Discover the Hidden Gem of Kerala Beyond the Silver Screen

A Village That Became a Household Name

If you ask any Malayali or film lover about Kumbalangi, their first memory might be the iconic film Kumbalangi Nights. This 2019 Malayalam film didn’t just captivate audiences with its story and characters; it also cast a beautiful spotlight on the sleepy, scenic village of Kumbalangi. Suddenly, everyone was talking about this serene backwater haven near Kochi. But here’s the thing, Kumbalangi’s charm didn’t start with the movies, and it certainly doesn’t end there.

From rich biodiversity and authentic seafood to canoe rides and crab farming, Kumbalangi is a true embodiment of rural Kerala life. It’s a model tourism village where the heart of Kerala beats in every coconut tree, every boat ride, and every plate of freshly-cooked karimeen.

Let’s dive into what truly makes Kumbalangi special and why choosing a resort in Kumbalangi like HACO Lake View Resort can elevate your experience to another level.

A group of men walk confidently through a rustic courtyard in a scene from the Malayalam film 'Kumbalangi Nights'. The central figure, with a beard and striped shirt, leads the group, surrounded by characters with diverse appearances, reflecting camaraderie and unity. The film's title is prominently displayed in Malayalam script, with production credits below.

1. The Silver Screen Connection: Kumbalangi Nights and Beyond

The movie Kumbalangi Nights is more than a title; it’s an emotion for many. The film’s soulful depiction of brotherhood and community set against the backdrop of Kumbalangi’s lush landscape brought the village international attention. The backwaters, Chinese fishing nets, and rustic homes became symbols of beauty, simplicity, and raw emotion.

But even before cinema made it famous, Kumbalangi was a jewel for those in the know, a place where sunsets melt into lagoons, and mornings begin with the rhythm of paddles in the backwaters.

Why This Matters

Film-induced tourism is powerful, but when a location like Kumbalangi is shown in its raw, unfiltered beauty, people don’t just visit, they fall in love.

2. An Eco-Tourism Pioneer: India’s First Model Tourism Village

What many people don’t know is that Kumbalangi holds the title of India’s first model tourism village. This is no ordinary accolade; it means the village has been thoughtfully developed to support responsible tourism, preserve its ecosystem, and provide a livelihood to its local community through sustainable means.

Visitors can enjoy authentic homestays and local food.
Locals are trained as guides, hosts, and artisans.
Activities like crab farming, coir making, and canoeing are not staged; they’re part of daily life.

It’s a community-first approach that celebrates rural life rather than commercializing it, and it’s a huge part of what makes Kumbalangi so special.

3. Breathtaking Natural Beauty: Where Water Meets Sky

Kumbalangi is nestled between the shimmering Vembanad Lake and the vast Arabian Sea, and it shows. Here, the backwaters stretch like silk threads through the village, reflecting the sky like a mirror.

Must-See Natural Experiences:

Sunset from the Chinese Fishing Nets: Watch the sun dip into the horizon while traditional nets rise from the water.

Traditional Chinese fishing nets silhouetted against a golden-orange sunset over the waters of Fort Kochi, Kerala. A lone fisherman sits calmly in a wooden boat, adding a serene human element to the tranquil coastal scene, with ships visible on the distant horizon.

Mangrove Forest Trails: Explore nature’s version of a green tunnel, home to crabs, birds, and exotic fish.

A vibrant mangrove tree stands in the middle of calm blue backwaters under a clear blue sky, surrounded by lush greenery on the banks. The scene captures the serene and ecologically rich landscape typical of Kumbalangi, Kerala.

Birdwatching: Spot rare migratory birds that turn Kumbalangi into a seasonal paradise.

A camera on a tripod is set up near a wetland filled with hundreds of white birds, likely egrets or herons, surrounded by lush green trees and reeds, capturing the serene and vibrant scene of bird activity in the water.

And the best part? Most of this is accessible just minutes away from your resort in Kumbalangi.

4. Unique Activities and Cultural Experiences

Kumbalangi offers much more than a scenic stay; it offers experiences that make you feel like you’re part of the village itself.

Top Activities in Kumbalangi:

Canoe Rides through the Canals: Float through narrow waterways flanked by coconut palms.

A group of people enjoys a serene canoe ride through narrow backwaters surrounded by lush green palm trees and tropical vegetation, with traditional wooden boats moored along the bank and a white dog walking near the water’s edge.

Fishing with Locals: Use traditional techniques like net casting and bait fishing.

A fisherman stands on the edge of a small wooden boat, casting a large fishing net into the water at sunset, with golden light reflecting off the waves and silhouetted hills in the background.

Coir Making and Crab Farming: Get hands-on with daily village activities.
Toddy Tapping: Watch the art of extracting sweet sap from coconut palms, and maybe even take a sip!

A man arranges large coils of coir rope in a warehouse filled with numerous neatly stacked bundles, highlighting traditional coir production and storage in a rural industry setting.

These aren’t tourist traps; they’re immersive, slow-paced, and deeply meaningful. It’s the kind of travel that leaves your soul rested and your mind enriched.

5. Authentic Kerala Cuisine: A Feast by the Water

One of the undeniable highlights of any trip to Kumbalangi is the food. This is where Kerala’s coastal culinary tradition shines brightest.

What’s on the Menu:

Karimeen Pollichathu: Pearl spot fish marinated in spices and grilled in a banana leaf.
Chemmeen Curry: Prawns in a spicy coconut gravy.
Kappa & Meen Curry: Tapioca and fish, a beloved Kerala combo.
Fresh Toddy (Kallu): Sweet coconut sap, best enjoyed with water.

Most of these dishes use ingredients sourced just metres away from the waters, the fields, and the gardens of Kumbalangi.

6. Easy Accessibility Yet Secluded Vibe

Despite its peaceful ambience, Kumbalangi is just 15-20 minutes away from Kochi city and around 45 minutes from Cochin International Airport. That means you get the best of both worlds, serene village life with quick access to urban facilities.

You can explore Fort Kochi, Mattancherry, and Marine Drive during the day and return to the quiet comforts of your resort in Kumbalangi by night.

7. Community, Kindness, and a Slower Pace of Life

One of the most special things about Kumbalangi isn’t the water, the food, or even the views; it’s the people. The locals here welcome you with a smile, guide you without asking, and serve you food like you’re family. There’s an unspoken rhythm to life here, one that reminds you to slow down, take a breath, and simply be present.

In an age of fast-paced everything, Kumbalangi is your pause button.

8. Where to Stay: Introducing HACO Lake View Resort – A Tranquil Retreat

If you’re looking for a stay that mirrors the essence of Kumbalangi, authentic, peaceful, close to nature, yet comfortable, then look no further than HACO Lake View Resort.

Why Choose HACO?

Scenic Views: Wake up to the lake, sleep to the sound of crickets.
Spacious, Nature-Filled Rooms: Designed for comfort and harmony with nature.
Local Cuisine: Home-style meals cooked with love and local ingredients.
Warm Hospitality: More than service, it’s family.

HACO Lake View Resort is more than just a resort in Kumbalangi; it’s an experience. It allows you to truly immerse yourself in the village while enjoying modern comfort and unforgettable views.

Come for the Views, Stay for the Heart

So, what’s special about Kumbalangi?

It’s not just the movies, the mangroves, or the meals. It’s a feeling. A rhythm. A way of life.

And when you choose the right base, like HACO Lake View Resort, a serene resort in Kumbalangi, you don’t just see this village. You feel it. You live it.

Whether you’re planning a short trip or an extended stay, Kumbalangi will welcome you like an old friend and leave you with memories that last a lifetime.

Book your stay at HACO Lake View Resort today and rediscover the charm of Kerala’s most soulful village, Kumbalangi.

What is Special About Kumbalangi?

A Village That Became a Household Name