Kerala is as beautiful as it always was. Listening to the stories of bravery and the spirit of revitalizing tourism throughout my trip last month was heartening. My two-week long trip was overwhelming, awe-inspiring and joyful. I am sure you have concerns about travelling to Kerala and to be fair even I did. Here are 5 things you need to know when you are travelling to Kerala.
1. It is 100% safe
There have been several WhatsApp messages and rumours that have been floating around about a possible epidemic. All of that is untrue. It is safe to travel to Kerala and while people and hotels have faced problems, things are back on track now.
2. Kerala needs our support
Kerala is just getting back on its feet and needs tourists to come over. I had been planning my trip since January 2018 to see the Neelakurinji, flowers that bloom once in 12 years. On my way to Munnar, the driver told us that we were his only booking in the past one month. The floods have not only affected the bigger hotels but also individuals like drivers, small home stays, boutique hotels, tour guides and many others who are dependent on tourists for their livelihoods. So go on a holiday to Kerala to relax, rejuvenate and also support the local economy.
3. Their stories will inspire you
We met fishermen who helped rescued several people, met hotel staff that ensured that their guests were safe and met people who took their neighbours into their own homes. It was heartening to hear these stories of bravery and triumph over a calamity of this proportion.
4. There are smiles everywhere you go
From a shopkeeper selling pineapples and raw mangos to tourists to a luxury hotel, everybody in Kerala will greet you with a smile. Many people I met expressed happiness at seeing tourists coming to Kerala.
“Where are you from?”, “Where are you going next?” accompanied with several recommendations of what I should be doing when I go to a certain place was how my conversation flowed.
5. Kerala is working hard to bring things back to normal
Handloom Weavers Co-Operative Society Ltd based in Karimpadam, Chendamangalam were one of the groups that incurred losses which threatened their livelihoods. Local entrepreneurs Lakshmi Menon and Gopinath Parayil came up with a simple idea; the Chekutty Dolls. Made from fabric that was partially destroyed during the floods, these dolls are a symbol of hope many weavers. The fabric is washed carefully to ensure hygiene and dolls are created from it. Each doll is unique and beautiful.
Simply put,
“Chekkutty has scars.
Chekkutty has stains.
But Chekkutty represents each one of us who survived the floods”
Besides the Chekutty dolls, there are several initiatives by local NGOs that are working to rebuild Kerala once again.
Kerala is waiting for you with open arms. What stops you from visiting God’s own country?
We remember the day seven years back when were travelling in a Mumbai local trying hard to come up with a name for our blog when struck us; Khushboo was always called a Jack of all Trades. The name stuck (with a slight modification, of course) and Munni was born.
Six years, over 100 collaborations, lakhs of readers and several awards later; our love for blogging continues to grow. We continue to write on an eclectic range of topics from the funniest autorickshaw signs that we have spotted in Mumbai to how to bathe an elephant. We are true blue Munni of all Trades and we hope to continue on this joyride with our fellow Munnis and Munnas.
This is so relevant – Kerela needs our support
I <3 the Chekutty Dolls
Loved the cute dollies 🙂 it is so you <3
I will be traveling here soon
This is such a touching post. I am glad I tumbled upon this. I cant wait to visit Kerala next time I am in India. Chekkutty dolls are the epitome of hope!
Great post. I watch a lot of Indian movie and didn’t know about this part of India. Great insight
These are the type of things super useful for traveling. The real stories. I bet the stories of fishermen who helped rescue people would be something you would never forget.
Beautiful post! I would love to visit India especially Kerala some day.
everything looks beautiful even now after the floors. Kerala definitely needs support and I am glad people a willing to give it
This is a very nice post to support and raise the tourism to the beautiful place of KERELA.
Great ?? kerala ko fir se rise karne me ye bahut helpful hai ??
Chekutty dolls bahut cute hain ?
Love that you made this post! I feel bad that I had not heard anything about the epidemic. But love that you are rallying everyone together for support!
This article was s touching! Hope to be there soon and somehow help! Thanks so much for sharing!
Lots of love,
Whit
http://www.whitneyswonderland.com
kerala looks like such a beautiful place. It is lovely how everyone has come together to support each other through the tough times.
I am glad to hear that they are alright. But yes, they will need support. Thank you for bringing attention to this topic.
This looks like such a beautiful place. How sad it was flooded. Wonderful that you’ve gone anyway and put a spotlight on this place. Hopefully now more people will visit again!
xx Luci
Nice post and I really enjoyed reading this,I have never heard any news about this place but I am wishing that they will able to recover from what happened to them.
This is such an important reminder that the effects of natural disasters are often lingering. Oftentimes, especially in tourist areas, it is important to help communities regain their sense of normalcy by visiting and bringing in tourist dollars.
I am so sorry about what happened to Kerala and I hope they will get a lot of help from the NGO’s and Goverment for their recovery.
Yes I would love to visit Kerala as I’ve had ideas about it coz of my ex colleagues at work previously. It’s indeed a must place to visit in India and hope it will be able to recover soon from the flood.
I didn’t know there were floods in Kerala! Sorry to hear that! Hope that they get enough help!
What a wonderful symbol of recovery those dolls are. I’m so sorry the floods came, but love that perseverance prevails.
So many things to love about kerala! It’s really beautiful out there even they went through on a disaster.
I have an officemate whose hometown is from kerala. He was there on holiday when the flood happened. locals are really brave! let’s help them rebuild kerala by spreading tourism.
Looks like a lovely place in spite of the floods. Would love to support the local people.
Wow, what a beautiful place! And what strong, courageous and resilient people! I can’t believe I hadn’t even heard of it before your post – now I totally want to go visit there <3
Thanks for the informative post! Indeed, #KeralaIsOpen after the floods and is now back in business for tourists again!
Happy Travels Everyone!
Tom & Kate,
2bearbear.com