Lenscape Kerala photo exhibition brings Kerala’s soul alive
Newz Daddy Travel and Tourism Updates
Lenscape Kerala photo exhibition shows why Kerala inspires travellers
Kerala Tourism Department has opened its all-India photo exhibition titled ‘Lenscape Kerala’ at Hutheesing Visual Arts Centre in Ahmedabad, bringing the colours, moods and living traditions of Kerala closer to people in the western region of the country. The exhibition has been designed as a visual journey into ‘God’s Own Country’, offering visitors a chance to see the state beyond travel brochures and social media images.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Dr Mallika Sarabhai, a well-known classical dancer and public intellectual, who is also the Chancellor of Kerala Kalamandalam Deemed to be University for Art and Culture. Her presence added depth to the event, as she spoke about how movement, light and emotion give life to a still image. Coming from a background deeply rooted in art and performance, her views helped visitors understand photography as more than just a frozen moment.
Lenscape Kerala features 100 carefully selected photographs by 10 leading travel and media photographers from across India. These photographers spent five days travelling through different parts of Kerala, capturing the state’s varied landscapes and everyday life. Their work reflects forests, backwaters, wildlife, old temples, coastal villages, festivals and quiet rural moments. Together, the images present Kerala as a place where nature, culture and people are closely linked.
The exhibition is curated by Ms Uma Nair, a respected art curator and critic known for making art accessible to wider audiences. Her approach focuses on storytelling through images, which is clearly visible in the way the photographs are displayed. Each frame connects with the next, helping viewers move smoothly from one part of Kerala’s story to another. A guided walkthrough led by Ms Nair after the inauguration helped visitors understand the ideas and effort behind the show.
A short behind-the-scenes film titled ‘Frame Within a Frame’ was also screened at the opening. The film gave viewers a glimpse into the photographers’ journey, showing how much patience, planning and travel are involved in capturing meaningful images. This added an educational layer to the exhibition, especially for young visitors interested in photography.
In a message shared on the occasion, Kerala Tourism Minister Shri P A Mohamed Riyas highlighted the strong cultural and economic ties between Gujarat and Kerala. He pointed out that tourists from western India form a major part of Kerala’s visitor base. By bringing the exhibition to Ahmedabad, Kerala Tourism aims to strengthen this bond and inspire more people to explore the state in a thoughtful and responsible way.
The choice of the Hutheesing Visual Arts Centre as the venue also holds importance. The centre is known for hosting serious art exhibitions and attracts students, artists and families alike. By placing the exhibition in such a space, Kerala Tourism has positioned travel photography as a form of cultural expression rather than simple promotion.
The Director of Photography for the exhibition, renowned wildlife and conservation photographer Shri Balan Madhavan, ensured that the images maintain high technical and ethical standards. His background in conservation photography is reflected in the respectful way wildlife and natural spaces have been portrayed, without disturbance or drama.
The photographers featured include Aishwarya Sridhar, Amit Pasricha, H Satish, Kounteya Sinha, Manoj Arora, Natasha Kartar Hemrajani, Saibal Das, Saurabh Chatterjee, Shivang Mehta and Umesh Gogna. Each photographer brings a unique style, resulting in a collection that feels rich and balanced rather than repetitive.
Adding further value to the event, a master class for aspiring photographers will be held as part of the exhibition. Conducted by Ms Natasha Kartar Hemrajani and Shri Umesh Gogna, the session aims to guide young talent on travel photography, storytelling and ethical practices. Such interactions help build skills and encourage creative careers.
Lenscape Kerala will remain open in Ahmedabad until February 5, welcoming visitors from 11 am to 8 pm. After this, it will travel to major cities including Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Surat. This nationwide journey reflects Kerala Tourism’s effort to reach diverse audiences and promote deeper engagement with the state’s heritage.
At a time when many travellers look for meaningful and immersive experiences, this exhibition stands out by using art to spark curiosity and respect for place. Through simple yet powerful images, Lenscape Kerala reminds viewers that travel is not just about destinations, but about understanding the stories, people and environments that make a place special.