Human by Nature- Vignettes from Kerala

I’ve noticed that for me travel is defined more by human experiences and relationships, rather than the location itself. A personal story that unfolds inside a destination becomes a lovely memory, evoking the same emotions every time I recall my journey in Kerala. Maybe that’s what my connection with Kerala is so special.

Kerala is also known as God’s Own Country, is a perfect example of harmony between humans and nature. The experience of unadulterated nature will relax your soul whenever you visit this beautiful state in India, but the happy moments spent with the simple people of Kerala will fill your heart with lifelong memories. I’ve visited many places in Kerala and I was lost in the natural beauty of Kerala during all of my journeys. Kerala is known for its beauty and the hospitality of the people which make it one of the best places to travel in India. The warmth within the behaviour and welcoming nature of the people makes Kerala as God’s Own Country. This beautiful state has almost 600km of picture-perfect coastline, framed with palm trees and known for its famous backwaters. Mountains with tea, coffee, and spice plantations, as well as an array of wildlife, can be found away from the coast. Kerala has seen numerous cultures merge and infuse over the centuries due to its location on a trade route. Kerala was the silk route for sea-farers and sea-traders, and news of this exotic land, best known for its spices and seeds, reached far lands. The idea of seeing a seafarer, a wanderer, or a tourist into Kerala excites the locals. The Rajah of Kochi (Cochin) made history when he gave an entire fishing village to Portuguese citizens, which is now known as Fort Kochi or Old Kochi. During their exile, the ‘Malabari Jews’ found a refuge in Kerala. Kerala’s tradition of embracing various cultures and assimilation with the locals speaks volumes about the people of Kerala’s peaceful and accommodating attitude. Even now, Fort Kochi is perfect blend of different cultures, traditions where people respect each other’s thoughts and ways of living lives. It’s very easy for any traveller to blend in with the locals. Do you not believe that “accepting and admiring differences is what makes one a true Human by Nature”?

Kinship in Kerala

Keralans have managed to keep their vibrant Malayali culture alive and well. Kerala is truly unique due to its rich traditions and values. I happened to be in Kannur in Kerala during the annual ritual of ‘Theyyam,’ last year, which is celebrated only in North Kerala. People color their faces and dance to bring the stories of Kerala to life. “Theyyam” is a kind of ritual form of worship that set with ancient customs and traditions. All about it fascinates me- the atmosphere in which it is presented, the dancers, their elaborate costumes and make-up, and the accompanying stories. Every “Theyyam” performance is accompanied by a narrative, which is usually based on the Gods’ myths and legends. Every village has preserved this 800-year-old dance style to its entirety. Kannur residents band together every year as a group to organise this intense ritual in their village shrines, keeping the art form alive (grama devata temple). It’s impossible to describe the energy of everyone coming together as a single unit, treating guests as though they were members of their own family as they participate in this divine ritual.

The living gods of Malabar: Theyyam

Other festivals are also commonly observed, such as Thrissur Pooram, Onam, and Vishu. Keralans take pride in their heritage, history, and traditions.

From north to south, Kerala has vast beaches, forts that overlook the vast sea, hidden islands, and backwaters, forests, tea plantations, quiet and peaceful villages, and vibrant towns. Each region of Kerala is distinct in its own way. The people in Kerala treat nature as their first God, regardless of faith, caste, colour, or beliefs.

The offbeat side of mystical munnar

Munnar’s rolling tea plantations are a sight to behold and should not be missed when visiting Kerala. I visited Munnar, where I was surrounded by rolling hills carpeted in green tea leaves. We also went to the Kolukkumalai Tea Factory, which is at 8,000 feet the world’s highest tea estate. The arduous journey to reach the Kolukkumalai tea estate is totally worth the effort for the views is extraordinary. Seeing mist-covered green mountains was a wonderful experience. The tea factory here has been standing since 1930s and is still tea using the traditional seven-step method. I stayed overnight at campsite with my family. We sat with our tea cups cradled in our hands, watching the spectacle unfold.

The sprawling Tea gardens of Munnar

Kerala Backwaters and the Canoe Man

Alappuzha (Alleppey) and Kumarakom are popularly known for this huge beautiful lake called Vebamanadu and thus the backwaters of Kerala. I was curious about the interiors, so we hired a canoe (a small boat without an electric motor) to get lost in Kumarakom’s labyrinth of water tributaries and worldly green rice pastures.

The Alleppey backwaters in kerala

Kerala is a way of life, not just a town. Slow, deliberate living, sometimes accompanied by a smile. Kerala’s way of life is based on a strong bond between people and nature. We may call ourselves true human by nature if we coexist with nature and are kind and compassionate. We can learn a thing or two from Kerala’s way of life, given our hectic city lifestyles.