Kerala is known for its Panoramic backwater stretches, lush green paddy
fields, highlands and beaches. The major backwater stretch is in Kottayam
district, where a network of rivers and canals empty into the great expanse
of water called the Vembanad lake.
Located
at Kumarakom 16 km from Kottayam town, the Vembanad lake, an enchanting
picnic spot and a fast developing backwater tourism destination, provides
boating, fishing and sight seeing experiences that are truly exhilarating.
The Kumarakom Tourist Village offers houseboat cruises and holiday packages.
Kumarakom slumbers on the banks of the famous Vembanad Lake, which is a
part of Kuttanad ('granary' of Kerala). The Vembanad Lake with its majestic
canals, streams and distributaries along its banks weave an intricate and
enchantingly beautiful web. The gorgeous green of the fringed palms ripple
in the blue waters and blend into wavelets.
Kerala Backwaters - A Huge Attraction
The entire state of Kerala is blessed with plenty of rivers and the
resources of many are still untapped. The waterways of Kerala which play a
main role in the economy of the state links remote villages and islands with
the main land. The water ways provide a cheap and economical mode of
transport. The water ways of Kuttanad is now a big attraction for tourist.
It is incredibly different experience to cruise in the backwaters in country
boats, absorbing the beauty of Kerala villages.
Unique Attractions of Kumarkoram
Boat Races
Boat races are held in connection with Onam, the harvest festival in
August/September. Scores of long snake boats and other smaller crafts
participate in these events. The largest team sport in the world, the snake
boat races are preceded by colourful water parades.
Usually a snake boat is manned by four helmsmen, 25 singers and 100 - 125
oarsmen who row in unison to the fast rhythm of the Vanchipattu (song of the
boatman). Thousands of people crowd the water's edge to cheer the huge black
crafts as they slice through the waters to a spectacular finish. The oldest
of these events have curious legends and myths attached to their origin.
Myths closely linked to the rustic people and their beliefs.
Boat Races Festivals
Backwaters host many special events during August to September. The
electrifying races by carved wooden boats set the backwaters on fire. The
'Nehru Boat Race' named in honor of the late Prime Minister of India, Pundit
Jawaharlal Nehru, is the most exciting of all the boat-races. It is held on
the second Saturday of August. During the 'Onam' festival, many boat-races
including the spectacular Aranmula boat-race, are conducted in the Alappuzha
region.
Travel Attractions in Kumarakoram
There
are many wonderful things you can do at Kumarakom. Wake up early in the
morning for the grandest show on earth. The sunrise. In the mornings, the
lake is calm, misty and sensuous.
And the sun breaks with a smile and stretches its arm across the river to
wish you good morning. Take out a ride in one of our boats and watch
waterfowls come to life.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
A trip to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary what you shouldn't miss. The best time
for this is between November and March, when a range of migratory birds from
Siberia make it their winter home. Some of the species include the Snake
bird, Little Cormorant, Crow Pheasant, White-branded water Hen and Tree pie.
Occasionally you can catch the native kingfishers setting the waters ablaze
in a psychedelic flash of colours. The night herons, the Golden-backed
woodpeckers are added delights.
Water Carnivals
Vallamkali, the famous Snake Boat Race are spectacles enacted on the onset
of the Onam season. The backwaters of Alleppey come alive with the rivers
becoming flush after the rainy season. It becomes the venue to Kerala's
major attraction - the Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race which take place in
August - September every year. Magnificently decorated long boats - with
raised sterns which resemble the raised hood of cobras (hence the term,
snake boat) rush through the waters in a flash of oars and a roar.
Kettuvallams
Kettuvallams are huge, tapering barges which were traditionally used to
cargo rice and other goods across Kerala. It has a portion covered with
bamboo and coir serving as kitchen and rest rooms for the crew. These boats
are entirely built without the use of nails. Planks of jack wood are woven
together with coir ropes and coated with a black resin made from boiled
cashew kernels.
Modern-day Kettuvallams called houseboats, carry finished bedrooms, modern
toilets, cozy living rooms, a kitchen and even a balcony where tourists can
laze on cushions. Sections of the carved roof of wood and plaited palms open
out to provide shade and allow an uninterrupted view. Most of the boats are
poled by local oarsmen. Some are powered by engines. Gliding on serene
backwaters, visitors can witness an unspoilt Kerala.
Sunset & Sunrise Cruise on a Kettuvallam
No trip to Kumarakom is complete without a Kettuvallam sunset or sunrise
cruise. The ride offers a close look into a delightful rustic life.
Skiff-fishermen launching their tiny boats. Large flotillas of ducks
waddling down to the water from coconut leaf thatched houses on the banks of
canals. Palm-filled lagoons, an enchanting view of wooded islands and the
main lands are poetically beautiful scenes.
