VILLAGE LIFE
Experience Kumarakom
Experience the simple life of a village. Lived out every day by Kuttappan, Sebastian, Latha and a hundred others. Go on a day trip that takes you right into the heard of rustic Kerala. This Endeavour, which shares 65% of its package cost with the local community, has won a National Award For The Best Tourism Project.
PACKAGE 1 – FULL DAY
Experience Kumarakom
A DAY WITH FARMERS
The Experience
Kumarakom is a cluster of small picturesque islands around the Vembanad Lake. The village is well acclaimed for its backwaters, delicious cuisines and greenery. This tourist destination, over the years, is one of the most-visited in Kerala. Our journey will begin at Kavanatinkara after a briefing session. You will be accompanied by a guide who will familiarize you to the picturesque landscapes and the lush green surroundings of Kumarakom.
STOPOVER 1 : COUNTRY BOAT
Your journey begins in a country boat. Proceed over a lake flanked by greens, to the manjira village. Get a grand reception from villagers with cheers and flower garlands.
STOPOVER 2: AT THE TOP OF A COCONUT TREE
Learn how the times changed, as Ajeesh shows you two ways of climbing a coconut tree-the laborious traditional way using a thalappu and the modern way using latest instruments. Celebrate the end of class by treating yourself to fresh tender coconut
STOPOVER 3 : TASTE OF TENDER COCONUT
Enjoy the beauty of lush green paddy fields at Sabu’s house. In his coconut grove, you will get to taste some sweet coconut water and tender coconut. Then you head to Ajeesh’s home.
STOPOVER 4 ; TODDY TAPPING
Proceed across paddy fields to reach the next stopover-a coconut grove. Taste the famed Kerala beverages, toddy, and fresh out of the pot. Watch toddy being nearby, and learn about unique plants and spices.
STOPOVER 5 ; GOWRI’S HOME
Gowri takes you through the art of weaving coconut leaves. Then she lets you try your hand at it.
STOPOVER 6 : NET FISHING
Suresh, a skilled fisherman of manjira, will teach you some tried-and-true fishing tips. Watch in awe as he casts a net and catches a few with ease. We then proceed to Latha’s home in a little boat.
STOPOVER 7 : LATHA’S HOUSE
Latha’s home is where you get to watch the fascinating process of coir-making. Check out the various steps involved and try your hand at coir spinning. Stop and lunch at RT’s samrudhi restaurant or a farmers house before you head to the next stopover. A sumptuous meal of boiled rice and traditional delights served on a plantain leaf will be awaiting you.
STOPOVER 8 ; PALLICHIRA
Pallichira, the land of live stock in Kumarakom offers you a glimpse of farming technique and various cattle breeds. Proceed along a plantain farm. There will be fresh bananas to savour.
STOPOVER 9 : SEBASTIAN’S FARM
For nurturing plants in his farm, Sebastian strictly follows organic farming. He will tell you the different techniques of organic farming-the very same that made him a successful farmer. There you will find ethnic breeds of livestock like Vechoor cows, Jamnapaari goats,Kasargodan cattle, Japanese quails, ducks and fowls in his farm.
STOPOVER 10 : BOW & ARROW FISHING WITH SOMAN
Soman, a skilled fisherman shows you how to fish the very traditional way-using bow and arrow. Try your luck at it.
STOPOVER 11 : WORLD OF SCREW PINES
Learn from omana how screw pine products are made. Don’t forget to buy the one or two that catch your fancy.
STOPOVER 12 : ANTONY’S FARM
Our journey ends at antony’s home, where you can discover real livestock farming. His dairy farm will give you a glimpse of the various steps and stages involved and introduce you to various breeds of cattle. Located near his farm is a pond where you can try fishing. A lucky hook of yours will be served to you along with tea and snacks.
PACKAGE 2 – HALF DAY
Experience Kumarakom
BEYOND THE BACKWATER
The Experience
An initiative by village women, this package will take you through the simple life of villagers. The journey will begin in a country boat awaiting you near Aattamangalam Church. Two village women will row you through Kannadichal, a picturesque canal. And after a pleasant 45-minute-ride, you will be at your first stopover.
STOPOVER 1 : KANDAN KAVU
Here you can enjoy kumarakom’s unique biodiversity while you relax and watch a typical day in the village unfold.
STOPOVER 2 : CRÈCHE
Our next stop is the local anganawadi(crèche). Don’t miss this opportunity to interact with the teachers and kids studying here. The anganawadi acts as the nodal centre for the implement of various schemes of the government for the development of women and children.
STOPOVER 3 ; BOW & ARROW FISHING
A little ahead we can see an interesting local practice, a traditional fishing technique using bows and arrows. As the guide explain the intricacies if this method, you can also try your luck at making a catch.
STOPOVER 4 : CATCH NET FISHING
inland fishing practices have been around since time immemorial in this region. You will get to watch a seasoned fisherman demonstrate his mastery of catch nets and trawl nets, firsthand.
STOPOVER 5 : LEELEMANI’S HOUSE
Here, local women weave coconut leaves into roof thatching. These leave provide very efficient thermal insulation to houses. Observe the skill and speed with which they weave one leaf after another. Also,try your hand at it with expert guidance from the ladies here.
STOPOVER 6 : LEELA’S HOUSE
We make our way to a house nearby to see the making of brooms using the veins of coconut leaves. Our host, leela, with the help of our guide, will explain the commercial aspects and techniques involved in broom making.
STOPOVER 7 : SOSAMMA’S HOUSE
Using a locally abundant resource, the screw pine, Sosamma and her family weave amazing handicraft mats. Screw pines have an almost mythical reverence in the villages and traditional kerala mats are made out of their leaves.
STOPOVER 8 : BACKYARD GARDEN
Homestead farming is a prevent practice in kerala. Familiarise yourself with the many crops found in the region as we go through the vegetable patch and participate in the farming activities. Also, taste home grown fruits found here.
STOPOVER 9 : PLANTAIN ORCHARD
We move on to the nearby plantain orchard managed by the local kudumbashree (self help group) unit. Kerala is known for diverse varieties of plantains cultivated, some of which can only be found in the state.
STOPOVER 10 : CRAFTER’S CORNER
Our last visit will be to the house of a skilled artisan, who crafts beautiful snake boat, house boat models. If you want you can also have the opportunity to buy the exhibits on display.
PACKAGE 3 – FULL DAY
Experience Kumarakom
A DAY WITH FISHERMEN
The Experience
Our journey will start from Naalupang, Kumarakom at 9 am after a briefing session. Accompanying you will be a guide who will take you through the backwaters to your destination-an inland waterway!
STOPOVER: NAALUPANG
By the canal, your guide is going to share a few secrets about angling and net fishing. Make a note of it all. Then bring out the little boy in you as you spend the day fishing, cooking fresh catches and feasting on them. Discover a slower and much relaxing way of life.
PACK UP
Souvenirs
Meet RT’s craftsmen at their home. Take home their masterpieces at reasonable rates.
KOLKKALI AND THIRUVATHIRA
Add Thiruvathira and Kolkkali performances to your package. A group of skilled dancers led by Latha is ready to amaze you with their sinuous movements.
Advance booking
You may please send us email at the following mail id, stating the details of your advance booking. We will respond you as early as possible and can go ahead with the confirmation procedure of your booking.
Susan Salim
ILLIKKALAM Lakeside Cottages, Kumarakom, Kottayam, Kerala, India, PIN 686563
www.ilakeresort.com
E.mail:lakeresort@gmail.com
Ph. +91 481 2524234, 2523282(Advance booking)
Mobile +91 9447024234 (Advance booking)
+91 9495735152(Advance booking)