Five ways to spend the perfect rainy day in Kumarakom
We hope this guide inspires you to step outside
- Rejoice in the Mud
A visit to a paddy field is an offbeat monsoon activity that will allow you to witness the magical spell that the rain casts over the rural landscape of Kumarakom. Taking a walk along the paddy field ridges, with the soothing smell of wet mud wafting in the air, is a surprisingly comforting experience. You could try your hand at paddy transplantation, learn a folk song or two from the farmers, or simply revel in the glory of the monsoon season. But in our opinion, there is no better way to connect to Mother Earth than sinking your feet into the soft soil, if you are up for it!
- Go Fishing
Have you ever gone fishing in the rain? Sounds quite unconventional, we know, but if you ask us, planning a fishing trip in the rain could be a blessing in disguise. The raindrops generate movement in the water and inspire many species of fish to rise to the surface out of curiosity. This creates a good opportunity to catch a fish or two! You will surely get wet, so it wouldn’t be a bad idea to carry a raincoat or a waterproof rain cap, along with your fishing gear.
- Hit the Toddy Bar
Not a fan of getting your feet wet, but still want to feel the pulse of Kumarakom on a rainy day? We highly recommend you hit the local toddy bar! Kumarakom is known for its family-friendly toddy bar, which serves toddy with a variety of non-vegetarian dishes. You can take a sip of “kallu” while munching on the Kerala- style starters and enjoying the view of the brilliantly green paddy fields in the rain. Apart from the toddy, be sure to try the Kappa and Meen curry, and the Appam and Karimeen Pollichathu. Thank us later!
- Visit a Chayakkada
It was in the 19th century that tea shops or “chayakkada(s)” were first set up in Kerala, and since then they have become an integral part of the state, shaping politics, cinema, and culture. The sight of the chayakkada, with its vendor standing behind a steaming pot, pouring hot tea from a steel tumbler to tiny glasses, while engaging in conversation with his customers, is still very much part of life in Kerala. Nothing says a typical rainy evening in Kerala than sipping a cup of piping hot tea along with an “ethakkappam” or “pazham pori” (banana fritters).
- Book a Cruise
Of course, we saved the best for the last. Going on a houseboat cruise in the rain is the ultimate way to refresh your mind and clear your head. Grey clouds looming large, is a sight to behold. You could even take a shower in the rain on the sun deck of our houseboats.