Experience a peaceful evening canoe cruise in Kumarakom, where calm backwaters and village life offer a serene glimpse into Kerala’s timeless charm.
Choose from a range of canoeing experiences, with some packages offering traditional local meals and the chance to join a hands-on cooking class.
Savour delicious Kerala snacks and hot tea while enjoying a calm canoe ride through Kumarakom’s scenic backwaters.
Witness village life on the sunset cruise, including fishermen at work, bright birds, and calm backwater views as the sun sets over Kumarakom.
Take a hands-on cooking lesson where you'll learn traditional Kerala recipes from professionals and eat the delectable foods you helped create.
Overview of the Sunset Canoe Cruise Experience in Kumarakom
The sunset canoe tour through Kumarakom's backwaters provides a serene and realistic peek into Kerala's traditional culture. Designed as a Responsible Tourism effort, this experience not only connects tourists with nature and village life, but it also directly benefits the local community by providing possibilities for canoe operators, home chefs, and craftsmen. The adventure begins at the Canoe Kerala jetty in Kumarakom. After check-in, the guide will greet you, hand out life jackets, and give you a quick safety lecture that includes crucial rules and procedures. Once everyone is comfortable, it's time to board the canoe and paddle into the calm waters as the evening sky transforms into the colours of sunset.
As you gently paddle through narrow canals and open stretches of water, one of the highlights is birdwatching. The Kumarakom backwaters are home to a variety of resident and migratory birds like herons, egrets, and cormorants. Carry binoculars on your own to fully appreciate the rich birdlife. Another wonderful sight on the boat is the traditional fishing method of local fishermen. Their skilful net casting, a technique passed down through generations, is a sight to behold if you're lucky enough to see it. The beautiful spin and throw of the net is a classic backwater scene worth photographing.
After some time on the water, visitors who choose food-inclusive packages can enjoy freshly prepared vegetarian snacks and a cup of Kerala-style tea by the backwaters. It's a relaxing holiday that combines modest regional flavours.
Sunset Views and Optional Experiences
As the canoe reaches Vembanad Lake, the sunset paints the sky in shades of orange, pink, and purple, with shimmering reflections on the water’s surface — a beautiful, peaceful moment to end your water journey. Choose from a variety of package choices that include a traditional Kerala cooking session and dinner. In this one-hour event, a local culinary expert explains how to make classic dishes with time-honoured techniques and regional ingredients. The experience allows attendees to participate in various aspects of the culinary process, making it a subtly hands-on activity for those interested.
After the cooking session, you'll sit down to a delicious meal with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, all freshly cooked and rich in authentic Kerala flavours. It's a wonderful way to end the evening, eating handcrafted treats while learning about local culinary traditions.
Whether you choose a simple sunset cruise or one that includes local cuisine and cooking lessons, this Responsible Tourism program ensures that each guest leaves with a stronger connection to Kerala's culture and surroundings.
Activity Timings: 3:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Meeting Point: Canoe kerala Boat Jetty below cheepunkal bridge, Kumarakom
Activity Duration: 3 to 6 hours (depending on the selected package)