My 3 top Kerala experiences
Right now I am sitting on a yoga ball in front of my laptop in my home town Snina in Eastern Slovakia. Always when here, I try to backup all my photos from my recent trips on one of 10 external hard drives I have. When doing so, I occassionally browse through some old photos which always bring up some memories. This time I opened up my files from my first trip to India in 2015 when I had a chance to explore Kerala for a month.
Because of the location and history, Kerala has evolved in a bit different way compared to the rest of India. I heard that it’s so unique even before I went there. Kerala is a different world. A world on its own. At first, I did not really understand what that was supposed to mean. But as soon as I arrived in Kerala, I was mesmerized by its natural beauty.
Only while there I realized the real meaning of God’s own country, the nickname of Kerala.
But you know what’s always the most important thing when traveling? In my opinion, it’s the people. The people we meet on our travels. The eye contact with strangers on the street. The smiles that might last for 5 seconds only but the memory of them are ever-lasting.
Maya Angelou once said:
I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
And that’s exactly what I’m talking about in here. My best experiences in Kerala were those that had to do with locals.
My 3 top Kerala experiences were:
1. Staying at a local house in Wayanad
It was the best way to find out about how the locals live. I stayed with an elderly couple, super kind people who showed me how they eat. It was incredibly interesting to see that they eat mostly locally-grown ingredients, or directly from their plant garden or from the neighbouring area. The couple also showed me around their garden and even how they pray in their small family Hindu temple.
This kind of experiences with locals in their own home are priceless to me. I could never learn so much about Kerala locals in 2 days as I did right there in their house. Aw, and don’t even let me start about home-cooked meals we enjoyed there sitting at one table all together like one family. I was so excited about the place that I even wrote a full article about my experience there. You can have a read about my Wayanad stay here.
with the sweet home owner in Wayanad
prepaing dinner in Wayanad
preparing jackfruit for eating
lovely lady
2. Walking around Munnar
The most important thing I remember from Munnar when wandering around the tea plantations, and then the town itself, were smiles. So many locals smiled at me there. I can still think of some smiley faces. And some people even asked me to take photos with them. That’s nice, isn’t it?
I must admit that Munnar is a very special place. Tea plantations all around make it unforgettable. And the town market is a real gem. Check my photo album from Munnar to see more by yourself :)
You can book your Munnar private day trip here.
a selfie with locals in Munnar
a Munnar local cutting a coconut for me
local women in Munnar
a kind local woman in Munnar
a local man carrying something on his head in Munnar
3. Visiting a Spice village
We paid a visit to the Spice village close to Thekkady where we could learn from a local man. He took us around the garden speaking about spices and herbs that grow in Kerala. I am a vegan and a huge nature lover so learning about plants is always very captivating to my ears. I still remember the man showing ur around the garden. He seemed so happy and laughing all the time. I can still remember his smile when surrounded by plants.
Did you know that Kerala is famous for the production and exportation of natural spices? They grow a lot of black pepper, cinnamon, clove, cardamom, nutmeg etc.
exploring the Spice Village
local guide smiling all the time
clove grown in Kerala
If you are looking for a perfect place with pleasant smiling people who live in connection with nature, then Kerala should be on your bucket list. I am eternally grateful for choosing Kerala as my first visit to India. It was so worth it.
TIP: One of my other favorite memories from Kerala are those from exploring Backwaters on a houseboat for two days. I wrote an entire article about our first day in Backwaters :) It was a lot about getting my peace and quiet time, listening to the birds chirping and watching sunrise and sunset direcly from the boat. Sounds fun? It was!
Book your half-day Backwater cruise here or 2-day backwaters trip here ;)
Here’s a really breath-taking video about Kerala people called ”Human by nature”. I recommend you to watch it to feel like you are right there in Kerala, surrounded by its warm locals and lush green scenic landscapes.
***Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Kerala Tourism. All the ideas and opinions are my own, and honest. I really enjoyed visiting Kerala and getting to know its people. Will be happy to go back in future.
Viki
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I also loved the fascinating tradition and customs in Kerala so much. It’s an unforgettable place :)
Crazy Sexy Fun Traveler
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Thanks Viki. Kerala is such a unique part of India.I have so many amazing memories from there.
samson
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Kerala ????
Crazy Sexy Fun Traveler
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Are you from there? Or have you been? Kerala is amazing, loved it there :)
Pavan
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Kerala is best place for traveling.
Crazy Sexy Fun Traveler
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I really loved Kerala, I have to admit :)
Micamyx|Senyorita
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I miss Kerala!
Crazy Sexy Fun Traveler
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Me too, sweetie! And our time there as well :)