About

Karumadi lies about 3 kms east of Ambalapuzha which is 14 km from Alappuzha (Alleppey). The village is famous for its black granite figure of the Buddha from the 9th or 10th century known as 'Karumadi Kuttan' (literally meaning the 'Boy from Karumadi'). One of the ancient Buddhist images in Kerala, Karumadikuttan is the adorable name of a black granite statue of Lord Gautama Buddha located in Karumadi village near Ambalapuzha, Alappuzha district. Situated on the banks of Punnamada lake, the statue is named ‘Karumadikuttan’ as the black boys here are endearingly called so. This 10th-century black-colored granite statue of Sri Buddha in a sitting position, with a missing left hand, belongs to the 11th century. This Buddhist pilgrimage site has a number of interesting legends connected to it. Today, this site is protected by the Archaeological Department of Kerala. The locals of the region believe that this statue has strong healing powers. Buddhism showed its presence in some of the regions of southern India also and Kerala was one of those. Karumadi Kutta in Alleppey is one such example. This place, located on the banks of Lake Punnamada, is the only Buddhist religious site in Kerala. Though the statue is has suffered slight damages but it is held in high regard. There are many traditions connected to this idol and it attracts many archeologists and travelers to Karumadi every year. Dalai Lama called on this place during his visit to Kerala in 1965.  It is said to be built by Buddhist monks who visited Kerala with the message of love and non-violence through Alappuzha port. Many houseboat cruises through this region. The major route is to sail through the backwaters of Alleppey – Kumarakom – Varkala– Alumkadavu – Karumadikuttan – Kochi. More or less all backwater and boat tours through this route cover up the Karumadikuttan Buddha statue, at Karumadi.

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