There’s a place where the mornings greet you with the gentle rustling of palm leaves, where the aroma of freshly brewed tea fills the air, and where every corner has a story that’s just waiting to be lived. That place is Kerala.
But instead of listing out the usual spots, let’s do something different. Let’s imagine you’re already there.
Morning: Waking Up to the Real Kerala
You open your eyes to the soft light filtering through the curtains. The first sound you hear isn’t the usual city hum, but the distant calls of birds. As you step outside, the day unfolds in ways you hadn’t imagined. You’re in a small village, far from the tourist trails, where life moves at a pace that allows you to truly take it all in.
The people here don’t rush past you; they stop, smile, and share a moment with you. There’s something grounding about this simplicity. You’re invited into a local home for breakfast, where the air is filled with the scent of freshly made appams and coconut chutney. The conversation flows easily, despite the language barrier, because here, hospitality is a language everyone understands.
After breakfast, you take a walk through the village. The path is lined with banana trees, and the morning dew still clings to the leaves. Children wave at you as they run to school, and elders sit on their verandas, enjoying the cool breeze. You’re not just observing; you’re part of the daily rhythm of life here. The simplicity is disarming, and you realize that this, too, is a form of luxury – the luxury of time, of connection, of presence.
Late Morning: The Spice Trails of Kerala
As the morning progresses, you find yourself on a spice plantation, but this isn’t just any guided tour. The farmer, a third-generation spice grower, walks you through the plantation, pointing out the nuances of each plant, sharing stories passed down through generations. The air is thick with the scent of cardamom, pepper, and clove, and you learn that each spice has a story – stories of trade, of tradition, of Kerala’s role in the world.
You try your hand at plucking the spice pods, a task that seems simple but requires a practiced hand. The farmer laughs as you fumble, but he’s patient, teaching you the tricks of the trade. You taste the fresh spices, so different from the dried versions you’re used to, and it’s like tasting them for the first time.
The experience is immersive, but it’s not just about the spices. It’s about the land, the history, the connection to the earth. It’s a reminder of how much we take for granted, and how much there is to learn when we slow down and pay attention.
Afternoon: Lunch by the Backwaters
As the sun climbs higher, you head towards the backwaters. But instead of boarding a houseboat, you’re taken to a secluded spot by the water where a traditional Kerala lunch is served on a banana leaf. The food is simple, yet bursting with flavors – tangy mango curry, spicy fish, and fluffy rice. There’s something about eating with your hands that connects you to the food, to the culture.
After lunch, you board a small, hand-paddled canoe, gliding silently through the narrow canals. The houseboats are in the distance, but here, in this little boat, it feels like you have the backwaters all to yourself. The water reflects the palm trees, and occasionally, you pass by a small village where women wash clothes and children play by the water’s edge.
Your guide, a local fisherman, tells you stories of life on the backwaters – how the waters are both friend and foe, providing sustenance but also bringing floods. He points out the different birds, each with its own story, and you’re struck by the harmony of life here, where every element is connected.
Late Afternoon: Tea Tales in Munnar
As you leave the backwaters, the road winds upward into the hills of Munnar. The air becomes cooler, crisper, and soon you’re surrounded by rolling tea plantations that stretch as far as the eye can see. But rather than just taking in the view, you’re introduced to a tea picker, a woman who has been working these hills for decades.
She shows you how to pick the tender leaves, explaining the differences in quality, the art of plucking just the right leaves. Her hands move quickly, deftly, and you try to mimic her, but it’s clear that this is a skill honed over years. There’s a rhythm to it, a connection to the land that you can feel in the way she talks about the tea.
Later, you visit a small tea factory, where the leaves you picked are processed. The smell of fresh tea fills the air, and you’re guided through the process, from withering to rolling, fermenting to drying. You taste the final product, and it’s unlike any tea you’ve ever had – fresh, fragrant, with a story in every sip.
Evening: The Magic of Kathakali
As the day winds down, you arrive at a small theater, where you’re invited backstage to watch the transformation of Kathakali dancers. The makeup process is elaborate, turning ordinary men into gods and demons, heroes and villains. The air is thick with anticipation as they don their costumes, each piece carefully placed, each color chosen for its symbolic meaning.
You learn that Kathakali is more than just a dance; it’s a narrative, a storytelling art form that has been passed down through generations. When the performance begins, you’re captivated by the intensity, the precision of the movements, the expressions that convey more than words ever could.
This isn’t just a show for tourists. It’s a connection to Kerala’s cultural roots, a tradition that is alive, evolving, yet deeply respectful of its past.
Night: A Homestay in the Hills
Night falls, and instead of a hotel, you find yourself in a small homestay in the hills. The family welcomes you warmly, and soon you’re seated at their dining table, sharing stories over a home-cooked meal. The food is simple, comforting – a reflection of the day you’ve had.
As you sit on the veranda, the night is quiet, save for the occasional call of a night bird. The stars above seem closer here, brighter, and you feel a deep sense of peace. The family shares stories of their life in the hills, of how they’ve seen the land change, yet stay the same in so many ways.
You realize that this is the real Kerala – not just the places, but the people, the stories, the connections you’ve made along the way.
Kerala: A Journey Beyond the Guidebooks
This isn’t just a trip; it’s a collection of moments that will stay with you long after you’ve left. Kerala is often marketed as a destination of backwaters, beaches, and hill stations, but for those willing to look a little deeper, it offers a wealth of experiences that go beyond the usual tourist attractions.
It’s a place where you can reconnect with nature, explore ancient traditions, and discover a way of life that is in harmony with the land and its people. Whether it’s the early morning walks, the unexpected detours, or the peaceful nights, Kerala is a story waiting to be lived.
So, if you’re ready to experience Kerala in a way that’s deeply personal and uniquely yours, let Explorexotic be your guide. Because some journeys aren’t just about where you go, but about who you become along the way.
