Kumarakom is a popular tourism destination located near the city of Kottayam (10 kilometres (6 mi)), in Kerala, India, famous for its backwater tourism. It is set in the backdrop of the Vembanad Lake, the largest lake in the state of Kerala. In January 2023, when Kerala was chosen by the New York Times as one among the 52 must-see tourist destinations in the world, Kumarakom got a special mention for its backwater tourism. Kumarakom has been declared a special tourism zone by the Kerala state government, as legislated for by Kerala Tourism Act, 2005. Development in the area is therefore now controlled by the guidelines written by the STZ committee. The Backwaters of Kumarakom, formed by the beautiful Vembanad Lake, is located about 17 kilometres from Kottayam in God's Own Country, the South Indian state of Kerala. Vembanad Lake is the largest freshwater lake in the state and is known worldwide for its famous backwater tourism. The Backwaters of Kumarakom offer a picturesque location that proves to be a perfect backwater destination for travellers who are persistently searching for one. The Vembanad Lake of Kumarakom is the starting point for backwater cruises in Kerala, along with Allepey. Formerly known as the Baker Estate and now developed as a Rubber Estate, Kumarakom is home to a diversity of flora and fauna. The lush green surroundings with tall grass, shrubs and countless coconut trees that line the horizon of the pristine lake are a treat to the eyes. Kumarakom has a moderate climate throughout the year. It is a balanced tropical climate, which has two monsoons-south west and north east. Some times heavy rain and some times summer. These are manly Kettuvellam Houseboats and Punting houseboats with 1/ 2/ 3/ 4 bedrooms to suit the tourist requirements. They are made of jackfruit logs and coconut fibre and you are bound to these boats cruising through the backwaters pretty much all the time. Some boats even have air-conditioning and massive sun-decks that can be used for family and corporate events. Most of these houseboats are operated using an engine. However, there are some that have a boatsman to sail using oars. The houseboats are categorized as Gold Star, Silver Star and Green Palm on the facilities they provide.