In 2018 I was lucky enough to spend 2 weeks travelling around Kerala, in India, as part of Kerala Blog Express.
We spent two weeks travelling around the region, also known as God’s Own Country, exploring all the most beautiful natural and historical sights in Kerala.
However, what amazed me the most about Kerala wasn’t the calm backwaters, scenic tea plantations or stunning sunsets, it was the people.
I’m writing this article in partnership with the Kerala Tourism board 1.5 years later to share with you their latest campaign, Human by Nature, and why the people in Kerala are going to be the highlight of your trip.
One of the amazing families that welcomed us at Kollenkeril Homestay and treated us to homemade delicacies
People in Kerala are very diverse
From athletes of the local martial art Kalaripayattu to children in a homestay, from the fishermen in the local villages to the sailors that cruise the houseboats, in just two weeks we saw and experienced a huge amount of variety.
It didn’t feel like other popular tourist destinations where all the local people you meet are usually involved in tourism, be it as tour guides, waiters or selling tours.
The people we met in Kerala were just going about their daily life, and we were lucky enough that they shared a moment of it with us.
One of the local women that work as tea pickers in the tea plantations of Munnar, India
We met this young girl and her sister in a village in Kerala
One of the local artisans of Sargaalaya village at work
People in Kerala are welcoming
Which leads on to my second point, about how welcoming the people of Kerala are. Everywhere we went people would go out of their way to make us feel welcome.
When we cruised the backwaters of Alleppey at one point our boatman cruised a little closer to the river bank, and showed us where he lives as his children ran out of the house and waved at us.
When we visited the tea plantations of Munnar the women that work in the tea plantations showed us how the tea picking process works.
When we drove quads on the beach in Wayanad some local guys joined in the fun with their cars.
Not once were we treated like annoying tourists that they felt like they had to entertain. They were genuinely open and welcoming and wanted us to truly experience and understand Kerala.
A group of tea pickers in Munnar, India
Our boatman as we cruised down the backwaters of Allepey at sunset
Young locals at a village we visited in Kerala, India
People in Kerala are kind
One of the things that amazed me most about the people in Kerala was just how kind everyone was, both to us but also to each other.
You often see, both at home or on the road, people being unkind to others.
Everywhere we went in Kerala we were greeted by big smiles and friendly faces, ready to show us with pride the beauties of their land and daily life.
Drummers at a street parade that we stumbled upon while driving around Kerala
A local woman showing us how to weave coil ropes in a village in Kerala
Dancers at a welcome parade one of the hotels put together for our arrival
People live by the Kerala Way Of Life
Ultimately all the above qualities I loved so much about the people in Kerala are part of the Kerala Way Of Life.
The Kerala Way Of Life comes from the connection of people with the vibrant and pristine nature around them, and it goes down to going with the flow.
It’s something that in our chaotic city life we often struggle to do, but that happens more easily in Kerala where life is simpler and slower.
Coming from our frenetic lifestyles, we can learn a thing or two from the Kerala Way Of Life.
One of the factory workers sorting the processed tea leaves
A local man in Kerala showed us how to slice open coconuts
Have you been to Kerala before? What was your favourite part? Let me know in the comments below!
If you like to meet local people when you travel and truly immerse yourself in their culture, you will love Kerala.
The video below is part of the Human by Nature campaign, if I haven’t been able to convince you with words that you have to travel to Kerala, I hope the video and photos do.
Enjoyed reading about the Human By Nature campaign of Kerala Tourism? Pin it!
This article was sponsored by Kerala Tourism. All thoughts and opinions are my own.