Nilavala | Ezhikkara

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Ezhikkara (literally means village by the sea in local parlance) is a small island village thats surrounded by many water bodies including Veeranpuzha, the northern end of the Vembanad Lake and a backwater link between the two arms of the mighty Periyar before it pours into the estuaries of Arabian sea in Kochi. Like several other coastal regions, Ezhikkara is facing the impacts of climate crisis in the form of increased number of days of tidal flooding, increased salinity in freshwater sources, dwindling marine and freshwater life including fishes and reduced employment opportunities.  Due to the impact of climate change, many fishers in the region are also facing reduced catches impacting their ability to make a decent living on a tradition that’s been there for eons. Many of them have stopped repairing the iconic Chinese fishing nets and are now focusing on cage fishing for an alternative source of income.

Coined from three Malayalam words "Nilavu+Ala+Vala" representing 'moonlight+waves+net'. Nilavala is an initiative that repairs dilapidated fishing nets positioned in mid-backwater (not jutting from land as usually seen), and repurposes their platforms into a sunset viewing and twilight dining area. While the food is sourced entirely from locals, the fishers who are now trained to use kayaks and other water sports tools they weren’t familiar with earlier, transform into first responders during natural disasters ensuring a swift hyper local level intervention.  

After a brief punting in a traditional country boat starting at 5:30 pm for half an hour in Veeran-puzha, guests are transferred to the standalone Chinese fishing net platform for the view of the setting sun and an early dinner that will conclude by 7:30 pm. Dinner consists of locally sourced rice, breads (crispy Kerala porotta & nice patthiri), steamed tapioca served with fish curry, fish fry, prawns & sulaimani ( flavoured black tea from malabar region). We also have options for other meat and vegetarian options. Freshly cut vegetable and fruit salads along with a simple local dessert completes the dinner.