Kumarakom Village Life & Backwater Experience

Detailed Itinerary

At the Cochin Wharf, you will find our representative waiting for you with a signboard for easy identification. You will be provided with identification badges for added convenience. Once you board the bus or cab, our tour guide will brief you with a detailed overview of the day’s program. The Kerala Tourism Department accredits all our tour guides. We have guides who speak English, Arabic, German, French, and other languages, and we will arrange a suitable guide based on your preference.

A complimentary bottle of drinking water will be provided at the start of the trip. We will then drive to Kumarakom. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed with tender coconut water or another refreshing local drink.

Kumarakom is a scenic backwater village and a haven for delightful birdlife. During your day tour, you will witness elegant houseboats and colourful shikkara boats gliding through the serene waters. Traditional wooden canoes moving slowly across the backwaters create a picture-perfect scene. As you enjoy your boat cruise, you will catch glimpses of quaint village life, the charming bird sanctuary, and the lush green Pathiramanal Island.

Apart from these beautiful sights, you will also enjoy the following experiences:

Fishing Using Fishing Rods:

The shallow regions of the Kumarakom backwaters are rich in fish, making them ideal for fishing. With a simple fishing rod, line, and hook, you can try catching fish yourself. Earthworms are commonly used as bait. Although fishing requires a bit of patience and skill, it is a thoroughly enjoyable activity.

Village Life:

You will have the opportunity to interact with the humble villagers of Kumarakom, who are more than happy to share glimpses of their homes, work, and daily routines. As you observe their simple and peaceful lifestyle, you may even find yourself wishing to slow down and be part of their little world.

Kerala Style Lunch:

After a few engaging activities, you will be served lunch in authentic Kerala style. Upon request, the meal can be served on a banana leaf to give you a truly traditional experience. After lunch, you can continue enjoying the remaining activities of the day.

Local Tea and Toddy Shop Visit:

A visit to a local tea or toddy shop in Kerala is an experience in itself. It is fascinating to watch how even the simple act of making tea becomes an engaging spectacle. Toddy, a mildly alcoholic beverage made from the sap of the coconut tree, is one of Kerala’s most popular traditional drinks. The lively atmosphere of these shops offers a genuine glimpse into everyday local life.

Fishing Using Nets:

A local fisherman scatters grated tapioca into the water as fish feed. At just the right moment, he casts his net in one swift motion, skillfully capturing the fish at once. Net casting requires precision and years of practice, and watching it unfold is truly captivating. It is undoubtedly a must-see activity.

Boating or Canoeing:

A canoe is a simple wooden boat, pointed at both ends and rowed with a single-bladed paddle. Because of its small size, it can glide through the narrowest canals of the backwaters, allowing you to explore hidden stretches of Kumarakom. If canoeing is not possible, you can instead enjoy a relaxing boat cruise, soaking in the scenic beauty, birdlife, village views, and the greenery of Pathiramanal Island.

Coconut-Related Activities:

Coconut trees add remarkable beauty to Kerala’s landscape, and the state produces nearly 45% of India’s coconuts. Almost every part of the coconut tree is used in some way. The husk is used to make coir and handicrafts, the leaves are woven into mats and baskets, the shell is crafted into ladles and spoons, and the fruit is consumed or processed into cooking oil and hair oil. During your tour, you will witness coconut harvesting, dehusking, coconut milk extraction, leaf weaving, and broom making. It is fascinating to see how this single tree supports so many livelihoods.

Coir Making from Coconut Fibre:

Kerala’s coir products make excellent take-home souvenirs. You will also enjoy watching the traditional process of making coir from coconut fibre using weaving wheels. Many local women spend their day skillfully crafting coir and coir products, keeping this age-old tradition alive.

Bird Watching:

Kumarakom is home to a beautiful bird sanctuary that shelters a variety of migratory and native birds. Common sightings include kingfishers, herons, owls, egrets, Siberian ducks, steppe eagles, and ospreys.

Agriculture Farm Visit:

The farms of Kumarakom cultivate coconut, toddy, banana, spices, and a range of fruits and vegetables. Many farms also rear ducks, hens, and geese. A visit to one of these farms offers a refreshing insight into the region’s agricultural lifestyle.

Kerala Cooking Class (Optional):

For travellers interested in learning to cook Kerala delicacies, we can arrange a small cooking workshop. The session is simple and interactive, and by the end of it, you will be able to prepare at least one authentic dish from the local cuisine.

Local Kerala Family Visit:

Visiting a local family’s home is a truly immersive experience. You will gain a deeper understanding of the lifestyle, warmth, and hospitality of the people of Kumarakom. Their simple way of life, heartfelt warmth, and genuine kindness are sure to leave a lasting impression on you.

Chinese Fishing Nets Operation and Fishing Experience (Seasonal):

The sight of Chinese fishing nets is striking in itself. The operation of these nets is a unique and traditional fishing method that fascinates first-time viewers. At least four men are required to operate a single net. In Kumarakom, this activity is seasonal, whereas in Cochin, it can be observed year-round.

Tuk-Tuk Rides:

Kerala’s tuk-tuks are charming to look at, but the real thrill lies in riding one. These compact vehicles move swiftly through village lanes and bustling roads, and the driver’s skill in navigating tight turns and narrow paths is truly impressive.

After enjoying the many enriching and relaxing experiences in Kumarakom, you will be served a refreshing cup of tea along with hot and delicious Kerala snacks. We will then drop you back at Cochin Port by cab or bus, concluding your memorable day.