India is crowded, noisy, pressuring; Here in the south, there is a lushy fertile strip of coast where the mighty India shows its gentle and relaxed part.The place its called Kerala and advertises itself as “God’s own country”. Inside the land there are the Western Ghats, great silence, dense forests and long ridges. The Arabian Sea coast, on the eastern part of the state, has serene beaches with nervous waters.But the highlight of any trip to Kerala are the Backwaters-an intricate system of rivers, endless canals, small and medium calm lakes and lagoons. Taking a boat trip around, drifting away, the sound of silence of the local villages;it’s a kick-back feeling; pleasant paddy fields of glorious green and coconut grooves stand still as you slowly flow. Silence of nature…
Sparkled around the state, wildlife sanctuaries neighbouring coffe and spice plantations, aroma of cardamom,cinnamon and ginger sits heavy but pleasant in the air.Some of the highest tea plantations in the world are here in Munnar.
Ayurveda (the sience of life)originated here, with some of the best clinics wher they pamper any person ready for a treatment or rejuvenation cures.
Distinctive customs people developed in the area. The magical, astonishing art form wich is KATHAKALI, a blend of dance, pantomime,and religious play. The holy dance THEYYAM-performed as a sacred offering, the dancers get into a trance alike state similarly with the Whirling Dervishes. And one of the most spectacular martial arts in the world:KALARIPAYATTU.
The long coast line encouraged maritime contact with the overseas , and many places resemble the colonial style:Dutch houses, Portuguese heritage, Syrian Christian churces, places with a strong Muslim presence and a Jew Town in Fort Cochin with an interesting synagogue.
What’s missing!? …The food of course! Finger licking cuisine, delightfull meals cooked in coconut oil, steamed vegetables (to retain their natural flavours). Keralans are famous for serving many curries with the rice (red rice is king here) and of course a lot of fish on the menus. Pollichatu-fish cooked in banana leaves, and Molee-seafood cooked in coconut milk and spices. Kerala is one of the best places in India to take serious cooking classes. I found the food similar with the Srilankan; Coconut is the king, being present in every meal and dish.
Walking around the markets, especially the one in Trivandrum, I realised how many kinds of bananas exist: small, big, medium, in yellow, red, green, dusty green, ash colour(for the plantains), brownish…thin, fat , long, tubular, short, abrupt, phalic, curved. When you think you’re done some other kind you spot on display. If one would offer me a purple one-I’d believe it!
Many travellers come with fixed plans to travel around South India. Do that; But if you arrive to Kerala first your plans might be in danger; You might end up spending all your time here. Somehow it’s hard to leave the place…
