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For those who do not like to sleep in nature's lap Kallanchery gives
you the opportunity to work with the community on all it does.
You can row the country canoes, climb up the coconut trees, all
this with the farmers and fishermen working in the estate. If these
don't interest you, you can take up any of the activities mentioned
under here.
Crab
farming or 'NJandu krishi' is done in the estate.
You can enjoy catching crabs from the natural pools and ponds that
exist in the farm for the purpose. The traditional method for catching
crabs is a sight to watch and study. You can master the art too.
You
can row the country canoe in these pools among the countless flying
milk fishes. These fishes jump out of the water across the boat
as you row on the surface. They are a sight to see.
For
those of you who like to emulate and celebrate the fishing activities
of local Kerala, you can try your luck with the nets.
Learn how to prepare your nets for a day out at backwaters and how
to spread them. Throwing the net in the circular pattern is an art
by itself. You can also devour the delicious meal from your precious
catch. Cage
Cage
fishing also exists on some Scandinavian islands. In the estate
though, a traditional method is used. Branches of trees are immersed
in water for weeks. These offer a sweet haven for young fishes and
they stay here. After many weeks, the branches are covered with
a net and then they are removed. The fishes get trapped in the net.
You can learn to set the trap and how to catch the fishes within.
The
cheena vala is a fishing technique that originated in China and
spread to Kerala. Kerala had countless trading posts all along her
costs during pre-history. China was an important trading partner
during those days. The cheena vala is the only existing form of
stationary net fishing system in the world. At kallanchery you will
find a number of them along her vast green grounds facing the backwaters.
Copra
is dry coconut. Every part of the coconut tree is put to some use
in kerala. Her long leaf cluster is used to thatch roofs, her wood
is used for making furniture, the coconut shell is used for burning,
her husk is immersed in water and yields the fibers that are spun
together to make coir, her scalp is used in cooking and when dried
yields a cooking medium called coconut oil or 'velichenna'.
Coir
manufacturing forms an important part of the local economy. Coir
is in demand internationally as a geo-fabric that is used to manufacture
eco-friendly carpets and mats. Coir weaving is done o specialised
ruts. You can watch and try your hand eye coordination here. |