WONDERS OF KUMARAKOM

 Kumarakom was not always the paradise on earth it is today. The 5 star hotels in Kumarakom and the diverse flora and fauna are quite recent developments. Once, it was nothing but a wetland that was flooded throughout the year, and was only fit for cultivation of one type of crop- paddy. Here’s how this small village located on the banks of Vembanad lake came to be, and what it was before it held a mirror to the natural beauty that Kerala is.

History
The history of Kumarakom is as fascinating as the place itself. The King of Travancore, Marthanda Varma, annexed Kumarakom in 1750. During this period, Kumarakom was a wet land, which would have an immense build up of sand and silt during heavy monsoons, making it unsuitable for living. Hence this area and it’s surroundings were used by the people for cultivation of crops.

In 1847, an English farmer named Alfred George Baker reclaimed 500 acres of the Vembanad Lake, and turned it into a coconut garden and paddy fields. He also pioneered the planting of mangroves in this region to help reduce soil erosion. It was here that he built his family home, The Baker House. This house was home to four generations of the Baker family, and it still stands today.

The implementation of land ceiling laws during in Kerala forced Mr. Baker to sell most of his 500 acres of land in bits in pieces. Finally, in 1966, his descendants left the country. The Victorian bungalow, which was once the residence of the Bakers, and the 100 acres of the land surrounding the property was bought by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporate in 1982.

The Baker House
Built in 1881 by Mr. Alfred George Baker, the bungalow is located close to the lake, on pieces of Teak wood rafters, which are packed in mud as a base. This bungalow was home to his descendants till 1966, when the Baker family moved out of the country.

The Land and The People
Most of the people living in Kumarakom are fishermen, who fish in the Vembanad lake for their daily livelihood. Additional income comes from collecting sand and mud, which is used to reclaim land and filling shallow areas in nearby regions.

Kumarakom is famous for its paddy fields and coconut trees. The mangroves and lagoons also add an unmistakable charm to the region.

Kumarakom still retains it’s rustic, village atmosphere, which is an added USP for tourists arriving here. The boat rides in the small canals especially during the sun set is an enchanting experience indeed.

Over time, Kumarakom saw the emergence of some of the best luxury 5 star hotels in India. The diverse natural wonders and the beautiful beach has made it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. So head down here for your next holiday and indulge in a relaxing vacation at The Zuri, Kumarakom.

Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

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