(Updated)
As a traveller, I have been fortunate to travel the world, to enjoy the sights and sounds and cuisines of faraway lands and create memorable experiences. But as Alchemist said, you sometimes need to travel away from home to realize its true value. This is true of Kerala.
That can be said of me. I am a half-Malayalee, but life circumstances kept the family away from Kerala till about twenty five years ago, when we finally decided to relocate to Kerala – Sulthan Bathery in Wayanad District.
This is when my true understanding of God’s Own Country began.
Technically, we were the “outsiders” – but we settled in with ease. I didn’t speak the language well, but that hardly mattered. The neighbours and shopkeepers made everything easy by switching to mixture of English, Hindi and Kannada quite happily and along with change, gave me a new word to learn. Now I can hold a fairly comprehensible conversation!
This is what inclusion is all about, I thought happily. In Kerala, I never once felt an outsider! Let me sum it up this way – Kerala is like no other state in India. It runs on its special fuel and is always supercharged.
Inclusion is key
Everywhere I travelled, I was made to feel a part of them. I travelled solo but not once did I feel unsafe or harassed. That is Kerala’s biggest strength. Safety. Women are very safe here and I am not just talking about local women. Tourists or friends visiting from different countries have expressed this view quite strongly. In Kerala, they always felt safe. Honesty and respect. Yes, this is another trait common to Malayalees. If you leave your wallet with money in an ATM, it’ll find its way back to you. I say this from experience. No one hassling, pushing their goods on you or over charging you – because they believe in following the rules! And what a relief that is when I set about trying to explore my own backyard!
| Kerala’s cleanest town
Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad has the distinction of being the cleanest town of Kerala, something that I am particularly proud of saying. Located 950m above sea level, it is home to lush tea and coffee estates, flowing rivers and waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries and is home for many tribal people. The climate is pleasant all year round and many historical sites can be found around here, including the famous Edakkal Caves. |
In Kerala, Food is a way of life
From the unassuming “kallu-shaap” serving mindbogglingly delicious snacks to 5-Star restaurants serving gourmet food, there is everything to be had in this tiny state. I wasn’t ready for the flavours of chili and spices (pepper is widely grown and used, same as cloves and cardamom) but soon got used to it. What is most important is that food here is fresh and mostly locally procured (with a lengthy coastline, can there ever be shortage of fresh fish? No!).
I am convinced that it would take me a lifetime to enjoy every variety of food served throughout the state. Fish is widely consumed (and loved) and really no meal is complete without it. my own personal favourite includes the karimeen pollichathu (fish: pearl spot), motta roast (spiced eggs with onions) appam-stew (hoppers with vegetable curry), nadan kozhi varuthadu (local chicken fry) and deep-fried sardines, all of course flavoured by pure coconut oil.
A note to the vegetarians: There are equal number of delicious vegetarian food to be had here – such as erissery (pumpkin and lentil), puttu-kadala and how can I forget – the sadya – a veritable veg feast on a banana leaf!
Natural Beauty of Kerala
I often get told – Kerala is beautiful. I know just what is behind those words. Kerala is indeed beautiful because it has a heart. There is something in its mountains and forests, in its enchanting backwaters and coconut-palm lined beaches, old temples, churches and mosques that draws people, including me, to its shores. Kerala is a surprise in any way you look at it. Its tourist infrastructure is top class and offers the visitor everything from a cozy homestay to luxurious tree-houses. In its small and unassuming villages you will find some of the best experiences.
“Human by Nature” portrays warm and authentic stories of humans, set across five different regions and adds a snapshot of the local festivals and the delicious cuisine as well.
The whole of Kerala has a distinct community feel – everyone is welcome here and offered the best. It is difficult to associate anything but beauty and warmth to this small southern Indian state – that always stands together in any calamity. There is more than one reason to fall in love with Kerala – and humanity is just the icing on the cake!
It is where you are happy just to wake up every single morning!
Disclosure – This post has been written in collaboration with Kerala Tourism Board.
