Human By Nature: A journey with Kerala

“You must visit Kerala when you travel to India!” This was what we continuously heard during our plans to see the Subcontinent.

While found in the exact same country as the likes of Delhi, Kolkatta, as well as Mumbai, the specify of Kerala feels world’s away from the hustle as well as bustle of those common Indian destinations. 

Known for its warm smiles from the locals, glistening waterways, as well as the melding of nature as well as culture, Kerala amazed us during our see as well as is somewhere we would like to return as well as see much more of.

The tourism board is running the “Human by Nature” campaign to showcase the state’s diversity as well as intertwining of people with the land — something that was promptly apparent during our visit. See this video for more:

About Kerala

Located on the southwestern coastline of India, this destination was a major port during the flavor trade — Arabs, Israelis, Persians, Portuguese, French, Dutch, as well as British were all included with the trade, as well as vying for control.

The British took Kerala in the mid 17th century up until the self-reliance of India 200 years later. 

India as a whole was plentiful with aromatic spices (and still is today), however during the flavor trade in the 1400s, Kerala was particularly understood for its pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, ginger, as well as turmeric.

These spices are still popular as well as are utilized in the tasty cuisine as well as for medicinal functions as well. Indian food as a whole is one of the very best cuisines in the world, as well as the regional dishes in Kerala have some distinct as well as tasty spices as well as components — adding its own unique flavours.

With a history influenced by numerous cultures as well as countries, it’s no surprise that Kerala is a diverse as well as welcoming location to visit

You’ll discover mosques sitting next to churches, Hindus going to with Jews, as well as although there are 16 languages spoken in Kerala, the typical language of Malayalam or English is utilized to communicate.

Not only are the people of Kerala diverse, however so is the land. Stretching close to 600 kilometers, the shoreline is full of life (both above as well as below the sea).

From the coast, head inland to the highlands of the Western Ghats which sit at 1,500 meters above sea level — a striking contrast between the west as well as the eastern part of the state. 

The topography of Kerala is distinct in that it morphs from wetlands as well as rainforest to high mountains as well as gorges, complied with by fertile valleys. The biodiversity of this specify is really stunning.  

Keralan method Of Life

With rich rainforest, rushing waterfalls, an abundance of wildlife, as well as blankets of tea leaves on the hills, Kerala is touted as “Gods own Country”. This Eden of natural charm melds with the local’s method of life. 

The speed of life is sluggish here. There’s a easy as well as unwinded “go with the flow” mentality that’s difficult to discover anywhere else in India.

Donning lungis (the conventional fabric wrap-around skirt), guy set off for a day of fishing, which is one of the most essential economic industries in Kerala. With much more than 200 fishing villages dotting the coastline, sourcing food from the sea is a method of life here. 

For men, fishing is a sense of community. Hindus, Muslims as well as Christians work together as well as help each other for one typical goal — food. religious beliefs as well as ideologies don’t matter here, everybody coexists in Kerala.

The maritime feel is well as well as really to life in this area of India. Not only is fishing a big part of the day, however numerous activities revolve around the sea. Again, melding the people with the land.

Whether it’s a game of football between youngsters on the sandy shores, a swim in the wavy waters, enjoying the golden sunset, or moving with the backwaters on a thatched boat — water is a method of life here. 

Throughout the day, masala chai (spiced tea) sourced from tea leaves grown in the specify is sipped on, while good friends as well as household dine on coconut-based curries with fluffy Matta rice, which is native to Kerala.  

Things To Experience in Kerala

Being such an fascinating destination in India, as well as with a different landscape, there are various highlights as well as experiences for tourists to the specify of Kerala. We’ve always noted India as one of the very best countries to visit,as well as the specify of Kerala ought to be firmly on your travel schedule to the country.

Here are a few top suggestions for things to experience in Kerala: 

Explore the Backwaters on a Houseboat

This was one of our fondest memories from our trip to Kerala. Hop aboard one of the most distinct boats you’ve ever been on as well as delight in a relaxed experience in the backwaters — which links Kumarakom as well as Cochin to the North as well as Quilon to the South.  

In the past, these boats were utilized to transfer products on the waterways, rather than by road. These days, it’s a tourism experience.

These 70-foot boats are made of natural resources discovered in Kerala such as wood from jackfruit as well as palm trees, bamboo poles as well as mats, as well as coconut fibers.

No nails are utilized in the construction, however rather, coconut fibers tie the wood together. The houseboats really are a distinct accomplishment of engineering.

Wander around Kochi

The Portuguese, Chinese, Arabs, Dutch as well as British have all left their mark on the port town of Kochi (Cochin). The “Gateway of Kerala” as it’s understood is a excellent location for tourists to explore. 

The area of Fort Kochi is full of historical sites, beautiful architecture, churches as well as burial sites, photographic fishing nets, as well as of course, numerous outstanding eateries!

Don’t miss the Chinese fishing nets being lowered into the sea during sunset, as well as make sure to see Jew Town. This neighbourhood is house to the (dwindling) Jewish population, markets, as well as the 400-year-old Paradesi Synagogue.

Finally, make sure to view a Kathakali conventional dance performance, as well as see the St. Francis Church which is the oldest European church in India. 

Visit The Tea Fields

Leaving the coastline behind, head inland to the highlands as well as see one (or many!) of the amazing tea plantations. next to China, India is the largest producer of tea in the world as well as Kerala is one of the top tea creating states. 

If you’ve ever delighted in a cup of milky chai in India, you’ll agree that a few of the very best comes from this country.

Munnar is the most prominent region in Kerala for tea as well as is where British colonists would getaway the intense Indian summertime heat. Although Munnar is the most prominent as well as well-known, one more outstanding area to see the beautiful tea growing on the hillside is at Chinnakanal.

Explore the hills in a 4×4 jeep, however make sure to get out as well as walk with the pathways lined with tea, while passing by the women plucking tea leaves (they can gather around 100kg of leaves per day!).

Tea is an essential part of daily life in Kerala, as well as checking out the source is one of the things you won’t want to miss. 

In Conclusion

If you’ve went to India, you’ll understand exactly how stressful it can be, with numerous travellers discovering it challenging to experience the true tranquility that the country can offer. 

Kerala is an oasis from the chaos. The sluggish speed of life as well as the respectful as well as hospitable people are just a few of the reasons why this specify is one of the much more went to in the country.

Interact with the locals, as well as find a method of life that is full of community, land, as well as traditions. between the natural beauty, the historical sites, as well as the tasty food, you may never want to leave. 

This publish was sponsored by Kerala Tourism. discover much more about their continuous campaign by complying with #humanbynature on social media. pictures in this publish are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.

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