It is said to be the land of Kumaran, where the winds from Vembanad lake are said to find their way. Situated below the sea level, known as the Holland of Kerala, there are many stories to narrate for those who visit Kumarakom's Travel World, which emerged from the creative hands of AG Baker. There are enough and more beautiful creations of nature there. You will get fresh air to breathe and delicious local food to eat. Kumarakom is a paradise for travellers who come with the thought of spending some time in harmony with nature.
Star hotels, homestays and boat houses await travellers at Kumarakom, widely considered one of the most fascinating tourist destinations in the world. Thousands of travellers, both locals and, foreigners, arrive in Kumarakom to wander through the backwaters, enjoy the greenery of nature and savour the delicious cuisine.
Beauty of Kumarakom
Kumarakom, located at a distance of 12 km from Kottayam is a community of lush green islands off the coast of Vembanad. Known as Kerala's Holland as it is located below sea level. The houseboat ride remains one of its main attractions. This tourist's paradise caters to all the needs of a tourist, including providing great resorts and local restaurants.
With its coconut groves, paddy fields and Vembanad lake by the side, Kumarakom is a thing of infinite beauty, and its splendour reaches its peak during the monsoons.
Where to stay
Vembanad Lake is a beautiful place to relax and unwind. Kumarakom Water Scapes Premium Resort is a Kerala Tourism Development Corporation owned by the state government. The resort is a combination of old and new Kumarakom sets it apart from other resorts.
The presence of kingfish in their small streams and the added charm of Vembanad lake make Water Scapes Kumarakom one of the best resorts in the state. Who wouldn’t want to stay at Vembanad Lake enjoying the beauty, breeze and sunset views?
The Beginning
Water Scapes, which closed in 2017 for renovations, reopened last year. Though the resort opened on February 6, tourists started arriving only by April. The resort continues to be packed and follows strict COVID-19 restrictions. Tourists from all over the world love the vibe of this place.
Blend of old and new
The structure of KTDC Water Scapes is truly amazing. They have incorporated the antique style of central Kerala homes with that of modern architecture. Their wooden cottages are beautiful and are also eco-friendly.
After the modification, they have made sure to keep the resort more eco-friendly for visitors. Their electric buggy service which takes the visiting tourists to their rooms is another attraction. Other facilities include a restaurant and a spacious swimming pool.
Wooden aesthetics
The wooden cottages at the Water Scapes are stunning and there are over 40 cottages with state-of-the-art facilities. Each room combines modernity and western aesthetics. Each cottage is given a different name depending on its beauty and the location of the cottages.
Cottages are segregated as Superior Lake View, Lake View, Canal View and Garden View. All cottages have balcony facilities. The bathroom is small but well maintained. The Superior Lake view cottages are built to fully enjoy the beauty of Vembanad Lake. There are 9 such cottages. Only the view will be different otherwise rest of the amenities are the same for all cottages.
Destination wedding
Adding to the KTDC Water Scapes is a 30,000-square-foot lawn. Destination wedding which has always been a part of European culture, has finally arrived in Kerala. This is a brand-new trend that lends a fresh lease of life to the tourism industry. The spacious and beautiful lawn at the Water Scapes has been the venue for many weddings.
There is also a beautiful garden and two conference halls. There is also an electric buggy to take guests to the cottages.
What is a destination wedding?
A destination wedding is when the families of the bride and groom travel to an exotic locale to conduct the ceremony as well as enjoy the beauty of the place. The fact that only a limited number of guests can attend the ceremony makes this a popular option during Covid times.
Floating restaurant
The experience of tasting the dishes while enjoying the beauty of the lake by houseboat is quite different. The floating restaurant in Water Scapes is just as cool as the houseboat. When you open the window of the restaurant, you can see the beauty of Vembanad Lake.
It is a sight to behold the array of houseboats that move around crushing the waves. One wonders if you are on a houseboat while staying at the resort. The restaurant offers a refreshing experience to travellers.
You can also see pedal boats under the floating restaurant, ready for service. This two-person boat ride is a delight. You can also take a pedal boat ride through the streams that line the cottages.
Peppered duck and kingfish fry
Equally enticing are the local delicacies at Kumarakom. And the food at KTDC Water Scapes is excellent. The most popular dishes are peppered duck roast and kingfish roasted in banana leaf.
All credit to head chef Gireesh Govind who has been working at the KTDC hotels for the last 6 years and is currently heading the kitchen of Water Scapes.
Through the Kumarakom bird sanctuary
After the beauty of the lake, the breezy ride, and the delicious food, the next thing in your itinery should be a stroll is through the bird sanctuary. Arriving in the months of January and March, one can see many species of migratory birds.
There are many rare birds here, such as the white-tailed hawk, hawk, waterfowl, quill and wild duck, which are found only in Siberia. The bird sanctuary covers an area of 5.7 sq km. Living in harmony with nature is what Kumarakom Water Scapes offers to travellers.
Here is how to contact the resort - email: waterscapess@ktdc.com; Phone: 9400008620/21, +914812527650.