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Shopping Delights	City Name

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		<title>Kumarakom</title>
		<link>http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide</link>
				<language>en-us</language>
		<pubDate>Thu, 23 Aug 2007 14:29:50 EDT</pubDate>
		<ttl>10</ttl>
		<image>
			<title>Travelguru</title>
			<link>http://www.travelguru.com/hotels/</link>
			<url>http://www.travelguru.com/images/logo.gif</url>
			<width>145</width>
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			<description>Hotels in India Find Cheap and Budget Hotels online on India largest Hotel Network.Instant Hotel Reservation at Best price</description>
		</image>

<item>
	<title>Editor's Note</title>
	<link></link>
	<description>
		<![CDATA[
			
		
<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2">
 	
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 <td class="body-text" align="justify"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/kumarkom-editor.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="Kumarakom" align="right" />This is one location that has what you need for a holiday - just the right mix of activity and relaxation! Welcome to Kumarakom! Set amidst lush mangrove forests, swaying coconut trees, paddy fields and waterways filled with white lilies, it is also home to one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia. And keen ornithologists have more reason to be thrilled! Because between November to March, the Bird Sanctuary comes to life with migratory birds finding there way here in scores. Whether it's a honeymoon holiday you're looking for, a family outing or a leisurely cruise down the backwaters, this promises to be an unforgettable experience!</td>
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<item>
	<title>Fast Facts</title>
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 <td width="23%" valign="top">Climate</td>
 <td width="77%"><table class="body-text" width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2">
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 <td width="12%" valign="top"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/icons_03.gif" alt="Summer" width="48" height="44" /></td>
 <td width="74%" valign="top">Summer 
 February-May, Tropical, warm, with cool breeze during evening 
Temperatures - 24ÂºC - 33ÂºC </td>
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 <td align="left" valign="top"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/icons_10.gif" alt="Monsoon" width="48" height="44" /></td>
 <td valign="top">Monsoons 
 June-September, Heavy rainfall Annual rainfall - 2700 mm </td>
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 <td align="left" valign="top"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/icons_06.gif" alt="Winter" width="48" height="44" /></td>
 <td valign="top">Winter 
 November-February, Cool and pleasant 
Temperatures - 15ÂºC - 32ÂºC</td>
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 <td valign="top" class="climate-head">Local Languages:</td>
 <td valign="top" class="body-text">Malayalam, English, Hindi & Tamil</td>
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 <td valign="top" class="climate-head">Best Time to Visit:</td>
 <td valign="top" class="body-text">Between November-March when the temperature is low and migratory birds visit</td>
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 <td valign="top" class="climate-head">Clothing:</td>
 <td valign="top" class="body-text">Light cotton throughout the year and appropriate raingear during the monsoon</td>
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 <td valign="top" class="body-text">Moving Around: </td>
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The scenic beauty of Kumarakom is best explored on foot. For longer distances, you can hire private vehicles or tourist buses to get around the city. Alternately you can hire mopeds or scooters from the several rental shops. </td>
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 <td valign="top" class="body-text">Tourist Offices: </td>
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District Tourism Promotion Council Boat Jetty, Kodimatha Kottayam Tel: 0481 - 2560479</td>
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	<title>What to See</title>
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 <td class="body-text" align="justify"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/kumarkom-what-to-see.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="Kumarkom" align="right" />Vembanad Lake: Literally the lifeline of this backwater region, the Vembanad Lake constitutes as one of the main sightseeing options of this region. One of the largest fresh water lakes on Asia, it offers the chance to take one of the best backwater cruises. Traditional boats called Kettuvallams are modified into cruise boats and houseboats, and are replete with all basic amenities for the traveler. The fresh water of the lake also supports a large variety of flora and fauna. The Vembanad Lake also has a tiny island called Pathiramanal or the Midnight Sands and is accessible only by boat.
 
 Water Bird Sanctuary: Kumarakom is an ornithologist's paradise. The famous Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, spreading over 14 acres of land. This sanctuary is a favourite haunt for migratory birds, like the Siberian Stork, egret, darter, heron and teal. Local birds like the water fowl, cuckoo, owl and water hen can also be spotted here. Plan your trip here during June-August and November to February, which is the best time to watch the birds. Best time to bird watch is June-August and migratory birds during November- February. A cruise along the Vemband Lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary and houseboats and motor boats are available on hire for this purpose. 
 Bay Island Driftwood Museum: Located near the Kumarakom Jetty is a distinct building with pillared verandahs and sloping tiled roof. This unique museum displays 'the art of the sea' â€” chiseled driftwood from Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal. The driftwood pieces were carved by Raji Punnoose, a retired teacher, into various shapes - from a crocodile to a sculpture. 
 Open from: (Weekdays) 10.00 am-5.00 pm
 Sunday: 11.30 am-5.00 pm
 (closed on Monday) 
 Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls: Located 18 km from Kottayam town, this is a scenic picnic spot, complete with rubber plantations. It has tiny streams making their way through the landscape before cascading down the mountains from a height of 100 ft.
 Kottayam: This old town located 16 kms away is known for its profusion of churches, especially the Cheria Palli (small church) known for its remarkable paintings over the altar and the Valia Palli (big church) located amidst a cluster of houses on a hillock. St. Mary's Church in the hills of Kuravilangad has an old bell with a mysterious inscription. . The Ettumanoor Shiva Temple, situated 12 km north of Kottayam has stunning wall paintings and carvings inside the temple. St. George's Church is known for the golden cross and the annual feast of St. George.</td>
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<item>
	<title>Gourmet Feasts</title>
	<link></link>
	<description>
		<![CDATA[

<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2">
 
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 <td class="body-text" align="justify"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/kumarkom-food.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="Kumarakom" align="right" />Like every state of Kerala, rice and fish are the major food items of Kumarakom and of the inhabitants on the banks of Vembanad Lake. Apart from these, the South Indian fare of dosa or idli, made from rice paste, with coconut chutney is extremely popular for breakfast. Kumarakom is traditionally known for its sadhyas, a vegetarian meal comprising of boiled rice and a number of side dishes. Served on a banana leaf, the side dishes include sambar (vegetable stew), aviyal (thick vegetable stew with curd and coconut), Kaalan (similar to avial), theeyal (similar to sambhar), thoran (dry dish made of pea, jackfruit, carrot or cabbage), injipully(, pulisherry, appam (bowl shaped think pancakes), kappa (tapioca), puttu (steam cake), and puzhukku. Kerala cuisine is characterised by a liberal use of coconut and coconut oil and spices including cinnamon, peppers, garlic, turmeric and coriander. As a finishing touch to this rich cuisine is the payasam, a sweet milk dessert made of rice and milk, native to Kerala. </td>
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<item>
	<title>Shopping Delights</title>
	<link></link>
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		<![CDATA[
	
	
	<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2">
 	
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 		<td class="body-text"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/kumarkom-shopping.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="Kumarkom" align="right" />While you wouldn't exactly define Kumarakom as a shopper's paradise, you can indulge in some light shopping of Kerala souvenirs. Some of the best buys here include metal-ware, camel-bone carvings, wood carvings, articles made of coconut shell, bamboo and cane, embroidered screw-pine, painted mats, gold, aromatic spices and handicrafts. Your shopping bag can also include antique items, jewelry and ethnic hand-woven textiles easily available in the local markets. Whether you wish to gift, or simply carry for yourself, check out the lampshades and fashion accessories like earrings, brass lamps and kathakali masks. </td>
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<item>
	<title>Festive Celebrations</title>
	<link></link>
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 <td class="body-text" align="justify"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/kumarkom-festival.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="Kumarkom" align="right" />
 Kumarakom is marked by a number of celebrations throughout the year that make this otherwise quiet city come to life. Erumeli Petta Thullal in January is marked by a grand spectacle and parade of bedecked elephants. An extremely important festival, Ettumanoor Ezharapponnana is celebrated in February or March. This festival is marked by the much spectacular Arattu ritual, which is a procession of the ezharapponnana (elephant pageant) and a number of cultural performances organized. Another beautiful display of caparisoned elephants bedecked with gold ornaments can be had during the Thrissur Pooram Festival in the month of April or May. 
 Onam, in September is one of the most popular festivals, celebrated across South India. This is celebrated for 10-days to thank the gods for the harvest. It is marked by vibrant singing and dancing. One of most exciting feature of the festival is the snake boat races held at the Vembanad Lake. Scores of long snake boats and other smaller craft participate and thousands of people crowd the water's edge. Vaikathashtami is held in November or December for 12 days. The eighth day is considered to be the most auspicious and you can join in a grand spectacle of elephant processions. Music and dance is the main feature of this absorbing festival with classical dances like Kathakali, Ottamthullal, Pathakam, and Velakali being performed. </td>
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	<title>Staying There</title>
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This laid-back holiday spot of Kumarakom has a number of luxury hotels centered mostly around Vembanad Lake. And this is where you get the best views. Most hotels here have their personal houseboats that they rent out. It is one of the most fascinating experiences you can ever have; so plan at least a night's stay in them. And it's thoroughly worth it! One of the most popular resorts is Kumarakom Lake Resorts, which has cottage-like accommodations lining the Vembanad Lake. Other popular, though a tad expensive hotels include <a href="http://hotels.travelguru.com/moreinfo.do?strHotelId=00002336&link=HotelOverview&hotelName=Radisson+Plaza+Resort+%26+Spa&hotelClass=5&address1=V+235%2C+A1+-+A35%2CKarottukayal&address2=&city=Kumarakom&state=Kerala&pinCode=686563&country=India&strAffiliateCode=00000080&strCurrency=INR&searchChoice=right">Radisson Plaza Resort & Spa</a>, <a href="http://hotels.travelguru.com/moreinfo.do?strHotelId=00000435&link=HotelOverview&hotelName=Golden+Waters&hotelClass=3&address1=Kumarakom&address2=&city=Kumarakom&state=Kerala&pinCode=560001&country=India&strAffiliateCode=00000080&strCurrency=INR&searchChoice=right">Golden Waters</a>, <a href="http://hotels.travelguru.com/moreinfo.do?strHotelId=00002736&link=HotelOverview&hotelName=Kumarakom+Lagoon&hotelClass=3&address1=Ambika+Market+P.O.&address2=&city=Kumarakom&state=Kerala&pinCode=686144&country=India&strAffiliateCode=00000080&strCurrency=INR&searchChoice=right">Kumarakom Lagoon </a> and <a href="http://hotels.travelguru.com/moreinfo.do?strHotelId=00000390&link=HotelOverview&hotelName=Paradise+Resorts&hotelClass=3&address1=Near+Nazrath+Church&address2=&city=Kumarakom&state=Kerala&pinCode=686563&country=India&strAffiliateCode=00000080&strCurrency=INR&searchChoice=right">Paradise Resorts</a>. Most hotels in Kumarakom are beautifully managed and have charming interiors done up in wood and typical Kerala architecture. For some not-so-expensive options, try the <a href="http://hotels.travelguru.com/moreinfo.do?strHotelId=00001946&link=HotelOverview&hotelName=The+Back+Water+Resort&hotelClass=3&address1=Kumrarakom+South&address2=&city=Kumarakom&state=Kerala&pinCode=686563&country=India&strAffiliateCode=00000080&strCurrency=INR&searchChoice=right">Backwater Resort</a>, <a href="http://hotels.travelguru.com/moreinfo.do?strHotelId=00001916&link=HotelOverview&hotelName=BackWater+Retreat&hotelClass=0&address1=Kumarakom&address2=&city=Kumarakom&state=Kerala&pinCode=686004&country=India&strAffiliateCode=00000080&strCurrency=INR&searchChoice=right">Backwater Retreat</a> and <a href="http://hotels.travelguru.com/moreinfo.do?strHotelId=00002013&link=HotelOverview&hotelName=Illikkalam+Lake+Resort&hotelClass=0&address1=The+Bank+Of+Vembanad+Lake&address2=&city=Kumarakom&state=Kerala&pinCode=686563&country=India&strAffiliateCode=00000080&strCurrency=INR&searchChoice=right">Illikkalam Lake Resort</a>. A word of advice though - never-minding the price, Kumarakom is an extremely popular holiday spot. So book your hotels or houseboats well in advance.</td>
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<item>
	<title>Getting There</title>
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 <td width="5%" valign="top" class="climate-head">Air:</td>
 <td width="5%" valign="top" class="body-text"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/icon-air.gif" alt="Air" width="48" height="44" /></td>
 <td width="75%" valign="top" class="body-text">You have a choice of three international airports; Kochi (Cochin - 95 kms), Kozhikode (Calicut - 60 kms) and Thiruvanathapuram (Trivandrum - 171 kms). You can hire a private vehicle or take the bus shuttle to reach Kumarakom.</td>
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 <td valign="top" class="climate-head">Rail: </td>
 <td valign="top" class="body-text"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/icon-rail.gif" alt="Railway" width="48" height="44" /></td>
 <td valign="top" class="body-text">Kottayam, 16 kms away is the nearest railway station. It is linked to all major cities in Kerala and India with numerous trains plying this route daily. You can also take the south-bound train from Cochin via Alleppey, which is an exciting experience as you pass through some of the most picturesque scenes of the backwaters. </td>
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 <td valign="top" class="climate-head">Road:</td>
 <td valign="top" class="body-text"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/icon-road.gif" alt="Roadways" width="48" height="44" /></td>
 <td valign="top" class="body-text">Hiring a private vehicle and driving to Kumarakom is a good idea since that lets you enjoy the scenery the maximum! Kottayam links it to the cities of South India by the State Highway and other major cities in India through the National Highway. The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation also provides regular bus services to Kumarakom from Cochin, Calicut and Thiruvanathapuram.</td>
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 <td valign="top" class="climate-head">Boat: </td>
 <td valign="top" class="body-text"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/icon-boat.gif" alt="Roadways" width="48" height="44" /></td>
 <td valign="top" class="body-text">Another exciting mode of transport to Kumarakom is by boat. The State Water Transport Department offers boats departing from the Muhamma Boat Jetty to the backwaters of Kumarakom. If you've arrived at Trivandrum International Airport, drive to Quilon (Kollam) and take the regular ferry service to Alleppey which is just a short ride to Kumarakom. </td>
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