Travel Photography South India
Tamil Nadu & Kerala
I love to explore exotic places and experience different cultures up close. For my travel photos spontaneity is more important to me than technical perfection. I like to point and shoot so that I capture the moment without the pictures looking posed.
India is a very colourful place and one color that stands out for me in particular while traveling in the South is cool BLUE. This makes sense in the hot climate and is visually stunning on buildings and in textiles.
When photographing people I look for a certain openness, respecting cultural and social norms.
My experience in India is that females in general are more camera shy.
Pilgrims in traditional Sari waiting outside a Temple in Tamil Nadu. The young woman in the back is wearing a more contemporary Kurti in a striking shade of blue.
The Amirthagateswarar Abhirami Temple in Thirukkadaiyur, Tamil Nadu is as as phantastic and ornate as its name. The Temple was built during the Chola dynasty in the 9th century and it is dedicated to the Hindu Good Shiva and his wife Parvati.
Life around the Temple complex is just as interesting. This Hindu worshiper and his playful boys don’t mind the camera.
The Dravidian Chola culture in Tamil Nadu were prolific builders on a mega scale. The creativity and beauty of Temples, Palaces and Sculptors are remarkable.
In rural Tamil Nadu people live a very simple life. The divide between wealthy and poor in urban ares is tremendous and unsustainable.
This Monkey is absorbed in a meditative state as he attentively peels an egg. This must be a special treat.
Beautiful flowers and flowering trees make the mundane look more poetic.
Kerala is more pleasant than most places in India. Kerala has benefited from being a popular tourist destination and it is one of the richest Indian States.
I did not see stark poverty like in New Delhi and it did feel safe for a female solo traveler. Unlike Tamil Nadu that has experienced a lot of deforestation the tropical landscape is still lush and green.
Locals call Kerala “God’s own Country”.
I wonder if this Kerala Elephant enjoys the bath or maybe she is dazzled because her legs are chained. I like to assume that because she is quite an investment, she is treated well. Besides theoretically elephants are worshiped as Ganesha mother goddess by Hindus.
Kathakali Dancers are unique to Kerala and the tradition goes back to the 17th century.
This Kalari Marshal Artist is also a Kalari Marma Chikitsa Healer. He comes from a long line of Kalari Masters, the knowledge is passed down through the generations. Kalari was invented in Kerala and has been practiced there for over 3000 years.
This man is harvesting Ayurvedic Herbal Medicine for one of the countless Ayurveda Clinics. Kerala is a popular destination for Ayurveda and Panchakarma Treatments.
I will share my experience in Panchakarma clinics in a separate post.
Kerala has been known as the spice capital of the world for over 5000 years. From Kochi (Cochin) cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, ginger, clove, pepper and turmeric were sent via the silk road and later shipped by sea.
Kerala cuisine is very spicy and at least for Hindu Vegetarians (this is not the case in other states). This flavourful traditional food was served on banana leaf.
Kerala Backwaters are a network of lagoons and lakes. Spending a lazy day in a houseboat is a good way to explore this green water world.
Colourful Water Lilies grow in the Kerala Backwaters.
A Family enjoys a Sunday afternoon walk at the river.
I meet this friendly Lady at an Elephant Park. She is wearing a Sari in the traditional Kerala colors, white and gold. Women of every class in Kerala are adorned with gold jewelery, they are often family heirlooms.
South India is a phantastic place to visit and a dream destination for Travel Photographers. I shall return….
Elke Savala is a Holistic Healer and Artist