Watercolor Kerala

Watercolor Kerala

A separate country in and of itself, India’s south is the land of sacred myths and towering temples; of gentle people and awe inspiring landscapes veiled with green valleys and ancient traditions.

ELENA ASHIKOVA

Hailing from Moscow, Elena Ashikova is an artist who has been recording her travels through sketches, drawings and paintings. Her sensitivity towards a place and its people is evident in her regard and stripped-down, subtle aesthetic. Ashikova recently returned from an art-focused trip in South India and has shared with us her illustrated diary.

Follow Elena @art_ashikova

Kerala is often referred to as God’s Own Country, stretching along the tropical Malabar Coast with almost 600km of Arabian Sea coastline. Beloved for its palm-fringed sand beaches, peaceful network of backwaters, and the scent-filled plantations of the Western Ghats, a journey through this land calls for a slow-paced immersion into South India’s Hindu traditions, tantalising cuisine and scenic landscapes.

ELENA’S ITINERARY

— Kochin — Alappuzha — Munnar —

Kochin —

The coastal town of Fort Cochin is both beautiful and relaxing, with strong colonial history evident in the architecture of religious buildings and outposts. Having been under the rule of the Portuguese, Dutch and British, the town has a distinctly European feel. The Chinese fishing nets that line the seafront are uniquely interesting, where fishermen perform what looks like a ritualistic dance to catch the fish from the shore. As a prevalent hub for trade, the scent of fresh pepper, cinnamon, cardamon and cloves permeate the palm-lined streets of the town. There’s so much artistry and craftsmanship to learn in Kochin, experiencing Kathakali dancing.

Alappuzha —

The emerald backwaters of Kerala weave their way through sprawling plantations and verdant paddy fields. Like Kochin, these backwaters remain an important point of trade on the Malabar coast, and the abundance of aromatic spices, freshly-caught fish, and abundant coconut infuses local cuisine with the unique taste of the South. Houseboats, or Kettuvallams as they are locally known, offer an authentic accommodation and peaceful way to explore the historic and more remote locations of the landscape. Kerala’s backwaters are a world away from the frenzy of the rest of India, a welcome change of pace and experience to unwind.

Munnar —

Nestled in the emerald Western Ghats is the hill station of Munnar, surrounded by verdant rolling hills and fragrant plantations of tea, coffee and cardamom. During the colonial period, this region was a summer retreat of the British stationed in South India, who were lured by the cool mountain air and scenic landscapes. Although the town of Munnar has little charm, the nature surroundings are a sea of jade dotted with colonial-style estates, perfect for treks and nature walks. With ever changing tonalities of green and an almost-permanent dewy mist, this region is beautiful to capture both in painting and photography.