Roads Untravelled: My Village Walk in Kannur, Kerala

The day after the temple tour, while discussing the day’s plans over our early morning breakfast, Indu (Blue Mermaid homestay host) came up with something completely offbeat from Kerela’s much-hyped regular charms like the temples and the beaches – A simple nature walk to explore the nearby area, including a village set amidst palm trees on the periphery of the Thottada beach in Kannur.

A nature walk?

Yes, and there is a local Shree Krishna Temple also a little down the town,

do visit that, it is beautiful. (next diary entry)

A few more minutes and I found myself walking down the long and narrow winding roads of Thottada village devoid of any maddening crowds. A perfect tonic to get rejuvenated in God’s own country, I thought and so it was, in the end... leaving me wanting for more. I spent around an hour or so assimilating all that I could in the haven of peace and have today brought back some memories presented below as a few striking highlights from my walk, have a look!

A Photo Essay from the Thottada village in Kannur, Kerala:

1. People:

Free from the urban trappings of monotony and not chained to cell phones, computers, internet, etc. life of the people here is simple revolving around the everyday chores of life...

A man goes about with his work

Yet, they manage to break themselves from the frustrating shackles of daily drudgery.

Inside a house: Spot the smiling couple towards the extreme of the picture.

I was busy in capturing the little lad but he seemed least interested in me.

Step in their routine and you will be welcomed with a fresh heart and a warm smile; in spite of a visibly stark language barrier between you and them, that is. I did manage to get a healthy dose of their warmth each time I had an opportunity to strike an interaction. Be it the bunch of girls who couldn’t stop giggling while I struggled to draw water from the well or the toothless granny who never shied away even a bit from flashing a wide grin when I asked the way to the Krishna Temple...

Hear the echo of the girl's giggling

I found the people of the village deeply inspiring in their own unique ways leaving subtle imprints on my heart to be cherished for today... tomorrow, forever.

2. Houses:

Houses rooted in a cozy earthy demeanor and ensconced in a cluster of greens constitute a major part in making the village what it is, simple, humble and inviting. 

Houses, traditional and earthy

A stone and mud fence

3. Hushed silences:

Here, tranquility is supreme. Traffic is almost nil, both vehicular and pedestrian. The equations reduce; it’s you and nature.

Roads untravelled

Your soft steps maneuvering the untravelled roads dotted with palm trees, the whispers of the wind ripping the grasses open, the gurgling of the sea and the chirping of the birds are in perfect rhythmic harmony. But for these sounds, the village is quiet... so quiet that the quiet is almost disquieting especially for an urban dweller like me. And yet, you never feel lonely here.

The company of Nature is enough for you.

Travel Tips:

An impromptu village walk is something that guide books or tour operators rarely recommend yet it is an activity that promises satisfaction for all those who truly seek. So, go for it, get away from the humdrum and take a breather close to nature and your roots. Many a times, simple journeys like these make for beautiful moments worth remembering.