Kottayam is a vast network of canals which empty into the great expanse of water called the Vembanad Lake. The lake, an enchanting picnic spot and a fast developing backwater tourism destination, provides boating, fishing and sightseeing experiences that are truly exhilarating. The Kumarakom Tourist Village offers houseboat cruises and holiday packages. The serene lake comes alive during Onam with a spectacular water regatta - the snake boat races. It is indeed amazing to watch oarsmen, at least a hundred in one boat, slice their way through the waters to the fast rhythm of their own full throated singing.

Vembanad Lake is also recognized as Punnamada Lake in Kuttanad and Kochi Lake in Kochi. Tourists visit this place specially to enjoy the snake boat race; one of the famous festivals of Kumarakom. The place is also enjoyed as a picnic spot. The lake looks amazing during Onam with the famous snake boat races. The rhythmically moving snake-boat, being rowed by expert rowers, carries around 100 people.

Also, one can visit the nearby attraction, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, located on the banks of Vembanad Lake. The place is a paradise for bird lovers as they can watch wide variety of Birds. Vembanad Lake is easily reachable by all modes of transportation. The nearest airport to Kumarakom is Cochin International airport and the nearest train station is Kottayam railway station, 16km away from the city. Kumarakom is well-connected by roads to all major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and other nearby places.