Imagine waking up under a canopy of coconut trees or cruising through a lagoon on a bamboo raft! Sounds magical, right? Well, this could be your #DreamEscape, if you are planning an exploration trip to the interiors of Kerala, provided you plan on spending a couple of days on the backwaters of Kumarakom. By Chandrani Pal
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A cornucopia of travel delights that will leave you hypnotised, Kumarakom is the crown gem of Kerala, whose amazing backwaters attract travellers from all over the world. The palm trees nodding their heads to the breeze and the wonderful houseboats, act as additional treats to your excursion.
Apart from glancing at its breathtaking landscape, here’s a list of activities, we suggest you include in your itinerary on your next trip to Kumarakom.
1. Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
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This studio for some wild and extraordinary feathered species is a significant vacation destination. This territory houses egrets, heron, blue-greens, waterfowls, wild ducks and a lot of transitory fowls in winter. This haven is spread across 14 sections of land and standing water; when here, you can rent a kayak guided by neighbourhood anglers and go around the place. Make sure to befriend some of these feathery creatures!
2. Ride in a Fishing Boat
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Fishing is a vital activity of this town. Remarkably, the Vembanad Lake here is the biggest lake of Kerala and a favourable place for both saltwater as well as freshwater fishes. Right from dawn, you can spot anglers out on little boats with their gill nets, prepared to go after the aquatic creatures. On a regular day, in the event when an angler competes for a decent catch, you may end up observing boatloads of Karimeen, dark molluscs, and shrimps, towards the end of the activity. You can also join a nearby fishing crew to take a stab at this unique workmanship.
3. Watersports at the Vembanad Lake
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Vembanad Lake offers a variety of watersports such as sailing, kayaking, yachting, and fishing. You can lease a kayak and ride along the backwaters, under the concealed foliage of muddy vegetation and palm trees. The ideal time for a boat/kayak ride is either early in the morning or at dusk. On the other hand, if you wish to observe the experts and their boating skills, make sure to visit during Onam, and cheer for the neighbourhood rowers partaking in the regatta (boat race).
4. Have Toddy at a local Toddy shop
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Toddy is an acclaimed refreshment in Kerala. It’s fundamentally, a sweet palm wine also known as coconut alcohol, made by tapping the coconut palm. This sweet sap is available in both alcoholic as well as non-alcoholic forms. The alcoholic drink is called neera and the non-alcoholic one is called pathaneer. The latter contains just four to six per cent alcohol. While wandering around the village, you can also stop by at one of the wooden shanties exemplified in greenery and get yourself a drink, and try some local mouth-watering snacks along with it, such as fried fish or boiled tapioca.
5. Indulge in the local cuisine
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If you are lucky to have a friend or an acquaintance here, make sure to pay a visit to the locals of the village. Besides getting to know their lifestyle, culture and traditions you will get a chance to taste some authentic dishes as well. Kerala Meen Pollichathu (fried fish, wrapped in a banana leaf), duck egg roast with Kerala Appam, and Ilaneer Payasam (kheer made using tender coconut milk) are some of the options worth trying.
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Where to stay: You can choose to stay in a houseboat or opt for a luxurious stay at Taj Kumarakom Resort & Spa, Kerala.
Getting there: The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport. You can book outstation taxis from the airport to cover the 53-kilometre-long distance. Alternatively, if you prefer to travel by train the nearest railway station is Kottayam, from where you can easily get a cab to your destination.
Related: Vayalar In Kerala: Here’s Why You Should Explore This Unconventional Destination!
