Anand Mahindra keeps his promise, visits Kerala's Kadamakkudy: Why you too should, this festival season

Mahindra Group head Anand Mahindra has long been an admirer of Kerala's Kadamakkudy village. The business leader, who had promised through the social media platform X months back that he would visit the spot soon, finally kept his word. A few days ago, he drove himself to the village in the morning while in Kochi to attend the company's Group leadership camp. Mahindra, who drove to Kadamakkudy via Varappuzha, said on his page that it was 'mesmerising.' "Tranquil kayals stretching as far as the eye can see, with small launches chugging gently along their waters. Egrets and black cormorants, preening and drying themselves in the sun. Some landscapes don't just impress; they recalibrate you," Anand Mahindra wrote on his page. Are you too tempted to visit this Kerala village this Christmas-New Year season? Here's everything you need to know: 

What is Kadamakkudy?
A cluster of 14 islands in Kerala's Ernakulam district, Kadamakkudy village, is around 15 kilometres from Kochi. It is known for its paddy fields, backwaters, canals, mangroves and waterways and has been a haven for people who love to check out village-style getaways in Kerala. According to some local people, the region was formed in the 1300s during that year's flood. It is also the year in which the Kochi Estuary was formed. The 14 villages are Valiya Kadamakkudy, Murikkal, Palayamthuruthu, Pizhala, Cheriya Kadamakkudy, Pulikkappuram, Moolampilli, Puthusseri, Chariyam Thuruthu, Chennur, Kothadu, Korambadam, Kandanadu and Kadanadu. 

Activity possibilities in Kadamakkudy
Other than casually exploring the islands and strolling through the fields, tourists can try canoe rides, backwater boating, kayaking, cycling through the village's narrow roads, birdwatching, and visiting the 'pokkali' paddy fields as their activities at Kadamakkudy. Many also visit to do photography, enjoy sunrise or sunset and try a hand at fishing. Private players operate the activities, and there aren't any conducted by the government, at present. However, Kochi Water Metro services to the islands are expected to be launched soon. 

Food, stay options at Kadamakkudy
Being a village tourist spot, do not expect any resort-style accommodation or dining options in Kadamakkudy, though you can find plenty in the nearby Kochi. Consider dining at local restaurants of various budgets, though pick your spot after ensuring you are comfortable with the ambience, hygiene, and location. Restaurants of different cuisines and budgets are also aplenty in Kochi town, a few kilometres away from the village. There is a toddy shop named 'Kadamakkudy Shaap' in the village, which has enjoyed mixed reviews from time to time. There are also a few reasonably priced homestays in the area that offer village-style pre-booked meals. 

How to reach Kadamakkudy
Take the Edappally - Varapuzha - Varapuzha Bridge - Pizhala - Kadamakkudy route to reach the spot. There is no direct bus to the islands, though you can take one from the High Court junction to Varapuzha and take an autorickshaw to Kadamakkudy. At times, autorickshaws also directly take tourists from various parts of the city to Kadamakkudy.