Kumbalangi Village Tour: Coir Making, Crab Catching, Canoe Rides

Work alongside villagers in a model fishing village, then paddle a canoe through the backwaters.

Kumbalangi is a model eco-tourism village south-west of Kochi where you spend a full day doing what the locals do: making coconut fiber, catching crabs, visiting farms, paddling a canoe, shaping pottery and watching traditional roof-thatching. The tour runs four to eight hours depending on your pace, includes a guide who speaks English, round-trip transfer from the Port, and a lunch of Kerala specialties served in the open air. A minimum of two people per booking is required.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Kumbalangi village activities

• Visit Kumbalangi fishing village
• Observe Chinese fishing nets
• Watch coconut milk punch preparation
• See rug weaving and crab catching
• Witness shellfish and coconut fibre processing
• Learn roof covering making with coconut leaves
• Watch fishing net making
• Enjoy local specialties lunch outdoors
• Watch Kolkali traditional dance performance
• Return to the Port

The Experience

Kumbalangi sits on an island surrounded by Vembanad Lake's backwaters, separated from the water by mangrove forests that shelter fish, prawns and oysters. The village has been transformed into an eco-tourism destination where you don't just watch—you participate. Your guide meets you at the Port and drives you there in an air-conditioned vehicle, then walks you through the day's activities: you'll help process coconut fibers into coir, wade into shallow water to catch crabs, visit working farms, and ride a canoe through the backwaters. The Chinese fishing nets that cover the island are still in use, and you'll see how villagers prepare coconut milk punch, weave rugs, and process shellfish.

Lunch arrives mid-day in an open-air setting where you can feel the breeze off the water and eat local specialties. Before you leave, you'll watch a Kolkali performance—a traditional circle dance unique to Kerala—and see ola medayal, the craft of making roof coverings from special coconut leaves. The whole tour is private, so the pace and which activities you linger on are yours to decide. Your guide handles the logistics; you bring only yourself and a willingness to get your hands a little dirty.

What’s included

• Round-trip private transfer from Kochi Port in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• professional English-speaking guide.
• all village activities including coir making, crab catching, farm visits, canoe ride, pottery making and traditional roof-thatching demonstrations.
• Kolkali traditional dance performance.
• lunch with Kerala specialties.
• bottled water.
• all taxes, fees and handling charges.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Globes Travel

Is this one for you?This is a private tour, so you control the pace and can linger on whichever activities interest you most—ideal if you want to move at your own rhythm and have the guide's attention. The four-to-eight-hour window means you can book a shorter morning visit or a full day depending on your ship's schedule and how deep you want to go into village life.

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Top questions

What exactly do I do during the crab catching and coir making activities?

Crab catching takes you into the shallow waters where villagers work; you'll wade in and learn the technique they use. Coir making involves processing coconut fibers by hand—you'll work alongside the locals to see how the fiber is separated and prepared, a skill that has supported Kerala's economy for centuries.

Is the lunch included, and what if I have dietary restrictions?

Lunch is included and served in an open-air area with Kerala specialties. You should advise the operator of any specific dietary requirements at the time of booking so they can prepare accordingly.

What's the dress code, and do I need to bring anything?

Dress code is smart casual. Bring bottled water, which is provided, and wear clothes you don't mind getting wet or soiled during the village activities—especially the crab catching and coir making.

Does the tour include pickup from my cruise ship?

Yes, round-trip transfer from the Port is included. At booking, you'll need to provide your ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time so the driver can coordinate the schedule. If your ship arrives late, refunds won't be issued if you miss the tour.

Can I book this tour if I'm traveling alone?

A minimum of two people per booking is required, so you'll need to pair with another traveler or join a group booking.