Fishing is also something that remains a respected tradition in areas such as Kovalam. The fishermen here rise early every day to prepare their nets and head out to sea to catch the day’s breakfast. The fish are used to sell at both the markets and nearby restaurants that line the beach. Watching the men fish in this particular way is quite fascinating; their hands-on approach is the antithesis of commercial fishing methods.
While I didn’t eat very much fish while I was there, the second of my beloved southern cuisine is another vegetarian dish: veg biryani. This rice dish is traditionally served as a huge mound on plate. Hidden beneath the abundance of freshly cooked, seasoned rice are chunks of sautéed vegetables like potato, carrots and onions abound in the middle. Flavors from saffron, coriander and mint mingle with biryani masala in this mildly spicy dish that glitters with oil. I usually devoured the heaping serving of home-cooked comfort food almost instantly. This traditional, authentic Kerala meal of giant proportion costs about 60R (less than 2USD) at local eateries in Kerala.
Perhaps the place that reminded me most of my home country, Canada, was Munnar because of its wonderful fresh air and natural scenery. Plenty of lush, green hills and areas to walk for hours, this city is actually known for its tea plantations. But you don’t need to be a tea connoisseur to take advantage of its natural beauty; simply spending time relaxing in the cool air is worth it.
This only begins to cover the very tip of the palm tree when it comes to exploring the cultures and landscapes of southern India. In a country as vast as it is colorful, India begs to be discovered. The country’s slogan, “Incredible India” has merit; there is so much to experience in this beautiful land.
ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER
Kimberly Lauren Bryant is a documentary photographer and visual artist currently based in Africa. Originally from Canada, she holds a degree in Visual Arts from the University of British Columbia and is a photography graduate of The Compelling Image. Specializing in creating unique imagery with a focus on bold color and pattern, she finds inspiration in film, art, and everyday life. With interests in travel and visual anthropology, her passion for creative expression shapes who she is and how she interacts with the world. Whilst continuing her long-standing love affair with visual language, Kimberly enjoys soaking up the myriad colors, sounds, and sights on offer around the world.
