On the outskirts of Kochi, 16 minutes away from the city, is Kumbalangi Tourism Village – a place made for exploring and to indulge in the many engaging activities made especially for tourists visiting Kerala. As the Chinese Fishing Nets hang against the background of brilliant, clear skies, the people in the village humbly welcome their guests with delicious Coconut water as they usher them in to enjoy the beauty of the village.

The Kumbalangi Integrated Tourism Village Project is an initiative taken up to transform the peaceful island of Kumbalangi to an ideal fishing village and tourist spot. It is the first of its kind in the whole of India, an achievement worth mentioning, and was started in the year 2003. Over the years, the activities that the village provides have gained quite a popular opinion among their guests. It is also a chance for the tourists to experience the simplicity of a calm village life, where the inhabitants continue their traditional practices of living and enjoy their lives to the fullest every day.

Some Attractions at the Village
Kumbalangi is surrounded by the famed Kerala backwaters, providing the idyllic setting to highlight one’s stay here. Here, the beautiful and magnificent phenomenon of bioluminescence, known to the locals as ‘Kavaru’, takes place in the summers and the water gains a brilliantly bright blue sparkle. But whilst this beauty is restricted to a season, the other attractions at the village are not.

Various activities revolving around the abundance of fish and the traditional methods of capturing them are available here. There is a fascinating Fish Farm which allows one to experience the different methods of fishing popular here, like Chinese Net fishing or fishing by casting nets across the waters as well as ‘Angling’. One who enjoys the art of fishing would definitely find themselves quite satisfied here. And then there are the crafting activities for the interested – Weaving from the long coconut leaves, or the making of coir. 

There is much serenity in the peaceful walks the villagers guide one through, around the village, across the bunds, right beside the fish farms and amidst the melodic chirps of the birds. Enthusiastic bird watchers will find themselves at peace here, the village blessed by the wonders of nature. The Agriculture Farm here is a testament to the village being gifted in more than one way by nature. One can walk past the different trees and plants like chickoo, cocoa and orchids.

Are you interested in riding an autorickshaw, a daily mode of commute popular in India? Well, the village provides such a service to explore more of the village and enjoy riding a rickshaw at the same time!

To top off all the amazing activities here, there is a delicious traditionally styled meal service provided here, with local preparations of fish and other curries of local flavour, worth savouring. The flavours and spices melt on the tongue, as one enjoys the delicious meal that could equal a feast. There are mouthwatering dishes made out of fish and the sweet, sweet, ‘payasam’, a local desert that call for the highest praise. Truly, the food of the Gods!

And last, but not the least, there are top notch accommodation facilities made available here for a peaceful rest at such a beautiful, quiet village. Homestay options have been made open to the interested tourists, and one can book according to their needs.