KERALA: A WET BEAUTY IN THE MONSOON

KERALA: A WET BEAUTY IN THE MONSOON

www.ktexplorer.com/kerala_wet/

Everything about tourism is perception driven and perceptions influenced by industry needs. Local climactic conditions, play a significant role in deciding the tourist traffic to a place and based on the resultant convenience and comfort levels, that location is assigned “an ideal season”, referred to as "tourist season”. Based on “ideal seasons” tourism Professionals create “tourist calendars” to help people plan visits. Tourist inflow to "The God's own country", accordingly, thins out during the monsoons.

South- West Monsoon normally reaches Kerala shores in the first week of June. This coincides with the middle of the Malayalam month "Edavam" (May-June), Therefore the south-west monsoon is referred to as, "Edava Pathi"(Pathi meaning Half), in Kerala. Edavam" is followed by the months of "Mithunam" (June-July) and then "Karkidakam" (July – August). The beginning of June, brings copious amounts of rains to the shores of Kerala and heavy rains persist till September.  Although, it does not incessantly rain throughout, rains accompanied by thunderstorms, are likely at any time of the day or night. Sun does make its welcome appearance between heavy rains. The combination, of heavy rains and bright sun, gives Kerala, its typical, humid, lush-green tropical conditions. The south-west monsoon, is indeed the "waters of life" and without it, Kerala would be a shadow of the lush green beauty, that it is. Despite the thunderstorms, if one has to experience friendly rains, there is no other place like Kerala to do so.

Though, the industry markets, winter as the best time to visit Kerala, the wet lush green beauty of Kerala, during monsoons, remains unmatched and largely un-visited. Monsoon is the time when nature rejuvenates. Physically, witnessing it and being a part of it, offers an experience that is close to divine. Soaked to its brim, earth brings forth small brooks and rivulets from every possible corner. Wide variety of trees, bushes and shrubs fill the landscape with beautiful greens. When the sun shines on, drops of rain, in love with their leafy hosts, refusing to leave their tips, become sparkling crystals, gifting the canopy a heavenly hue. Monsoon breathes fresh life into the rivers of Kerala and recharged backwaters offer unforgettable house boat experiences. The hills of Kerala, with low hung misty clouds that a visitor can actually touch and feel, attain an ethereal look. A drive or walk in the tea gardens in the “high ranges” or walk along the paddy fields, during this season would certainly rewrite concepts of ecstasy. Holding one's love close, under an umbrella and taking a walk, either in silence or whispering to each other in the rain, on a winding village road, is romance that one can look forward to and treasure. For those interested in a bit of soul searching, monsoon stay at the hill resorts help. Just sitting back on an easy chair, with a cup of steaming cup of “Kapee” and watching the rains or sun break through the thick green blanket, countless birds chirping in accompaniment, is bliss in itself. Resorts, home-stays and hotels have spare capacities in monsoon and costs lesser compared to winter. A monsoon visitor to Kerala, would be spared from perils of overcrowding at tourist destinations. Tourists, interested in getting the best out of Kerala, thus should visit “The Gods Own Country” during monsoons.

Kerala, predominantly an agrarian society, was heavily influenced by the annual cycle of rains. Cereals and pulses for consumption, during monsoons, was from, what was stored at home. The third month of an extended rainy season, forced people to scrape the bottom of their food reserves, making Karkidakam, the last of the monsoon months, synonymous with shortages and hardships.  Karkidakam was thus, referred to as "Panja Masam", (“Panjam” means shortages and “Masam” means Month) in other words “Month of shortages”. Things have changed, Panjam, doesn't exist anymore.

In olden days, Karkidakam was particularly tough on the population due to scarcity of food. Reading of Ramayan, spiritually strengthened the natives to tide over hardships. It reminded people of the need to remain steadfast in virtues, during trying times and amidst tribulations. Socially, it helped keep crime levels low and the social fabric intact. Although society has come a long way since then, the traditional practice of reading, Ramayana in the month of Karkidakam, continues with all the devotion and sanctity it deserves. Thus Karkidakam, is known as "Ramayana Masam". Listening to the recitals in a tune unique to this event, emanating from houses in the evening, can be a spiritually uplifting experience. Those interested in traditional religious practices, would be delighted to watch or take part in a ritual called "Karkidaka Vavu Bali". This is a Hindu custom where people offer prayers and offerings to the departed souls. Performed with utmost piety and devotion, this is an event that can have an impact of a different kind.

Karkidakam, is also the month when natives undergo “Karkidaka Chikatsa”, a traditional Ayurvedic treatment, consisting of oil massages, steam baths and diet of selected cereals, pulses and medicinal herbs. Ayurvedic practitioners, believe that human skin, naturally hydrated during monsoons, opens it pores, making it, receptive to application of oil and massages. “Pancha Karma”, a part of “Karkidaka Chikatsa”, involves five different approaches to detoxify the body and correcting stress induced imbalances. It is a very highly individualised treatment prescribed by a qualified Ayurvedic doctor after diagnosis of various “doshas” present in an individual, depending on body constitution, age and immunity levels besides other parameters. The treatment is administered by trained professionals under supervision of the medical practitioner.

In an agrarian society, oil massages were part of the preparations for the season of work in the fields. This is normally done, without having to go to an Ayurvedic doctor. Knowledge and practices integral to families led to an ayurvedic practice called, "Sukha Chikatsa", (Sukha means wellness or comfort and Chikatsa means treatment). Sukha Chikatsa" " is primarily confined to various oil massages and special diet. This traditional practice is now available as, “Kerala Ayurvedic massage” all over the world. Ayurvedic massage parlours are plenty all over the state. Tourists can visit these parlours and indulge themselves in the relaxing and refreshing activity that no other country or place offers.

With so much to offer and nothing as beautifully wet, as Kerala in monsoons, God’s own country beckons.