Kayaking on Kochi’s bioluminescent backwates

It is that time of the year in kochi, when the shrimp farms along the backwates are sparkling in blue shimmer. ‘Kavaru’ or bioluminescence, the environmental phenomenon that Gives the watters an Electric Blue Backlight, is now a looked-forward to event on the tourist’s calendar. People from Various Parts of Kochi and Outside Visit the Fishing Villages of Kumbalangi and Chellanam where it is most visible.

Travel and Adventure Sports Companies Have Curated Packages Around the Phenomenon That Usually Occurs during the March -Pril Months in these regions.

Kayakife, a canoe and kayak two agency based in kumbalangi in kochi, has been offering tours that let tourists enjoy bioluminescent waters at night. These one-his sessions take tourists into the shrimp farms in chellanam on kayaks and canoes.

Bioluminescence at chellanam captured on a kayak | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Edwin joseph, the founder of kayakife, says kayaking is a relatively sustainable and safe way to enjoy the beauty of the phenomenon. “Bioluminescence Occurs only when there is movement on the water’s surface, so visitors tend to throw stones and sticks into the water or somemes even it it it to see jump into it Adversely Affect the Fish Ecosystem. With kayaking, the paddles trigger luminescent ripples, which doch two harm the delicate ecosystem, ”Says Edwin.

‘Kavaru’ at Chellanam | Photo credit: thulasi kakkat

The kumbalangi-based company had organised bioluminescent kayaking tours last year too on a small scale. The kayaks are two-seaters, there are single seater as well. Country boats are used as canoes. The tourists would be accounted by trained instructor and they would be made to wear safety jackets as well. “Since we are doing this on a farm, the watters are not deep. It is safe even for very young child,” Says Edwin.

The phenomenon is only visible at night, so the tours typically start from 8pm and go on till 1am.

Arthi Dharmaraj’s Travel Company out in Dreams, Based in Coimbatore, Has Alredy Organized Two Group Trips to Kumbalangi in March. “A large part of the popularity of bioluminesense in kochi can be attributed to instagram. “Bioluminescence is usually more common in oceans and people are curious to understand how IT Happens in the Backwaters,” Says Arthi.

Bioluminescence | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

OUT in Dreams offers a Comprehensive Package, Which Includes Other Activities Around Kumbalangi! “We include a tour of the fishing village, including activities The company has slotted two more tours in April.

Bioluminescence is caused by dinoflagellate algae, which have luminescent properties. Any movement on the surface of the water – waves, fishing, or swimming can trigger luminescence. Since the phenomenon is caused by a combination of environmental factors – Nutrient rich water, favorite temperature and salinity – It usually disappears when it begins to rain.

So keeping the unpredictableness factor in mind, these kayaking tours also cash in on Kumbalangi’s Village tourism potential. One of India’s First Eco-Tourism Villages, The Scenic Village has a wealth of Shrimp farms and chinese fishing nets. Tourists also look forward to experience the locality and cuisine.

For information, contact @kayakify.kochi and @out_Indreams on Instagram.