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.

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.

Varied agro-climatic condition in Kumarakom offers vast scope for production of a variety of herbs from Mint to Parsley to Oregano.