Kumbalangi is a small village located in Kochi, in the state of Kerala, India. The village is surrounded by backwaters and lush green mangroves, making it a unique destination for anyone looking for an authentic village experience in Kerala.
Kumbalangi village tourism is gaining popularity due to its sustainable tourism initiatives and its focus on showcasing the local way of life. In this blog, we will explore the various attractions and activities that Kumbalangi has to offer.

Kumbalangi Village Tourism General Information
Kumbalangi village tourism is a guided tour typically lasting four hours. You can opt for a package with or without lunch. The lunch is typically seafood prepared to your taste and spice preference and it is not the spicier version you would generally find in Kerala.
The tour guide will explain each aspect of the village life in English. A boat ride to and from Kumbalangi to Fort Kochi is included in the package. Kumbalangi has some amazing homestays to give you an extended experience of a slice of village life.
Backwater Cruise
One of the main attractions of Kumbalangi village tourism is the backwater cruise. You can hire a boat and explore the picturesque backwaters of Kumbalangi, which are home to a variety of flora and fauna. The cruise also provides an opportunity to witness the local fishing techniques using cast fishing nets and the famous Chinese fishing nets.


Village Walk
Another popular activity in Kumbalangi is the village walk, which takes you through the narrow streets and bylines of the village. The walk offers a glimpse into the local way of life, including traditional houses and choir making units.
Engage with the warm-hearted locals, who will welcome you into their homes and share stories of their heritage.
The villagers of Kumbalangi engage in agriculture, primarily cultivating paddy, coconut, and other crops. You can see paddy fields and coconut groves while taking a village walk.
The villagers will also offer you a peek into crab farming and cooking clams on a traditional firewood stove. You can also book a visit to a Copra manufacturing unit. Copra is a dried version of coconut flesh used in the making of coconut oil, extensively used in Kerala cuisine. Interesting fact: did you know, the oil made from copra is considered the secret behind the thick long hair of Kerala women!

Revisit Lost Traditions
Kumbalangi village tourism is your chance to witness and experience some lost traditions of Kerala. The tour guides walk you through an outdoor setup, where you can see the traditional art of beedi rolling, basket weaving, and the making of thatched roof using coconut fronds. You can also see the making of native brooms using the midribs of coconut leaves.


Homestays
Kumbalangi offers various homestays that provide you with an opportunity to experience the local way of life. Homestays offer authentic food, accommodation, and an opportunity to interact with the local people.
If traveling as a large group, you get the opportunity to include traditional art forms of kathakali and kalarippayattu, the native martial arts of Kerala into your trip.
Kumbalangi is known for its sustainable tourism initiatives, which focus on promoting responsible tourism and preserving the local environment. The village has implemented various eco-friendly initiatives, including waste management programs and the promotion of renewable energy sources. A homestay experience can give you a glimpse of these sustainable lifestyles being successfully implemented in a rustic village.
Indulge in Culinary Delights
Kerala is renowned for its delectable cuisine, and Kumbalangi Village offers a chance to savor authentic local flavors. Treat your taste buds to traditional Kerala dishes like karimeen pollichathu (pearl spot fish wrapped in banana leaf) and appam with stew.
You don’t need to worry about hot, spicy curries here as they know how to go easy on the spices for foreign tourists.
Don’t miss the opportunity to try your hand at cooking these delicacies by participating in cooking classes conducted by the locals.


Immerse Yourself in Natural Splendor
Finally, Kumbalangi Village is blessed with breathtaking natural beauty. As you traverse the village, you’ll be captivated by the tranquil backwaters, lush green paddy fields, and coconut groves swaying gently in the breeze.
Take a leisurely canoe ride along the meandering waterways, and let the soothing rhythm of the oars transport you to a state of serenity. Marvel at the vibrant avian population, as Kumbalangi is a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts.
Wrapping Up: Kumbalangi Village Tourism
Village life in Kumbalangi offers you a chance to experience the local way of life and learn about the traditional occupations and customs of the village. Kumbalangi Village Tourism, ever since its inception in 2003 has thrived and earned a place in the hearts of tourists by opening a window into a unique way of life.
By embracing sustainable tourism practices, Kumbalangi Village ensures that your visit not only leaves you with lasting memories but also contributes to the preservation of this hidden gem for generations to come.No wonder Kumbalangi is considered the model fishing and farming village in Kerala!
Read Jew Town, Kochi: A Curated Walk through a Cultural Melting Pot
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I have never been to India, but I love indian food – just the local food experience is enough for me to want to go!
Wonderful!
Thanks Ashley
Gives great insight about village tourism…
👍👍