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Vembanad Lake: Capturing Tranquillity
Fact: Vembanad is the longest lake in India, covering over 2033 sq. km. and stretching across several districts.
Why It’s Instagrammable: The calm, mirror-like waters of Vembanad Lake provide an ethereal quality that’s perfect for photography. Whether you’re capturing the glow of the golden hour or the silhouette of a houseboat gliding across the water, Vembanad is an endless canvas for creativity.
Ideal Shots: Try shooting during sunset for dramatic skies reflected in the water. Frame the classic Kerala houseboats against a backdrop of swaying palms, or go for symmetrical reflections of trees and skies for minimalist perfection.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: A Haven of Colour and Life
Fact: The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is home to over 180 species of birds, both migratory and resident, spread across 14 acres of lush greenery.
Why It’s Instagrammable: The sanctuary’s dense forests and meandering pathways offer a peaceful, almost magical environment. During the migratory season, you can spot exotic birds, like the Siberian crane, for spectacular and rare photo opportunities.
Ideal Shots: Use a zoom lens to get close-ups of colourful bird species. Wide-angle lenses are best for displaying the lush landscape, and the effect is especially striking with birds captured mid-flight. The early morning mist adds a dreamy effect to your shots.
Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls: Nature in Motion
Fact: Located just 34 km from Kumarakom, Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls is a lesser-known gem where water tumbles down rocks from 100 feet.
Why It’s Instagrammable: Surrounded by dense rubber plantations and lush greenery, this scenic waterfall offers a refreshing escape from the usual backwater scenes. The area's untouched beauty creates the perfect mood for nature and adventure photography.
Ideal Shots: Long-exposure photography works wonders here, turning the cascading water into a soft, silky stream. You can also frame the waterfall through the trees or capture the surrounding mist for added texture and atmosphere.
Kumarakom Backwaters: Serene Canal Views
Fact: The Kumarakom backwaters form a complex network of canals and rivers interconnected with Vembanad Lake.
Why It’s Instagrammable: Experience the tranquillity and visual delight of Kumarakom's backwaters, where the mirroring still waters showcase the rich greenery and traditional life gracefully plays out along the water's edge, making it a jewel of Kerala. The tranquillity is almost meditative, ideal for wide, atmospheric landscape photography.
Ideal Shots: Early morning or twilight shots of houseboats drifting through the canals, framed by overhanging palm trees. Capture the stillness of the water or highlight the traditional way of life with locals in wooden canoes.
Pathiramanal Island: A Hidden Island Paradise
Fact: Pathiramanal, meaning Sands of Night, is a tiny island on Vembanad Lake, home to hundreds of species of migratory and native birds.
Why It’s Instagrammable: Accessible only by boat, the island is a secluded natural paradise. With no permanent inhabitants, it offers an untouched wilderness experience. The lush vegetation, isolated setting, and abundant wildlife make it a dream for landscape and nature photographers.
Ideal Shots: For your Pathiramanal Island Photoshoot, consider wide-angle shots encompassing the island's water-ringed scenery, close-up photography of unique birds on branches, and artistic reflections on the lake's calm waters.
Where to Stay: Rhythm Kumarakom
After a day of capturing the visual beauty of Kumarakom, retreat to the comfort and elegance of Rhythm Kumarakom, the region’s premier nature resort. Overlooking Vembanad Lake, this eco-conscious retreat offers stunning lakefront villas, Ayurvedic wellness therapies, and access to some of the region’s most photogenic locations. Whether relaxing by your private plunge pool or devouring delicious food at the in-house restaurants, every corner of Rhythm Kumarakom is picture-perfect.
