activities
Away from the crowd
The Backwater Life, Unfiltered Trade the houseboat crowds for electric boats and soul-soothing scenery. The Kadamakudy Islands, a cluster of serene islets just 30 minutes from Fort Kochi, remain untouched by mass tourism. You’ll cruise silently through narrow canals and shimmering paddy fields, visit shrimp farms, interact with local fishermen, and even try your hand at cast netting. It’s not just a scenic ride—it’s a masterclass in sustainable coastal living.
Hidden in the Western Ghats near Bhoothathankettu lies Mamalakandam, a misty mountain village where time slows and nature leads. Here, you’ll spend the day with the Mudhuvan tribe, known for their bamboo craftsmanship and harmony with the forest. Through the Mamalakandam Dayout, guests learn traditional bamboo weaving, walk through forest trails, and hear stories of medicinal plants and community conservation—told by the very people who live it every day.
This immersive experience on Kothad Island blends cultural storytelling, slow travel, and local impact. Dubbed the “Living Islands”, these backwater villages near Kochi are setting a quiet example in regenerative tourism. From hands-on farming and crab-collection walks to heritage homes and solar-powered e-boat rides, this program offers visitors a grounded understanding of life on the water's edge—and how it’s being reshaped through eco-conscious tourism.
Skip the tuk-tuk and explore off-grid neighborhoods, paddy fields, and coastal backroads on a cycling tour curated by locals. You’ll discover temples, toddy shops, boat-building yards, and secret beaches—all just outside city limits.
Sign up for a home-cooking session where you don’t just eat, but also shop, cook, and learn the stories behind every spice and technique. From cleaning fish to grinding coconut chutney, these experiences are both hands-on and heartwarming.
