The Mystic Highlands of Kerala, South India

As the early morning sun streaks light across a sea of green, plantation workers ready themselves for a blistering hot day collecting the leaves that will be your morning 'pot of tea'. Covered in burlap and plastic aprons the workers chop away filling their bags to make the daily quota of 40 kilos. Next door branches of pepper corn are thrashed by hand and foot, making the spice right
Drums and symbols break the silence...
more »

The Mystic Highlands of Kerala, South India

As the early morning sun streaks light across a sea of green, plantation workers ready themselves for a blistering hot day collecting the leaves that will be your morning 'pot of tea'. Covered in burlap and plastic aprons the workers chop away filling their bags to make the daily quota of 40 kilos. Next door branches of pepper corn are thrashed by hand and foot, making the spice right
Drums and symbols break the silence along the streets. Women are dressed in every colour of the rainbow in celebration. Villagers from all corners have come to honour and care for the temple of Shiva, one of the most cherished and protected Gods in the Hindu religion. Devoted followers will wait hours to give prayer to their beloved Shiva, cleansing themselves and the temple for the coming year. Once blessed, forgiven and hopefully not forgotten, it is time to celebrate with all that the harvest has provided. Huge vats of rice, papadams and local delicacies fill the air with rich aromas. Spirits are revived, renewed and honoured. It is a day for all to come together, to bring peace and harmony to all.

for your evening meal. This is the daily norm for farmers in the highland regions. A room in the house is for sleeping, a room for eating and a room for harvesting the pepper. Chickens, pigs, dogs and cats make space wherever it is to be found!

Full feature text by Jillian Macdonald available for publication at Adventure4ever.com
« less