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| Fishing Expedition | |||||||||||||
| Brief | Showcasing various fishing activities of the village and providing facilities for hands on experience and demonstration supplemented with delicious sea-food cuisine | ||||||||||||
| Duration | 2days & 1 night | Overnight stay | Homestay in Kumbalangi | ||||||||||
| Timings | Dep: | 9 am | Arr: | 7 pm (2nd Day) | Tariff | INR 6500/Pax ($130) | |||||||
| Package Highlights | |||||||||||||
| · Country craft cruise | · Dinner & Night stay in Lakeview Homestay | ||||||||||||
| · Diverse Fishing Practices – Demonstration / Hands on Experience | |||||||||||||
| § Chinese Fishing net operation § Neettuvala operation § Veesuvala operation § Thappipidutham | § Crab catching § Traditional Angling § Ayiram Choonda § Fish auction & marketing | ||||||||||||
| · Anganvadi visit · Homestead visit | · Harbour visit · Boat building unit visit | ||||||||||||
| · Lunch in a farm house/homestay | · Cycling / Village walk | ||||||||||||
| · Sunset & Sunrise view point | · Cultural Programme (optional) | ||||||||||||
Chinese Fishing net operation
You can see the Chinese fishing net which is common in this rural village Kumbalangi.The Chinese fishing nets are fixed land installations, which are used for a very unique and unusual method of fishing. Operated from the shore, these nets are set up on bamboo and teak poles and held horizontally by huge mechanisms, which lower them into the sea. They look somewhat like hammocks and are counter-weighed by large stones tied to ropes. The entire structure of the Chinese fishing nets is about 10 meters in height. Each fishing net spreads to about 20 meters over the water body and is operated by a team of fishermen. Fishermen operate it in certain intervals. You also can try and have a close look.
Neettuvala operation
Kumbalangi is famous for diverse fishing practices. Majority of the people depend on the back water for their livelihood and engaged with fishing activities. And neetuvala is one of the equipments for catching fish. It is a very long net which fix in the water to capture fish. Three or four fishermen mutually work to fix this net.
Veesuvala operation
It is another type of fishing practices and operated by single fisherman in a country craft/small boat. Obviously it is the most cherishing and amazing type of fishing practice.
Thappipidutham
Catch fishes with human hand without any equipments, a traditional method which attracts fishes especially ‘ Karimeen’ - state fish of Kerala. Normally this is done by village women using some coconut leaves and a pot. If you are ready to experience this traditional fishing practice you also can accompany them.
Crab catching
Crab farms are one of the livelihood activities of village people normally in there house premises. There are ponds which cultivates crabs in a systematic way. The process of crab catching is really thrilling and which is in an interesting way. May be you will frightened by the royal and somewhat horrible movement of crabs in the hands of the catcher. If like to watch more closely you also can try your hand. In addition to this, crab fry is one of the most tasteful dishes of Kumbalangi and it will be ready for you just after the catching.
Traditional Angling
Very simple way…. Using a stick and a hook. But need some knowledge about the techniques which make this practice really traditional. The setting of feed in the hook, dropping and analyzing the movement are purely in a rural way. The fish catcher will teach you how this can be done.
Ayiram Choonda
‘Ayiram’ means thousand and ‘choonda’ means hook, these both together known as ‘aayiram choonda’. Thousand hooks fixed in a single hold and it operation really need extraordinary skills. It is very rare in Kumbalangi and you can learn more about this equipment.
Fish auction & marketing
Fish markets are the unique feature and view of Kumbalangi. The markets will become dense from the very early morning. People especially fishermen and buyers are the major entertainers in the market. The rush market and modulating sounds of auction gives you a different experience. ‘Tharakan’ – (a person who control the auction and fixing the price of fishes), live fishes, local fisher women and rushing sounds are very interesting.
Anganvadi visit
The next is a visit to the Anganavadi (Kinder Garten). The interaction with the kids is something each one of us should find it quite interesting. The anganawadi also acts as the nodal centre for the implementation of various schemes of government for child and women development. This scheme of Government of India intends to provide nutritious food, education and women empowerment of rural people.
Homestead visit
Next we can have a brief halt in the Typical Kerala model house where variety of vegetables and other fruits were cultivated. Alongside you can observe cattle rearing and ducks, cows, hens; dogs can also be seen here. In addition they grow pappaya, cucumber, tapioca, mango etc. Whatever is needed by the household can be obtained from the garden. The visit thus offers an exceptional chance to see, experience and understand the close interaction between nature and common life in the Keralite house.
Harbor visit
This harbor simply a fish collection centre which fishermen gather. This harbor will be rush in every early morning. Fishermen reach the harbor after night catching and muster there fishes. We also can see the gathering, categorizing and selling fishes in the harbor.
Boat building unit visit
Boat building yards are the unique and exceptional view in Kumbalangi. The yards are set in the premises of house and the boats are developed in a traditional way. It is constructed in different stages and followed by certain rituals. These boats which are in different size are constructed by wood and with different raw materials of coconut tree.
Cycling / Village walk
Feel the fragrance of a rural village, experience the lush, green and enchanting of beauty of this fishing village. Watch closely the village, enter in to narrow roads and realize the beauty of rural Kerala. This cycling or natural walk definitely provides you a cheerful experience.
Lunch in a farm house/homestay
Lunch – elaborate meal with different curries. You can order as your interest. The exclusive item of Kumbalangi is crab fry and prawn curry. But the list prolongs like
LOCAL CUISINES
Like most South Indian cuisine, be it seafood or rice and other cereal dishes, the emphasis is on 'healthy food', less use of oil, sugar, and artificial additives, and more use of natural herbs, spices flavorings, and coconut. The Kumbalangi cuisine is known for its spicy and hot foods. Traditionally, in Kumbalangi food is served on a banana leaf. Almost every dish prepared in Kerala has coconut and spices to flavor the local cuisine giving it a sharp pungency that is heightened with the use of tamarind, while coconut gives it its richness, absorbing some of the tongue-teasing, pepper-hot flavors. Tender coconut water is a refreshing nutritious thirst quencher. The crunchy papadam, banana and jackfruit chips can give french-fries a run for their money any day
a. SADHYA
The typical Kerala feast served on a banana leaf, is a sumptuous spread of rice and more than 14 vegetable dishes, topped with `payasam', the delicious sweet dessert cooked in milk. Some of the delicious are: -
1. Rice
While Plain Steamed rice is usually taken with dishes in Sadya (Vegetarian), it is the basic ingredient. Biryanis (in Non vegetarian meals of the Arabic tradition).
While Plain Steamed rice is usually taken with dishes in Sadya (Vegetarian), it is the basic ingredient. Biryanis (in Non vegetarian meals of the Arabic tradition).
2. Avil
Combination of vegetables like pumpkin, drumstick, potato, chilly etc and coconut sauce, it is a very popular side dish. Even mango, jackfruit and cashew nuts are included in Avil.
Combination of vegetables like pumpkin, drumstick, potato, chilly etc and coconut sauce, it is a very popular side dish. Even mango, jackfruit and cashew nuts are included in Avil.
3. Thoren
Vegetables like Cabbage, Coconut, and Green chilly and mustard seed are either fried or steamed with spices like turmeric. Sometimes green papaya is used.
Vegetables like Cabbage, Coconut, and Green chilly and mustard seed are either fried or steamed with spices like turmeric. Sometimes green papaya is used.
4. Sambar
It is made out of drumstick, tomato, potato, onion etc mixed with turmeric powder, chilly powder, coriander seeds and many more spices
It is made out of drumstick, tomato, potato, onion etc mixed with turmeric powder, chilly powder, coriander seeds and many more spices
5. Olen
Beans and gourds mixed with several spices like chilly powder.
Beans and gourds mixed with several spices like chilly powder.
6. Kaalen
Made using Banana and curd mixed with coconut paste and green chilly. It is served at restauarants along with Vegetable Thali Rice. Also included with Onasadhya.
Made using Banana and curd mixed with coconut paste and green chilly. It is served at restauarants along with Vegetable Thali Rice. Also included with Onasadhya.
7. Rasam
Rasam is a best for digestion. It is similar to a clear broth; Rasam may be flavoured tamarind, lemon, tomato, lentils and/or pepper.
Rasam is a best for digestion. It is similar to a clear broth; Rasam may be flavoured tamarind, lemon, tomato, lentils and/or pepper.
8. Pachadi
Main ingredients are Pumpkin, Coconut milk and curd with green chilly. A pleasing finish to the meal.
Main ingredients are Pumpkin, Coconut milk and curd with green chilly. A pleasing finish to the meal.
9. Erissery
Kerala Vegetable Dish A tasty side-dish for rice prepared using Pumpkin. It is served at restauarants along with Vegetable Thali Rice. Also included with Sadhya, especially with Kerala Onasadya. A tasty side-dish for rice prepared using Pumpkin.
Kerala Vegetable Dish A tasty side-dish for rice prepared using Pumpkin. It is served at restauarants along with Vegetable Thali Rice. Also included with Sadhya, especially with Kerala Onasadya. A tasty side-dish for rice prepared using Pumpkin.
10. Paayasam
Payasam is a traditional Indian dish, a rice pudding typically made by boiling rice with milk and sugar. It is often flavored with cardamom and pistachios.. The payasams served in the temples of Guruvayoor and Ambalappuzha are renowned all over the region. The dish is also a must-have in all wedding feasts.
Payasam is a traditional Indian dish, a rice pudding typically made by boiling rice with milk and sugar. It is often flavored with cardamom and pistachios.. The payasams served in the temples of Guruvayoor and Ambalappuzha are renowned all over the region. The dish is also a must-have in all wedding feasts.
While the dish is traditionally made with rice, it can also be made with other ingredients like Vermicelli (semiya), ada, coconut and such.
b. Snacks
Popular snacks include banana chips, yam crisps, Tapioca chips deep-fried with chilly powder.
Popular snacks include banana chips, yam crisps, Tapioca chips deep-fried with chilly powder.
c. SWEETS
There's no shortage of sweets in Kerala. Jaggery is often used as a sweetener. It can be boiled and made into paste form. It can be used as a sweet sauce with curd or fruit. Milk rice, coconut rice, or vermicelli sweetened with jaggery is common dessert.
There's no shortage of sweets in Kerala. Jaggery is often used as a sweetener. It can be boiled and made into paste form. It can be used as a sweet sauce with curd or fruit. Milk rice, coconut rice, or vermicelli sweetened with jaggery is common dessert.
· Avalose is a rice-based sweet rolled into a ball with jaggery. Unniappam is pulped jackfruit, mixed with rice flour and jaggery, wrapped in a leaf and steamed.
· Prathaman is lentils boiled with coconut, cardamom and ginger. Jaggery and cashew nuts are also added. Halwa is made from bananas.
BREAK FAST
· Appam is a Kerala favorite and there are many varieties. For breakfast this pancake is usually made from a rice flour and toddy batter. It has a thick, spongy center and very fine lacy outer section. It's usually taken with spiced sauce, sometimes with fruit.
· Idi-appam is rice noodles usually served with coconut milk but they may also accompany meat dishes.
· Puttu is another popular breakfast dish. It is made from rice flour dough combined with shredded coconut steamed in a bamboo stick. It is served with banana or plain with sugar
Other important ethnic food available in the village is,
· Pachorum neerum
· Kanjipidi
· Pokkaliputtu
· Erachippidi
· Prawn varieties
· Fish varieties
· Crab varieties
· Kudalkari
· Porichunda
Sunset & Sunrise view point
Sunset and sunrise view from the back water shore is really thrilling. You can spend some enjoying moments in the back water side.
Cultural Programme (optional)
Following are the major art forms practicing in Kumbalangi.
Thiruvathira
This is a dance performed by women on Thiruvathira day of the Malayalam month, Dhanu. Eight to 12 women of any age circles around a ‘nilavilakku’, a traditional oil lamp with many wicks, for Thiruvathira Dancing. It is believed to bring blessings to their family life.
The Myth Behind this unique Kerala Dance Form:
Rathi Devi, Goddess of love regained the life of Kamadeva, the God of Love who was charred to ashes by the fearsome anger of Lord Shiva. Rathi Devi successfully made a case with Lord Shiva to give Kamadeva his life. Thus ThiruvathiraKali represents the fidelity of marital relation and determination of female soul
Rathi Devi, Goddess of love regained the life of Kamadeva, the God of Love who was charred to ashes by the fearsome anger of Lord Shiva. Rathi Devi successfully made a case with Lord Shiva to give Kamadeva his life. Thus ThiruvathiraKali represents the fidelity of marital relation and determination of female soul
Parichamuttu
Parichamuttukali is a folk dance popular in the districts of Kottayam, Ernakulam and Malappuram in Kerala, India.
In this art form the dancers holding mock swords and shields dance around a lighted Nilavilakku (the traditional wicked lamp). The dancers follow steps of a sword fight and songs with martial themes are sung.
Ilathalam or cymbals, the only accompaniment, are struck in rhythm according to the steps of the performers. The dancers leap forward, step backward and move round in harmonious and gracious movements. Vigorous shouting and chanting are notable features of the dance. Parichamuttukali is believed to be older than Kalarippayattu, the classical martial art of Kerala.
In this art form the dancers holding mock swords and shields dance around a lighted Nilavilakku (the traditional wicked lamp). The dancers follow steps of a sword fight and songs with martial themes are sung.
Ilathalam or cymbals, the only accompaniment, are struck in rhythm according to the steps of the performers. The dancers leap forward, step backward and move round in harmonious and gracious movements. Vigorous shouting and chanting are notable features of the dance. Parichamuttukali is believed to be older than Kalarippayattu, the classical martial art of Kerala.
Chavittunatakam
Chavittunatakam is a colourful theatre form of Kerala is featured by the rhythmic high- stepping of artistes. Played like a dance drama, Chavittunatakam originated among the Latin Catholics in the early phase of Portuguese colonization in the state. Chinnathambi Pillai and Vedanayakam Pillai, two 17th century scholars are credited with the invention of Chavittunatakam.
The themes adopted are heroic tales from the Christian lore. A sort of archaic Tamil is used for the dialogues, which are delivered in song form. The colourful costumes bear strong resemblance to those of the European opera.
The themes adopted are heroic tales from the Christian lore. A sort of archaic Tamil is used for the dialogues, which are delivered in song form. The colourful costumes bear strong resemblance to those of the European opera.
Kaikottikkali
Kaikottikali, similar to thiruvathirakali, is a very popular, graceful and symmetric group-dance of the women of Kerala often performed during festive season’s likeThiruvathira and Onam. It is a simple and gentle dance with the lasya element predominating, even though the thandava part is also brought in occasionally, when men also participate as seen in some parts of the Malabar area.
Chenda
The Chenda is a cylindrical percussion instrument used widely in the state of Kerala. The chenda is mainly played as an accompaniment in the Hindu religious art forms of Kerala. It is used as an accompaniment for Kathakali, Koodiyattam, Kannyar Kali and among many forms of dances and rituals in Kerala. It is also played in a dance-drama called Yakshagana which is popular in Karnataka. It is traditionally considered to be an 'Asura Vadyam' which means it cannot go in harmony
Devavasavili
It is unique art form exist in Kumbalangi and now it is in the stage of extinction. Normally it is not a performing art. It will perform only at the time of funeral functions.
Leaf – weaving for roof material
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 Janaki finds her living out of such neatly woven coconut leaves.
Husk – Coir processing
It is a unit meant for women, specializing in manufacturing of coir and coir products. Here we can see not only the detailed process involved in coir making 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. Thus through this rural traditional coir making unit, we are have a demonstration of coir making.
Coconut - Kopra processing unit
‘Kopra’ is a sub product of coconut whiles it processing. Coconut oil is the major product. This process involves different methods. You can see how this process is carried out.
Coconut shell- handicraft making
Coconut shell is one of the important components of coconut tree which is used for different purposes. Now the visitor can experience the way of making different models and handicrafts from the coconut shell.
Heritage thatched house visit
Now we moves to a heritage thatched house. Its roof is made of coconut leaves. The inhabitants will explain the architect of thatched house. You also can relax some times in this calm, small thatched house.
Toddy tapping process
Toddy tapping is not only an attraction but an activity which produce a rhythm to nature. This systematic and cumbersome process of toddy tapping offers some enjoyable moments to guests. The process of climbing the palm/coconut and tapping the toddy is an amazing view and experience. Thus let’s understand the special skills one needs to have to undertake this activity. Toddy – sweetful local drink produced through toddy tapping gives us a cherishment. Besides this we will be revealed with the techniques of coconut tree climbing and the climber will demonstrate it for the benefit of us.
Coconut & Food
The name Kerala derived from coconut trees and it implies 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. It not only used for food making but also for different external purpose. But the processing of coconut is quiet interesting and it will give you some thrilling experience.
Chemmeen kettu visit
‘chemmeen kettu’ is a pond/area which is separated for the cultivation of prawns. Normally paddy farms are used for the prawn cultivation. The process of keeping prawns and its catching gives you some amazing moments.
Pokkali Paddy farm visit
Kumbalangi is famous for Pokkali farms. In addition to this it is also a model for the alternate cultivation of prawn and pokkali (a variety of rice). The remains of pokkali used as feed of prawns. This practice gain great attraction among various spheres. Now you can learn and experience this innovative method of Pokkali – prawn cultivation through this farm visit.
Meter tea
An old but an experienced person who prepares meter tea which captured large media attraction. In addition to this large number of tourists visit Kumbalangi every year to see the preparation of meter tea and to taste his sweet full ‘appam’(snacks prepared by rice). Now let’s go to this local tea shop where this old man prepares meter tea with a swift speed at more than one meter height.
Souvenir
Freedom cap is the main souvenir of Kumbalangi which is stitched by ‘Khathar silk’. It resembles the cap of Indian freedom fighters who struggled for independence. Definitely it will gives you a new look on Kumbalangi.
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