The short answer
Kumarakom is a group of villages on the eastern shore of Vembanad Lake, around two hours from Kochi. It is known for lakeside resorts, sunset cruises and a bird sanctuary. Two nights here is a calm alternative or addition to an Alleppey houseboat.
What is Kumarakom like?
Kumarakom is rural and quiet. Most visitors stay in resorts on the lake edge with their own jetties, then take boats out at sunrise or sunset. Village walks and cycling between paddy fields are easy to arrange.
Things to do
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Best early in the morning, with herons, egrets, kingfishers and cormorants.
Lake and canal cruises
Short trips by motor boat or canoe from your hotel.
Kumarakom or Alleppey?
Choose Alleppey for an overnight houseboat. Choose Kumarakom for a lakeside hotel with day trips. Many itineraries do one night of each.
Local tipStay two nights in Kumarakom if you want time to do nothing. That is the point of the place.
Where to stay in Kumarakom
Most hotels in Kumarakom sit on the lake shore or on canals running into it. The things to ask about are a lake view, a jetty for boat trips and how far the room is from the main road. Some resorts are large and full of facilities. Others are small groups of cottages, or heritage houses moved here and rebuilt. Both work. It depends on whether you want a pool and a spa or quiet village life.
You will find our Kumarakom recommendations on our Kerala hotels pages. We visit and check these places ourselves, and we choose them for the lake setting, the food and the service.
A day in Kumarakom
A good day starts early, with a canoe or small boat trip into the canals as village life begins: washing on the steps, children going to school, fishermen out on the lake. After breakfast you could walk or cycle along the paddy fields, or visit the bird sanctuary. In the heat of the afternoon you rest. Then you go back on the water for sunset, when the lake turns gold and the houseboats moor for the night.
Getting to Kumarakom
Kumarakom is about two hours by road from Cochin airport and around an hour from Alleppey. From the hills it is roughly four hours from Thekkady. It sits naturally between the hills and the beach on a typical south Kerala route.
From our Cochin officeIf you want a houseboat and a lakeside hotel, do the houseboat first and Kumarakom second. A night in a proper bed with a pool after the boat goes down well with almost everyone.
Why our clients like Kumarakom
Our team has sent travellers to Kumarakom for 20 years. Couples, families with young children and travellers who find a houseboat a little too enclosed tend to like it most. It is also a good place to finish a trip if you do not want a beach.
Our Kerala expert
Based in Cochin
Our Kerala office has been planning trips from Cochin for 20 years. This guide reflects what we tell travellers who call us.
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Frequently asked questions
Around two hours by road.
Yes. The lakeside resorts are quiet and romantic.
The cooler months from November to February are usually best.
Two nights is right for most travellers. One night feels rushed, and three suits people who want a real rest.
Yes. Day cruises and overnight houseboats can start near Kumarakom, though Alleppey has the larger choice.
Yes, for green scenery and quiet hotels. Expect heavy showers and plan time indoors.
