Alleppey Beach Guide: Top 10 Things to Do and See at Alappuzha Beach
Top 10 Things to Do and See at Alappuzha Beach Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha,
When you think about Kerala, coconuts come to mind. When you think about coir, coir comes to mind. Alleppey, a small town nestled along the scenic backwaters, is the hub of Kerala’s coir industry, and a tour of its coir factories offers valuable insights into this traditional craft.
For centuries, coir (natural fiber extracted from the husk of coconuts) has been integral to Alleppey’s economy and culture. Traditional coir industry tours in Alleppey provide an immersive journey into this time-honored craft, showcasing the skilled artisanship and cultural significance of coir-making. Watch artisans transform coconut husks into ropes, mats, and carpets using age-old techniques. You can also visit the International Coir Museum, which has done a fine job of educating visitors about the advancements in the coir-making sector.
On display is a stunning array of coir samples of different colors and textures.
The coir industry in Alleppey dates back over 150 years. It flourished during the colonial era, when Alleppey emerged as a prominent trading hub. Coir, referred to as “The Golden Fiber,” was highly regarded for its durability and versatility. British settlers and merchants played a significant role in establishing organized coir production and trade, exporting products like mats, ropes, and carpets to Europe.
Today, Alleppey has earned her reputation as the “Coir Capital of India,” with thousands of artisans and small-scale units working dedicatedly to preserving this traditional craft. Participating in a coir industry tour is like stepping back in time to witness an ancient craft that continues to thrive in a modern world.
A coir industry tour will first take you to a coconut farm, where you get to witness firsthand…
…the process of a coconut husk (the raw material) being harvested. A guide will throw light on the retting process, where coconut husks are soaked in water for several weeks to soften the fibers.
This ancient technique is essential for creating high-quality coir. Next, you’ll be taken to a fiber extraction unit, where you can observe workers separating the fibers from the husks using traditional hand tools or small mechanical machines.
What is even more fascinating is watching the process of coir spinning. Artisans, often women, use a spinning wheel or charkha to twist the fibers into strong, durable ropes.
Their deftly moving hands reflect their precision and craftsmanship. For an interactive experience, try your hand at spinning.
Once the coir has been spun, it can be used to create mats, rugs, and carpets.
You will see artisans working on traditional looms weaving intricate designs and patterns.
Some factories have embraced modern techniques to meet growing demand and advanced machinery for dyeing, weaving, and finishing coir products, highlighting the balance between tradition and innovation.
Finally, complete your tour by taking back some coir souvenirs.
Rugs, mats, bags, and handicrafts are popular gifts you can give family and friends back home.
When on a coir industry tour, make sure to:
Coir is Kerala’s way of promoting a sustainable eco-tourism culture while preserving an integral part of its ancient heritage. When you take a coir industry tour, you indirectly help the artisans and their families. You also get to immerse yourself in a unique experience. So make sure to include a coir industry tour on your itinerary.
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