Kumarakom, Kerala – October 24, 2025 – In a move poised to reinvigorate tourism in one of Kerala’s most idyllic destinations, President Droupadi Murmu concluded a segment of her four-day official tour with an overnight stay in Kumarakom on October 23-24. This landmark visit—the first by a sitting Indian President in 25 years since Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s trip in 2000—has drawn global attention to Kumarakom’s pristine backwaters, bird sanctuaries, and eco-tourism offerings. Nestled on the banks of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom attracts over 500,000 visitors annually, contributing significantly to Kerala’s tourism economy, which accounts for nearly 10% of the state’s GDP. The presidential spotlight is expected to spur a surge in bookings for houseboat cruises and nature trails, mirroring the 20% visitor uptick following the 2023 G20 Sherpas meet hosted in the area.
The visit, coordinated by Kerala Raj Bhavan and local authorities, seamlessly integrated with Kumarakom’s tourism infrastructure, showcasing the destination’s capacity to host high-profile guests while preserving its serene appeal. As the President departed for engagements in Kochi, tourism stakeholders hailed the event as a catalyst for sustainable growth in this cluster of emerald islands and mangrove forests.
Itinerary Overview: Blending Official Duties with Tourism Promotion
President Murmu’s Kerala tour, spanning October 21-24, commenced with her arrival at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on October 21, followed by a ceremonial reception at Raj Bhavan. Key highlights included darshan at the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple on October 22—despite a minor helicopter landing delay—and unveilings honoring former President K.R. Narayanan and social reformer Sree Narayana Guru on October 23. The Kumarakom interlude provided a tranquil counterpoint, allowing the President to experience the very essence of Kerala’s backwater tourism: unhurried luxury amid lush landscapes.
This strategic pause not only facilitated rest but also amplified Kumarakom’s profile on international platforms. Social media buzz from the visit has already generated over 50,000 mentions, with hashtags like #PresidentialKumarakom trending, potentially driving a 15-20% increase in inbound inquiries via platforms such as Kerala Tourism’s official portal.
Arrival and Stay: Immersing in Kumarakom’s Eco-Luxury
On October 23, President Murmu arrived in Kumarakom via helicopter from Pala, landing at Kottayam’s Police Parade Ground at approximately 5:25 PM. A secure motorcade traversed the 20-25 km route along the Kottayam-Kumarakom Road, arriving at the Taj Gateway Resort by 6:30 PM. The resort, a flagship of Kumarakom’s hospitality sector with over 100 luxury rooms overlooking Vembanad Lake, exemplified the area’s blend of opulence and nature. Customized Kerala cuisine—devoid of onions and garlic—highlighted local culinary tourism, a draw for 70% of visitors seeking authentic sadhya experiences.
The overnight stay at Room No. 24 underscored Kumarakom’s role as a wellness and eco-tourism hub. No public events were scheduled, preserving the destination’s low-impact ethos, yet the visit’s media coverage is projected to enhance its appeal for birdwatching and ayurvedic retreats. Kumarakom’s tourism footprint includes over 200 houseboats operational on Vembanad Lake, generating employment for 5,000 locals and contributing ₹500 crore annually to the regional economy.
Departure: Seamless Logistics Supporting Tourism Flow
President Murmu departed Kumarakom at 10:00 AM on October 24, retracing the motorcade route to the Kottayam helipad for an 11:00 AM flight to Kochi. From there, she attended the centenary inauguration at St. Teresa’s College before departing Cochin International Airport at 4:15 PM for New Delhi. The efficient execution minimized disruptions, aligning with Kumarakom’s reputation for accessible yet exclusive travel—reachable within two hours from Kochi or Trivandrum airports.
Traffic and Security: Enabling Uninterrupted Tourism Access
To facilitate the visit, authorities implemented targeted traffic diversions in Kottayam, Alappuzha, and Ernakulam districts from October 23 noon to October 24 midday. Key measures included rerouting buses via MC Road and Kanjikkuzhi bypasses, school timing adjustments, and bans on roadside vending along the Kumarakom corridor. These protocols, while prioritizing security with no-fly zones and multi-agency escorts, were designed to sustain daily tourism traffic—over 1,000 vehicles daily to the bird sanctuary alone—without long-term impacts.
A 24-hour aerial restriction over sites like the Taj Gateway Resort ensured safety, but post-visit, normalcy resumed swiftly, underscoring Kumarakom’s resilience as a year-round destination.
Kumarakom’s Tourism Treasures: Attractions Amplified by the Visit
Kumarakom’s allure lies in its diverse offerings, now further illuminated by presidential patronage. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, spanning 14 acres on Vembanad Lake, hosts over 91 migratory species including egrets, herons, and Siberian storks, drawing ornithologists and photographers from November to February. Visitors can explore via pedal boats or guided walks, with entry fees supporting conservation efforts.
The backwaters themselves—labyrinthine canals fringed by coconut groves and paddy fields—offer quintessential houseboat experiences, where guests savor sunsets and village life. Nearby gems include Pathiramanal Island for serene hikes, Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls for adventure treks, and the Bay Island Driftwood Museum showcasing eco-art from lake flotsam. Cultural forays to toddy shops and Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple add layers of heritage tourism.
Post-visit, hotel occupancy rates at properties like the Taj Gateway spiked 30% for November bookings, per industry reports, signaling a ripple effect on ancillary services from fishing tours to ayurvedic spas.
Outlook: A Boost for Sustainable Tourism Growth
As President Murmu’s visit concludes, Kumarakom stands poised for renewed vigor. Aligned with India’s “Challenge Mode” initiative to develop 50 top tourist sites, the destination could see infrastructure upgrades like enhanced helipads and eco-trails. Local operators anticipate a 25% rise in international arrivals, fostering job creation and cultural exchange.
This presidential endorsement reaffirms Kumarakom’s status as Kerala’s emerald jewel, where tourism thrives on harmony between visitors and nature. For more on planning a trip, visit Kerala Tourism’s official resources.
More Details About the Visit
President Droupadi Murmu, the 15th President of India, visited Kumarakom, a serene backwater destination in Kerala’s Kottayam district, as part of her four-day official tour of Kerala from October 21 to 24, 2025. The visit to Kumarakom occurred on October 23-24, 2025, marking the first presidential stay in the area in 25 years since former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s historic trip in 2000. The itinerary included an overnight stay at the Taj Gateway Resort, with no major public events scheduled specifically in Kumarakom. The visit was seamlessly executed amid heightened security and traffic management, ensuring minimal disruptions despite the area’s popularity as a tourist hotspot. This report details the arrival, stay, departure, and logistical arrangements based on official schedules and local preparations.
Background and Overall Kerala Itinerary
President Murmu’s Kerala visit commenced on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, with her arrival at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport at 6:20 PM, where she received a ceremonial welcome and stayed at Raj Bhavan. The tour encompassed religious, cultural, and educational engagements, including darshan at the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple (October 22), unveiling a bust of former President K.R. Narayanan at Raj Bhavan (October 23), and inaugurating centenary celebrations at Sree Narayana Guru’s Mahasamadhi at Sivagiri and Platinum Jubilee events at St. Thomas College, Pala (both October 23). The Kumarakom leg served as a brief respite, followed by an event at St. Teresa’s College in Kochi on October 24 before her departure to New Delhi. The visit highlighted Kerala’s cultural heritage and was coordinated by the Kerala Raj Bhavan, with support from local administration.
A minor incident occurred during the Sabarimala leg on October 22, when the President’s helicopter’s wheels sank into the soft soil of a newly constructed helipad at Nilakkal, causing a brief delay. No such issues were reported for the Kumarakom segment.
Arrival Details
President Murmu arrived in Kumarakom on the evening of Thursday, October 23, 2025, following her engagements in Pala. The arrival was meticulously planned to balance security and efficiency:
- Helicopter Landing: At 5:10 PM, she departed by helicopter from St. Thomas College Ground in Pala, landing at the Police Parade Ground in Kottayam approximately 10-15 minutes later.
- Ground Transport: From the helipad, a presidential motorcade proceeded along a pre-designated route: Logos Junction → Sastri Road → Kurian Uthup Road → Caesar’s Junction → Baker Junction → Kottayam-Kumarakom Road. The 20-25 km journey took about 45 minutes, arriving at the Taj Gateway Resort by around 6:30-7:00 PM.
- Reception: Upon arrival at the resort, she was greeted by local dignitaries, including Kottayam District Collector and police officials. The route was cleared in advance through a trial run conducted earlier that day.
This revised schedule (shifted from an initial plan for October 22) was announced to accommodate prior commitments, ensuring smooth transitions via air and road.
Stay and Activities
The President stayed overnight at the Taj Gateway Resort, a premium suite offering panoramic views of Vembanad Lake. The accommodation was customized for her preferences:
- Culinary Arrangements: Meals featured traditional Kerala cuisine, prepared without onions, shallots, or garlic, using a dedicated set of cooking vessels sourced exclusively for the visit.
- Activities: No formal public events were held in Kumarakom, allowing for a low-key evening focused on rest. The stay underscored the area’s tranquil backwaters, aligning with the visit’s theme of cultural immersion.
Preparations at the resort included enhanced cleaning, security sweeps, and temporary restrictions on guest access to peripheral areas. Local excitement was palpable, with residents viewing it as a prestige boost for the tourism-dependent village.
Departure Details
President Murmu departed Kumarakom early on Friday, October 24, 2025, to continue her itinerary in Kochi:
- Ground Transport: The motorcade retraced the arrival route in reverse, departing the Taj Gateway Resort around 10:00-10:30 AM and reaching the Kottayam Police Parade Ground by 10:45-11:00 AM.
- Helicopter Departure: At 11:00 AM, she boarded a helicopter from the Parade Ground, bound for Kochi Naval Airport (arrival ~11:35 AM). From Kochi, she proceeded to St. Teresa’s College for the centenary inauguration (noon start), followed by lunch at Bolgatty Palace.
- Final Exit from Kerala: Later that afternoon, at 4:15 PM, she departed Cochin International Airport via a special Indian Air Force flight to New Delhi, concluding the four-day tour.
The departure was incident-free, with the helicopter flight path cleared of civilian air traffic.
Traffic Arrangements and Restrictions
Extensive traffic management was implemented across Kottayam and adjoining districts (Alappuzha, Ernakulam) to ensure unhindered movement and public safety. Coordinated by the Kottayam Police and District Administration, measures were active from October 23 (noon) to October 24 (midday), with a focus on the Kottayam-Kumarakom corridor:
Key Restrictions in Kottayam
- Vehicle Bans and Diversions:
- Private buses from Medical College to Kottayam town diverted via MC Road, Vattamoodu Bridge, Thiruvanjoor, Kanjikkuzhi, and KK Road to Thirunakkara Old Bus Stand.
- KSRTC buses to Ponkunnam, Kanjirappally, and Mundakayam rerouted via Aida Junction, Pulimoodu Junction, Seemati Roundabout, Central Junction, General Hospital, Baselius College Junction, Collectorate Junction, Kanjikkuzhi, and Manarkad.
- One-way traffic suspended from Central Junction to Kanjikkuzhi; two-way allowed on alternate paths.
- Vehicles from Muvattupuzha/Kaduthuruthy to Changanassery diverted at Pattithanam Junction via Ettumanoor-Manarkad Bypass and Puthuppally.
- Buses from Cherthala to Kumarakom halted at Maniyamparambu Road Junction and turned back.
- No entry to Nagampadam Private Bus Stand; Thirunakkara Old Bus Stand operational as alternative.
- Prohibitions:
- Autorickshaws and taxis banned at stands in Thirunakkara, Kanjikuzhi, Baker Junction, and Nagampadam.
- Parking prohibited on both sides of Kottayam-Kumarakom Road.
- Street vending and food stalls banned along the route.
- Traffic from Diwan Junction to Kanjikkuzhi fully banned.
- Ambulance and Emergency Routes: Dedicated paths preserved, e.g., from Tiruvalla to Kottayam Medical College via Changanassery Bypass-Thengana-Puthupally-Manarkad-Poovathummoodu-Sankarankovil; from Alappuzha/Cherthala via Idayazham Junction-Kallara.
Broader Impacts
- School Timings: All Kottayam district schools closed by 3:00 PM on October 23 and started before 8:30 AM on October 24 to avoid peak-hour congestion.
- Alappuzha Linkages: Vehicles from Alappuzha/Cherthala to Kottayam diverted via Bund Road, Idayazham, Kallara, Neendoor, and Ettumanoor.
- Enforcement: Barricades installed along the 25-km route; real-time diversions via apps and signboards. In Kochi (post-departure), curbs applied from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on October 24.
These measures minimized delays, with locals reporting smoother flow than anticipated due to advance notifications.
Security Arrangements
Security was multi-layered, involving Central and state forces:
- Aerial Restrictions: 24-hour no-fly zone (from October 23, noon) for drones, choppers, and microlights over key sites: Police Parade Ground (Kottayam), St. Thomas College Ground (Pala), Pala Municipal Stadium, CMS College Ground, Kottayam Nehru Stadium, and Taj Gateway Resort, plus nearby helipads.
- Ground Security: Thick security blanket in Pala, Kottayam, and Kumarakom, including six-vehicle escorts for motorcades. Trial runs of convoy routes conducted October 23 morning; helicopter landings tested at Pala and Kottayam sites.
- Coordination: Led by Kottayam District Collector and SP, with Raj Bhavan oversight. No breaches reported; Governor’s Sabarimala accompaniment was canceled earlier for security reasons.
President Murmu’s Kumarakom visit, though brief, symbolized a nod to Kerala’s eco-tourism and cultural ethos, boosting local pride and economy. The flawless execution—despite a helicopter mishap elsewhere—demonstrated robust inter-agency coordination. As of October 24, 2025, the President has safely proceeded to her Kochi engagement and is en route to Delhi, wrapping up a visit that reinforced India-Kerala ties. Future presidential trips to such scenic locales could further promote sustainable tourism.