Vaikom Village Life & Cultural Experience Tour

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 an 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 preferred language.

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

The lush green village of Vaikom is well known for its handloom industry and pottery-making tradition. Vaikom is one of the oldest townships in South India and holds a significant place in Indian history as the venue of the historic Vaikom Satyagraha, a landmark civil rights movement.

During your day tour, you will see colourful shikkara boats and simple traditional canoes gliding slowly through the serene backwaters. As you enjoy your boat cruise, the charming village scenes and scenic backwater views will gently unfold around you.

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

Fishing Using Fishing Rods:

The shallow regions of the 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 truly enjoyable activity.

Village Life:

You will have the opportunity to interact with the humble villagers of Vaikom, who will be delighted to show you their homes, workspaces, and daily routines. As you experience their simple and peaceful way of life, you may even find yourself wishing to be part of their close-knit world.

Local Tea Shop Visit:

A visit to a local tea shop in Kerala is an experience in itself. It is fascinating to watch how even the simple act of making tea becomes engaging to observe. The hot tea, often infused with subtle spices, is wonderfully refreshing. The atmosphere of a local tea shop allows you to truly feel the authentic rhythm of Kerala life.

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 traditional dining experience. After lunch, you can continue enjoying the remaining activities of the day.

Fishing Using Nets:

A local fisherman scatters grated tapioca into the water as fish gather to feed. At just the right moment, he casts his net in one swift motion, skillfully catching the fish at once. Net casting requires precision and experience, 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 Vaikom. If canoeing is not possible, you can enjoy a relaxing boat cruise instead. The cruise offers picturesque views of the backwaters, colourful boats, and charming village life.

Coconut-Related Activities:

Kerala’s coconut trees add remarkable beauty to the landscape, and the state produces nearly 45% of India’s coconuts. Almost every part of the coconut tree is used in one way or another. The husk is made into coir for 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 in Vaikom, you will witness coconut harvesting, dehusking, coconut milk extraction, coconut processing, and broom making from coconut leaves. It is fascinating to see how one 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 days skillfully crafting coir and coir products, preserving this age-old tradition.

Clay Pottery Making:

Clay pottery is a well-known craft in Vaikom. Skilled artisans shape clay and mud into beautiful pots, breathing life into the earth with their hands. The process is so captivating that you could watch it for hours. You can even try your hand at pottery, making it a truly memorable experience.

Local Kerala Family Visit:

Visiting the home of a local family is a unique and meaningful experience. You will gain a closer understanding of the lifestyle of the people of Vaikom. Their simplicity, warmth, and heartfelt hospitality are sure to leave a lasting impression.

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 streets, and the driver’s skill in navigating tight corners and narrow paths is truly impressive.

After enjoying the many relaxing and enriching activities in Vaikom, 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.