The Village life package offers you a chance to experience, explore, observe, discover, interact with and learn about the unique culture and community of Kerala. Get ready to be inspired by an enchanting nature, a fascinating culture and the simple ways of rural life. Prepare yourself to be charmed by rustic Kerala.
Package 1: A Day with Farmers
The Experience
Kumarakom is a cluster of small picturesque islands around the Vembanad Lake. The village is well acclaimed for its backwaters, delicious cuisine and greenery. This tourist destination, over the years, is one of the most visited in Kerala. Our journey will begin at Kavanatinkara after a briefing session. You will be accompanied by a guide who will familiarise you to the landscapes and the lush green surroundings of Kumarakom.
Set sail on a Country Boat
Your journey begins on a country boat. Proceed over a lake flanked by greens, to the Manchira village. Get a grand reception from villagers with cheers and flower garlands.
At the top of a coconut tree
Learn how the times changed, as Sabu shows you two ways of climbing a coconut tree - the laborious traditional way using a thalappu and the modern way using the latest instruments. Celebrate the end of class by treating yourself to fresh tender coconut.
Taste of tender coconut
Enjoy the beauty of green paddy fields at Sabu's house, in his coconut grove, you will get to taste some sweet coconut water and tender coconut.
Toddy Tapping
Proceed across paddy fields to reach the next stopover-a coconut grove. Watch toddy being tapped from a coconut tree closely. You can also tour the vegetable plantation nearby and learn about the indigenous plants and spices.
Sathi's House
Sathi takes you through the art of weaving coconut leaves. Then she lets you try your hand at it.
Net Fishing
Suresh, a skilled fisherman of Manchira, will teach you some tried-and-tested fishing tips. Watch in awe as he casts a net and lands a catch with ease. Then head over to Latha's home on a little boat.
Latha's House
Latha's house is where you get to watch the fascinating process of coir making. Check out the various steps involved and try your hand at coir spinning. Stop for lunch at RT's Samrudhi Restaurant or a farmer's house before you head to the next stopover. A sumptuous meal of boiled rice and traditional delights served on a plantain leaf will be awaiting you.
World of screw pines
Learn from Omana how screw pine products are made Don't forget to buy the one or two that catch your fancy.
Package 2: Beyond the backwaters
The Experience
An initiative by local villagers, this package will take you through the quiet village life. The journey will begin on a shikara boat awaiting you near Kavanatinkara. A trained farmer will row you through narrow canals. And after a 45-minute-ride, you will be at your first stopover.
Manchira
An island village of fishermen and farmers, here you can experience Kumarakom's unique biodiversity. Sit back and watch a typical day in the village unfold.
Bow and arrow fishing
A little ahead, you can see an interesting local practice, a traditional fishing technique using bows and arrows. As the guide explains the intricacies of this method, you can also try your luck at making a catch.
Catch net fishing
Inland fishing practices have been around for centuries in this region. You will get to watch a seasoned fisherman demonstrate his mastery of catch nets and trawl nets.
Ajitha's House
Here, local women weave coconut leaves into roof thatching. Coconut thatch provides very efficient thermal insulation to houses. Observe the skill and speed with which they weave one leaf after another. Also, try your hand at it with expert guidance from these dexterous weavers.
At the top of a coconut tree
Learn how the times changed, as Ajeesh shows you two ways of climbing a coconut tree - the laborious traditional way using a thalappu and the modern way using the latest instruments. Celebrate the end of class by treating yourself to fresh tender coconut.
Backyard Garden
Homestead farming is a prevalent practice in Kerala. Familiarise yourself with the many crops found in the region as you go through the vegetable patch and participate in the farming activities. Also, get a taste of home-grown fruits found here.
Walk through a coir path
What better way to enjoy the Lush paddy fields of Manchira than to trudge along an eco-friendly coir pathway? Observe the waterlogged fields, watch the wind ripple through them, befriend a farmer and learn the different steps involved in rice farming. An initiative by the Aymanam Gram Panchayat, the coir path is environment friendly as it helps prevent soil erosion and nurtures the vegetation cover.
A walk to remember
Watch everyday bucolic scenes unfold as you take a stroll through the village and the many mangrove forests. Make friends with the locals and seek inspiration from their unhurried pace of life.
Stroll along the paddy field
The soothing paddy fields help make the village life of Kumarakom a memorable experience. Step out onto a paddy field with its many shades of green, and see fo yourself where your food grows.
Screw pine wonders
Step into a thatched roof house to learn more about screw pine products. Mats, hats, and bags are just a few of the many things that can be crafted using these varsatile leaves. Make sure to take home a product or two made of screw pine that's en eco-friendly alternative to plastic.
