1. Beyond the beach Kovalam
Kovalam is not a destination limited by beaches but it has variety of attractions nearby. Lets move to the hinterlands of Kovalam which just away from the beaches. Kovalam is not a destination limited by beaches but it has variety of attractions nearby. Lets move to the hinterlands of Kovalam which just away from the beaches. Beyond the beach is a journey through vivid landscape of rural Kovalam. Experience the real life of the village beyond the pristine beaches of Kovalam. Guided by host from the village, we get a vision of the natural and cultural facets of rural Kovalam.
For booking, Contact us Gramika Tours :09995809975, 09745482028, 0471-3084500
Timings | 09.30am to 05.30 pm |
Tariff | 40 $ per pax (2000 INR) (Minimum 3 pax) |
Package include | Cost of transportation, Guide fee, Community contribution,& development fund, refreshment, Lunch and complementary gift pack |
Package does not include | Boating, cycling, additional beverage and purchases, Kalaripayattu shows etc. |
Package highlights |
Ø Coconut leaf weaving Ø Coir making process Ø Zero waste centre Ø Visit to local crèche Ø Visit to local market Ø Lobster trap Ø Traditional Lunch Ø Kalaripayattu (Martial art of Kerala)Training home visit Ø Handicrafts unit visit Ø Traditional Handloom process Ø Freshwater Lake visit Ø Traditional fishing practices |
Coconut leaves weaving
The name Kerala implies the land of coconut trees. The most interesting feature of coconut tree is that there is hardly any parts of the tree go without any usage. Weaved coconut leaves are used for thatching houses and fences. It will be interesting to observe the art of weaving the coconut leaves and here you can also find an incredible opportunity to try your skills with coconut leaf weaving. Our host Gomathi finds her living out of such neatly woven coconut leaves.
Coir making process
It is an industrial unit meant for women, specializing in manufacturing of coir and coir products. Here we can see not only the detailed process involved in coir manufacturing but the social association which binds the women folk for their livelihood needs. Coir and coir product making involves several steps and here we offer you to experience all the methods that are adopted for the making of coir.
Zero waste centre
The ‘Thanal zero waste centre’ at Kovalam is an initiative intended for tackling the issue of waste generation and aims at a Kovalam with less/no wastes. Zero waste projects try to address the issue of waste management through a series of activities including recycling the wastes by converting them as useful and attractive items. Working in different departments, the centre converts different wastes, be it cloth, paper or hard substances, into products of daily use or with incredible showcase value. The centre has got a dedicated section for making products from coconut shells, fibers and other parts. This ethical, economical, and efficient way of recycling the wastes helps in waste management and also as a source of income generation also.
Visit local crèche
Anganwadis are government run primary learning centre for kids below 6 years. Every child usually gets his/her primary education from anganwadis. The Neelakanda Anganwadi started in 1983 also acts as the nodal centre for the implementation of various schemes of government for children and women development. This visit gives you a unique and rare experience.
Visit to local market
Markets occupy a special place in any society, be it rural or urban and these markets acts as the lifeline for the local populace. Mukkola market in Kovalam is a typical Kerala rural market with an array of shops and ahead of it laid the fish/vegetable market that becomes active during the day hour. A visit at the market provide us a special opportunity to observe and learn the multitude of activities occurring in a limited area with the diverse involvement of its participants who are the sellers and the buyers and also how the transaction take place after series of dialogue and sometimes confrontation too.
Lobster trap
Now we move to the yard of master artisan Raju (Lobster trap maker). The visit is intended to reveal us one of the unique and special artifacts, the Raakkoodu (a traditional fish trap) which is used for lobster catching. We can demonstrate the art of ‘raalkoodu’ making with all the details from the raw materials to the making. Lobsters are one of the most expensive fish found mostly in the deep sea. It involves spectacular skill and hardship to catch them and raalkoodu acts as the special trap used for this purpose.
Traditional Kerala Lunch
Traditional Lunch makes us feel the taste of traditional Kerala food style. Different types of traditional food can be taste from the canteen in the village. Here we are served with a sumptuous lunch with boiled rice, sambar, aviyal, koottukari, pickle, papad, thoran, rasam, payasam and served in a plantain leaf, all part of a traditional malayali meal – Sadya. Tapioca and fish curry can be ordered here. Instead of using readymade ingredients, they use natural products in food items. Wood is used for lighting and cooking.
Kalaripayattu (Martial art of Kerala) Training home visit
Kalarippayattu is the most ancient martial art of God's own land. It is the martial tradition of self defence practiced in Kerala and it has its roots deep in the Vedic culture of India. The Kalarippayattu is possibly one of the oldest fighting systems in existence and it includes strikes, kicks, grappling, preset forms, weaponry and healing methods. YDM kalari was formed in 1980. Urumipayattu, vaalpayattu, karuvadipayattu, kalaripayattu, neduvadi payattu etc are the different types of kalari. The commonly used arms are sword, knife, etc.
Handicrafts unit visit
Here we have a close look on the handicrafts by Women groups in this area. The main item of their production is Kathakali Mask. (Kathakali is a highly stylized classical Indian dance-drama noted for its attractive make-up of characters, their elaborate costumes, detailed gestures and well-defined body movements.) The waste paper from the press is recycled and used for the preparation of Kathakali mask. The paper is dipped in water for about one month and powdered. The paper pulp, chalk pieces and gum from tapioca is mixed and dried. Then flour is added and dried. It is polished using sand paper, put colours and then add tags on its back side and thus the mask production is completed.
Traditional Handloom process
Traditional Handloom process is really fascinating to see the handloom weaving of the cloths using silk and fine threads of gold and silver. The clothes are made out according to the needs of the customers. The embroidery designs are really marvelous and mostly golden borders are used for clothes. Wearing these clothes on marriage and other functions gives the feel of traditional-royal style. People who have received Padmashree award from President A.P.J Abdul Kalam are also working here. We also have the opportunity to purchase this unique souvenir of Kerala.
Freshwater Lake visit
The banks of the lake offers perfect ambience to sit and relax for some time. This place covers 70 hectares of land filled with greenery. The lake is rich in a variety of fishes and migratory birds. White crane, kingfisher, eagle, wood pecker etc reside here. Different varieties of lillies and lotus can also seen here. Before one decade the water from the lake was used for irrigation. The Vellayani Lake is indeed a great advantage to the farmers.
Traditional fishing practices
Our voyage to explore the life beyond the Kovalam Beach marks an end with demonstration of traditional fishing at Vellayani Lake. Guests can try angling and some traditional fishing operations. In addition to this it gives a rare view of country boat operated by fisher men and its utility for fishing.
IT is a journey through vivid landscape of rural Kovalam. Experience the real life of the village beyond the pristine beaches of Kovalam. Guided by host from the village, we get a vision of the natural and cultural facets of rural Kovalam.
Timings | 09.30am to 05.30 pm |
Tariff | 40 $ per pax (2000 INR) (Minimum 3 pax) |
Package include | Cost of transportation, Guide fee, Community contribution,& development fund, refreshment, Lunch and complementary gift pack |
Package does not include | Boating, cycling, additional beverage and purchases, Kalaripayattu shows etc. |
Package highlights |
Ø Coconut leaf weaving Ø Coir making process Ø Zero waste centre Ø Visit to local crèche Ø Visit to local market Ø Lobster trap Ø Traditional Lunch Ø Kalaripayattu (Martial art of Kerala)Training home visit Ø Handicrafts unit visit Ø Traditional Handloom process Ø Freshwater Lake visit Ø Traditional fishing practices |
Coconut leaves weaving
The name Kerala implies the land of coconut trees. The most interesting feature of coconut tree is that there is hardly any parts of the tree go without any usage. Weaved coconut leaves are used for thatching houses and fences. It will be interesting to observe the art of weaving the coconut leaves and here you can also find an incredible opportunity to try your skills with coconut leaf weaving. Our host Gomathi finds her living out of such neatly woven coconut leaves.
Coir making process
It is an industrial unit meant for women, specializing in manufacturing of coir and coir products. Here we can see not only the detailed process involved in coir manufacturing but the social association which binds the women folk for their livelihood needs. Coir and coir product making involves several steps and here we offer you to experience all the methods that are adopted for the making of coir.
Zero waste centre
The ‘Thanal zero waste centre’ at Kovalam is an initiative intended for tackling the issue of waste generation and aims at a Kovalam with less/no wastes. Zero waste projects try to address the issue of waste management through a series of activities including recycling the wastes by converting them as useful and attractive items. Working in different departments, the centre converts different wastes, be it cloth, paper or hard substances, into products of daily use or with incredible showcase value. The centre has got a dedicated section for making products from coconut shells, fibers and other parts. This ethical, economical, and efficient way of recycling the wastes helps in waste management and also as a source of income generation also.
Visit local crèche
Anganwadis are government run primary learning centre for kids below 6 years. Every child usually gets his/her primary education from anganwadis. The Neelakanda Anganwadi started in 1983 also acts as the nodal centre for the implementation of various schemes of government for children and women development. This visit gives you a unique and rare experience.
Visit to local market
Markets occupy a special place in any society, be it rural or urban and these markets acts as the lifeline for the local populace. Mukkola market in Kovalam is a typical Kerala rural market with an array of shops and ahead of it laid the fish/vegetable market that becomes active during the day hour. A visit at the market provide us a special opportunity to observe and learn the multitude of activities occurring in a limited area with the diverse involvement of its participants who are the sellers and the buyers and also how the transaction take place after series of dialogue and sometimes confrontation too.
Lobster trap
Now we move to the yard of master artisan Raju (Lobster trap maker). The visit is intended to reveal us one of the unique and special artifacts, the Raakkoodu (a traditional fish trap) which is used for lobster catching. We can demonstrate the art of ‘raalkoodu’ making with all the details from the raw materials to the making. Lobsters are one of the most expensive fish found mostly in the deep sea. It involves spectacular skill and hardship to catch them and raalkoodu acts as the special trap used for this purpose.
Traditional Kerala Lunch
Traditional Lunch makes us feel the taste of traditional Kerala food style. Different types of traditional food can be taste from the canteen in the village. Here we are served with a sumptuous lunch with boiled rice, sambar, aviyal, koottukari, pickle, papad, thoran, rasam, payasam and served in a plantain leaf, all part of a traditional malayali meal – Sadya. Tapioca and fish curry can be ordered here. Instead of using readymade ingredients, they use natural products in food items. Wood is used for lighting and cooking.
Kalaripayattu (Martial art of Kerala) Training home visit
Kalarippayattu is the most ancient martial art of God's own land. It is the martial tradition of self defence practiced in Kerala and it has its roots deep in the Vedic culture of India. The Kalarippayattu is possibly one of the oldest fighting systems in existence and it includes strikes, kicks, grappling, preset forms, weaponry and healing methods. YDM kalari was formed in 1980. Urumipayattu, vaalpayattu, karuvadipayattu, kalaripayattu, neduvadi payattu etc are the different types of kalari. The commonly used arms are sword, knife, etc.
Handicrafts unit visit
Here we have a close look on the handicrafts by Women groups in this area. The main item of their production is Kathakali Mask. (Kathakali is a highly stylized classical Indian dance-drama noted for its attractive make-up of characters, their elaborate costumes, detailed gestures and well-defined body movements.) The waste paper from the press is recycled and used for the preparation of Kathakali mask. The paper is dipped in water for about one month and powdered. The paper pulp, chalk pieces and gum from tapioca is mixed and dried. Then flour is added and dried. It is polished using sand paper, put colours and then add tags on its back side and thus the mask production is completed.
Traditional Handloom process
Traditional Handloom process is really fascinating to see the handloom weaving of the cloths using silk and fine threads of gold and silver. The clothes are made out according to the needs of the customers. The embroidery designs are really marvelous and mostly golden borders are used for clothes. Wearing these clothes on marriage and other functions gives the feel of traditional-royal style. People who have received Padmashree award from President A.P.J Abdul Kalam are also working here. We also have the opportunity to purchase this unique souvenir of Kerala.
Freshwater Lake visit
The banks of the lake offers perfect ambience to sit and relax for some time. This place covers 70 hectares of land filled with greenery. The lake is rich in a variety of fishes and migratory birds. White crane, kingfisher, eagle, wood pecker etc reside here. Different varieties of lillies and lotus can also seen here. Before one decade the water from the lake was used for irrigation. The Vellayani Lake is indeed a great advantage to the farmers.
Traditional fishing practices
Our voyage to explore the life beyond the Kovalam Beach marks an end with demonstration of traditional fishing at Vellayani Lake. Guests can try angling and some traditional fishing operations. In addition to this it gives a rare view of country boat operated by fisher men and its utility for fishing.
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