Situated 15 km from Kottayam on the banks of the Vembanad lake sits a pretty hamlet called Kumarakom. This small village is a cluster of little islands, a part of the Kuttanad region in Kerala. Swaying coconut palms, calm waters, pulsating paddy fields, there is life and energy in every atom here. It is a treat during Onam to watch the boat race. The snake boat race has nearly 100 men rowing the boat with all vigor and vitality. The huge houseboats, powered or poled, with living rooms, toilets, kitchen, balcony for angling are remodelled cargo barges. They are made of wooden planks joined together by rope and no nails. There is a bird sanctuary, a favorite haunt of migratory birds.