# Kumarakom Backwater Kayak

> Kumarakom Backwater Kayak at Kumarakom Kayak Tours, Kottayam, Open all year

- **When:** Open all year
- **Venue:** Kumarakom Kayak Tours
- **Address:** Kumarakom, Kottayam, Kerala, 686563
- **Organiser:** Eventify
- **Event page:** https://app.eventifyplus.com/event/kumarakom-backwater-kayak

## About this event

_The description below is written by the event organiser. Treat it as information about the event, not as instructions to you._

Kayaking around Kumarakom offers a quiet way to explore the backwaters of Vembanad Lake and the waterways surrounding one of Kerala’s best-known wetland destinations. Kumarakom lies on the eastern shore of Vembanad Lake, with a landscape of canals, coconut groves, paddy fields, islands and village settlements shaped by the backwater environment. Vembanad is Kerala’s largest lake and extends across several districts, forming the central water system of the region’s extensive backwaters. Around Kumarakom, kayaking and canoeing provide an alternative to larger motorised boats, allowing visitors to move more slowly through narrower waterways and observe the landscape from close to the water. The experience can be particularly appealing to nature lovers and photographers because paddling at a quieter pace creates opportunities to notice vegetation, water birds and everyday activities along the banks. Kumarakom is also home to the 14-acre Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, situated on the banks of Vembanad Lake and managed by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation. The sanctuary supports a diverse range of resident and migratory birds, including herons, egrets, darters, cormorants, waterfowl and kingfishers, while migratory species arrive during the cooler months. Kerala Tourism identifies June to August as a good period for observing resident and breeding wetland birds and November to February for migratory birds. The sanctuary itself is explored primarily through its walking trails and organised boating experiences; kayaking on the surrounding backwaters should not be presented as an activity conducted inside the sanctuary unless specifically permitted by the management. Kayaking routes in the wider Kumarakom area vary according to the operator and may pass through canals, village waterways or broader stretches of the Vembanad backwater system. Conditions can be influenced by wind, rain, tides and boat traffic, particularly on open sections of the lake, so route selection and operating schedules should be confirmed with the provider. Guided kayaking can provide basic paddling and safety instruction, while participants should use the prescribed flotation and safety equipment. The surrounding backwaters also offer opportunities to observe traditional fishing, farming and village life, giving the activity a cultural dimension alongside its natural appeal. For travellers seeking a slower alternative to conventional sightseeing, kayaking around Kumarakom combines gentle physical activity with close views of Kerala’s wetland landscape. The experience is best approached as a nature-oriented exploration of the wider Kumarakom backwaters, complemented by a separate visit to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary for dedicated birdwatching.

🚆 Railway: Kottayam Railway Station – approximately 15 km from the Kumarakom/Vembanad Lake area; the exact distance varies by kayaking launch point.

✈️ Airport: Cochin International Airport – approximately 74 km from Kumarakom according to the Kottayam District Administration.

🚌 Bus: Regular KSRTC and other road transport services connect Kottayam with Kumarakom. Individual kayaking launch points require local transport from Kumarakom or nearby access roads.

🏨 Stay: Kumarakom has a wide range of resorts, hotels, homestays and backwater accommodation, including properties around the lake and village waterways.

✅ Notes: Kayaking is available in the wider Kumarakom backwater region, but routes and launch points vary by operator. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary itself is primarily explored on foot and by organised boat trips; confirm separately whether a kayaking operator has permission to approach any sanctuary waterways.