Kumarakom Tourism

It is fascinating to know why this city was known as Kumarakom. The name Kumarakom was derived from the deity of its oldest temple Kumaran, Kumaran's Akam, and thus the place was known as Kumarakom. The place is extremely fertile and is most suitable for the cultivation of rice and coconut trees. The arrival of the English farmer Alfred George Baker in 1847 was a major landmark in its history since he reclaimed 500 acres of Vembanad Lake when he realised the full potential of this island.

Kumarakom is a set of small islands perched on the edge of Vembanad Lake known to be the “largest lake in Kerala”. Kerala as a state is blessed with great weather, beautiful landscapes, waterways and lush greenery. There are long rows of coconut trees giving it a tropical touch.

Kumarakom is home to a wide variety of tropical flora and fauna. An important attraction is the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, where a significant number of bird species are known to make migratory visits. The park area covers around 15 acres and functions under the jurisdiction of the government of Kerala. One of the important migratory species is the Siberian crane. Other tropical species such as the egret, heron, waterfowls, ducks, moorhens, and kingfishers are commonly found here.

Another attraction of Kumarakom Tourism is the Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall and its surrounding rubber plantation, which are pleasing to the photographer’s eye. There is also the Bay Island Drift Museum near the Kumarakom beach for history buffs which is open from 10 am to 5 pm on Tuesdays to Saturdays and from 11.30 am to 5 pm on Sundays.

The Vembanad Lake is home to many marine and freshwater fish and is one of the highlights of Kumarakom Tourism. Varieties of shrimp, prawn and fresh water fish are found here in abundance. The "Pearl spot" fish is found in relatively lower numbers, and is a local delicacy. The best time to visit Kumarakom is from September to March as the weather is pleasant. The weather all around year ranges from humid to pleasant in summers and rainy seasons. It is recommended that one must visit Kumarakom during winter.

Fishing, agriculture, and tourism are the major economic activities. Kumarakom’s perfectly balanced tropical climate is very conducive to cultivation. The place has expanses of mangrove forests, paddy fields, and coconut groves. Fruits such as Banana, Mango, Jackfruit, Ambazhanga, Puli (Tamarind), Chaambenga, Peraycka (Guava), Aathaycka, and Pineapple grow here. Also, cocoa and coffee, chena (yam) and chembu (colocasia), grow well and can be cultivated under the coconut trees. This rich agricultural environment is mainly irrigated using waterways and canals of the Meenachil river.

For a fine Kumarakom backwaters experience, the best option is hiring a houseboat. A large number of companies offer board and tour on houseboats. There is nothing as serene as the boathouse ride in this tropical paradise.