Most of the Hindu temples in Kerala own elephants, many of them being donated by devotees. It is believed that gods of neighbouring temples visit on elephant back to pay their respects to the presiding god of the temple. The temple elephants are quite a sight as they are richly decorated during annual festival processions. People atop the elephants hold silk parasols and the elephants are gaily decorated with gold plated caparisons and have golden head gear. ©Ingetje Tadros

The Kerala backwaters network includes five large lakes linked by canals, both man made and natural, fed by 38 rivers, and extending virtually half the length of Kerala state. ©Ingetje Tadros

Preparations for a local wedding, this (is) was not easy to watch.. ©Ingetje Tadros