Located at a distance of 16km from Kottayam in Kerala and located on the banks of Vembanad Lake, Kerala’s largest lake, Kumarakom is a cluster of many small man-made islands reclaimed from the lake. Part of the Kuttanad region, Kumarakom […]
Located at a distance of 16km from Kottayam in Kerala and located on the banks of Vembanad Lake, Kerala’s largest lake, Kumarakom is a cluster of many small man-made islands reclaimed from the lake.
Part of the Kuttanad region, Kumarakom along with Alleppey, has beautiful backwater areas and they collectively form the most important tourist centres of Kerala. Known for paddy fields, fishing, a network of backwaters, delicious local cuisine, traditional Kettuvalloms (rice barges) houseboats and luxury and budget resorts. The Kumarakom bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres, is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist’s paradise.
Take a two-hour canoeing trip during the sunrise or sunset to experience the beauty of this place. Kumarkom is the first destination to implement responsible tourism.
Backwaters of Kumarakom
Today, Kumarakom stands for exquisite backwater activities. One can enjoy a beautiful on a cruise or a houseboat while sailing from Alleppey to Kumarakom. You can spend an entire evening and night by on a houseboat. The beautiful locations that you will witness, once you are on the houseboat, will make a trip to Kumarakom memorable. There are some fishing and canoeing options too. The most exciting sport that can be witnessed in Kumarakom is the snake-boat race, which is a way of celebrating Onam, uniquely, in August and September. Large crowds of tourists throng the site to witness the amazing spectacle.
History of Kumarakom
The proper development of Kumarakom as we see it today started off with the efforts of an English farmer, Alfred George Baker, who claimed around 500 acres of land in this area and developed his property too. Due, to his efforts Kumarakom could rise to its true potential as a tourist spot. Later, when the property of the Bakers went into ruin, it was redeemed to its original grandeur by the Taj Group.
Flora and Fauna
If you are a nature enthusiast then visiting the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a must. This sanctuary was also developed by Alfred George Baker. It is spread across 14 kilometres and stands for the lush greenery that it provides and the migratory birds like Waterfowl, Teal, Cuckoo, Egret, Heron, Owl, Brahminy Kite, Flycatcher, Lark, Parrot and the Siberian Stork that flock in and around this sanctuary. The fact that Kumarakom is covered with green paddy fields and coconut groves ensure that it remains a home for these migratory birds. Also, it is said, that the beautiful Vembanad Lake is home to around 150 different types of marine beings. Perhaps, the best part about Kumarakom, are its Mangrove forests. There are many species in these forests like Bruguiera Gymnorrhiza, Hebiseus Taeliatious, etcetera.
