Do you want to explore India responsibly and strengthen the local community? In Kerala you can do both while experiencing a unique culture and landscape.
Kerala, nicknamed “God’s Own Country” for its stunning natural beauty, is often suggested as the perfect starting point for tourists eager to explore India.
With its enchanting backwaters, nearly 600 kilometers of Arabian coastline and rich cultural traditions, the state has something to offer all types of visitors. From nature lovers to those seeking a peaceful and regenerating retreat.
But now Kerala encourages tourists to dive deeper into discovering the state and the lives of the local people.
Spend the night in the local community or try your hand at traditional activities like coconut tree climbing and arrow fishing.
According to Biju K, Kerala Tourism Secretary, this type of interaction is good for both the tourists – who get a real experience instead of an organized tour – and the local community – who draws power from their involvement in tourism.
“We are looking at responsible and sustainable tourism,” says Biju K. “In every destination we are looking at, we are trying to empower local communities, boost local employment and involve visitors in caring for these places.”
“People went and not only admired the backwaters, for example, but experienced rural life firsthand,” he adds.
What traditional activities can you try?
Many countries offer tourists a glimpse into local traditions, arts and crafts by taking them by bus to remote locations and allowing them to observe communities at work. Kerala, however, wants travelers to get their hands dirty and experience the local culture firsthand.
One way to do this is through bow and arrow fishing. This unique technique is unlikely to produce large catch for the inexperienced angler, but it is a lot of fun. Fishing is done by canoe, so even without catching fish you can still enjoy the view.
If this seems a little too intense, you can try the most common form of local fishing, net fishing in Kerala’s backwaters.
Hopefully, you will have saved some energy for coconut climbing.
This experience was once “very difficult and very risky,” says Biju K, as it was performed in the traditional way, “by climbing with a rope around your leg.” If you dare, you can still try climbing the tall, swaying coconut trees with this ancient and grueling technique, or do it with the latest tools and the help of a local master.
The best part? Reward yourself with some toddy: the world-famous Kerala drink made by fermenting coconut sap or palm flowers. You’ll be able to make your own slightly alcoholic “palm wine” or “coconut vodka,” but you’ll have to drink it on the spot because it has a shelf life of only 24 hours.
If you want to discover the traditional activities of local women, you can engage in carpet weaving, bamboo processing and coconut fiber processing. If you want to work with animals, you can go into rabbit breeding, a major source of livelihood for many villages, as well as goat and cow breeding and beekeeping.
Sports lovers should not miss the opportunity to also try kalaripayattu, a traditional martial art form unique to Kerala.
What about accommodation?
For a full immersion in the local Kerala lifestyle, it is possible to stay overnight within the community and sleep in the so-called village stays or home stays.
“What we are trying to do is move away from the traditional type of resort experience and bring tourists closer to the local communities, making them discover the culture of the place, including the local food and cuisines,” says Biju K.
“We want people to experience God’s Own Country, the way different cultures live peacefully in Kerala because we share brotherhood and happiness, without discrimination.”
You can choose one village and spend your entire vacation there, or move around and experience life in more than one community.
Currently, you can find village stays in Kumarakom – a group of small islands in Kottayam district, Thekkady – a must for wildlife lovers, Bekal – a picturesque village with beautiful beaches and regal forts, Wayanad – surrounded by nature wild and lush forest, and Kannur.
Check Kerala Tourism website for more information on what each village has to offer.
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