The God’s own country, Kerala has always given us plenty of reasons to go back to it. From its beautiful tea gardens to spice plantations, from cultural performances to its beautiful places of worship, the state of Kerala has always impressed us every time we have travelled to the state. Now, there are quite a few people who have made our Kerala experience worth remembering.
The Jewish Connect
One of our first ones is Sarah Cohen who was one of the eldest of the small Jewish community that resides in Kochi. We were lucky to have visited her a couple of years before her unfortunate demise in 2019 and seen her historic shop, Sarah’s Handicrafts. As we enter, the Star of David is seen prominently on the windows while the bars are painted blue and white in respect of the Israeli flag. Her shop used to be known for the mezuzahs and challah covers that Sarah used to stitch herself.
The main attraction of the Jewish community is the Paradesi Synagogue located at the end of the street. We leave our shoes outside as we enter the main prayer area, a tradition that has been imbibed from the Hindu culture. The main prayer area of the synagogue is astounding and leaves me wide-eyed with lights reflecting off chandeliers of every colour possible. The central pulpit is bordered by brass railing while hardwood benches provide the seating area. The prayer area also houses the original copper plates of privileges given to Joseph Rabban, the earliest known leader of the community in Cochin.
Spice Plantaions
Our search for spice takes us to the hills of Thekaddy, a five hour drive from Kochi along the lush green landscape of Kerala. Although the way is dotted with plentiful of plantations and shops selling spices, our target is the hundred-year-old Green Land Spice Garden in Thekaddy. I meet up with Shinoj Kallunmakkal, the owner of the spice plantation as he rolls up his lungi and tucks his children in bed for an afternoon nap. The 20-acre plantation has been in his family since its inception. Our walk has been designed in a path around the house without delving deeper into the plantation. The shade of the trees offers us a respite from the sun as Shinoj sets out to show me the spices in his armoury.
He occasionally picks off a leaf, crushes it in his palm and hands it over to me to recognise. I miserably fail the first two, without a fault of mine though. The All Spice is akin to the Garam Masala of North, giving out flavours of Cinnamon, Clove, Nutmeg and Black Pepper together. The next is a Pandan leaf that actually gives off the smell of Basmati rice. He moves deeper into the plantation as we discover some coffee and cocoa. Although there are five major coffee plants that grow, the Robusta variant is most commonly found in the southern part of India. Shinoj also grows some Arabica as well. The small red colour pods are eventually dried and roasted down to the coffee that we love so much. The spice gardens of Kerala are the perfect way to reconnect with nature and with your Indian roots.
Kathakali and Kairalipayattu Centres
Kerala is known for its expansive cultural activities. Thekaddy has evening shows for Kathakali (classical dance) and Kalaripayattu (martial arts). Kathakali is a dance form characterized by strong facial and eye movements and this is what our host Prasad from Kathakali dance group showcases before asking the audience to replicate him. It is a laughter riot as we miserably fail to do so. It is wrapped up with a strong performance which bases itself on a story about Lord Indra and an Apsara.
Surprisingly, my knowledge of the ancient Indian martial art form of Kalaripayattu came from Bollywood, Vidyut Jamwal to be more specific. Rishabh Kalarinathan is our host for the evening, displaying a stunning array of moves that belong on the silver screen rather than the beautiful curated rectangular arena giving homage to the Gods, ancestors and weapons. The Kalaripayattu is a high-octane hour long performance that will leave you on an adrenaline high. There is some expert swordplay along with a plethora of high kicks and some superbly fluidic movements that characterize it. The Kalaripayattu performance concludes with some fire stunts that truly leaves us in awe of the arts.
Munnar Tea Gardens
The mist-laden roads leading up to Munnar are a welcome break from the hot, muggy sun of Kochi, as I head to an old, colonial-style plantation resort. I start my journey from the tea estates of Kannan Devan Hills Company Plantation Ltd during the morning plucking season. Hard at work, I decide to strike up a conversation with Kanamma, one of the pickers during her breaks about how her life has changed since working here. The Co-operative style of picking makes sure that not only does the Tea company produce some flavourful tea, but also empowers women and families along the way.
Periyar National Park
Home to Elephants and the Royal Bengal Tiger, Periyar is nature’s calling with great scenic charm and rich biodiversity. Take a guided walk through the jungle with a forest guard. As you troll deep into the woods witness Sambar, Panthera Tigris and many more wonderful beasts wandering around. Not only does my guide Alex take me around the National Park in a boat and show me pug marks and dead skulls, but he also settles along with me for the night in the secluded enclosure for observing the tigers.
Coffee Plantation: Windermere Estate
The final people on the list are John Simon and his father Dr Simon John, who bought a coffee estate in Munnar more than 35 years back. Since then, the beautiful Windermere Estate has evolved into a source of income for locals and a haven for tourists flocking to the hill station. Being an old colonial-style plantation incorporated with much of the modern facilities, the father-son duo have created a sustainable travel project that allows you to reconnect with nature.
These are the experiences that define our adventures of Kerala. Do let us know which of these impresses you the most.
SPONSORED BY KERALA TOURISM
Image Credits: Snigdha ( Salt and Sandals)
