About Kumarakom Sailing on a boat, relish the fragrance of this dozy little town. Kumarakom lies on the shores of the pleasant Vembanad Lake, which is a part of Kuttanad, 12 kms west of Kottayam town. Loveliness of the place enticed an English man, Henry Baker, who selected Kumarakom as his residence and built a bungalow with a beautiful garden, acquiring 104 acres of land from the then Maharaja of Travancore. This beautiful bungalow has now been modified into the 'Taj Garden Retreat', a hotel with modern living facilities but still retaining the traditional old style. Kuttanad, the 'Wonder Land' believed to have been lying below the sea level, sprang out into the marshes when the sea receeded later. As a testimony to this fact, one can see large deposits of shells in the lakes here, that are usually found in the sea. It comprises of a number of islands in the backwaters and waterways linking the islands providing enough panoramic treat for the visitors. Birds from all over the world flock at a sanctuary in their process of migration which is plentiful in south India. Kumarakom is one such place. Food Rice and fish are the major food items of Kumarakom and of the inhabitants on the banks of Vembanad Lake generally. This apart it is usually 'Dosa' or 'Idly', made from rice paste, with coconut chutney for breakfast. Culture The people are environmentally wary and that's why their dwellings and surroundings are very clean. 'Karimeen' a spotted fish is a special gift of the backwaters. Fishing is a livelihood for the backwater people. Paddy remains the major crop. Bunds are constructed around the lake and water is pumped out to make it suitable for farming. The method adopted for farming is in the style adopted in Holland. Coconut, cocoa and banana are also cultivated. Swaying coconut palms are a common sight throughout Kerala. They give a distinctively green touch to Kumarakom. Water of tender coconut of this place is the finest drink in the world and it is no doubt a valuable gift of nature to mankind. Toddy which is tapped from coconut trees is a favourite drink among the rural men folk as well as visiting tourists. 'Kappa' (Tapioca) and fish curry served with toddy make a unique combination. Spices Varied agro-climatic condition in Kumarakom offers vast scope for production of a variety of herbs from Mint to Parsley to Oregano.