Unravel Kerala From Its People’s Perspective

There’s something so ‘unruffled’ about Kerala. It is indeed God’s own country for its untainted beauty – the quiet islands, the lyrical backwaters, the pristine forests and the sublime hills. When you think of Kerala, you think of its bounty of nature and its legacy of culture and various traditions. However, Kerala is defined by its people.

A place gets its soul through its inhabitants. I find it absolutely awe-inspiring that the people of Kerala have preserved their ancient lifestyle with such aplomb. The typical way of living in Kerala is still very much rooted to their own distinctive traditions. Kerala is one of the rare states of India where the modern world has made little impact, and yet it’s one of the most sought-after destinations for both domestic and international travelers.

Also read: Solo Female Travel In Kerala – Is It Safe?

I believe staying ingrained to your origin, ancestral customs and culture helps you live a more sustainable and a holistic life. It’s amazing how people from all sorts of ethnicities and backgrounds love to embrace Kerala’s bygone wisdom and values.

Enjoy the following video that depicts Kerala’s people and their lives –

The people of Kerala have a devout comradeship with nature and traditions, which translates beautifully and seamlessly into their everyday lives, their businesses and innovations, their faiths and beliefs, and their relationship with the outside world.

There are many facets of Kerala that should fascinate you as a traveller –

Immerse yourself into the beautiful life on the islands of Kerala.

It’s enthralling to see the life on the islands of Kerala, where people travel on boats to run different errands through the day. Each house has a boat or two moored for personal use.

The locals on the islands have a strange affinity with their surroundings, which I discovered on a really slow canal ride through the backwaters (with my fellow travellers) – I happened to spot a man bathing and smiling while he was neck deep in water, and a snake swirled in the water around him. I was aghast! To my relief, I was educated by my local guide that the snakes were non-poisonous and harmless. Well, I’m sure he was right.  

Rejuvenate your senses with yoga and the Ayurvedic treatments.

When I think of rejuvenation, I think of yoga and the various Ayurvedic massages and spas that you get to experience in Kerala. As I mentioned earlier, Kerala has preserved its heritage in the most austere fashion. Ayurveda is as old as 5000 years. It’s the people of Kerala who comprehended the healing power of the Ayurvedic therapies and didn’t let the tradition fade away in the wake of newer treatment alternatives.

I enjoyed my sojourn at a yoga retreat in a secluded village called Venganoor, where people lived in their own world. There wasn’t a trace of the fast-paced, crazy world that we call “normal”. My yoga teacher was able to melt away the stiffness from my body within a day or two. The joy and the abandonment of practicing yoga in the midst of nature was unparalleled. And, I have to mention the spa therapies, which involved all the ancient techniques and ingredients that transported me back in time.

Let your taste-buds indulge in the delicious local food.

The people of Kerala eat what is locally available – the fruits and vegetables grown within 100 miles. They believe that local is healthy, clean and more delicious. Thereby, they are not dependent on distant resources. They make the best of what they have.

My meal on one of the houseboats in Kerala is the one that I reminisce quite often. It was served on a plantain leaf, which instantly connects you to nature and the local custom. Such a serving is called Sadhya, which comprises boiled rice, sambar, rasam, parippu, avial, olan and many other dishes. It’s a delectably wholesome meal, which takes your taste-buds on a journey through the treasures of Kerala. For instance, you get acquainted with coconut, which is so elaborately and flamboyantly used in Kerala’s culinary and rituals.

Go on a spice and herbs trail.

The spices of Kerala have their own spell. I had a chance to visit a 600-year-old factory of spices in Jew Town, Fort Kochi. The women at the shop sold me almost everything! I’m usually not a vendor’s delight. But, the spices had so much of authenticity that I had to take them back home with me.

Well, buying spices in Kerala should be on your travel itinerary, as it’s still the top trader of spices in India. Get your best Black Pepper, Cinnamon, Clove and Cardamom from Kerala.   

Kerala is home to plenty of herbs as well. Aloe vera, Neem, Nellikka, and Tulasi are to name just a few. These herbs have medicinal properties that help in treating different body ailments.  

Witness the magnificent Kathakali and get curious about its stories.

Kathakali, the dance form of Kerala, is vivid and powerful. I enjoyed a Kathakali performance at Kerala Kathakali Centre in Fort Kochi. The most enchanting part of the show was that I, as an audience, could watch the artists do their makeup on stage. As the name suggests, Kathakali is not just about dance, it’s rather about the story and the art – the colours used on artists’ faces have specific meanings, which is interesting to learn.

Embrace the new age cafes of Kochi.

The people of Kerala know the knack of embracing innovation without forgetting their own roots. The hip cafes of Kochi, especially Fort Kochi, speak volumes about the artistic soul of Kerala. Each café in Fort Kochi is an experience. Besides the urbane vibe of the cafes, you can check out libraries, art galleries, exhibitions, and antiques as well. 

In the midst of all the panache that Fort Kochi has adapted into, it’s the sniff of masala tea that stays with you.

Kerala has a slow and a divine pace of life. It doesn’t care to imitate or change for its human by nature.

This post is written in collaboration with Kerala Tourism.

What fascinates you about Kerala?

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