Kumarakom, the backwater village

Kumarakom, a village in South Kerala, is a sought after destination for backwater rides. 

There is a house boat hub where you can hire one of these monster boats.

There are many to chose from.

 

If you think house boats are expensive, then there are other choices.

A smaller version house boat-

Or even a canoe-

There are smaller canals, where a small canoe is a better fit.

People live close to the water. You will see houses right next to the water.

Pink is a popular colour for houses. In Kerala, pink clothes are worn by both the sexes. I do not buy pink clothes for myself. Now and then, I get pink shirts as gifts !:)

Kumarakom is a bird haven as well. Here is a leafy lane inside Kumarakom bird sanctuary.

The lush landscape is right near the vast lake. There are small canals entering it.

In addition to native birds, there are several migratory birds reaching here from the north.

Another essential ingredient to the mix-

Apart from the hype and a few resorts, this is a rustic location where people get on with their simple lives.

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Kerala spices

Kerala is one of the places on the planet where spices grow the best. Even thousands of years ago, traders from different parts of the world regularly arrived here in ships to buy pepper and other spices.

Turmeric is one of the widely used spices in India. The dry tubers are powdered to make the spice that you see in the kitchen cabinet. The health benefits of circumin contained in turmeric is no longer a secret. From preventing cancer to healing wounds, the advantages are many.

I don't have to tell you about we Indian's love of chillies. The variety of chillies that are grown in India is quite impressive.

Kerala cooking uses chillies in different forms. Fresh chillies are used as such. For some dishes fresh chillies are ground with other spices to make a paste. Chilly powder is also a common ingredient in cooking. Red chillies as in the picture, goes well in some dishes such as Upma.

You will see a chilly plant or two in any backyard.

Kerala pepper has been known to the world for thousands of years. Do you know that the mummy of egyptian Pharaoh Ramesses II has pepper stuffed in the nostrils? He lived about 3300 years ago. Malabar coast (Kerala) was the only source of pepper during that time.

Pepper is the most traded spice, thanks to its universal acceptance as a spice and seasoning.

Because of the strong aroma, cloves are used in meat dishes. It is also used in bakery products. Clove oil has a variety of uses. An ingredient in mouth wash products, it is also used to relieve tooth ache.

Cardamom grows well in the wet cool conditions of the eastern hilly region of Kerala. You will find some of the best quality cardamoms in this part of the world.

Cinnamon was one of the highly sought after spices of the ancient world. Do you know that cinnamon was more valuable than gold?

Cinnamon has an inferior alternative - cassia. Beware, cassia causes health issues. Cassia closely resembles cinnamon, which makes distinguishing between the two difficult.

Coriander is a widely used spice. In kerala, coriander powder is added to most curries.

In Kerala, Ginger is used in meat dishes. Injikkari or Injippuli is a dish made of ginger. Pickles and candies are also made out of them.

Dry ginger, called Chukku, is usually kept at homes as a medicine.

Chukku and Kurumulaku, a concoction of dried ginger and pepper powder is used to relieve cold and flu symptoms.

Sesame is grown as an alternative crop in paddy fields. Sesame grows well in the dry season when growing rice is not possible.

The seeds are used to make sesame snacks such as Ellunda (sesame balls), a popular snack. 

Mustard seeds is an active ingredient in Kerala cooking. Usually they are added to hot oil to burst and release the flavor and added to curries.

Star anise is NOT cultivated in Kerala. However, it is used in meat dishes as an optional spice.

In India, the only place it grows is Arunachal Pradesh.

In India, Nutmeg is used in Mughal style cooking. It also has medicinal properties. Nutmeg powder is and ingredient in Gharam Masala.

Nutmeg and mace are two spices obtained from the same tree. Nutmeg is the seed, mace is the covering of the seed.

Mace is similar in flavor to Nutmeg and is used in a variety of dishes including meat preparations and desserts.

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A typical Kerala backyard - what to expect

Plantains are a popular item in any backyard right across Kerala. From large Nendran to tiny Kadali, there are many varieties of bananas.

Nendran bananas are used for making banana chips and fried bananas.

Here is guava. The plants grow without much attention and a common find in the back yard if not the front yard.

This red version of coconut tree is well liked by people. They are ideal as tender coconuts for drinking.

Pile up of coconuts is a common sight. There are two reasons. Firstly, households use fresh coconuts for curries and other food. So, after harvesting, they need to keep some coconuts aside. Secondly, over the years the price of coconuts have crashed so much, there is no point in rushing to sell.

In the picture is a backyard shed with a pile up of coconuts next to it.

Pepper vines needs support, so they are grown on large trees.

Colocassia has another name - elephant ears. And you know why. The corms (root tubers) and the leaves are used to make dishes.

Colocasia is called Chembu in Kerala. Chembu Puzhukku (stew) with congee is a traditional diet.

Egg plant is known as Brinjal in India. That is the name in Indian English. You say egg plant and no body knows what you are talking about. The name in malayalam is Vazhuthana.

The red soil is so fertile that plants grow well.

Yam include several species. The one in the following picture is called Chena in Kerala. The tuber is circular and weighs several kilos when fully grown. It is used in curries. Chena mezhukkupuratti (kerala style stir fry) is also popular.

Pappya grows without any nurturing, produces well and has a variety of uses. No need to tell you about ripe pappaya as a fruit. Unripe pappya is great for curries and other dishes.

Chillies, basil, muringa (moringa, drumstick), mango trees, ginger and vegies such as tomatoes are usually grown.

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Guruvayoor anathavalam - the elephant park in Central Kerala

Anathavalam (also Anakotta, Punnathurkotta) is an elephant park located a couple of kms from Guruvayoor.

 What you see scattered around the elephant is palm leaves. Elephants feed on them.

A constant supply is necessary lest the giants turn hungry and angry.

Over the years, Anakotta has become a very busy tourist spot.Where else could you get the opportunity to see dozens of elephants in close range?

You may wonder who owns the place? It belongs to Guruvayoor temple.

 The temple did not start Anakotta as a tourist place. Tourism is just a bye product.

Elephants are intelligent creatures and have a special status in temple rituals. Several temples own elephants.

Guruvayoor is one of the major temples in India. They own far more elephants than any other temple. They usually have 60 - 90 elephants.

 

If you are visiting Guruvayoor, you can easily reach Anathavalam (Elephant Park) by hiring a 3 wheeler. It is just about 5 minutes ride from Guruvayoor West Nada. Add a couple more minutes for East Nada.

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