Kumarakom is one destination which offers the most inspiring backwater experiences. It is located on the banks of one of the most beautiful backwaters of Kerala – “The Vembanad” backwaters of central Kerala. Kumarakom is identified as one of the most beautiful, quiet and peaceful destination and that makes it an integral point for visitors to Kerala. Geographically Kumarakom belongs to the Kuttanad area, which is spread over the districts of Alleppey, Kottayam, Pathanamtitta. One of the very peculiar aspects about Kuttanad is that the area lies below the sea level. The manmade bunds help in preventing water from flowing into Kuttanad.
Almost 150 years back a young Englishman named Henry Baker had a visit to Kumarakom and was attracted to the beauty of this backwater village. He seeked permission from the King of Travancore to start farming and agriculture. Travancore was the then ruling princely state of South Kerala. He created mud bunds along the remote areas of the Vembanad backwaters and started with many paddy fields. The success of it prompted him make more mud bunds and started rubber plantations. Baker was very much interested in protecting the flora and fauna of the land. He planted more plants on the banks of the backwaters to prevent the rubber plantations and the soil from eroding. On one side of his plantations he kept apart almost 15 acres of land for birds and later that became almost like a sanctuary. Down the line these birds helped the agriculture by preventing it from insects, worms and virus, which was a very natural process. Today this is a national sanctuary and is named Kumarakom bird sanctuary.
By post independence of India, by the 1970s the successors of Mr. Baker transferred their property in Kumarakom to the Government of Kerala and by due course of time it was transferred to Kerala tourism. This marks the transformation of Kumarakom into a tourist destination with the importance of it being close to the backwaters. In three decades time Kumarakom got itself a name of being one of the most beautiful backwater destination. The natural beauty of Kumarakom has always attracted millions of tourist across the world. The traditional rice barges gradually with physical modifications became houseboats. This gave Kumarakom a big facelift in the international scenario.
Kerala identified Kumarakom as the first destination to incorporate responsible tourism. The intention was to invite local participation in the tourism process and make them one among the direct or indirect beneficiaries of the income generated. Kerala introduced the concept of responsible tourism to the local people of Kumarakom. The concept was defined as “A tourism model which does not affect the environment of a destination, and does not affect the lifestyle of the people by promoting development to the local people through tourism”. Which means, the agriculture produce would be collected locally, checked to the standards and sold to hotels, resorts, houseboats and other consumers? This would benefit the local population in a great way. There would be opportunity for tourists to go villages, watch the lifestyle, architecture, see traditional craft making and many more. The concept is a complete experience of local living, flora fauna, and the beauty of the land.
When a visitor likes to see the world outside the resort he is staying in Kumarakom. Responsible tourism helps the tourist in a big way. Interaction with the locals is the best way to explore a destination. In a way responsible tourism breaks down the barriers between the tourist and the local population. There are bicycle tours, country boat ride, village walks and many more options are available. This helps in knowing more about the Kerala village lifestyle and traditional occupations like coir making and so on. Every land on earth has its own kind of traditional occupations. The fish named Pearl spot is veryabundant in Kumarakom and fishing is one among the traditional occupations in this area. Coir spinning, toddy tapping, houseboats are some other local occupations in Kumarakom. Traditional art forms and performing arts are played for tourist for entertainment becomes a part of exploring the land.
Kumarakom is the first village in Kerala which has successfully incorporated responsible tourism into their lifestyles. A week in Kumarakom will definitely gift you a very memorable, peaceful and a very relishing enjoyable holiday experience with the local people.