Kerala’s hidden cricket ground goes viral for its Amazon-like beauty

Tucked away in the verdant landscapes of Kerala’s Thrissur district, a remote cricket ground has taken social media by storm.

Though it may resemble a slice of the Amazon rainforest, the breathtaking site is actually the Palappilly cricket field, tucked deep within the Harrisons Malayalam Plantation in Varandarappilly.

Kerala, often hailed as ‘God’s own country,’ is celebrated for its natural beauty — ranging from backwaters and beaches to forested hills and sprawling plantations. The Palappilly ground stands as a testament to this charm, offering a surreal setting where the sport meets serenity.

According to Mathrubhumi.com, the ground was originally established decades ago by the Harrison Malayalam company for the recreation of its plantation workers. Over the years, it has evolved into a community space for both employees and locals — a quiet retreat accessible only by a narrow, tree-lined path, hidden from most maps and aerial views.

Social media influencer Sreejith S, known for exploring offbeat destinations on his Instagram page @notonthemap, shot the now-viral drone video. Overlaying the clip with the words, “This is not Amazon rainforest,” he showcased locals playing cricket amidst the wilderness.

The video has amassed over 38 million views, 4.5 million likes and thousands of comments. In a follow-up post, Sreejith thanked his audience:  "This vid blew up, but definitely it's not my favourite drop. Hoping my real gems, which I had posted will get this kind of love someday! Insta algo's wild!"

"Huge, heartfelt thanks for the massive support, kind words and endless likes, comments and DMs — you all make this journey epic!"