Silver Sunday Sojourn #4

Hello from Kerala

Hello from Kerala!

A week ago, I had only just arrived. I was tired; I hadn't really seen anything yet, and the journey was still ahead of me.

What a difference a week and 400 km make.

The week has flown by, and I am at once exhilarated and exhausted! My head is buzzing with colours, sights and sounds, and I can't wait to write all about it.

THIS WEEK'S SOJOURN

I thought I knew Kerala...

I'd visited Kerala before. I'd experienced a boat trip in Periyar, Spice Trails in Thekkady, wandered around Fort Kochi, so I thought I had a reasonable idea of what to expect.

But travelling from Kannur in northern Kerala down towards Kochi has shown me a completely different side of the state.

It was a much slower pace; the landscapes were vast, the roads quieter and there was time to notice the small details as we travelled.

Kannur: Theyyam

This was one of the experiences I had been particularly looking forward to: seeing Theyyam at a sacred grove.

We were privileged to be able to watch the Theyyam performer carry out the daily ritual accompanied by a drummer and the tinkle of bells around his ankles.

There was something extraordinary about watching a centuries-old ritual taking place not for visitors, but as part of everyday spiritual life.

Wayanad: Tea and Hill Stations

From the coast, we travelled inland to Wayanad, and the landscape changed completely.

We climbed up and up, the temperature dropping and the scenery becoming more lush. Perfect climate for tea growing.

We trekked up to the Edakkal Caves to see carvings dating back thousands of years, met a tribal chieftain and tried our hand at archery.

Later, we visited a tea plantation to see how the leaves are picked and processed — and ended the day with the unexpected sight of a family of elephants.

Cheruthuruthy: Plants Galore

I have always had a thing about plants - a bit difficult not to with a name like Larch - so I was delighted that we were staying at the Hortus Malabaricus Botanical Garden.

Set in nearly 30 acres, the garden aims to conserve 742 plants native to the Malabar Coast, first documented in the 17th-century Hortus Malabaricus

On my desk - Hundreds of Photographs!

My camera, iPhone and GoPro Hero 13 have been working overtime as I record my trip through Kerala.

Every evening I go through and delete the ones that are out of focus, weird angles, the ground, unflattering ones of me or ones I look at and think, "What in heaven's name was that???"

There are already stories I have started outlining, and I want to tell you properly when I'm home.

Sometimes the hardest part of a trip isn't finding things to write about. It's deciding which story to tell first.

Through my lens

Amid the noise and hubbub of Kochi, this little one slept peacefully, oblivious to everything going on around him. I couldn't resist asking permission to take his photograph.

Travel Wisdom

The last day of a trip can feel rather like the first. There's a temptation to rush around taking those final photographs, buying last-minute souvenirs and squeezing in one more sight.

I've learned to slow down instead. Take time to soak up the atmosphere — and, if there's a long flight ahead, leave yourself enough time to pack, rest and prepare for the journey home.

One Last Day in Kochi

Today is my final full day in Kochi.

I am having my last day wandering around Mattancherry and Fort Kochi, taking more photos, soaking up the atmosphere. I will have my favourite mint and lime soda before heading back to my hotel to change for an exclusive dinner hosted at CGH Earth Brunton Boatyard.

Kochi is a city that I've visited before, but after travelling at a slower pace through northern Kerala this time, its vibrancy feels refreshing — although after nearly two weeks on the road, I'm definitely ready for a quieter day!

If Kerala is somewhere you've been thinking about visiting, I've put together everything you need to start planning your own trip in my Kerala Travel Guide.