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A photography exhibition offering a glimpse into Kerala was opened last night. ‘Kerala - God’s Own Country’ is being held at the Arts Centre, next to Bahrain National Museum, under the patronage of Culture Minister Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa. It features photographs taken by renowned Bahraini photographer Abdullah Al Khan during his visit to the Indian state. The exhibition will continue until July 6 and will be open from 9am to 7pm.

H.E Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al-Khalifa, Minister of Culture, inaugurated the photo expo as part of festivities marking Manama Capital of Asian Tourism 2014. The artist, Abdullah Khan selected the photo expo, showcasing the enthralling beauty of Kerala, a state in the south-west region of India, opened today at the Art Centre. The state really is blessed with great natural beauty, and diverse ecology, and has strong ties with GCC countries especially Bahrain.

Indeed, Kerala has a rich history as one of the most diverse parts of India . It is a major tourist destination where people go for the relaxing tropical climate and lush scenery. This timeless image belies the fact that it was in this part of India that major strides were made in scientific knowledge. Hence a total of 54 pictures by prominent Bahraini photographer Abdulla Al-Khan went on display at the exhibition being held under the theme ‘Kerala: God’s Own Country".

Abdullah Al Khan started photographing in the 50’s on film. Now, after 60 years of capturing poignant images with his lens, he present his latest digital body of work entitled, "God's Own Country".
These images are a collection one of his travels last in Kerala, India. Kerala, whose name means, "God's Own Country”, is known to be one of the pre-eminent places in India that showcases the rich nature of the region. From the images, the beauty of landscape and the people within it shine, showing the viewer a colorful reality that is within reach. It is the most literate state in India, and a land of diverse religions, where you can find Hindu temples, mosques, churches, and even synagogues. With world class tourist sporting options, ayurvedic spas and treatments and eco-tourism initiatives.

Renowned Bahrain photographer Abdulla Al-Khan held an exhibition last year at Arts Center under the theme "Salalah: Through Bahraini Eyes" on the sidelines of Manama Capital of Arab Tourism 2012. Artist Abdullah Khan invited Kerala to Bahrain because of its breathtaking natural beauty, for the visitor listen to spiritual chants, wake up to the birds symphony and along the way you will pass rice fields, tiny villages, boats transporting to the other side of the lake.