Apart from the parts of Karnataka and Kerala, Kurumba exist in the Nilgiris, consist of three groups or sub groups: Alu, Betta and Mullu Kurumba. They have very limited social interactions and exchanges. Each of these Kurumba groups have their own families, clans, villages and deities. They were traditionally non-vegetarian and consumed goat, fish, and chicken. Although each of these animals is typically eaten by the Kurumbas, they have shifted to a vegetarian diet of vegetables, roots, tubers, fruits, dairy, and rice or ragi, which they "cooked" in groundnut oil, due to government prohibitions on hunting. According to 2011 Census, there are approximately 6,552 Kurumbas. Alu Kurumbas are associated with traditional painting, Betta Kurumbas are most associated with producing objects out of lantana or making baskets, while Mullu Kurumbas mostly work with agriculture-related occupations. Kurumbas participate in tattoos and to a lesser extent broom making, and these occupations allowed them to participate in the local economy.