Ep 4. Captain, My Captain - Kumarakom

Jestination Unknown is a travel and comedy series that explores the lesser-known regions of India. In season 1 episode 4, titled "Captain, My Captain - Kumarakom", comedian and host Vir Das is joined by fellow comedians Anu Menon and Suresh Menon as they set out on a journey to discover the beauty and culture of Kumarakom, a small village located in the southern state of Kerala.

The trio begins their journey by taking a houseboat ride through the backwaters of Kumarakom, which are a network of interconnected canals and lagoons that run parallel to the Arabian Sea. Along the way, they get to witness the local fishing and farming activities, as well as enjoy the serene and pristine surroundings of the backwaters. As they cruise along, Anu and Suresh join forces to play a game of "Antakshari", which is a popular Indian musical game.

Next, Vir, Anu, and Suresh visit a local temple in Kumarakom called the Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple. The temple dates back to the 16th century and is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is one of the major deities of Hinduism. They get to witness a traditional ritualistic ceremony called the "Mahadeva Vilakku", which involves the lighting of a sacred lamp in the temple.

After exploring the temple, the trio heads to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, which is home to a diverse range of bird species, including migratory birds that visit the sanctuary during the winter season. They get to witness different species of birds and learn about their habitats and behaviors from the local guides.

The highlight of the episode is when Vir, Anu, and Suresh meet Captain Ramesh Babu, a naval officer who retired from the Indian Navy and started his own sustainable eco-tourism business called "Captain's Farm". Captain Ramesh takes the trio on a tour of his farm, which is spread over 17 acres and is home to a variety of crops and animals. He shares his vision of creating a sustainable and self-sufficient community through eco-tourism and organic farming.

During their visit to Captain's Farm, Vir, Anu, and Suresh get to participate in various hands-on activities, such as milking cows, making coconut oil, and cooking traditional Kerala cuisine. They also get to interact with local villagers who work on the farm and learn about their way of life.

As the day comes to an end, Captain Ramesh takes the trio on a boat ride through the canals of Kumarakom at sunset. They get to witness the beauty of the backwaters and the golden hues of the setting sun, while Captain Ramesh shares his inspiring life story and his journey of entrepreneurship.

In conclusion, "Captain, My Captain - Kumarakom" is an insightful and entertaining episode that showcases the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and sustainable tourism initiatives of Kumarakom. Through Vir, Anu, and Suresh's humorous and engaging commentary, viewers get to experience the warmth and hospitality of the local people and learn about the importance of preserving and promoting eco-friendly tourism practices in India.