Human By Nature: Impressions from Kerala

Whenever fellow bloggers or international friends ask me about India and the first Indian destination they should visit, I invariably say Kerala. Even though I have lived in Gujarat for over 2 decades, which is also one of the safest states in the country, I simply tend to say Kerala. Kerala for me has always been more than God’s own country. From the stillness of the Periyar river to the trumpets of elephants in Wayanad, the spice plantations of Thekkady to rhythmic beats of Kathakali in Kochi, Kerala is the land of surprises and specials.

Kerala, the southernmost state of India, has distinct features like every other state. The first thing that comes to the mind on the mention of Kerala are the backwaters and coconut trees. The people of Kerala interact with nature and wildlife like no other state and every act is distinctive in its own way.  

I have been to Kerala a couple of times and every visit has been unique and memorable, all thanks to the people I have interacted with. I love the fact how the locals are one with nature, respect their culture, and treat everyone equally, no wonder it is a melting pot where the most diverse ideologies, faiths and cultures co-exist. 

People of Kerala have big hearts that make Kerala, Human by Nature. I go down my memory lane to share a few incidences of this nature.

Also Read: Ultimate Kerala Travel Guide and Itinerary

Human by Nature experience in Thekkady: December 2012

Me and my husband arrived late at the hotel and he was running a little fever due to throat infection. The manager on the check-in desk, sensing my husband’s discomfort questioned him about what was bothering him. Upon informing him, he immediately sent turmeric milk and hot water to the room. He even sent a hotel staff to pick up Lozenges and medicines in a nearby town as the hotel was far and had no medical shops nearby. 

After the medicines got dropped off, the manager called us again if we wished to arrange for a doctor’s visit. We respectfully declined to say it was not so serious. My husband felt better the next morning and we couldn’t be sure of how to thank the manager for going out of the way to arrange so much and be so kind, going much more beyond hospitality and being human by nature.

Human by Nature experience in Kumarakom: December 2012

This is the fondest memory of Kerala for me. We were chilling on the banks of the Vembanad lake clicking pictures of the tranquil water overlooking the houseboats. There was no one around who take couple shots of us so we settled for taking each other.

A staff (mostly the restaurant waiter) appeared from nowhere and offered to take our couple photos. He even asked to pose and made us stand at places with a better background. The results were fantastic! Upon asking he said he was a part-time professional photographer who did wedding photoshoots. I saluted his human by nature heart and blessed him!

To this day, those are the best vacation photos we have!

Human by Nature experience in Pattanakad: January 2018

This was a work trip and I had some fantastic experiences during this journey. My family was worried as I was going to a remote place they had not heard of before. Situated 50kms from the popular Alleppey, they still worried about my accommodation and safety.

I reached late evening from Trivandrum to Cherthala, where I had booked my accommodation as Pattanakkad did not have anything and I had a very early morning the next day. Since my train reached late, a female colleague of mine travelled from Changanassery (60 km from Cherthala) to make sure I am comfortable. Even her husband travelled with her so that he can check the safety of my accommodation. 

The hotel manager was luckily the colleague’s husband’s friend and everything worked out fine and safe. But now when I think about it, I often wonder if I would have travelled so long for a colleague. That’s Human by Nature and it was proven once again to me by the people of Kerala. Even my family was bowled over by this gesture.

The next day I stopped my car near a beautiful pier to take pictures. Walking further I met some fishermen who were back from a catch. I couldn’t help but notice the amount of plastic they had in their nets. So much so, I could hardly see any fish! I couldn’t help my curiosity and asked a few questions. The fishermen couldn’t understand but maybe he figured it out as I pointed towards the plastic. He said something with the most disappointing expression. I understood. Smiles were exchanged. The conversation was over followed by photos.

During all my trips, I have met wonderful souls, whose simple nature and effortless hospitality has bowled me over. I have been touched by the fascinating humanscape, beyond the stunning landscapes of Kerala.

Read More Kerala Posts:

• Kerala Backwaters of Alleppey
• Eravikulam National Park
• Periyar National Park
• Things to do in Munnar
• Things to do in Thiruvananthapuram

Watch this lovely video by Kerala Tourism celebrating the Humans of Kerala.

Disclaimer: This post is written in collaboration with Kerala Tourism. However, all opinions and experiences are mine.

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