Previously solely known to the local farmers and fishermen, the tranquil backwaters of Alappuzha and Kuttanad are now a popular tourist destination worldwide. Kuttanad is known for its soggy paddy fields, coconut groves, and glistening lakes and lagoons. It has long been a treasure trove of natural treasures. Since the 1990s, filmmakers have been drawn to its unspoiled appeal, and more than 200 films in a variety of languages have used its alluring backgrounds.
However, Kuttanad’s aesthetic appeal extends beyond the big screen. The emergence of social media and drone technology provided new means of documenting and disseminating the area’s stunning scenery.
The atmosphere has been further improved by the arrival of Charly K. C., an event photographer who is now a visual storyteller of the state’s backwaters. The 40-year-old Muhamma resident’s efforts have contributed to a fresh appreciation of Kerala’s scenic splendor. Charly’s love of photography was the starting point of his adventure.
He remembers, “I began by photographing weddings and other events.” I started posting my artwork on social media in 2014. I later purchased a drone camera and set out to document Alappuzha’s natural splendor, particularly its beaches and backwaters.
Charly has taken over 500 photos since then, many of which have gone viral on the internet. His camera captures the poetic beauty of Kuttanad in breathtaking detail, from overhead vistas of Pathiramanal Island to the charming rural roads of Kainakari and the captivating glimpses of “islands” formed by flooded paddy fields.
According to Charly, “every community and every flooded paddy field has a narrative.” “I attempt to demonstrate how life and environment interact in this special place.”
However, Charly’s work is not only creative; it is also business-oriented. He claims that social media sites like Facebook and Instagram pay for well-liked content. I have been able to travel to different places, broaden my horizons, and increase my investments as a result. I have also started sharing 360-degree photos, and on average, each one receives over 50,000 views.
Charly’s success is indicative of a larger trend in which social media, technology, and passion come together to support local tourism and empower individual producers.
