Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake in Kerala, at a distance of 13 Kms from Kottayam, 56 Kms from Kochi & 164 Kms from Trivandrum. Also known as the ?Queen of Vembanad?, Kumarakom is the most famous backwater destination in Kerala.

Vembanad Lake is one of the largest fresh water lakes in India. Backwater cruises in Vembanad Lake on country boats and houseboats is the main activity in Kumarakom. A Houseboat cruise along the backwaters is really an amazing experience for every traveler to Kumarakom.

Kumarakom is the venue for Sree Narayana Jayanthi Boat Race held in September during Onam festival. More than 1000 oarsmen in boats of different sizes and shapes will participate in this event.

At a distance of 12 kms from Kumarakom Bus Station, Pathiramanal Island (meaning - Sands of Night) is small & breathtakingly beautiful island in Vembanad Lake on the border of Kottayam - Alapuzha districts. It is also known as Anantha Padmanabhan Thopu.

Spread across 10 acres, the island is an easily reachable location in the Kumarakom - Muhamma water route. Surrounded by the Vembanad Lake, the island forms an ideal place for a break in the journey on a backwater cruise from Kumarakom / Alleppey.

The island is a heaven for hundreds of rare birds, including 91 local species of birds and 50 migratory birds. One can see Pintail Ducks, Common Teal, Night Heron, Cormorant, Darter, Indian Shag, Purple Heron, Cattle Egret, Indian Pond Heron, Little Egret, Bronze-winged Jacanas, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Watercock, Whistling Duck, Cotton Pygmy-Goose, Little Cormorant and Whiskered Tern.

Exclusive boat trip from Kumarakom to Pathiramanal Island takes 2-3 hrs (3-4 hours from Alleppey)

At a distance of 15 Kms from Pathanamthitta & 57 kms from Kumarakom, Aranmula is a famous place for Snake Boat Race held during Onam festival (also known as Uthrittathi Boat Race). Situated on the banks of Pampa River, Aranmula is also known for the famous metal mirrors.

The boat race is celebrated on the last day of the 7 day long Onam Festival. Nearly 30 snake boats participate in the competitions during festival. Singing traditional boat songs, the oarsmen decorated in white dhotis and turbans, splash their oars into the water to guide their boats to cruise along.

Aranmula is also famous for the wonderful Parthasaradhi Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and Arjuna. The architecture of the Parthasaradhi Temple is in typical Kerala style and one of the best in the state. The boat race is held near Parthasaradhi Temple.