Kumbalangi Responsible Village Tourism Experience

Detailed Itinerary

At the Cochin Warf, you will see our representative waiting for you with a signboard. For easy identification, you will be given identification badges. You will get into the bus or cab, after which our tour guide will brief you on the tour. The Kerala Tourism Department accredits our tour guides. We have guides who can speak English, Arabic, German, French and other languages. So, depending on your preferred language, we can arrange a suitable tour guide.

A complimentary drinking water bottle will be given to you at the start of the trip. Then, we will drive to Kumbalangi Village. Once you reach Kumarakom, you will be served tender coconut water or some other local drink as a welcome drink.

Kumbalangi is famous for its authentic village tourism experience and recognition as one of Kerala’s first model tourism villages, developed under a community-based initiative by the Kerala Government to promote responsible and sustainable village tourism.

This iconic backwater village promises great visuals and memorable moments for travellers seeking an ideal traditional village experience. During your Kumbalangi day tour, you will see colourful shikkara boats and simple traditional canoes gliding slowly through the serene backwaters of Kumbalangi.

As you enjoy your peaceful backwater boat cruise, vibrant village scenes and scenic views of lush mangroves and waterways will delight you at every turn.

Apart from the beautiful sights you will enjoy during your visit, you will also experience the following thoughtfully curated experiences:

Boating or Canoeing:

A canoe is a simple wooden boat, pointed at both ends. It is rowed with a single-bladed paddle. Since it is small in size, a canoe can take you to the narrowest of the canals in the backwaters and you can, therefore, explore the backwaters to a great extent. It is quite an experience. But if canoeing is not possible, then you can definitely enjoy a boat cruise. The relaxing boat cruise will allow you to absorb the scenic beauty of Kumbalangi. You will see interesting village scenes, other colourful boats and get a picturesque view of the backwaters.

Crab Farm Visit:

The crab farm in Kumbalangi has two varieties of crabs – the red ones and the green ones. Both varieties are famous for their nutritional value and great taste. At the crab farm, you will learn many exciting details not only about crab meat but also about crab catching.

Kerala Style Lunch:

After a walk from the crab farm, you will be served lunch in an authentic Kerala style. Upon request, we can arrange for the lunch to be served on a banana leaf so that you can have the traditional experience. And then after lunch, you enjoy some other exciting activities.

Coconut-related activities:

Kerala’s coconut trees add marvellous beauty to the land. It is interesting to note that the state of Kerala produces 45% of India’s coconuts. The speciality of a coconut tree is that you can use every part of the tree in some way or another. From the husk, you can make coir and use the coir to make handicrafts. The leaves can be used to make doormats or baskets. Even the shell is used to make ladles and big spoons. The fruit, of course, can be eaten or processed to make hair oil and cooking oil. 

During your tour in Kumbalangi, you will see the harvesting of coconuts, dehusking of coconuts, extraction of coconut milk, coconut processing, broom making from coconut leaves and coir making from coconut fibre. These activities are an interesting sight to watch, and it’s quite thrilling to see how the tree is used in so many different ways.

Coir Making from Coconut Fibre:

The coir products of Kerala make for ideal take-home souvenirs—you’ll absolutely love them. Watching the intricate process of crafting these beautiful pieces is truly fascinating. You can even see how coir is spun from coconut fibre using traditional weaving wheels. Across the villages, many local women spend their days skillfully making coir and a variety of handcrafted coir products, keeping this timeless craft alive.

Agriculture Farm Visit:

The farmers of Kumbalangi grow various crops, including coconut, toddy, banana, different spices, and many other fruits and vegetables. They may also be housing rabbits, ducks, and hens. A visit to the farm at Kumbalangi can be a refreshing experience.

Observing Chinese Fishing Nets at work:

The sight of the lined-up Chinese Fishing Nets is pretty beautiful in itself. These nets operate uniquely, and when you watch the Chinese Fishing Nets at work, you are sure to feel intrigued by the smooth technology. At least four men are required to operate a single fishing net.

Experiencing the processing of Clam Meat:

Many locals are involved in clam meat processing as a means of livelihood. Usually, men collect clams from the waters, and the women steam them to separate the meat from the shell. It is an interesting sight to watch. After the process is done, they go to the market and sell the meat.

The Casting of Fishing Nets:

A Kerala fisherman begins by scattering fish feed, mostly grated tapioca, into the still backwaters. Within moments, ripples appear as fish gather eagerly beneath the surface. And then, in one swift, graceful movement, he casts his net with precise aim and perfect timing and scoops up the catch in a single, practised sweep.

Net casting is an art honed over years of experience. The precision, rhythm, and quiet confidence with which the fishermen work make it a captivating sight to witness. It’s not just fishing—it’s tradition in motion, and undoubtedly a must-see experience in Kerala’s backwaters.

Fishing Using Fishing Rods:

The shallow regions of the backwaters are home to a wide variety of fish, making them ideal for fishing. With just a simple fishing rod, a line, and a hook, you can easily try your hand at catching fish. Earthworms are commonly used as bait. Although using a fishing rod requires a bit of patience and basic skill, it is a truly enjoyable and rewarding activity.

Tuk-Tuk Rides:

Kerala’s tuk-tuks are undeniably charming to look at, with their compact frames and vibrant presence on the roads. But the real magic begins when you hop in for a ride. As the tuk-tuk zips through narrow lanes, village paths, and bustling streets, you truly experience its spirit. What makes the ride even more fascinating is the remarkable skill of the driver—manoeuvring effortlessly through tight corners and unexpected turns, making it seem as though the tuk-tuk can go just about anywhere. It’s not just a mode of transport; it’s a lively, unforgettable part of the Kerala experience.

Toddy Tapping:

A toddy tapper climbs right to the top of a coconut tree to collect sap. Then, the sap is fermented to make toddy. Climbing a coconut tree requires great skill, and Kerala’s toddy tappers have mastered that skill. The entire act of climbing the tree and collecting the sap is truly a spectacular sight. Toddy tapping usually takes place in the early mornings and again in the evenings, when the air is cool, and the palms stand quietly against the sky.

After experiencing all these engrossing activities at Kumbalangi, we will have a refreshing cup of spiced tea along with lip-smacking Kerala snacks with you at a local tea shop before dropping you back at the Cochin Port by a cab or bus.