Visual Adventure: Faces & Places of Kerala

June 3, 2015 Oana Dragan

The state of Kerala defies our assumptions about India. Here, you won’t find a collision of noises and activity common to most major Indian cities. Kerala is a tropical landscape with abundant natural beauty, a network of shimmering backwaters, sandy beaches that stretch out for miles, high mountain ranges that transform into rain forests, and rolling tea plantations. This lush land is home to wild elephants, exotic birds, and the national animal of India: the Bengal tiger.

It’s also got the perfect blend of culture, food, and attractions. Whether you want to be wowed by the stylized dance of the Kathakali or relax at the ayurvedic spas, there is plenty to hold your interest.

But perhaps one of Kerala’s most welcoming attributes is the graciousness of its people. You are sure to run into a smiling face just about anywhere you turn. The people in this region are not as accustomed to seeing travellers as they are in the tourist hot spots of the north, and there’s an equal flow of curiosity between both travellers and locals alike. Keralans will want to take pictures with you and to interact with you as much as you’ll want to with them. It is a cultural exchange that will make your adventure that much more memorable.

Kerala is a haven of calm amid the restlessness India is so well known for. Here are a few photos to help you to get to know this wonderful area of our world a little better.

The rolling hills of the Kalpetta Tea Plantation.

Taking a break for a smile on the Kalpetta Tea Plantation.

Taking a break for a smile on the Kalpetta Tea Plantation.

A girl and her goat pose for the camera.

A girl and her goat pose for the camera.

The sun sets on another day in Kerala.

The sun sets on another day in Kerala.

An elephant in Mudumalai National Park.

An elephant in Mudumalai National Park.

The Kerala Backwaters.

The Kerala Backwaters.

Children playing on Kochi beach.

Children playing on Kochi beach.

Fishing nets in Kochi.

Fishing nets in Kochi.

A fisherman holds up his catch in Kochi.

A fisherman holds up his catch in Kochi.

A Khatakali dancer prepares for the performance.

A Khatakali dancer prepares for the performance.

The classic Kathakali dance.

The classic Kathakali dance.

Getting There

G Adventures runs a number of departures in India encompassing a wide range of departure dates and activities to cater for different tastes. We’re thrilled at the prospect of showing you this big blue planet of ours — check out our small group trips here.

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