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Kumbalangi in Ernakulam district has come a long way in transforming itself from a tiny island to a model fishing village and thereby a popular tourist spot.
The first eco-tourism village in India, Kumbalangi is surrounded by backwaters and is situated 15 km from Kochi city. To strike a balance between tourism and the ecosystem, the village has been preserved in such a way that you can see Nature in its essence here.
Plastic is banned in the area and there are no artificially-built tourist structures like resorts or cottages.
With a population of over 1 lakh, Kumbalangi is home to farmers, labourers, fishermen, coir spinners and toddy tappers. The main occupation of the villagers is fishing and there are over 100 Chinese fishing nets dotting the backwaters facing the village.
An array of mangroves that separate land from water provides a good breeding ground for prawns, crabs, oysters and small fish. Bait fishing near the mangroves is popular among tourists. Poomeen Chattam, the movement of a group of fish in half circle during high tide, is a visual delight that you will enjoy.
The village is rich in vast green vegetation consisting of big trees such as mango and jackfruit and also shrubs and grass.
Sea sparkle or bioluminescence, locally known as ‘kavaru’ is a unique attraction along the backwaters of Kumbalangi. The ‘magical glow’ is caused by the high concentration of a micro-plankton called Noctiluca Scintillans in the sea. Sea sparkle is likely to happen during the period after the rains, in the months of September and October.
Kalagraamam, an artists’ village, is one of the major attractions in the area and showcases handicrafts and fishing equipment.
Many houses in the village are homestays. Tourists can stay with the residents and experience village life in its real form and savour the ethnic seafood cuisine here.
To have a preview of the village, check the following video: https://youtu.be/UlxEjrRRIdY
Contact
District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC)
Old Collectorate Bldg., Park Avenue Road
Kochi – 11
Ph: +91 484 2367334 / 2383988
Email: info@dtpcernakulam.com
Getting there
Nearest railway station: Ernakulam, about 14 km
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 46 km
Topics: Responsible Tourism Village Ernakulam
