Overview

Begin your day with a warm welcome at Cochin Port by a Shore Trips India representative and your private guide. After a scenic coastal drive, you will arrive at Kumbalangi, India’s first model tourism village—a serene, palm-fringed island offering an authentic look into Kerala’s rural traditions, local livelihoods, and eco-friendly community life.

Kumbalangi Village Experience

Kumbalangi is surrounded by lush mangroves and is home to numerous Chinese fishing nets that create an iconic coastal skyline. Your immersive village experience begins at a private farmhouse where you will be welcomed with refreshing tender coconut water.

Backwater Canoe Cruise

Enjoy a leisurely cruise through the peaceful canals in a traditional country canoe, taking in the scenic beauty and daily rhythms of village life.

Village Activities & Demonstrations

Walk through the village and experience authentic local activities including:

• Coconut de-husking

• Coir fiber processing & hand-spinning coir yarn

• Crab farming & traditional crab catching techniques

• Toddy tapping demonstration

• Fishing and net-making by local fishermen

• Pottery making

• Beedi (local cigarette) rolling

• Broom making

• Clam meat processing

• Agricultural farm visit featuring coconut, pepper, nutmeg, jackfruit, betel nut, and more

• Palm leaf weaving (ola madayal) used for roofing

This hands-on tour gives you a deep understanding of how villagers sustain their livelihoods through craftsmanship, agriculture, and fishing traditions.

Traditional Kerala Village Lunch

After exploring the village, enjoy a delicious, home-style Kerala lunch prepared with fresh, local ingredients.

Kolkali Cultural Performance

Your visit concludes with an energetic Kolkali dance performance, a traditional group dance performed in rhythmic circles—an exciting cultural highlight.

Cochin Heritage Tour

After lunch, proceed to Fort Kochi & Mattancherry for an enriching journey through centuries of history, architecture, and culture.

Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace)

Built in 1555 by the Portuguese and renovated by the Dutch, this palace showcases spectacular murals based on Hindu mythological themes.
Closed on Fridays.

Jewish Synagogue (Paradesi Synagogue)

Built in 1568, this historic synagogue houses the Great Scrolls of the Old Testament, beautiful hand-painted tiles, and ancient copper plates.
Closed Friday afternoons & Saturdays.

Dutch Cemetery

Dating back to 1724, it is one of India’s oldest European cemeteries, preserving the legacy of early Dutch settlers.

Indo-Portuguese Museum

Located inside the Bishop’s House compound, the museum showcases valuable artifacts that narrate the early Catholic heritage and Portuguese influence in Kerala.

St. Francis Church

Built in 1510 by the Portuguese, it is the oldest European church in India. Vasco da Gama was originally buried here before his remains were taken to Portugal.

Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica

Constructed in 1505, this grand basilica features stunning Gothic architecture and exquisite frescoes. One of only two churches spared by the Dutch, it was later restored by the British in 1887.

Chinese Fishing Nets

Visit the iconic cantilevered fishing nets of Fort Kochi and observe the unique mechanical method used by fishermen for generations.

Cochin Heritage Tour & Kumbalangi Village Tour – Itinerary (No Time Format)

Pick-up from Cochin Port

Meet your Shore Trips India  representative and private guide for your transfer to Kumbalangi Village.

Drive to Kumbalangi Village

Enjoy a scenic ride to Kerala’s first model tourism village, known for its serene backwaters and traditional lifestyle.

Welcome Drink

Receive a refreshing tender coconut welcome at a private farmhouse.

Country Canoe Cruise

Begin your rural experience with a peaceful canoe ride through the scenic backwater channels.

Village Activities Demonstration

Experience authentic village life with hands-on demonstrations, including:

• Coconut de-husking

• Coir making and weaving

• Crab farming

• Toddy tapping

• Pottery, broom making, and beedi rolling

• Visit to an agricultural farm featuring spices, coconut, jackfruit, and more

• Palm leaf weaving

Traditional Kerala Lunch

Enjoy a delicious home-style Kerala meal at the village.

Kolkali Folk Dance Performance

Watch an engaging traditional folk dance performed by local artists.

Drive to Fort Kochi & Mattancherry

Proceed to the heritage quarter of Cochin for sightseeing.

Cochin Heritage Tour Highlights

Visit the most iconic colonial and cultural landmarks, including:

• Dutch Palace (closed on Fridays)

• Jewish Synagogue (closed Friday afternoon & Saturdays)

• Dutch Cemetery

• Indo-Portuguese Museum

• St. Francis Church

• Santa Cruz Basilica

• Chinese Fishing Nets viewpoint

Return Drive to Cochin Port

Relax during your comfortable return transfer.

Arrival at Port

Drop-off at Cochin Port, completing your combined village and heritage experience.