One of Kerala’s most scenic backwaters is the picturesque location of Kumarakom. The serene location of Kumarakom is favored by both Indian and international tourists due to its unique combination of beautiful backwaters, greenery, rural villages, and abundant natural flora and fauna. To enjoy your visit to Kumarakom, you must take the time to go for a houseboat trip. Traveling in a houseboat will give you all the experience of the backwaters, while at the same time, you will be provided with great comforts, local delicacies, and mesmerizing views. Rajadhani Holidays offers some great houseboat services in Kumarakom. Lets find out Top Attractions You Can See from a Kumarakom Houseboat
Why Choose a Kumarakom Houseboat Cruise?

A trip in a houseboat is much more than just travel; it is also an opportunity to see the natural beauty of the place. As your boat cruises through the attractive waterways of the place, you will get a chance to witness everything that nature has to offer. It is much better to travel through the backwaters compared to other modes of transport.Both in terms of a day tour or overnight stays, the experience of the backwaters can be enjoyed to the fullest extent possible.
Vembanad Lake – The Jewel of Kumarakom
Kerala’s Largest Lake
The biggest attraction that you can spot when cruising around in the comfort of your houseboat would be none other than the grandeur of Vembanad Lake. Being the biggest lake in Kerala, it spans several districts and is the very core of Kerala’s backwaters.With its huge water area, the reflection of colors during sunrise and sunset offers beautiful views. Also, the waters serve as a source of living for many fishermen communities.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Paradise for Birds Lovers
While on your houseboat cruise around Kumarakom, you will notice several birds that are found in the area. One of the popular sites to visit in this area is Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.
Visitors can watch:
- Kingfishers
- Egrets
- Herons
- Cormorants
- Darters
- Siberian birds visiting this place during winters
The calm surroundings of the sanctuary make it a very popular tourist spot.
Traditional Kerala Villages
Live Real Village Life
One of the greatest experiences of the houseboat tour in Kumarakom is the chance to see traditional Kerala village life.When the boat moves through canals, some scenes which you might see include:
- Traditional tiling-roof homes
- Children using canoes to travel
- Fishing being done by villagers in the banks
- Washing clothes by women in the water
- Local shops and markets
This kind of experience gives an insight into a culture and way of life that has been maintained since time immemorial.
Coconut Groves and Exuberant Nature
Unending Greenery by the Waterways
God’s own country is what Kerala is famously referred to, and this is aptly demonstrated by the coconut-fringed waters of Kumarakom.During your voyage through these waters, you shall encounter an abundance of swaying coconut palm trees. Some of these include:
- Coconut plantations
- Banana plantations
- Rice paddies
- Mangroves
- Tropical landscapes
Chinese Fishing Nets
Iconic Feature of Kerala’s Coastline Heritage
While Chinese fishing nets are popularly known to exist only in Kochi, one may also encounter similar features in some other areas along the backwaters of the state.Visiting fishermen casting out their nets in the mornings is quite intriguing, and watching how they bring in fresh catch is equally entertaining.
Paddy Fields in the Submerged Land
Unique Agricultural Pattern in Kuttanad Region
Some cruise paths allow tourists to view the unique agricultural scenery in Kuttanad area.Kuttanad is an area that is very famous for its agriculture system where most of the crop production occurs in lands which lie below the level of the sea. A vast expanse of rice fields enclosed by embankments and canal networks form a unique scenery of Kuttanad and it is also known as the “Rice Bowl of Kerala.”The greenery gives the place a beautiful scenery, making each area of your journey beautiful.
The Local Fishermen and The Backwater Economy
Daily Activities
Fishing continues to be an important profession for the locals in Kumarakom. While traveling through your houseboat route, you will come across fishermen catching various fishes, prawns, and crabs the traditional way.This makes tourists appreciate the strong ties that local communities share with the backwaters. The fresh catches of these fishermen are offered to you as meals during your travel in the houseboats.
Stunning Sunset and Sunrise
A Natural Spectacular
One of the best attractions you might witness while aboard your houseboat in Kumarakom is the spectacular natural occurrence of sunrise and sunset over the Vembanad Lake.
During sunrise, mist appears over the water with birds doing their morning activities. The setting of the sun provides beautiful colors of orange and pink to the sky.Both occurrences give memorable experiences which you might treasure forever.
Backwater Islands and Concealed Canals
Uncovering Hidden Gems of Kumarakom
The Kumarakom region comprises several small islands joined by water channels. In your cruise tour, you have the opportunity to discover the hidden gems such as concealed waterways and islands.These calm channels provide ideal settings for tourists who wish to spend time relaxing, taking photographs, and experiencing nature.
Experience Traditional Food in the Houseboat
An Experience in Itself
Houseboat travel in Kerala would not be complete without sampling the local cuisine. Some popular foods that many houseboats offer include:
- Karimeen Pollichathu
- Kerala Fish Curry
- Prawn Fry
- Tapioca Dishes
- Coconut-based Curries
- Local Rice Foods
Eating delicious food while surrounded by breathtaking backwaters is an enjoyable experience.
Conclusion
The Kumarakom houseboat cruise experience goes beyond just a boat trip. The Kumarakom houseboat tour experience is one that allows travelers to be immersed in all that makes Kerala such an amazing destination. From the enormous Vembanad Lake to colorful birdlife, picturesque villages, green paddy fields, fishing villages, and beautiful sunsets, all that you experience at Kumarakom leaves one in awe.
Whether you are planning to spend your holidays with friends or family, a romantic getaway with your partner, honeymooning, or simply unwinding, a Kumarakom houseboat cruise with Rajadhani Holidays is one experience you can never forget!