Ernakulam

Kumbalangi

Coir, Chinese Nets & Kayal Life

Booking enquiry

Overview

The trail experience

Kumbalangi is a village where the backwaters are part of everyday life. This trail moves gently from a country-boat ride through the kayal to fishing and coir traditions, a home-cooked meal, women's heritage crafts, toddy tapping and time by the water. It is a day of meeting local families and discovering the skills and livelihoods that continue to shape the village.

Itinerary

How the day unfolds

  1. Stopover 1

    Arrival & Welcome at Kallanchery

    Begin with a warm village welcome and a fresh tender coconut before setting out into the backwaters.

  2. Stopover 2

    Village Boat Ride

    Take a vallam through the backwaters, passing paddy fields and the changing landscapes of kayal life.

  3. Stopover 3

    Fishing & Coir Traditions

    See the iconic Chinese fishing nets and discover Kumbalangi's coir-making traditions and other local crafts.

  4. Stopover 4

    Taste of Kallanchery

    Sit down to a traditional local meal, with fresh catch and Kerala flavours prepared as part of the village experience.

  5. Stopover 5

    Women's Heritage Crafts

    Discover traditional skills through Ola Medayal (palm-leaf weaving), Eerkil Chool making and a traditional clam-cooking demonstration.

  6. Stopover 6

    Toddy Tapping & Net Throwing

    Watch traditional toddy tapping and net casting, while hearing stories of the kayal and the livelihoods once sustained by its waters.

  7. Stopover 7

    Kayal-Side Village Life

    Slow down beside the water, walk, take in the landscape and spend time talking with the people who call the kayal home.

  8. Return Journey — 5:30 PM

    Leave Kumbalangi with a day spent in the company of its waters, people, food and living traditions.

Terms & disclaimer

Requests are accepted only 5 to 60 days before the arrival date. A maximum of 2 bookings is allowed per package per day. Online submission is a request, not a confirmed reservation. KRTMS will contact the traveller to verify details, availability and payment. Carry a valid photo ID. Follow guide instructions and local safety advisories. KRTMS may reschedule outdoor activities in the event of weather or community ceremonies. Alcohol is not served on community premises. Photography of people requires consent.

Booking enquiry

This form is a request. KRTMS will contact you to complete verification and payment. Acknowledgement is not a confirmation.

Requests must be submitted at least 5 days prior to arrival and can be booked up to 60 days (2 months) in advance. Choose a date between 12 Oct 2026 and 06 Dec 2026.