  
Kumarakom
The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and this small water world is part of the Kuttanad region. The land of lakes, canals and paddy fields, Kumarakom transports you to sheer ecstasy The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres is a favorite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live There in flocks are a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands. the book is the focal point of the story and, contrary to its state of ruins in the novel, it has been restored by the Taj group and is now a popular visitor centre. The Ayemenem House, in which Arundhati Roy spent some years of her childhood, is also open to visitors.
Enjoy lazy days at Kumarakom beach The ideal destination at which to chill out with a good book or just lie back and catch a few rays, Kumarakom beach offers an especially picturesque portion of coastline which remains largely unspoilt by local commercial ventures, promising peace and tranquillity with little in the way of disturbances from hawkers.
Thazhathangady Juma Masjid
Kottayam is located very close to Kumarakom and is home to a large collection of interesting religious buildings. With constructionoccurring over a millennium ago, this mosque is considered to be one of the oldest in the country and is notable for its magnificent architecture as well as the beautiful carvings in wood which adorn its interior. The mosque is the product of the efforts of followers of the prophet Mohammad from back during their early visits to Kerala. Cheriyapally There are two churches in Kottayam dedicated to St Mary, this one having been built and consecrated in 1579 by the Portuguese with the assistance of a local Hindu raja. The architecture is therefore unsurprisingly, a blend of Portuguese and Hindu influences. Notable features of the temple include the suspended lamps of the halls, the murals on the interior walls created out of vegetable dyes, and the granite pillars.  An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom offers visitors many other leisure options. Boating and fishing facilities are available at Kumarakom. Holiday packages on the houseboats, traditional Kettuvalloms, are an out-of-this-world experience at Kumarakom
An unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with while lillies - this is Kumarakom   Check out the snake-boat races during the Onam festival. Onam falls in August, running often into September and is the time when folks in destinations across Kerala take to the waterways to participate in adrenalin-charge events. Boats hold a series of rowers who push themselves to the absolute limits in their quest to be victorious over rival competitors, all to the great delight of the enthusiastic spectators.
The God of Small Things The novel entitled The God of Small Things by Indian writer Arundhati Roy, is set in Ayemenem village which is adjacent to and adjoining Kumarakom. A building referred to as the History House in
Take a sunset or sunrise cruise on a Kettuvallam
Kettuvallams are large cargo vessels, traditionally used for transporting rice and other foodstuffs across the state of Kerala. These wonderfully handcrafted boats are made entirely without the use of nails, relying on coir ropes to hold the wood together. While many still operate cargo routes, modern day vessels are used for cruises and feature comfortable bedrooms, modern toilet facilities, living quarters and kitchens. Spend a day or several on a Kettuvallam, and besides getting a unique perspective of a Kerala sunrise or sunset, you can watch local fishermen go about their business, see some interesting flora and fauna and watch traditional local villages drift by. 
reputable hotels have onsite spa facilities offering the ancient techniques of this highly respected Eastern medical philosophy. Try an invigorating garshana massage or a relaxing session of shirodhara before enjoying a meal of healthy Ayurvedically balanced food.
Traditional texts reveal that the monsoon is the best season to plan Ayuveda vacations in Kerala. The atmosphere remains dust-free and cool, opening the pores of the body to the maximum, making it most receptive to herbal oils and therapy. Kerala is dotted with numerous Ayurveda resorts. Ayurveda provides treatments for ailments such as arthritis, paralysis, obesity, sinusitis, migraine, premature ageing, skin ailments etc.
Other Information
Access By Air : Cochin International Airport, about 76 kms from Kottayam town From the Trivandrum International Airport it is a 171 Km By Road : The nearest bus terminal, is at Kottayam, 14 Km away by road By Rail :Nearest railway station: Kottayam, about 16 km Weather and Best Time To Visit : Summer : February - May (24 - 33 Dg. C)
Try the ancient healing therapies of Ayurveda
As well as being famous for its bird sanctuary, Kumarakom has something of a reputation for its Ayurvedic spas. Several of the  |
