Kumarakom Backwaters

During my summer vacation in India, my family and I decided to go to Kumarakom Backwaters as we had heard a lot of good reviews and seen videos about it. Kumarakom is a beautiful and serene destination located in the state of Kerala, India, renowned for its enchanting backwaters. Kumarakom is situated in the Kottayam district of Kerala, along the Vembanad Lake, which is the largest lake in Kerala. 

Attractions:

1. Backwater Cruises: We went on this cruise to enjoy the backwaters. The backwaters are the main attraction, with houseboat cruises being a popular way to explore the area. These boats, equipped with comfortable amenities, glide through the tranquil waterways, offering views of lush landscapes, traditional Kerala villages, and birdlife.

2. Vembanad Lake: A large freshwater lake that is central to Kumarakom's backwaters. It's perfect for boating and offers scenic beauty with its surrounding lush greenery.

3. Bird Sanctuary: We stayed at a resort near the Backwaters and explored the Bird Sanctuary there. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a major attraction for bird watchers. It is home to a variety of migratory birds and local species, including egrets, kingfishers, and herons.

4. Village Life: Visitors can experience traditional Kerala village life, including visits to local farms and traditional workshops. This provides a glimpse into the rural lifestyle and cultural practices of the region. Village life in Kumarakom is all about simplicity and harmony with nature. It is an opportunity to immerse yourself in a unique cultural environment. Visitors can also experience village life by participating in a few activities such as:

Coir Making

Coir rope, which is made up of coconut husk fiber, is one of the materials used in traditional houseboats. The villagers show us how to make this strong and durable rope. They attach the fiber to a hook on a wheel which is rotated by electricity. When two strings are created, the same process is used to twist them into a rope.

Weaving Coconut Leaves

The woven sheets are often used as thatch roofs or walls. They are also used for making baskets, mats, and other products.

Activities:

1. Houseboat Tours
2. Fishing
3. Kayaking

Kumarakom's tranquil backwaters offer a unique and relaxing experience, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers, and anyone seeking a peaceful retreat. We enjoyed the backwaters and the resort we stayed in. I would love to go and visit again.

Sources

1. PG Padmanabhan & assi (February 2005). "Kumarakom - An Insider's Introduction". Learners Book House.

2. Kerala.com. “Kumarakom Backwater, Kumarakom Backwaters Packages, Kumarakom Houseboats, Backwater Tourism.” Kumarakom, 2017, www.kumarakom.com/pages/kumarakom-backwaters.

3. “Kumarakom: Backwater Paradise.” Bangalore Mirror, Bangalore Mirror, 11 Mar. 2010, bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/Kumarakom-Backwater-paradise/articleshow/21907885.cms.

- Anay K Menon

7G