A favoured haunt of migratory birds located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake is the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary A visit to the sanctuary set within the wooden forests enlightens you with a variety of flora and fauna. The main residents of the reserve are the native birds like waterfowl, egret, heron and the water duck - the most popular among others. The best experience of the ornithologist's paradise can be best enjoyed on a cruise around the park. You can go on rides in motorboats and houseboats. This piece of island is home to many endemic birds and you can get enthralled by the flocks of migrating birds such as the kingfisher in vibrant colours and golden backed woodpeckers. You will watch in awe as the birds here perform their own style of gymnastics. It is the perfect place for bird enthusiasts to quench their thirst for avian species.

The town of Kumarakom has a cluster of islands floating in the sparkling waters. The sprawling beach in Kumarakom is the ideal destination to rejuvenate yourself. The surreal beach is bordered with mangrove trees and vast stretches of silvery sand making the beach a relaxing and pleasurable location. A plethora of activities and attractions await you in the beach. There are many spas and ayurvedic centres lining the shores, providing a relaxing experience for tourists. You can watch the endless splashing of the sea waves against the brown hues of sand at ease or even take in the blue and white waters. Also, don't miss out the variety of water sports available in the beach. The sunset at the beach is a mesmerizing sight to watch with the red and blue shades of the horizon.

A majestic stretch of backwaters in the Kottayam district is the Kumarakom backwaters. It has a vast expanse of rivers and canals pouring into the Vembanad Lake. It is an exquisite picnic spot offering boating, fishing and a truly beautiful view of the countryside which will render you speechless. You can take in the river's flora and fauna, the abundant marine life and coral reefs while dangling your feet into the rustic backwaters. This pristine emerald waters is a labyrinth of lagoons and canals which can be completely enjoyed in a cruise of the backwaters. Be prepared to spot the exotic kumarakom karimeen or the pearl spotted fish in the rivers. The backwaters cruise is a breath taking and cherishable memory without which your trip to Kumarakom will remain incomplete.

A most renowned and devotional getaway on the banks of the Vembanad Lake is the hotspot of spirituality. The Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple is of historical significance with Lord Shiva, one of the holy trinity as the presiding deity. This famous and ancient temple goes back a long way with an interesting history of how Lord Shiva came into the temple. The walls of the prestigious temple are lined with beautiful mural paintings of various Gods. The Nataraja and ezharaponnana murals are fine examples of artistic expressions. The annual festival of Ezhara Ponnana is the most celebrated period when a historic procession ritual is conducted in February/ March. Ezhara Ponnana refers to the golden elephant chariot with a height of 7.5 ft. The procession of the golden wooded chariot is a memorable spectacle during this pompous festival.

Float in sheer bliss as Kerala’s traditional kettuvallams or houseboats, styled as per the norms of tradition yet equipped with every luxury and every modern amenity offer the opportunity to relax on the serene waters of the Lake Vembanad. Stay, dine and truly experience the timeless beauty of life along the banks of Kerala.

An ideal picnic spot with the backdrop of a waterfall is the Aruvikkuzhi waterfalls near Kottayam. A mud track from Kottayam takes you to the welcoming waterfalls, where you can see the water cascading down from a rocky boulder. It is a short break from the buzzing and horns of the daily road traffic - a relaxing scenic beauty. You can come across the falls in many movies with the rich scenic beauty it possesses. The green rubber plantation surrounding the fall of the elevated waters is truly a captivating sight. The ferocious beauty of the falls makes it a fantastic tourist attraction. The glinting waters gives a pleasant sound when it hits the jagged rocks. With the shining sun and vibrant landscape, it is a treat for both the eyes and the soul. It is a paradise for all bird watchers and nature lovers.

Set amidst the backdrop of authentic Kerala houseboats and rustic backwaters with swaying coconut trees, the Bay Island Driftwood Museum is a colosseum of contemporary art and sculptures. Founded by a lady school teacher, the driftwood sculptures here are a mix of modern and conventional art forms. It is frequented by art lovers and sculpture admirers The sculptures here are transformed from random pieces are transformed from random pieces of driftwood deposited in the Andaman sea and beaches. The cozy, cylinder shaped museum has an assortment of beautiful sculptures of reptiles, animals, stumps and so on. It is a one of a kind museum in India showcasing art made from advanced techniques. The museum is also listed in the Limca Book of Records as the only driftwood museum in India. It is a must visit for all those interested in unique forms of art.

A quaint island in the waters of Kumarakom is the artistic Pathiramanal island, meaning "the sands of night". The island is a haven for bird watchers to catch a glimpse of unique varieties of birds. This backwaters hub is a favoured stop by destination from the mainland with a memorable boat ride. The amazing water front, ambient backwaters, calm coconut groves coupled with the native sky residents of the islet will leave you speechless. The scenic beauty surrounding the island is stunning and a walk is sufficient to take in all the views- the island is so small. It is a popular stop by station during a backwater cruise of the vast network of criss crossed rivers and lagoons. This is the perfect chance to explore the waterside paradise of birds.

A must visit place in Kumarakom - the years old ancient mosque is the Juma Masjid with wooden carvings and lavish interiors. It is a place where every traveller and devotee should chance a visit as it is one of the oldest mosques of India. The mosque is believed to be a gateway of salvation with care and compassion. The beauty of the Jama Masjid lies in the undisputably grand architecture giving the outlook of a King's palace with ornate windows and wooden roofs, giving an insight into the ancient architectural form. It has stunning interiors with an enigmatic historical background. Built around 1000 years ago, it now stands in glory as a symbol of the culture and traditional diversity of Kerala. It demands a mandatory visit when you are in the lovely town of Kumarakom.