kottayam town is this 500 year old temple built by the Thekkumkoor Maharajah. This temple built in the Kerala style of architecture has colorful murals on its walls, which are worth exploring. The Koothambalam, the special building in the temple premises used for cultural purposes, is one of the best in Kerala.
Mahadevar Temple, Ettumanoor 15 kms from this temple it is famous for its murals, especially the panting of Nataraja in the gopuram and ezharaponnana.
St Mary’s Church, Cheriapalli 12kms from Kottayam built in 1579 by Thekkumkoor Maharajah, this church displays outstanding architecture which is a blend of Kerala and Portuguese styles. The walls are adorned with beautiful murals mad in oriental and western styles on biblical and non biblical themes.
Vaikom Mahadever Temple 8 kms from Kumarakom, associated with the legendary Parasurama, this temple is a typical example of the Kerala style of temple architecture. More popular as the Kasi of the South, this temple is famous for its elephant pageant and traditional art performances.
