Kerala River Cruise on The Nila in a Thoni

    The dynamics of River Nila are complex and precarious. A vibrant and thriving bunch of communities flourished around its banks for centuries. Yet, the strain of fast-changing economics and lack of sustainable sources of income was threatening to ruin the fine balance between nature and humans in this wonderful ecosystem.   The Kerala River Cruises on Nila are held on-board the local ‘thoni’ boats. They are guided by oarsmen from the local communities. These cruises act as a source of alternative, supplementary source of income for these people. Many of the oarsmen were otherwise engaged in disruptive practices such as mining sand illegally from the river bed for lack of income sources.   Join us on a cruise aboard the Thoni, in the company of these natural storytellers. Meander along the course of this beautiful river and look at life in the villages along its bank from a distance!  

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The Legend Trails

  The Kerala Legends Trails is a trip down the rich history of Kerala which goes back several centuries; naturally, its bounty of stories, legends and civilizations is wholesome and plentiful.   Our skilled storytellers and interpreters will introduce you to stories that talk about the River Nila civilisation as we travel through historical places. Become acquainted with the strong connection between the Nila and Buddhism! Learn about Mamangam – a festival celebrated once in 12 years by the ancient kings of Kerala to choose an Emperor; discover the rich diversity of faiths in Kerala and spend a tranquil moment at the spot where German missionary Dr. Hermann Gundert wrote the Malyalam-English dictionary. The Kerala Legend Trails is a spectacular journey through time, uncovering secrets of Kerala’s rich history!  

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Pokkali and Organic Farms

    In a remote village not far from Fort Kochin, we came across an ancient community struggling to sustain a rare, organic cultivation of a special crop. Pokkali is one of the oldest and only salt-tolerant varieties of rice that grows organically. Though the communities from these areas have been cultivating Pokkali for centuries, a combination of factors threatened to push the crop to the verge of extinction. The Blue Yonder worked in consultation with the agrarian community to build a sustainable model to facilitate the preservation of this rare crop! How did we do it? What part did the farmers play? Who were the other vital stakeholders? All of these questions and many more will be answered through our Pokkali and Organic Farm visits! Pokkali and Organic Farm Visits are designed to bring the story of Pokkali to travellers! It’s unique qualities, cultivation, its deep-rooted connection with the community and their struggle to sustain it presents a wonderful case in how various stakeholders from of society collaborated to preserve the delicate cycle of nature!  

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Muziris and Handlooms

    The Handloom industry in Kerala is a work of art in itself! Fine weaving and handspun cotton have been the landmarks of Chennamangalam for years. Named after its village of origin, Chennamangalam handloom is renowned for its quality. Kerala Saris that are symbolic of Kerala’s culture and traditions are the highlight product of this handloom industry. The weaving is done in a distinct style, with special treatment to the thread, using a special paste, which makes the fabric strong and long lasting. While the distinct style of these saris is renowned all over Kerala, only artificial dyes are used to make them. The Blue Yonder introduced and facilitated the use of natural dyes to local weavers in a co-operative society.   Follow our footsteps to learn more about the wonderful history of this traditional industry, hear their story in their own voice, and unearth the hidden secrets of their trade.  

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Mudiyettu & Kerala Craft Trail

    After the harvest of the summer crop, villagers congregate to the local temple on an appointed day. What follows is a breathtaking rendition of ritualistic dance-drama based on the mythological tale of a battle between the Goddess Kali (of death and destruction) and the demon Darika. Known as the Mudiyettu, this ancient ritual is a dynamic art form, performed using vivid colors, percussion and deep baritones. The Mudiyettu serves as an important cultural site for transmission of traditional values, ethics, moral codes and aesthetic norms of the community, to the next generation, thereby ensuring its continuity and relevance in present times. The Mudiyettu, declared as an Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, is slowly slipping into oblivion.   The Kerala Craft and Ritual Trail take travellers deep into local communities and introduce them to countless such rituals and crafts! These trails also help us provide the communities with the resources required to preserve age-old rituals and generate a sense of pride and ownership amongst them.  

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