Our Villages

Ever wondered what truly sets a place apart? We believe it's those early morning strolls along quaint streets, soaking in the authentic vibe of a location. And let me tell you, that definitely holds true here too! If you're eager to dive into the real essence of life in Kerala's breathtaking backwaters, you've got to explore the charming villages around Kumarakom.

Kumarakom's reputation speaks for itself – it even got a shoutout in the New York Times! Yep, it made it onto the list of must-visit destinations worldwide!

But you know what? It's not just about the people here. It's the whole package – the tranquil canals, the enchanting local life, and the lush green surroundings. Trust us, pictures simply don't do it justice. You've got to experience it firsthand!

The Legend of Kumarakom:  A Tale of Vision and Triumph

Once upon a time, in the heart of Kuttanad, there was a little village. But hey, this isn't an average fairy tale of a village. This one's got a twist of history, a pinch of drama, and a whole lot of determination.

The Man with a Vision

Picture this: post-World War II, Kuttanad was hit hard by famine. People were struggling, and the king, Chithira Thirunal, wanted to help. So, he offered a sweet deal—tax exemption for five years to anyone who could magically turn water into farmable land.

Enter Mr. Joseph Murickan. He wasn't your typical farmer. Nope, he was a dreamer, a visionary. When everyone else saw a lake, he saw fields of green. Crazy, right? But hey, sometimes crazy works.

Against All Odds

So, Murickan rolls up his sleeves and gets to work. He studies the lake, figures out the shallow spots, like Kumarakom, and hatches a plan. With some clever ridges and a whole lot of pumping, he turns that soggy bottom into fertile soil.

And guess what? It worked! In 1940, he grows paddy in the backwaters for the first time ever. Talk about a mic-drop moment!

The Name Kumarakom

Ever wondered about the name Kumarakom? In Malayalam, the word "Kuminjakam" basically means the land formed by alluvial soil. Heaps of earth washed down by rivers from the majestic Western Ghats settled in the area. Then, along came Mr. Murikan, the local legend, who said, "Let's turn this into some epic paddy fields!" And boom, Kumarakom was born. So yeah, that's the scoop on how this rad place got its name.

The Rise and Fall

But hey, life isn't all sunshine and rainbows. Murickan, being the big-shot landlord, faces some serious heat during a farmers' struggle in 1954. And in 1972, the government stepped in with the Land Reforms Act, giving his family's land a makeover.

But here's where it gets interesting. Instead of sulking, Murickan steps up. He knows the struggles of his workers, so he digs a sweet freshwater pond near the Chithira Church. It's a game-changer, providing clean water like a boss. And guess what? The UN's Food and Agriculture Organization gives him a thumbs up for his efforts.

The Legacy Lives On

And there you have it, folks. The legend of Kumarakom, where dreams are made, challenges are faced head-on, and humanity always wins. So, come on down, soak in the vibes, and let the stories of our village steal your heart.

Come hang out with us at Little Chembaka! It's where stories get real, and Kumarakom's buzzing culture is waiting to be discovered. Get lost in our village's history, munch on some awesome local grub, and make friends that'll last a lifetime!