Ellie Cleary“Kumarakom feels a world apart from some of the other backwater destinations in Kerala. Life here seems to be lived at a quieter, slower, and generally more local pace.”
The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and is part of the Kuttanad region in Kerala. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres, is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, Darters, Herons, Teals, Waterfowls, Cuckoo, Wild Duck and migratory birds like the Siberian Stork visit here in flocks and fascinate all visitors.
An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom offers visitors many leisure options.
History and Culture
This backwater village began developing into the beautiful tourist hotspot that it is today after the English farmer Alfred George Baker came to Kerala in 1847. Baker reclaimed 500 acres of the Vembanad Lake and developed it into a garden land and paddy fields. Four generations of Bakers occupied this home till 1962. Some of the members of the Baker family established the Baker Memorial School in Kottayam around 1825. The Baker House, which was in ruins, was acquired by the Taj Group and renovated, and it is now a luxury heritage hotel.
The people of Kumarakom, though of three different religions, live in peace and harmony with each other.
Climate
Kumarakom’s climate is moderate and pleasant. The best time to visit Kumarakom is between September and February.
- September - February
