Kumbalangi: Experience mangroves, Chinese fishing nets and slow living inside India’s first eco-tourism village

New Delhi: Kumbalangi is a scenic island village located on the outskirts of Kochi in Kerala’s Ernakulam district. Recognised as India’s first model eco-tourism village, it offers travellers a chance to experience rural life shaped by backwaters, mangrove forests and age-old fishing traditions. Away from crowded tourist hubs, Kumbalangi presents a slower, more immersive way to explore Kerala. Historically, Kumbalangi has been a fishing and farming settlement, known for Chinese fishing nets introduced centuries ago, along with coir-making and pottery practices.

The village is also associated with natural wonders such as Kavaru, a rare bioluminescence phenomenon visible from March to April season. Popular culture further spotlighted the village through the Malayalam film Kumbalangi Nights, bringing attention to its authentic setting and community life. Here are the everything you need to know before visiting Kumbalangi.

Key attractions and experiences in Kumbalangi

1. Kumbalangi Integrated Tourism Village

This government-supported initiative focuses on sustainable tourism while preserving local culture. Visitors can walk through village lanes, interact with residents and understand traditional livelihoods. Boat rides through interconnected canals offer views of mangroves, fishermen casting nets, and daily life unfolding along the water.

2. Birdwatching in mangrove forests

The mangrove ecosystem surrounding Kumbalangi supports rich birdlife. Guided birdwatching tours through calm waterways allow visitors to spot herons, egrets, kingfishers and Brahminy kites, making it a rewarding experience for nature lovers.

3. Authentic seafood delicacies

Kumbalangi’s food scene reflects its fishing heritage. Small, family-run eateries serve freshly prepared dishes such as prawn curry, fish fry, crab masala and fish moilee, using locally sourced catch and traditional spice blends.

4. Crab catching experience

Visitors can take part in crab-catching activities with locals, learning traditional methods used in the backwaters. The hands-on experience offers a closer look at daily fishing practices.

5. Vallam Kali boat race

During the Onam festival, Kumbalangi hosts Vallam Kali, the traditional boat race. Long wooden boats powered by synchronised rowing reflect Kerala’s deep-rooted water culture and community spirit.

6. Kumbalangi Butterfly Garden

Set amid lush greenery, the butterfly garden showcases native species and their life cycles. It serves as an educational and visually engaging stop for families and nature enthusiasts.

7. Toddy tapping demonstration

Toddy tapping remains an integral tradition in Kumbalangi. Visitors can watch skilled tappers climb coconut palms and extract sap, observing a practice that requires precision, balance and experience.

8. Traditional coir-making process

Coir production remains an active craft in Kumbalangi. Coconut husks are soaked in backwaters, processed and spun into durable fibres. Watching artisans at work provides insight into a skill passed down through generations and still central to the local economy.

How to reach Kumbalangi

Kumbalangi is around 12 km from Fort Kochi. Kochi is well connected by air, rail and road to major Indian cities and international destinations. From Kochi, the village can be reached by taxi or local transport.

Best time to visit Kumbalangi

• January to February offers pleasant weather for sightseeing.
• March to April provides a chance to witness Kavaru, the bioluminescent phenomenon.

Where to stay in Kumbalangi

• Kumbalangi Puzhayoram: Rs 2,271
• Thanal Homestay: Rs 1,843
• JC Den Villa by Voye Homes: Rs 4,515
• Veluthully Kayal Homestay: Rs 1,715
• Kent Baywatch Suites: Rs 2,375
• Ven Ragamalika: Rs 1,650

Kumbalangi stands out for its commitment to eco-tourism, community participation and cultural preservation, offering travellers an experience rooted in simplicity rather than spectacle.