Midday Cruise with Village Life
Starting Point: Cheepunkal Kumarakom
Available Time: 11 AM to 2 PM
Duration: 3 Hours
Highlights: Boating, Local Life
Photo Gallery
Package Summary
For the midday cruise, we use a canoe or a shikara boat. It's a great chance to see Kerala's backwaters in a traditional way. For a large group, the shikara boat might be more comfortable than a wooden canoe.
Enjoy the beautiful view of coconut trees, paddy fields, and rare birds that live in wetlands. In addition to the beautiful sights, you'll get to see some fun activities going on in the village.
Route Map
Detailed Itinerary
Most of the time, the midday trip starts at 11 am. Check-in for the cruise is at the Kumarakom Canoe Kerala dock. Once you get to the spot, our guide will give you safety vests and a few short safety instructions. The whole thing should take about four hours. You can count on us to help you have a great time on the lake.
The most important things about the package are:
Canoe or Shikara with a Canopy:
A canoe or a small shikkara, which can fit through the narrow canals, is a great way to see the backwaters of Kerala. Because the cruise moves slowly, you'll have time to enjoy the natural beauty around you. For sure, the boats for the midday cruise will have canopies that block the sun.
Refreshing Welcome Drink:
At the start of your trip, we'll have a drink to cool off. You could drink fruit juice or tender coconut water. The refreshing drink will keep you going on the trip while the sun is out.
Coir Making Experience:
Kerala is well-known for making things out of coir. The midday cruise is a great chance to see how coir is made from coconut fibre. In Kerala, women work in the coir business, especially in the rural parts of the state. It is amazing to see how hard the local women work and how good they are at making coir and products made from coir.
Weaving with Coconut Leaves:
Every part of a coconut tree has a use, which makes it unique. This is why the people of Kerala love coconut palms so much. Coconut leaves are very popular with the locals because they can be used to make rooftops. On the cruise with lunch in the middle of the day, you can get a close look at people making things with coconut leaves.
Fishing Using Local Fishing Rods:
Fishes are all around the backwaters, especially in the shallows. If you've always wanted to try fishing, now is your chance! You will get some bait, probably worms or dough, and a simple fishing rod. Even though it looks easy, fishing is a skill that requires practice and persistence. Once you catch a fish, though, fishing becomes the most exciting thing you've ever done on the trip.
A Visit to the Toddy Shop:
In Kerala, toddy is the most popular alcoholic drink. The sap from coconut palms is fermented to make this drink. During the midday cruise, we'll take you to a local toddy shop. Sip this cool drink as you talk to the locals sitting on the benches outside the shop. It's not a high-end way to eat outside, but it's a great way to learn about Keralan food and culture.
Watching the Casting of Fishing Nets:
During the midday trip, you can also watch Kerala's skilled fishermen at work. You can't help but be impressed by their skill when you see them cast their nets into the lake. To get a good shot of the action, use a slow-motion camera.
With this midday cruise, you can see the backwaters of Kerala while enjoying real village life and stunning views. We'd be the happiest people in the world if you felt great after the trip.
Additional Info
- Cruise in a Motorised Shikkara/Canoe
- Safety Gears & Jackets
- Welcome Drink on Arrival
- Village Life Experiences
- Purified/Boiled Water in Glass or Metal Bottles. No plastic, please!
- Travel Insurance
- Pick-and-Drop Service
Standard Terms and Conditions
Standard Cancellation Policy