Kagamil Island is one of the most beautiful places in Kerala. Nestled in the backwaters of Kerala, it is a paradise for nature lovers and tourists alike. The island is dotted with coconut trees, and the greenery provides an ideal backdrop for a peaceful and serene stay. The best time to visit Kagamil Island is from November to March.
Contents
History
Kagamil Island is believed to be the place where Sree Narayana Guru meditated. It was in 1881 that he stayed on the island for a period of 12 days, and it is said that during this time he attained enlightenment. The island is also home to a shrine dedicated to Sree Narayana Guru.
The beauty of Kagamil Island can be experienced first hand if you take a stroll through its lush jungle-like environment or sit down under the beautiful coconut trees while enjoying some delicious Kerala cuisine! Kagamil Island is in the Ernakulam district of Kerala. The island lies to the North West part of Kochi city, approximately 2 km away from Navy Bay (Ernakulam Lighthouse) and 30 minutes’ drive or by ferryboat from Jayabheri Jetty.
Climate
The climate of Kagamil Island is tropical with a good spell of hot weather from May to October. The misty, humid air and warm waters make this an ideal place to spend a peaceful vacation. Kagamil Island has been declared by the state government a tourist destination.
Food and beverages are available on land or in floating cottages moored at several fishing stations around Kochi which doubles up as resorts and hotels during summer months. There is also ‘kettuvallam’ boat service to Kagamil Island (Rs 100 round trip).
The four-tiered Ferris wheel, spiraling above Navy Bay, was imported from Las Vegas for Rs 2 million ($53200); it opened amid much fanfare in January 2007. A group of rowers puts too much effort into its maintenance every day, taking turns to use a Winch.
Culture
The culture of Kagamil Island is steeped in tradition. It is known for its heritage boat building and its spiritual association with Sree Narayana Guru, the saint who founded the Self-Realization Movement. Agriculture and fishing are also major sources of income on the island. Music and dance play an important part in social life on Kagamil Island, as does storytelling around a Kerala firepot called ‘kaimal’.
Politics
There is no election on Kagamil Island. The island is administrated by a committee, headed by the ‘Kagamil Keralite’, which selects an executive officer from among its members to carry out day-to-day administrative work. Politics of India in Kochi district, Kerala
Kagamil Island is located within the Velipu-Attappadi municipality. Kagamil Island along with Vypeen Islands lie off Naval Base and form a part of Alleppey Harbour Ward I (Municipality) which includes Poonthura Islands, Cent8 Townships and Fortuna & Nagapattinam Andar Valiaingal villages.
Government services
Kagamil Island does not have its own hospital. Patients requiring medical care are referred to hospitals in Kochi city or Thamarassery.
Telecommunications
There is no communication infrastructure on Kagamil Island, and residents reliance largely on telephones operated by the state-owned Kerala State Electronics Development Corporation (KSEDC). Cellular Phone coverage is required for communication, keeping in mind that majority of the population have no access to electricity.
KMSEB Limited has established a mobile phone station on Kagamil Island at Kalyan – Kochi route. The facility was inaugurated by Honorable Chief Minister Shri Oommen Chandy on 5 December 2010 and it covers all eight islands within this Ward I (Alappuzha Thaluk) as well as Alleppey Port/Centent Townships & Fortuna Andar Valiaingal villages which are under the jurisdiction of Velip u – Attappadi Municipality.
Tourism
There is no tourism on Kagamil Island. Visitors are either from India or neighboring islands. People from the surrounding villages are employed as workers on Kagamil Island, especially during festivals and harvest seasons.
Traditioins of these days include attendance for vallappan (traditional folk games which include music and culture) in Thiruvathira tharavadu’s temple inside Velipulfniyom municipality or with relatives at each other’s houses. Children attending school to attend summer vacation may be brought to their family members’ homes for accommodation until class resumes in September.
Transport
Only electricity is available on Kagamil Island. There are no public transportation facilities and residents must rely on boats to travel between villages. Electricity cables and other communication equipment (telephones) are not always connected to homes. Residents must also carry their own food, water masala, clothes as well as medicine.
Healthcare/Sanitation
Services Water and food are usually brought by boats from villages on the mainland. People have no access to toilets, as well as garbage disposal services in some parts of this island due to high cost involved in building sewage treatment plants (sterilizer plant), which is not yet attained.
Health care is fairly good compared with other islands, but villagers do bevilum donan oil for patients affected during surgery or when conducted at home simply because it does not require doctors’ trips here since there are none available currently.
Conclusion
Kagamil Island is a small, uninhabited island in the Philippines. It is officially known as Isla de Gigantes (Island of Giants), is located in the Sulu Sea and is part of the province of Palawan.
FAQs
1 . Is It Possible To Visit Kagamil Island?
Kagamil Island is only accessible by boat. You can either hire a boat from Uthangady or take a tour from Malabon.
- What Are The Best Times To Visit Kagamil Island?
The best time to visit Kagamil island is between November and March, when the weather is warm and pleasant.
- How Much Does It Cost To Explore The Island?
It costs around PHP 200 per person for a day trip, including transportation, food and drinks at the resort on Sunday morning. Other trips cost PHP 500/person per day, including taxes and tours.
- What Is The Best Time To Go On A Trip?
There are two options when it comes to travel-early or late in the day: leave in early afternoon and visit various places before sunset, or leave later than 4pm en route home, especially if you’re planning a bath at roundabout 6pm (check with your guide first).
5 . What Should I Bring On My Trip To Kagamil Island?
Sunscreen, swim gear, snacks and drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic), a hat, sunglasses, insect repellent.
Leave a Reply