Kumarakom

The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake in Kerala, a state in India. Geographically, it is located at 9.35 North and 76.26 East.

Environment

Kumarakom's soil is extremely fertile due to the proximity of a water source, the Vembanad Lake which has resulted in the growth of a wide variety of flora in Kumaralom especially the mangrove and coconut trees. Furthermore Vembanad Lake is home to several types of marine life exclusively the 'Karimeen' (Pearl Spotted Fish), the 'Chemeen' (Prawns) and the 'Konju' (Tiger Prawns). Kumarakom is also a habitat to several migratory birds which are attracted by the availability of a safe nesting area provided by the trees and a close source of food and water which is delivered by the Vembanad Lake. The authorities have succesfully attempted to protect the birds and their habitat through the construction of a bird sanctuary which spans 14 acres (57,000 m²).

Income

Kumarakom is not entirely a tourist dependent town but also derives a reasonable income from agriculture. The area is populated by mangrove forests, paddy fields and coconut groves. This rich agricultural environment is mainly irrigated using interspersed waterways and canals. Furthermore Kumarakom's perfectly balanced tropical climate poses an advantage to the growth of plants and trees.

Modes of access

One can access Kumarakom by many means:

• By air: via Cochin International Airport and the Trivandrum International Airport
• By rail: via Kottayam
• By boat
• By road: Buses are easily available at all times of the day from Kottayam.

External links

[1]....For a great description of Kumarakom.