Kakkathuruth: Kerala’s Hidden Island of Timeless Sunsets and Slow Living

Posted : 04-07-2025

Kakkathuruth: Kerala’s Hidden Island of Timeless Sunsets and Slow Living

Imagine drifting through Kerala’s backwaters, where the world slows down to the rhythm of paddle strokes, birdsong, and coconut palms swaying in the wind. Just off the mainland, veiled in stillness and mystery, lies Kakkathuruth—the “Island of Crows.” But don’t be misled by the name. This island is one of Kerala’s most serene secrets—a place where time pauses, sunsets speak, and nature takes the lead. Nestled in the Vembanad Lake near Ezhupunna in Alappuzha district, Kakkathuruth spans just 3 kilometers in length and 1.5 kilometers in width, yet it offers a depth of experience that few places can match. If you’re someone looking for a travel experience that’s poetic, peaceful, and profoundly different, this island promises a retreat unlike any other.

Where Time Slows Down and Souls Catch Up

Kakkathuruth isn’t your typical travel destination. There are no cars, no honking traffic, no concrete crowds—just silence and simplicity. The only way to reach the island is by traditional canoe. As you drift across the calm waters, leaving behind the hum of the mainland, something shifts. Time begins to slow down. You notice the breeze, the calls of birds, the soft ripples in the lake. The island is home to around 300 families who live in deep connection with nature. Narrow earthen paths weave between coconut palms, canals, and traditional homes. Locals travel by foot or bicycle. Children play in the shallow waters, and fisherfolk go about their daily routines with quiet pride. Every step here feels meditative—offering a rare sense of stillness in today’s fast-paced world.

Sunset That Made the World Watch

It’s no wonder that Kakkathuruth was featured by National Geographic in its celebrated photo series “Around the World in 24 Hours” as one of the best places on the planet to witness a sunset. As dusk approaches, the island transforms. The sky becomes a vast canvas, blending shades of gold, crimson, and violet. Birds begin their graceful return to the mangroves. The lake mirrors the changing sky, and the world falls into a peaceful hush. Witnessing the sunset at Kakkathuruth is not merely a visual treat—it’s an emotional, almost spiritual experience. It invites you to pause, reflect, and be present.

Experiences That Stay With You

More than just a place of beauty, Kakkathuruth invites you to live slowly and meaningfully. Village walks offer intimate glimpses into local life. As you meander through the shaded paths, you pass lotus-filled ponds, old mango trees, and homes where generations have lived in harmony with the land. Canoe and kayak rides allow you to float silently along the island’s edges, watching kingfishers dive and fishermen cast their nets. The food here is another highlight. Freshly caught karimeen (pearl-spot fish), coconut-rich curries, and soft appams are served with love in village homes, often on banana leaves with a lake breeze as your companion. You can even participate in fishing or clam harvesting, learning directly from those whose lives are rooted in these waters. For photographers, writers, or nature lovers, every turn offers a story—a reflection, a silhouette, a face that stays with you.

How to Get There

Reaching Kakkathuruth is part of the adventure. The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, about 46 kilometers away. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to Eramalloor or Kodamthuruth jetty. From the jetty, a 10- to 15-minute canoe ride is all it takes to cross over into stillness. If you're arriving by train, Ezhuppunna Railway Station is just 3.5 kilometers from the boat jetty. You can also travel from Alappuzha or Ernakulam Junction by road. Despite its remote feel, Kakkathuruth is surprisingly accessible.

When to Visit

The ideal time to experience the magic of Kakkathuruth is between November and February. During these cooler months, the skies are clear, the sunsets are spectacular, and migratory birds arrive in large numbers. However, the island has its own unique charm even in the monsoons, when mist settles over the lake and the landscape turns an even deeper green. Every season reveals a different side of its soul.

Why Kakkathuruth? Why Now?

In an era of curated experiences and fast travel, Kakkathuruth invites you to do something radical—to slow down and just be. It doesn’t ask for your selfies or your itinerary. It offers you something far more valuable: presence, connection, and peace. Whether you’re a solo traveler looking to reconnect with yourself, a couple seeking quiet romance, a family wanting to show children the magic of nature, or an artist searching for inspiration, this island welcomes you with open arms and gentle silence.

City Heritage Helps You Discover the Soul of Kakkathuruth

At City Heritage, we don’t just take you to destinations—we connect you to their heart. Our curated experiences at Kakkathuruth include guided canoe journeys, heritage village walks, authentic meals in local homes, and immersive interactions with the island’s communities. We ensure that your time here is not only memorable but meaningful. With us, you’ll move beyond the surface and into the soul of this island—through stories, nature, food, and genuine human connection. Let us help you discover the poetry of slow travel and the quiet magic of Kerala’s best-kept secret.