I
am from Kerala and I always come across people who say that Keralites are a
little weird. I don’t believe that Kerala is weird but I do think there are
some peculiar elements in this culture. This might create problems for the
tourists who are not familiar with this. Sometimes it is the simple act of the
crowd staring at you when you take a stroll or the extreme enthusiasm or even
the lack thereof they show when you ask them for help. Sometimes, an outsider might feel a little
weird when in Kerala but it is not actually the people being weird. Keralites
have their own unique style of living and this might come off as “weird” for
some people. So I thought it would be helpful if I equip all visitors to face
any possible problems that they might experience when in Kerala.
Do
keep in mind that some of these weird habits are seen in other parts of India
also. It is not all just a mallu thing.
1. THE BUS CULTURE
The
Problem: The public transport system in Kerala is pretty much on point and
because of this, people depend on it a lot. This is the reason why most busses
and trains are always crowded. And this is also the reason why tourists feel
weird if they have to catch a bus to get from Point A to Point B. The commuters
do not usually care if you are a tourist or a local. They will grab that seat
from right under your nose if they can. Also, the private bus drivers do no
care if it is your first time on a bus. They are going to break without any
sort of warning and it may thrown you into the front glass.
Solution:
You have two options to face this situation. 1) Don’t take a bus. Hire a cab,
get a rickshaw (which means you’ll have to fight for fair fares) or just walk.
Or
2)
Take a bus, learn the culture. It is not very tough. Get in, grab on to
something so you stay put and fight for a seat if it is “rightfully” yours. I
am making this sound like a very tough and serious task but it is very easy to
learn the bus culture. Once you learn it, the bus rides are going to be fun.
Oh,
and by the way, Air Conditioned Volvo buses by the government run through most
major cities. You can hop into one of them and you would not have to face much
drama.
2. THE LOVE FOR LULU MALL
The
problem: This is one thing about my people in Kochi which irritates me. A lot.
Lulu mall is situated in Edapally which is a little outside the main city
centre. This is a big mall with many shops inside and since I love shopping, I
like going there. Problem is, it is never not crowded on a holiday. There was
even a time when I went during the CBSE exams on a weekday and was still
suffocated by the crowd. Now, don’t get me wrong. I don’t hate crowds or
people. It is just that when I want to just do some retail therapy, it is not
exactly hordes of people I need. It is empty shops with sales people pampering
me. So, people of Kochi? Why are you all in Lulu mall?
Solution:
Avoid the place on a holiday. Or peek from the outside and get an idea of the
crowd. If it is too crowded, leave. I am sorry. I have no other words of advice
on this.
3. THE DAARU ACQUIREMENT ISSUE
Keralites
are known for their love for daaru. We are talking about a state which mourned
when the government closed down the bars in the State. I remember some of my
friends and family sulking about this. Like actually sulking. I wouldn’t say I
understand this obsession with intoxication and neither do I endorse it in any
way. However, if you are in Kerala and want to have a drink, you can get it
easily.
Stand
in a BEVCO (Beverages Corporation) Queue. This is a very well mannered queue
and according to my sources it is a long but peaceful wait. If that is too much
work for you, get into a toddy shop. Toddy, known as “Kallu” in the local
language is an indigenous drink from Kerala. It is only mildly alcoholic and is
made from coconut tree. At toddy shops there is also the added advantage of
getting lip smacking food. Try that too if you are in one such shop.
The
problem of acquiring your own liquor is a headache only if the place you are
staying at doesn’t serve alcohol or the service is too costly. I must remind
this though: Alcohol is injurious to health.
4. THE “FOOD CROWD”
The
Problem: Keralites love food. And because of this, the cuisine is amazing. And
this means more people going out to restaurants to have meals. The result?
Crowded restaurants and cafes. I refer to such huge waiting queues in
restaurants as the “food crowd”. These are the people who love eating at
restaurants and it is because of them that you end up having to wait for half
an hour at every good restaurant in town. Another reason could be you being
lazy and not reserving a seat on time, but let us not delve on that. This food
crowd might discourage a tourist from eating from a good restaurant, but never
walk away from a restaurant just because it is crowded. That is not the way to
go in Kerala. Just stick around and talk the manager into giving you an easy
pass because “Atithi Devo Bhava”.
The
solution: Okay, honestly, I don’t think the whole “Atithi Devo Bhava” thing is
going to work in Kerala. So you basically have only one option. Reserve a seat
in advance. Don’t miss out on that Biryani you wanted to try just because of
the “food crowd”. Overtake them all and relish your meal during Kerala Holidays
5. THE
WHOLE STARING THING
Ladies,
this one is especially for you but I feel the need to protect my people on this
issue. I get it that people in Kerala generally have a tendency to stare at
others in public places. This applies to everyone. Men, women, children,
seniors, everyone stares in Kerala. Although I don’t enjoy this, there is a
part of me which feels defensive when a tourist complains about this. I get it:
you don’t want to be ogled at all the time. It feels weird and creepy and maybe
a little flattering all at the same time and you don’t know how to handle that
many emotions. However, understand that this is a cultural thing in Kerala.
People usually have time in their hands here and only a very minor group of
people lead a busy life. Because of this laid back attitude, people find time
to look around and relax most of the time.
And
when they look around, they see others and it is part of their ways to look and
maybe stare at that other person.
Sometime a glance is converted into a stare and in the case of some
freaks, into ogling. Ignore it if
possible. Or stare back at them. Have a staring contest. Chances are, the
creeps will look away as soon as you stare back.
Now
it is not the creeps I want to defend, but the other people who may stare at
you. If you find a girl staring at you, chances are, she admires you and your
style. Just smile at her.
If
a kid is staring at you, just wave and nod. Kids are not creeps. Their
intentions are all good.
If
an elder person is staring at you, there are two ways to go about it depending
on what sort of stare it is:
1) the rude stare: if they are staring at you with
contempt or disapproval in their eyes, stare back at them and scare them off.
2)
The pleasant stare: If the stare has a little affinity in it, be warm. Chances
are, they like you and consider you amiable.
The
last one is exclusively for the ladies because I know how irritating it can be
to travel in public and we faced by ogling locals. It feels weird most times. Kerala
is usually a safe place but there could be some exceptions also. Remember, you
don’t have to put up with any sort of unpleasant behaviour from the locals just
because you are an outsider. Usually a look from you can scatter the creeps.
So
that is my tiny list of problems one may face in Kerala. Most of these are not
even major problems but some random things I have seen people getting irritated
about. Just go by the list if you face a problem I have explained. Let us know
if there is any other problem you observed while in Kerala and I (with my
infinite wisdom :P) will help you by providing some solutions.
Kerala is an awesome place to be. Book your Kerala Tour Packages today. Visit: http://www.keralaholidayclub.com
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