Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Kerala Tourism.
After years of dreaming and dreading, postponing and planning, the time came: finally I was in India. I mention the dreading because for many travelers, myself included, their first trip to India can be a little daunting. I shouldn’t have worried though because I picked just the right place to start: Kerala.
I remember getting out of the airport late at night and a wave of warmth and humidity immediately engulfing me. I have a thing for heat and humidity and so I instantly felt at home. If only for the weather, it seemed I had picked the perfect starting place for my Indian adventure.
God’s Own Country lives up to its imposing title and is the ideal gateway to India and, at the same time, it is wonderfully different from the rest of the country. If you are looking for palm-fringed beaches, rainforests and wildlife, arts and culture, tea plantations, and a peaceful medley of religions (while there are many Hindus in Kerala, the state also has a big Muslim and Christian population) – you have come to the right place.
While Goa wants to compete for the most beautiful beaches, Karnataka for wildlife and Assam for tea no other state but Kerala has it all! And then, of course, there are the people that make this state in India’s south so very special.
With that, I wasn’t surprised that the latest campaign by Kerala Tourism focuses on exactly that: the people. Human by Nature is the motto, showing just how its people set Kerala apart from the rest of the country and how you can turn a mere holiday into an unforgettable experience here.
Exploring God’s Own Country
My first memory of Kerala was exploring beautiful Fort Kochi. I remembered how in awe I had been the day before seeing my friend Jackson chatting to people, playing soccer with some kids, and taking the most amazing photographs as he went along. I was worried that this was a privilege reserved for him as a male traveler. It turned out that it wasn’t. All it took for me was to stroll down a road, camera in hand and people would greet me. Friendly, not obtrusively. Big smiles from women, men, and children alike and my curiosity was meeting its equal.
I took pictures, I chatted with strangers, and was glad to see that my somewhat introverted nature was charmingly ignored by the people of Kerala.
The biggest surprise were the women. Female empowerment is big in Kerala thanks to the highest literacy rate in the country and the unique system of Marumakkathayam, which means matriliny. Women in Kerala are strong, progressive, and more than happy to show a confused foreigner like me the lay of the land, or at least feed me copious amounts of homemade prawn curry while discussing feminism and politics.
What to do in Kerala?
While I adored Fort Kochi, reminding me of other historic towns like Hoi An or Paratchy, the true beauty of Kerala unfolds in its nature. People have a special connection to nature and have not forgotten that much of a person’s wealth, health, and mental wellbeing is connected to it.
When it comes to nature, Kerala has something to offer for everyone. Want to see tigers in the wild? Check! Want to be massaged into oblivion at an Ayurveda retreat? Check! Want to hike mountains and get on a bamboo raft? Check!
Rainforests, golden sandy beaches, lush tea plantations, and the infamous backwaters of Kerala make for a unique mix of backdrops to see and experiences to have. For that it doesn’t matter if you are traveling on a budget or want to spoil yourself, are looking to get an adrenalin rush, or do nothing but relax.
If you want to meet people in Kerala other than randomly walking down a street like I usually do, there are a few experiences you shouldn’t miss:
Sleep like a local at a homestay
I only discovered homestays late in my traveling life but these days I absolutely love the concept. Instead of a hotel or a hostel, you stay as the name implies at a family’s home. The family receives money for it so you don’t feel like you are intruding in a stranger’s home and you get to experience first hand what local life is all about.
There are many homestays all over Kerala that range from basic to fancy. What they have in common is a true insight into people’s lives and usually some fantastic food.
My favorite was Ayisha Manzil, a beautiful heritage homestay in Thalassery. While I didn’t sleep there the food we had here was one of the best meals in Kerala and I have vowed to come back ever since.
Experience rural life during a village walk
Village walks have become the latest thing in tourism or so it seems, and honestly, I am game. And no, you don’t have to walk into a village and randomly knock on people’s doors – a village walk is usually an organized tour where you get to experience how rural life works.
In Kerala, this means drinking homemade coconut toddy, a fermented coconut sap, watching people fish, and learning how rice is cultivated. If you get lucky you can even try yourself at palm tree climbing or get busy in someone’s kitchen.
Sleep on a houseboat in the backwaters
It might be the thing to do in Kerala, but staying on a houseboat in the backwaters is popular for a good reason. The backwaters are a network of canals and lagoons close to the Arabian Sea. Alappuzha, also called ‘Venice of the East’, is the perfect starting point to hop aboard.
Houseboats vary in size and comfort levels but rest assured you will have a cozy bed and most importantly a place to chill on deck while soaking up the unique surroundings.
If you ask nicely the captain might even let you steer the boat and the chefs are usually more than happy to host visitors in the tiny kitchens on board where you can help with preparations for the nightly feast.
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Many of us can only reminisce about traveling at the moment and believe me, I know how frustrating that can be. But even just going through the pictures I take comfort in the fact that Kerala, its people, and the coconut toddy will still be waiting to welcome us when we can venture into the world again!
3 comments
Kerala is most beautiful place in India
It sounds like Kerala would be a perfect place to connect with locals and local culture in so many different ways. I’ve always wanted to go, but haven’t made it yet. definitely a destination to consider for when I. can travel again!!
It really is the perfect place for that and so beautiful too! Hopefully we can all plan trips to India again soon 🙂