Kumarakom sits quietly on the edge of Vembanad Lake, wrapped in palm trees, canals, and a pace of life that feels deliberately unhurried. While many travelers choose to slow down completely and remain within the village, Kumarakom also works beautifully as a base for discovering some of Kerala’s most varied landscapes. Within a few hours of travel, the scenery shifts from shimmering backwaters to misty hills, forest waterfalls, ancient temples, colonial towns, and sunlit beaches.
This guide explores the most rewarding day trips and short excursions from Kumarakom. Each destination is selected for its cultural depth, natural beauty, or historical value, and every section includes practical transport tips so you can plan with confidence. Whether you prefer traveling by car, rickshaw, boat, or a mix of all three, these excursions reveal how much diversity surrounds this tranquil lakeside village.
Why Kumarakom Is an Ideal Base for Day Trips
Kumarakom’s location in central Kerala makes it unusually well connected while still feeling peaceful. Roads from Kottayam connect easily to hill districts, coastal routes lead toward beaches, and waterways link villages and towns that still depend on boats as daily transport. This balance allows travelers to experience contrasting environments in a single day without feeling rushed.
Another advantage is flexibility. You can leave early for a hill trek, return by evening for a sunset canoe ride, or spend the morning exploring a heritage town and be back in time for a traditional Kerala dinner. Day trips from Kumarakom do not require constant packing and unpacking, making travel smoother and more relaxed.
Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls and the Rubber Plantation Belt
Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls lies in the gentle highlands near Kottayam, surrounded by rubber plantations and forest patches. Unlike large tourist waterfalls, Aruvikkuzhi offers a calm and almost meditative atmosphere. Water cascades over rock formations, forming natural pools and shaded spots perfect for quiet reflection or photography.
The surrounding landscape is equally rewarding. Narrow roads wind through rubber estates where tapping cups line the trees, giving visitors a glimpse into one of Kerala’s traditional livelihoods. Early mornings are especially beautiful, with mist clinging to the treetops and the sound of water echoing through the valley.
Transport tips:
By car, Aruvikkuzhi is about an hour from Kumarakom. The roads are mostly good, though the final stretch can be narrow. Hiring a taxi for half a day is the most comfortable option. Auto rickshaws are possible but less ideal for the return journey, as availability near the waterfalls is limited. Public buses run from Kottayam, but combining bus travel with a car or rickshaw saves time.
Illikkal Kallu and the Hill Trek Experience
Illikkal Kallu is one of the most striking hill viewpoints near Kumarakom. Rising dramatically from the Western Ghats, it offers panoramic views of forests, valleys, and distant mountain ranges. The area is known for its rocky outcrop, wind-swept paths, and a sense of elevation that contrasts sharply with the flat backwaters below.
The trek to the viewpoint is short but invigorating. Mist often rolls in during the afternoon, changing visibility and creating a shifting landscape that feels almost otherworldly. This excursion appeals especially to travelers seeking fresh air, light adventure, and a break from humid lowland weather.
Transport tips:
Reaching Illikkal Kallu requires a car, preferably with good ground clearance. The drive takes around two and a half hours from Kumarakom. Auto rickshaws are not suitable due to distance and terrain. The last section involves a short walk or trek, so comfortable footwear is essential. Starting early helps avoid clouds that can obscure the view.
Vaikom Mahadeva Temple and Spiritual Heritage
Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is one of Kerala’s oldest and most revered temples, known for its architectural harmony and historical significance. The temple complex reflects traditional Kerala style, with sloping roofs, stone lamps, and a peaceful inner courtyard. Even visitors unfamiliar with temple rituals often find the atmosphere grounding and contemplative.
Vaikom town itself carries layers of history. It played a key role in social reform movements, and walking through its streets reveals old houses, canals, and local markets that still follow daily rhythms rather than tourist schedules.
Transport tips:
Vaikom is around forty minutes from Kumarakom by road. Cars and auto rickshaws are both convenient. Boat travel is also possible via backwater routes, making this a scenic option for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with a water journey. Boats usually take longer but offer a memorable experience.
Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple and Traditional Architecture
Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple is famous for its murals, wooden carvings, and ancient rituals. The temple’s interior artwork depicts scenes from Hindu mythology and showcases the craftsmanship of traditional Kerala artists. Visiting during festival periods offers a deeper glimpse into music, percussion, and ceremonial practices.
The town around the temple blends modern life with tradition. Small eateries serve classic Kerala snacks, and shops sell lamps, oils, and offerings used in daily worship.
Transport tips:
The temple is approximately an hour from Kumarakom. Traveling by car is straightforward, and auto rickshaws can be hired for the trip. Buses from Kottayam are frequent for budget travelers, though private transport allows more flexibility with timing.
Kottayam Town and Literary Heritage
Kottayam is more than a transit hub. Known as a center of education, publishing, and literature, the town reflects Kerala’s intellectual history. Bookstores, old publishing houses, and cultural institutions line its streets. A walk through Kottayam reveals colonial-era buildings alongside modern cafes and bustling markets.
Nearby attractions include churches with centuries-old traditions, riverside walkways, and quiet lanes where daily life unfolds without hurry. Kottayam also offers excellent dining options, from traditional Kerala meals to contemporary cuisine.
Transport tips:
Kottayam is just thirty minutes from Kumarakom. Cars, auto rickshaws, and buses are all convenient. Boat travel is possible through certain backwater routes, though road travel is faster for town exploration.
Alappuzha Backwaters and Heritage Town
Alappuzha combines backwater beauty with colonial history. Once a major port, it still retains canals, old warehouses, and historic homes that hint at its trading past. A walk along the canals reveals fishermen at work, children playing by the water, and boats gliding through narrow passages.
The town is also known for its beaches, lighthouse, and vibrant boat race culture. Even a short visit offers a different perspective on Kerala’s relationship with water and commerce.
Transport tips:
Alappuzha is about an hour from Kumarakom by road. Boats between Kumarakom and Alappuzha provide a scenic alternative, especially for travelers interested in photography. Cars and buses are faster and more flexible for town exploration.
Marari Beach and Coastal Escape
Marari Beach offers a serene coastal experience without the crowds of more commercial beach destinations. Long stretches of sand, fishing villages, and gentle waves create a peaceful setting ideal for walking, swimming, or simply watching the sunset.
The village atmosphere remains strong, with early mornings marked by fishermen returning with their catch and evenings filled with soft sea breezes. This excursion adds a marine dimension to a backwater-based stay.
Transport tips:
Marari Beach is around ninety minutes from Kumarakom by car. Auto rickshaws are not practical for the full distance. Hiring a taxi for the day allows time for both beach relaxation and village exploration.
Cherthala and Traditional Coir Villages
Cherthala is closely associated with coir production, an industry rooted in Kerala’s coastal economy. Visiting the surrounding villages reveals coconut husk processing, rope making, and weaving techniques passed down through generations. These activities provide insight into sustainable practices and local craftsmanship.
The area also features temples, canals, and markets that reflect everyday life rather than tourism-focused experiences.
Transport tips:
Cherthala is about an hour from Kumarakom. Cars and buses are suitable. Some villages can be accessed by boat, offering an immersive way to explore the region’s waterways.
Kumarakom Village Walks and Short Boat Excursions
Not every excursion requires leaving Kumarakom entirely. Village walks and short boat rides reveal layers of life often missed by travelers focused only on houseboats. Narrow paths pass homes, temples, schools, and fields where farming continues much as it has for decades.
Short canoe trips through side canals introduce travelers to birdlife, aquatic plants, and quiet corners of the backwaters where silence feels profound. These smaller experiences often become the most memorable.
Transport tips:
Walking and canoe rides are best arranged locally. Most stays in Kumarakom can help organize guided village walks or boat trips lasting a few hours.
Planning Your Day Trips Efficiently
When planning excursions from Kumarakom, consider starting early to avoid heat and traffic. Combining nearby destinations into a single day works well, such as pairing a temple visit with a town exploration. For longer trips to hills or beaches, dedicating an entire day ensures a relaxed pace.
Hiring a local driver familiar with the region can enhance the experience, as they often suggest viewpoints, eateries, or stops not found in guidebooks. Boat journeys require more time but reward travelers with unmatched scenery.
Best Place to Stay During Your Kumarakom Excursions
A comfortable and well-located stay makes every day trip more enjoyable. ILLIKKALAM Lakeside Cottages Kumarakom stands out as the best hotel to stay in Kumarakom during your visit. Set beside the backwaters, it offers easy access to both road and water transport, allowing travelers to begin each excursion smoothly.
The peaceful setting ensures restful evenings after active days of exploration, while the hospitality reflects the warmth Kerala is known for. Staying at ILLIKKALAM Lakeside Cottages Kumarakom allows you to experience the best of Kumarakom while effortlessly reaching waterfalls, hills, temples, heritage towns, and beaches across the region.
Kumarakom is not just a destination but a gateway. Each day trip adds a new layer to the journey, revealing how richly diverse Kerala truly is.