Kumarakom
Kumarakom, historically a part of the Thekkumkur kingdom- which later got subsumed into the Travancore kingdom- is a village on the bank of the largest lake in India, Vembanad Lake. Kumarakom, traditionally part of Kuttanad- the rice bowl of Kerala- saw its agricultural production expanded through lake reclamation under the instruction of the Travancore king during the devastating famines of the world wars. These reclaimed agricultural fields, lying below sea level, are one of the scenic sights to see for yourself by boat cruising. Paddy fields stretching across the horizon, guarded by coconut trees that spot your presence from their commanding height and seemingly nod- or perhaps it is just the wind, canals sprinkled with water lilies and water moss, and ofcourse the Vembanad Lake with it's constant breeze, are the attractions that await you at Kumarakom.
What Kind of Tourists Prefer Kumarakom?
It is 5:30 in the morning- so says your alarm, and you set foot on the floor. Opening the cottage's door, you step onto the porch—just ten metres from the lake. The only sound that your ears pick up is the chirping of early birds; they must be greeting you with a good morning.
You stretch, sit on the porch steps, and gaze into the seemingly infinite lake. The sun rises early here, perhaps stirred by the vast, clear lake. Slowly, the light grows, and with it wakes an unceasing breeze that stirs the Lake—first rippling it, then sending infinite waves to your lake bank. As you sip your morning coffee, you realize that the worries that have accompanied you for so long have faded away, replaced by the simple act of watching the lake.
Kumarakom is a place that calls to a certain kind of tourist- someone seeking quiet reflection. The hypnotic lake offers a peaceful retreat for those who wish to lose themselves in nature. From a lakefront room, one can witness the endless lake, the dance of the waves, and the whisper of the wind- inviting deep, personal contemplation.
Here, guests are often introspective, spending time in quiet thought as they watch the lake’s rhythmic movement. If you wish, you can cruise along the lake or the interior canals, with timeless sights awaiting you- as the sun dips into the evening lake for its daily rest, or to watch the countless waves following one after another in their attempt to find the nearest shore that lies kilometres away. The interior canals offer you insights into the acrobatic backstretches that paddy fields perform under the instruction of that timeless yogic guru—the wind.
Each time and season is unique and exposes the varying nature of the lake and its environment. Many prefer to have early morning walks across our property. That is also when you must walk through the bird sanctuary (about 5 km from Illikkalam) populated with local and migratory birds. Migratory birds are spotted from November to February. A 1.5 km long walk along the bird sanctuary's walkway at 6:30 am offers the best chance of seeing them. Cruising in a Shikara boat along the canals surrounding the sanctuary offers a similar experience.
In Kumarakom, nature speaks to you. If you listen deep enough, you shall open the door to your own inner self.