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

The Instagram clip has amassed over 38m views, 4.5m likes and thousands of comments

Last updated:
Balaram Menon (Senior Web Editor)
2 MIN READ
Kerala’s hidden cricket ground goes viral for its Amazon-like beauty
Instagram/notonthemap

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.

A serene slice of ‘God’s own country’

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.

From staff ground to community hub

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.

Viral moment by offbeat influencer

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!"

Balaram Menon
Balaram MenonSenior Web Editor
Balaram brings more than two decades of experience in the media industry, combining sharp editorial judgment with a deep understanding of digital news dynamics. Since 2004, he has been a core member of the gulfnews.com digital team, playing a key role in shaping its identity. Passionate about current affairs, politics, cricket, entertainment, and viral content, Balaram thrives on stories that spark conversation. His strength lies in adapting to the fast-changing news landscape and curating compelling content that resonates with readers.

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