Kerala, India - Harmony between Human and Nature
Kerala, popularly known as God’s own country is a true testament of harmony between humans and nature. Whenever you happen to explore this beautiful state in India, the experience of unadulterated nature will calm your soul but the joyful moments with the simple people of Kerala will fill your heart with lifetime memories.
I have been here multiple times to give myself a break from crazy city life, to experience the breathtaking backwaters of Alappuzha (Alleppey), to immerse in the never-ending beaches of Kerala. I also drove around the state from North Kerala to South Kerala. During all my trips, I immersed in the natural beauty of Kerala, I also felt that the kindness of the people of Kerala is bringing them together. I have many such vivid memories from Kerala. A total stranger in Kannur who helped me understand the history of Theyyam, the canoe man from Alleppey, the tea pluckers of Munnar, and the woman at the ticket counter in Varkala - everyone in Kerala welcomed me with open heart, expecting nothing in return. Every time I came back from Kerala, I bought memories home, of not just the usual experiences of otherworldly landscape or mouth-watering food, but it was the heartwarming people of Kerala who made my trips even more special. I think that is the reason I can visit Kerala over and over again.
This blog is dedicated to my own anecdotes from Kerala to tell you guys what makes Kerala so different and it’s people truly ‘Human By Nature’.
A bit of history and how Kerala has always been home for wanderers
Located in a trade route in the earlier centuries, Kerala has seen multiple different cultures merging and infusing. Kerala was the silk route for sea-farers and sea-traders, words about this exotic place reached far lands, better known for its spices and seeds. People here embrace the thought of seeing a sea-farer, a wanderer, a traveler into Kerala. History was made when Rajah of Kochi (Cochin) gave an entire fishing village to Portuguese people, now it is well known as Fort Kochi or Old Kochi. Kerala also became home for ‘Malabari Jews during their exile. Kerala’s history of accepting different cultures and their assimilation with the locals speak volumes about the harmonious and welcoming attitude of the people of Kerala.
Even now, Fort Kochi is a perfect blend of different cultures, traditions where people respect each other’s thoughts and ways of living lives. I feel this is one of the biggest reasons why Kerala, a secular community, makes it quite easy for any traveler to blend in quite naturally. Don’t you think “accepting and admiring differences is what makes us a true Human By Nature”?
A tribute to the tradition and rituals - People in Kerala respect their heritage.
People in Kerala have been able to successfully preserve their strong Malayali Culture. The rich traditions and values make Kerala truly unique. I happened to be in Kerala during ‘Theyyam’, an annual ritual that is celebrated specifically in North Kerala. People colour their face and body and dance to bring to life the stories of Kerala. Each of the colours and dance moves has meanings. People were so passionate about performing and watching Theyyam, the festival started at 7 PM and ended only at 6:00 AM in the morning. It was overwhelming to see so much passion in the people for their culture. I spoke with the performing artists, even though they were tired, they explained even the tiniest of the details about the festival.
I also happened to see Kathakali performance and Kalaripayattu martial art in Kochi. Not only these, but there are other festivals like Thrissur Pooram, Onam, Vishu which are celebrated with a lot of love. People in Kerala take pride in their history, their roots, and respect their tradition. I feel Our learnings from our past do make us better human, and that’s what we can learn from the people of Kerala.
Kerala, a true abode of nature - People in Kerala treat nature as their God.
Kerala has vast beaches from North to South, forts that overlook the expansive sea, secret islands, and backwaters, forests, tea estates, calm and peaceful villages, vibrant cities. Each of the parts of Kerala is special in their own ways. During my Kerala trip, I realised that irrespective of religion, caste, colour, or beliefs, people of Kerala treat nature as their first God.
Beautiful Tea Estates of Kerala, the first love of every Tea Plucker
I went to Munnar where I saw the rolling hills decked up with green tea leaves all around. We also happened to visit the Kolukkumalai Tea Factory, the world’s highest tea estate at 8,000 feet. It was a blissful experience to see mist covered green mountains but what was even more heart-melting was that the small shop owner at the factory briefed us about the history of the factory and offered us to have a cup of tea. He said the tea estates are his first home.
Kerala Backwaters and the Canoe Man
Alappuzha (Alleppey) and Kumarakom are known for this huge beautiful lake called Vebamanadu and the backwaters of Kerala. I wanted to see the interiors and hence, we took a canoe (a small size boat run without electric motor) to get lost in the maze of the water tributaries, worldly green rice pastures in Kumarakom. I saw small children going to school in these canoes, floating flowers in the backwaters. It felt like people in Kerala consider these backwaters their very own. Everyone whom we saw gave us a very warm smile and said ‘hello’. We were also invited home for some food.
In Kerala, people are warm-hearted and will help you expecting nothing in return
The beach and cliff town Varkala was so different from the kind of Kerala I had seen till now. I got so emerged in the sunset overlooking the Arabian sea in Varkala, that I missed my train for Fort Kochi. But a wonderful woman at the ticket counter of the station calmed me down and helped me take another train back to Kochi. In Kerala, people take out time to help others, in spite of their own busy schedules. It is hard to find selfless kindness elsewhere.
Kerala, a way of life!
Kerala is not a place, it is a way of life. Slow, mindful life, often lived with a smile. The Kerala way of life comes from the connection between people and nature. If only we coexist with nature and are kind and compassionate, we can call ourselves true human by nature. Coming from our frenetic city lifestyles, we can learn a thing or two from Kerala’s way of life.
I hope you enjoyed reading this blog and I urge you to visit Kerala sooner if you have never been there before. I am sure you will fall in love with God’s own Country, like me. If you have been to Kerala before, tell me how was your experience? What did you like the most about Kerala? The video below is from the Human by Nature campaign by Kerala Tourism. If I haven’t been able to convince you with words that you have to travel to Kerala, I hope the video and photos do.
In case you have not been to Kerala and need any help in planning your Kerala trip or have any questions around Kerala, drop them in the comments and I will revert soon. Also, check out my other blogs for India here and plan your perfect budget trip around India.
Love,
Tanned Travel Girl
Sponsored by Kerala Tourism