Some summers past, when I landed in Kerala for the first time, the sheer sights of it took my breath away. Growing up, I would often pore over Kerala Tourism advt. that were some of the coolest that the tourism industry in India had ever seen; I realised why when I reached Kochi, for the place is picture perfect. These beautiful photos of Kerala from my very first trip to the state will show you why it is difficult to not fall in love with what is perhaps India’s most loved tropical state.
1. A coffee shop in Alleppey
New-age coffee shops line up the more popular stretches of Alleppey backwaters, mostly under the shade of lush gulmohars. As nondescript as these shops look, a cup of coffee is usually heavenly in most such places. If you visit many of these, you will soon find their owners’ love for aesthetics; while some have gramophone records playing quintessential soft Carnatic music, some are fans of Elvis Presley and more. You can spend an hour or two in one of these, people watching tourists hopping on to kettuvallams (Kerala houseboats) for a ride.
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2. Sunsets in Kerala
Sunsets in Kerala are blissful, a far cry from overtly crowded beaches in most places. Specially if you know where to look for these. You can sit for hours, watching the Sun set as fisherman come home. Beach parties are uncommon here unless you head to one that is famous for it.
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Kerala beaches are for those who would rather sit with a book and a coffee to spend their evenings rather than those interested in nightlife. This photo is of a beach in Alleppey that is hardly known to outsiders.
3) A fisherman with his pet Brahminy kite
A rather intimidating Brahminy kite swooped down to where I sat sipping coconut water outside a home in Alleppey. Turned out, I was sitting outside its home! Well, it’s not a regular day that you find a pet bird of prey hovering around you, sometimes flying in with a fresh catch from the backwaters.
4. A kettuvallam on its way in the backwaters
A regular afternoon in Alleppey and Kumarakom backwaters looks like this. If you are here early in the morning or around noon, you will spot many gleeful children on their way or back from schools, for getting on a ferry boat is how locals prefer to commute. Other than fun, it is also the fastest way to roam around for errands and more. A lot of houses by the side have their own boats and kettuvallams (houseboats), tied neatly by their posts across the house. It’s a wonderful experience to watch a very different way of living by the water.
5. Aesthetics on point
A flask of toddy, an old record on play, coir basket and great food – locally-run eateries like this are a common affair around the highways in Kerala. The buttery smooth roads and unforgettable scenery makes it all the more inviting to walk in one of these and linger for longer. Of course, it will get you some beautiful photos of Kerala.
6. A rainy evening in Varkala
Clouds come swarming in Varkala on monsoon days like this. This little town is one of my favourite places in the state, and sits on top of lofty red cliffs by the sea. Varkala beaches are also believed to be the most beautiful cliff beaches in the country and rightly so. One can spend months here; from yoga classes and spa session to surfing lessons and more, there is a lot to do in Varkala. The eateries and cafes in Varkala are also some of the best in the region.
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If you are a photographer, Varkala is sure to get you some beautiful photos of Kerala.
7. A farm-day out!
Farmers working in a lush paddy field on a cloudy day. While the summers in Kerala are scorching and not the best time to spent outdoors, evenings here are wonderful. You can spend days exploring the countryside here with some fresh toddy and regional music for company.
8. Early morning scenes in Varkala
Pack a pair of your best walking shoes for Varkala for the landscapes would lure you in for more explorations. An early morning run by the beach as fresh sea breeze wafts in an affair you would remember for long after. Monsoons here are specially beautiful.
