We use cookies to improve your website experience and provide more personalized services to you, both on this website and through other media. By continuing to use this website, you agree to our use of cookies as explained in our Cookie Policy. Please read our Cookie Policy for more information on how we use cookies and how you can disable them.
If you think a holiday in Kumarakom is just going to be spending lazy afternoons at the beach, then you couldn’t be more wrong. With the number of activities that it has to offer, Kumarakom will get you going. Here’s a list of things to do in Kumarakom to help you plan a holiday filled with exciting activities.
As exciting as it sounds, an overtly active holiday will leave you with little or no energy to enjoy the rest of your trip. Plan an itinerary that has a mix of sightseeing and activities, clubbed with a relaxing nap on a hammock or a serene backwater cruise. If you are confused about how to do everything in one Kumarakom trip, then contact our travel experts at SOTC.
The culture of Kerala boasts of its artistic inclinations. The dance forms performed by the locals are very strong proponents of expressing emotions and story-telling. Kathakali is the most popular classical dance form performed in Kumarakom. A Kathakali performance is a treat to watch because of elegant and diverse Mudras, facial expressions and a charismatic rhythm followed by all the dancers. Kalaripayattu is an Indian version of martial arts. Swift movements clubbed with strength make this a must watch art form in Kumarakom. Whether you are artistically inclined, or not, witnessing a traditional art form performance must be in your list of things to do in Kumarakom.
The canoe is a small, flat boat used in Kerala for boating and racing. You can cruise in the canoes near Cheepunkal bridge at Kumarakom. You can either learn to boat in a canoe or just hop in with your camera and take a closer look at the gorgeous backwaters. Colourful birds flying above and blooming lilies in the water will be a view that you will never forget.
Kerala’s Ayurvedic legacy is very well known around the world. These Ayurvedic therapies work like magic to relieve the stress and rejuvenate not just your body, but even your mind. Spa resorts in Kumarakom offer a variety of spas such as Shirodhara, Ksheeradhara, Padabhyanga, Njavarakizhi, Patra Potala Swedam, and Udwarthanam. Though everything in Kumarakom soothes your mind and body, getting Ayurvedic therapy will be the cherry on the cake of your trip. As most tourists’ head to nearby spas and resorts, you will have to book an appointment before you head to the spa.
A shikara cruise is an open-air boat that will take you around in the backwaters of Kumarakom. Take in the beautiful view of the backwaters with black tea or coffee accompanied by delicious cookies. Once you get off the cruise, you will be given a bicycle to explore the countryside for about an hour. A typical Kerala style breakfast is served before or after your bicycle ride. In all, your experience with the Shikara cruise will definitely make you pitch it to the fellow travellers as the best thing to do in Kumarakom.
The fishermen of Kumarakom go fishing during the night as well. Boating under the shimmering moonlight and throwing the fishing net in the water will be an experience of a lifetime in Kumarakom. The local fishermen are quite friendly and will teach you different ways for angling and handpicking if you approach them. Also, some local tour operators arrange night fishing tours in the lake for about 2 hours. Head to Kumarakom and live the fisherman’s life for a night! Night fishing is indeed, one of the best things to do in Kumarakom.
Fall in love with the majestic backwaters of Kumarakom, while enjoying a lovely dinner with your significant other. You can take an overnight cruise from Hyderabad and explore the waters beyond the boundaries - literally! Floating under the moonlight and listening to the sounds of nature – could you ask for a more tranquil experience? You will have to spare about one and a half days to enjoy this overnight ride completely. This will definitely be included in your list of things to do in Kumarakom, once you experience the ultimate bliss of floating under the moonlight on the sparkling water.
While you explore the magnificent backwaters of Kumarakom don’t forget to head to the local markets to buy some local souvenirs. You will find traditional silk sarees in most parts of Kerala, however, if you are in Kumarakom get one for yourself from the local market. The local craftsmanship that goes into weaving the fine design on silk sarees reflects the unique charm of Kumarakom. If you don’t find good ones in the local market, then Thanima textiles near Guru Mandiram is your best option to get silk sarees.
Antique shops in Kumarakom are far from the conventional antique sellers. Most of the local sellers have ancient knives and swords that have intricate work on them. Head to the local market and grab a designer knife for your butter dish or to make your crockery fancier. Some other antiques that you can stock up on are camel-bone carvings, embroidered screw-pine mats and Kathakali masks. If hunting for all the antique stuff in the local market seems like a lot of work, then head to Old Curiosity shop to fill your antique shopping cart. Located in an old, baroque house, the shop itself is an embodiment of antiquity. Shopping in Kumarakom is as exciting as all the other activities here.
