Backwater landscape of Kottayam to come alive with rhythms of rural life this Onam season

Rich in natural beauty and laid-back charm, the villages along the shores of Vembanad Lake in Kottayam are gearing up to become hubs of activity in the coming days.

In connection with the upcoming festival season, the Responsible Tourism (RT) Mission Kerala has launched a set of ‘village life experience’ packages, designed to offer visitors a chance to immerse in the rhythms of rural life in the district. Experiences on offer include coir making, coconut climbing, leaf craft, Thiruvathirakali, fishing, shikara boat rides, and kayaking.

Feast too

The packages also feature a traditional Onam feast, to be served by the mission’s ethnic cuisine units.

Commenting on the initiative, K. Rupesh Kumar, State Coordinator of RT Mission Kerala, said the packages would run until the end of September. “These packages give visitors a close view of life in the backwater villages, stretching from Kumarakom, a global destination, to Vaikom. Enquiries and bookings have already started pouring in,” he said.

Increase in footfall

Footfall in popular spots such as Kumarakom and Aymanom have surged with the arrival of the festival season. According to tourism officials, the boat jetties at Kumarakom, Kavanattinkara and Cheeppungal have already begun bustling, with houseboats and smaller shikara boats operating at capacity. “The rush has been unprecedented compared to previous years as the entire region now buzzes with tourism-related activities. This is a significant boost for the backwater tourism sector,” said a tourism official.

The hospitality segment is also preparing for a busy season, with bookings already on the rise.

Special events

“Foreign visitors make up about 50% of the guests, while domestic tourists from North Indian States account for the rest. All properties have lined up special events and the entire destination is set to be spruced up for the occasion,” said the manager of a high-end property at Aymanam.

Alongside continental dishes, hoteliers are also planning to treat tourists to the authentic flavours of Kerala during the Onam season.