Yes, the similarities between different cultures is so intriguing!! Sailing across the Indian Ocean was most likely how Egypt interacted with Kerala. Ports on the Red Sea in Egypt were active in very ancient times (since at least 2400 BCE) and Kerala is right on the coast. Trade between Egypt and Kerala existed around 300 BCE, so it shouldn't be surprising that oceanic trade existed even before. Tamil Nadu and Kerala have very different cultures, even though they are neighbors.