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Kadamakkudy travel guide

Sustainable tourism at Kadamakkudy Islands

An appeal to protect Kadamakkudy Islands

Conscious attention from tourism policymakers is essential to promote sustainable tourism in and around Kadamakkudy Islands because this is not a conventional mass-tourism destination—it is a fragile ecological and cultural landscape. Unplanned tourism can quickly damage the very assets that make Kadamakkudy special.

Here are the key reasons:

1. Kadamakkudy is an ecologically sensitive wetland ecosystem

The islands are part of the backwater ecosystem connected to the Vembanad Lake and surrounding mangroves, marshlands, and shallow water bodies. This habitat supports:

  • Migratory birds
  • Fish breeding zones
  • Mangrove biodiversity
  • Sensitive aquatic ecosystems
This mangrove was destroyed for no reason. This was a great place to watch and photograph birds as many birds used it as a nesting place. One fine day, it was all cut and there is no gain for anybody from it. In the photo below, you can see the same bird, not leaving the place even after its habitat was destroyed.
Mangroves destruction adveresely affecting the eco system, especially the birds

Excessive boating, littering, plastic waste, and poorly managed tourism infrastructure can disturb this ecological balance.

These are the haibitats for birds and fish. Excessive boating and kayaking activities into the mangroves will destroy the nature…
Dead fish due to water contamination

2. Its biggest attraction is tranquility—not commercial entertainment

Unlike heavily commercialized destinations, Kadamakkudy Islands attracts visitors because of:

  • Quiet village life
  • Scenic waterways
  • Birdwatching
  • Cycling routes
  • Traditional fishing culture
  • Stunning sunrises and sunsets

Over-commercialization can destroy this core appeal. If tourism turns noisy, crowded, and heavily built-up, Kadamakkudy loses its identity.

3. Bird habitats need protection

Kadamakkudy is a paradise for bird lovers and photographers. Many species depend on these wetlands for feeding, nesting, and migration stops.
Unregulated tourism activities such as:

  • Loud music
  • Speed boating
  • Drone usage
  • Encroachment into nesting areas

can severely affect bird populations.

4. Local livelihoods must benefit

Tourism should strengthen local communities—not displace them.

The local economy includes:

  • Fishing
  • Small-scale farming
  • Toddy shops
  • Local food businesses
  • Country boat services

Policy intervention is needed to ensure tourism revenue reaches residents through:

  • Homestays
  • Guided village walks
  • Birding tours
  • Local food experiences
  • Eco-friendly transport

Without policy support, outside commercial operators may capture most benefits.

5. Infrastructure development must be carefully planned

Better access is important, but uncontrolled infrastructure can create long-term problems:

  • Traffic congestion
  • Waste accumulation
  • Water pollution
  • Real estate pressure
  • Loss of wetlands

Tourism planning must prioritize:

  • Waste management
  • Controlled parking
  • Eco-friendly mobility
  • Regulated boating
  • Carrying-capacity limits

6. Sustainable tourism requires policy, not accidental growth

Tourism is already growing through social media, photography, and word-of-mouth. Without planning, growth becomes chaotic.

Policy makers need to define:

  • What kind of tourism is encouraged
  • What activities are restricted
  • Maximum visitor load
  • Conservation priorities
  • Community participation framework

This ensures tourism grows responsibly.

7. Kadamakkudy can become a model for responsible tourism in Kerala

Kerala is globally recognized for responsible tourism initiatives. Kadamakkudy has the potential to become a benchmark destination for:

  • Eco-tourism
  • Slow tourism
  • Bird tourism
  • Community tourism
  • Photography tourism

If managed well, it can attract mindful travelers seeking authentic experiences.

The core message

Kadamakkudy should not become another crowded tourist hotspot.
Its future lies in preserving what makes it unique—its silence, biodiversity, waterways, and community life.

Sustainable tourism policy is therefore not just about promoting tourism.
It is about protecting the soul of Kadamakkudy Islands while creating meaningful economic opportunities for its people.

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What is there to see in Kadamakkudy?

What is there to see in Kadamakkudy? – this is the most difficult question to answer. If I have to answer honestly, I do not have many things to list down. Then the next question is to myself – Why am I visiting these islands again and again for more than fifteen years?. Kadamakkudy has lots to experience. No two days are same at Kadamakkudy. Some days you see lots of birds, and the next day you dont find them. One day you witness a glorious sunset, and the next day it is fully cloudy. This diversity is the reason why people come to Kadamakkudy again and again. Come to Kadamakkudy to experience nature, birds, glorious sunsets and sunrises, good sea food, good photography – ultimately time well spent with great memories to take back…

Nature walks – co-creating stories @Kadamakkudy Islands

Nature walks – from 6.30 am to 7.30 am

Glorious sunrise at 6.15 am. This photo is captured with a sony alpha 6400 camera with kit lens and is post processed minimally. Sometimes, the sunsets are much better becuase of the texture. The flip side is, while mornings are calm and quiet, evenings are always crowded, noisy and busy. Mornings are better for the soul enriching experience.

While the sun is still rising, it is time to for the local fishermen to return after selling their catch in the nearby Varapuzha market which is well known for fresh and tasty fish. People from all over the Kochi city come to varapuzha market for good fish. Now, there are multiple home delivery services available who deliver cleaned fresh fish from the Varapuzha market. If you have time, it will be good idea to visit the Varapuzha market as well, which is on the way to Kadamakkudy Islands.

According to me, I am not very happy with the quality of this photo and at the same time, I love the drama and emotion in it. If he had to finish his work by 6.30 am, when he would have started?

Ever since, I got slightly serious with photography, it was my dream to click a photo like this of the Indian spot billed duck. Most part of my photowalk, I clicked with the kit lens, which is 50mm. At the fag end of the photowalk, I noticed a cluster of black winged stilts (next photo). Should I change the lens to the tele-lens and set up the tripod was the question. I did, and I spend lot of time clicking at the stilts without realising the presense of these pristine birds. From a distance, I thought, they are ordinary ducks. The moment I realised that it is the Indian spot billed duck, I clciked. I have another wish..to click them in flight….

The Indian spot billed duck. A small group is there in and around Valiya Kadamakkudy. We were lucky to spot them during the nature walks and click them.

The black winged stilt. They are migratory birds and are coming from Europe. This year, they came back faster. Someone was attributing that to the extraordinary warm climate in the European countries. This year in Kerala, there is 35% shortage in the monsoon rains. Hope the water levels will not do down too much. These birds have to be here till March – April.

This a speldid sunset…As discussed earlier, sunsets are sometimes more vibrant and they have better texture. As far as possible, I strive for a human element in my nature photographs. That adds more life to the photograph. This couple in the photograph were standing next to me for a long time, and they decided to take a walk and that made my composition complete. This photograph was catured with a sony compact camera. It was a fantastic camera. These days sony compacts are not available in India and whatever is available is very expensive.

The local people of Kadamakkudy Islands earn their livelihood from fishing, fish farming and pokkali paddy cultivation. Six months of the year, the fields are used for pokkali paddy cultivation where as the remaining six months they are used for fish farming. The people are very friendly. They have very rich experiences to share with you. They speak Malayalam (the local language). Feel free to interact with them….

Kadamakkudy is famous for sea food. If you are a strict vegetarian, then it can be slightly difficult, unless you plan for it well in advance. So, while planning your visit to Kadamakkudy, make it a point to communicate what type of food you prefer, well in advance. There are some nice eateries in and around Kadamakkudy Islands. According to the local law, alcohol, including beer can be served only in licenced bars and at the same time, there is no restriction if you have it in your room.

One day I got a message on whatsapp asking the details of the nature walks. After lots of interactions and planning, we met at Kadamakkudy. They came from Gujarat, and his main interest is to capture sunrises. He travels across the globe capturing sunrises. Have not heard from him for a while. When we walk together we make many new good friends.

Join the nature walk from 6.30 am to 7.30 am – Let us create more stories to tell. Just let us know when you are planning

  • 6.30 am – Start from Valiya Kadamakkudy, open air gym
  • Enjoy the sunrise from the bridge
  • Wait for the fishermen in canoes returning from the local market. Photograph them
  • Walk to spot the birds, watch them, photograph them
  • Photograph village life
  • Listen to the villagers
  • Walk backwards towards the starting point
  • Cht chat over a cup of black coffee / tea
  • Disburse by 7.30 am

How much does it cost? – The last thing I want to talk about is about the cost. To be honest, I do not want to charge anything and at the same time there are expenses. We charge a modest Rs.250/participant for the nature walk.

The most recommended activity immediately after the nature walk is boating, enjoying and touching upon other major islets which are part of Kadamakkudy Islands. We also have a two days itinerary starting with airport pickup & drop, accommodation, nature walks, boating, kayaking, visits to the neighbourhoods delivered through carefully chosen and mentored local providers and managed by us.

Contact us +91 9895372115 , 8129118111

Experience Kadamakkudy Island Tour – 2 day iterinary

Day#1
Pick up from the airport / railway station On request, at actuals / Uber
Check in 2 pm.

Room tariff INR 3500 + 5% GST per room, per night for 2 people.
For the entire property INR 21000 + 5% GST, per night. Max 14 pax (7 rooms)
Extra person INR 1000 per person. Extra bed and breakfast included
Parking available / Cook available
Lunch On request (extra)
Local conveyance to the Kayaking site and back Will be arranged. To be paid at actuals
Kayaking through the most serene routes, during sunset time, guided by trained and qualified guides 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm. INR 650 / person
Back to the room 7.30 pm
Dinner In the guest house. Either in the room / dining area / water facing lawn outside. To be paid at actuals (Medium pricing). Vegetarians must inform in advance at the time of check in.
Day#2
Travel to the Nature walk location 6 am
Nature walk 6.30 am to 7.30 am – INR 250/participant
Boating – visiting the nearby Islands – including a 15 minutes break for local breakfast 7.30 am to 9.30 am
Visit to the St. Mary’s Bscilica Church established in the Year 1673. and to the shrine of Blessed Mother Elishwa (Optional)10.30 am to 11.30 am
Check out 12 pm
Drop to the airport / railway station On request, at actuals / Uber
Contact us, and we will plan it out for a seamless experience+91 9895372115, 8129118111

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+91 9895372115, 8129118111

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