Kerala conjures up the images of mist clad mountains, pristine backwaters, beaches and crowded roads. However, there is more to it than meets the eye. The rustic, charming villages and warm hearted people who will try their best to communicate with you in broken English. Take a look at these photos taken by Praveen Elayi during his many travels acorss Kerala. **All in a day's work** For this senior citizen and his family, life is all about tough work - sometimes from early morning to late in the evenings. They weave magic out of bamboo. And his smile, priceless. **Across the river** These rickety bridges connect villages to the towns. This is from a village in Wayanad, but scenes like this could be from anywhere else too. **Shopping time** Yes, people still sell and buy cattle. In most of the villages, this is a weekly affair. **Time to head home** Cows and goats are an integral part of village life. And hence taking care of these animals is part of life too. **On the lookout** This is a scene from Wayanad, again. The machan is for the weary farmer to take a brief break – or call in help from the village folk if there is some wild animal on prowl. **Casting a net** This is a picture off the shores of Kochi. Njarakal is one of those villages where you can fish for yourself. All you need to do is strike up a conversation with the villager and they will let you catch a fish or two. Kerala Tourism department has come up with some innovative tourism ideas in these areas around Kochi. **More than just roads** There are not many places you can see this scene these days. Paddy being laid out to dry on the village roads. Walk through them, sit by the farm for a while and you definitely will feel relaxed. **By the river** There is always time for conversations. And during these conversations they discuss everything - from family to international politics. **Natural fences** Long before the mud walls came, people marked boundary with shrubs. A typical village scene. This again was taken during a trip through Wayanad. Also see [Would you believe that these places are in Kerala](http://travel.manoramaonline.com/travel/my-discovery/places-unseen-kerala-idukki-marayoor-munnar-chokramudi-less-visited.html) [Not so famous places in Idukki](http://travel.manoramaonline.com/travel/getting-around-kerala/reasons-to-visit-idukki-new-tourism-hotspots-less-famous-destinations-travel-kerala.html)
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