Kumarakom is a popular tourism destination located near the city of Kottayam (16 kilometres (10 mi)), in Kerala, India, famous for its backwater tourism. It is set in the backdrop of the Vembanad Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the state of Kerala.

History

Kumarakom was within the jurisdiction of Thekkumcore King during those period and it was also usual to have fighting and competitions among local Kings. Chundan Vallom and Veppu Vallom was widely used among the local kings for their lightning attacks and fighting in the central Travancore. During those days Vembanad Lake was a dangerous Zone, therefore the Thekkumcore King kept enough soldiers in Kumarakom and also he constructed a Fort on the entrance of Kottathodu in Kumarakom.

Soldiers were kept in certain areas of Kumarakom for the protection of enemy attacks and those places are still called as Padakkalam, Padanilam etc., in Kumarakom. We can still see the remains of the wall of Six feet breadth of the above said fort, near the village office of Kumarakom.

Environment

Kumarakom is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a noted bird sanctuary where many species of migratory birds visit. The Vembanad Lake, the largest backwater in Kerala, is habitat for many marine and freshwater fish species and it teems with Karimeen (Pearl spot also known as Etroplus suratensis) shrimp (Metapenaeus dobsonii) common name Poovalan chemeen. The bird sanctuary extends over 14 acres (57,000 m²), and came into existence following preservation efforts from the government. It is a major tourist attraction.

Climate

Kumarakom has a moderate climate throughout the year. It is a balanced tropical climate, which has two monsoons south west and north east. The average rainfall is 1100 mm.

Boats and Kumarakom Boat Race

Kumarakom has a wide variety of houseboats and is well known throughout the world for houseboat experience. They are used only for tourists these days. A separate Boat known as Kettuvallam is used by the people to go fishing or to transport goods. Apart from these, there are elegant special boats like Kochu-odi Vallam, Odi-Vallam, Iruttukutthi Vallam, Churulan Vallam and Chundan Vallam(Snake Boat), which take part in the boat races around Onam time. More than 1000 oarsmen in boats of different sizes and shapes will participate in this event. Even though Snake Boats participate in this race, the importance is given here is for iruttukuthi, in which about 50 oarsmen row. The Kumarakom boat-race is conducted in the big canal in the centre near the market. The Sree Narayana Ever Rolling Trophy will be given to the winner at the end of the day. There is a private sailing club in Kumarakom, located on the shore of the Vembanad lake.

Source : Wikipedia