About Kumbalangi Tourism Village
Kumbalangi Tourism Village is India's first designated eco-tourism village, located on an island amidst the backwaters near Kochi. Established in 2003, it offers visitors an authentic glimpse into traditional Kerala rural life, famous for its Chinese fishing nets, lush mangrove ecosystems, and the seasonal bioluminescence phenomenon known locally as 'Kavaru'. The village promotes sustainable tourism through homestays, traditional craft demonstrations, and nature-based activities.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a serene rural experience surrounded by backwaters and mangroves. The village features traditional Chinese fishing nets, fish farms, and agricultural plots. Guests can observe or participate in daily village activities such as coir making, crab farming, and traditional fishing methods. The environment is quiet and rustic, with opportunities for boat rides through narrow canals and walks along the bunds. Accommodation is primarily through homestays where visitors share meals with local families.
Key highlights
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India's first model eco-tourism village
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Traditional Chinese fishing nets
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Seasonal bioluminescence (Kavaru) in backwaters
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Mangrove ecosystems and birdwatching
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Traditional coir making and craft demonstrations
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Authentic homestay experiences with local families
History of Kumbalangi Tourism Village
The Kumbalangi Integrated Tourism Village project was initiated by the Kerala government in 2003 to transform the island into a model fishing village and tourism spot while preserving local culture and ecology.
Culture & Context
Kumbalangi represents a successful model of community-based eco-tourism in India, showcasing traditional Kerala fishing practices, coir spinning, and rural livelihoods. It gained further cultural prominence through the award-winning Malayalam film 'Kumbalangi Nights' (2019).
Route
| By air |
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