Although Kumarakom does not offer a plethora of child friendly activities, there are a few attractions on offer that can be enjoyed by the entire family. Parents who are intent on taking the little ones here will really need to improvise and make use of the area’s natural beauty, or be prepared to travel some distance to other destinations in Kerala where attractions are available.

Beaches
Kumarakom beach is a lovely place to kill a day or two during a trip to the area and the ideal location for the kids to enjoy some fun on the sand or in the sea. The beach is far from overdeveloped and maintains a pleasant natural ambience, free from hordes of restaurants, bars or similar outlets that might spoil the environment.

Swimming pools
Some of the larger hotels have their own pools, which are ideal places to take the kids on days when the weather is that bit too hot and parents just want to relax on a lounger and let the little ones enjoy the cool water.

Veega Land
Claiming to be India’s most loved entertainment centre, Veega Land is located in the small town of Pallikkara in the state of Kerala. This exciting theme park is home to a large selection of exciting rides, auditoriums with live shows, pleasant promenades and a series of swimming pools with water attractions. The park is within a reasonable travelling distance of Kumarakom to make a daytrip a possibility.

Kumarakom has nothing in the way of cultural activities and visitors inclined towards sightseeing and museum visits will need to travel the short distance to nearby Kottayam, where a host of interesting temples and churches indicate the religious diversity of the area.

Bay Island Driftwood Museum
This museum features the artistic works of Ms Raji Punnoose, a retired teacher from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The museum’s collection features interesting pieces of wood that have been twisted and shaped naturally by water and then further sculpted at the hands of Ms Punnoose, creating finished works that display a mix of natural and manmade influences. Many of the pieces resemble living creatures such as animals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fishes.

Cheriyapally
Otherwise known as St Mary's Church, Cheriyapally in Kottayam belongs to the Malankara Orthodox Church and was built by the Raja of Thekkumkur in 1579 – making it one of the oldest Christian churches in the country. Beautiful murals on the church’s interior walls depict famous biblical events.

Good Shepherd Church
Also belonging to the Diocese of Vijayapuram, the Good Shepherd Church is older than the Vimalagiri Church, having been completed in 1882. The church’s style is distinctly Italian and its exterior is still in good condition after a renovation in 1964. The church celebrates the feast of the Good Shepherd in April every year.

Thazhathangady Juma Masjid
Some 16kms from Kumarakom in the town of Kottayam, Thazhathangady Juma Masjid sits on the banks of the river Meenachil and is notable for being one of the country’s oldest mosques, having been built over a thousand years ago. The mosque displays some stunning architectural beauty outside and some beautiful wood carvings in its interior. Followers of the prophet Mohammad were responsible for building the mosque on one of their first trips to the Kerala region.

Thirunakkara Mahadeva temple
Also in Kottayam and situated at the heart of the town, Thirunakkara Mahadeva is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and constructed in a distinct Kerala style by the Raja of Thekkumkur at the beginning of 16^th century. The temple’s interior is notable with its collection of murals telling epic Hindu stories. An annual festival, the climax of which is a ceremony called the Aaraattu draws large numbers of Hindu followers.

Valiyapally
This is the second church in Kottayam to be dedicated to St Mary and is older than Cheriyapally, having been built in 1550. It is also among the largest churches in the town. Valiyapally is located approximately 4kms northwest of the centre of Kottayam and is best known for its two 8th century Persian crosses, the inscriptions of which indicate that they are one of the earliest examples of Christianity in the whole country.

Kumarakom has a few good places to enjoy a pleasant lunch or evening meal even if the choices are somewhat restricted. For high quality food and a choice of Indian or continental cuisine, check out the restaurants of Kumarakom’s top hotels.

Shopping opportunities in Kumarakom are limited and in a sense this is one of its appeals and one of the reasons people head here. This small resort is concerned much more with preserving its natural beauty and delicate ecosystem than pandering to the consumer needs of tourists.

There are however, places to pick up handicrafts, the kind of things that would make good souvenirs or gifts to take home to friends and family; these include knick-knacks made from coconut shells such as lamps, lampshades and ashtrays as well as textile goods and items of clothing. For a greater shopping choice, visitors should take a trip to Cochin which is 70kms from Kumarakom and home to a much larger retail selection.

With Kumarakom’s chief appeal based around its wonderful natural environment, it’s not surprising that most of the attractions of this destination are outdoor activities of one kind or another. The scenic sanctuary around which the whole place revolves, offers opportunities for bird-watching and fishing; while down at the beach, typical sand and sea pursuits are available.

Beach activities
Kumarakom’s gorgeous sandy beaches offer plenty of opportunity for seaside activities. Enjoy fun on the sand with a Frisbee session or an informal game of volleyball between friends. Alternatively, head for the sea and enjoy swimming, snorkelling and other water-based activities.

Bird-watching
Kumarakom is a dream come true for ornithologists with the location’s own bird sanctuary offering the opportunity to view a large number of both resident and migratory birds. Take a boat trip around the islands and you may spot species such as crow pheasants, snake bird, little cormorants, tree pies and white-branded water hens. If you are lucky, then you might also catch a glimpse of the brightly coloured kingfishers, the night herons or the golden-backed woodpeckers, all of which are indigenous to the area.

Boat trips
Whether for the purpose of bird-watching or just for the fun and for a general appreciation of the area’s beauty, boat trips around the four islands of Kumarakom can be pleasant, relaxing and highly aesthetically pleasing. Small boats complete with local guide can be hired from the edge of the Vembanad lake.

Fishing
Angling enthusiasts need bring only themselves on fishing trips within the Kumarakom sanctuary, as equipment is provided by local operators. The waters of Kumarakom are home to a large variety of species of fish and even novices will have a reasonable chance to make a catch. Anyone going home empty-handed however, is unlikely to feel too down about it as a day of relaxation amid the gorgeous natural environment is compensation enough

Water sports
The Rama Varma Union Club Water Sports Complex at Kumarakom offers visitors the chance to pursue almost every kind of water sport conceivable with the list including popular pursuits such as speed boating, water-skiing, surfing, sailing, swimming and kayaking. Both members and guests are permitted to use the facilities of this reputable private club.