Whispers of the Western Ghats: Manideep’s Family Journey Through Kerala’s Beauty

Some places call you back, not just for their beauty but for the way they make you feel. Kerala was one such place for us. This was not our first trip with Thrillophilia, nor was it our first time exploring this enchanting land of tea gardens, misty hills, and backwaters. But the thing about Kerala? No matter how many times you visit, it always has something new to offer.

So, with hearts full of anticipation, we packed our bags once again, ready to see Kerala through fresh eyes - this time, with our kids eager to create their own stories.

The moment we landed in Kochi, nostalgia hit me like a warm breeze, along with the scent of the sea and a faint trace of spices. We were greeted by Saneer, our driver for the trip. Having travelled with Thrillophilia before, I knew the service would be seamless, but Saneer’s warm smile and enthusiasm added an extra touch of excitement.

"Back for another adventure?" he asked as we loaded our luggage. I laughed. "Kerala never gets old."

A Journey Through Mist and Tea Gardens in Munnar

Our first stop was Munnar, the land that had captivated us years ago with its emerald-green tea plantations and rolling hills. The drive itself was a treat - winding roads, lush forests, and the occasional sight of waterfalls cascading down rocky cliffs. The kids were stuck to the windows and let out excited gasps every time they spotted monkeys along the roadside.

We stopped at the Valara and Cheeyappara waterfalls. The mist from the falls hit our faces as we took photos while soaking in the raw energy of nature.

We continued our journey to reach the hotel, and after freshening up, we took a pleasant walk through the town. That night, as we tucked into a warm Kerala-style dinner, I realised how much I had missed this place.

The next morning, we set off to explore the treasures of Munnar. Kids were fascinated by the aroma of cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves at the spice plantation, and even I could not resist buying some fresh spices to take home.

However, the highlight was our visit to Echo Point. Standing by the serene lake, the kids had a blast shouting their names and hearing them bounce back from the hills. "This is magic!" my younger one giggled.

No Munnar trip is complete without visiting a tea plantation, and walking through those endless rows of green was nothing short of mesmerising. Watching the tea pickers at work and learning about the tea-making process made me appreciate my morning cup even more.

Into the Wilderness of Thekkady

Known for its Periyar Tiger Reserve, this place had been on our list for a while. After checking into our hotel in Thekkady, we wasted no time and headed straight for a boat ride on Periyar Lake. While drifting through the still waters, we watched the elephants grazing along the banks and deer cautiously stepping out from the trees. Though we did not spot a tiger, the thrill of being in the heart of the jungle was enough to keep us on edge.

Later, the kids got a hands-on experience of how Kerala’s famous spices were grown at a local spice garden. Our guide plucked a fresh vanilla bean and let us smell its rich aroma - something I had never experienced before.

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As the day wound down, we took a jeep safari through the forests, and it was absolutely exhilarating. Bouncing along rugged trails, spotting wild animals, and feeling the rush of adventure made it one of the most memorable moments of the trip.

A Night on the Backwaters of Alleppey

The moment we arrived in Alleppey, the sight of endless backwaters and houseboats gliding across the water stole our hearts.

Our houseboat was a beauty - cosy interiors, a sun deck to relax on, and a friendly crew that welcomed us with fresh coconut water. As the boat set off, we sank into a rhythm. The kids sat at the edge, dipping their hands into the cool water as we cruised past lush green paddy fields and tiny villages.

We had a traditional Kerala-style fish curry, fluffy rice, and crispy banana chips for lunch. With the soft sounds of water rippling around us, it felt like time had slowed down. The gentle sway of the boat, the distant sound of crickets, and the moonlight shimmering on the backwaters - it was indeed Kerala at its most poetic.

Goodbye Kerala - For Now

Our final day of the trip took us back to Kochi, where we had just enough time to explore Fort Kochi and take a stroll along Marine Drive. The kids were fascinated by the massive Chinese fishing nets, and we made sure to grab some last-minute souvenirs before heading to the airport.

As we sat in the departure lounge, I glanced at my family. The kids were already recounting their favourite moments, my wife was scrolling through the countless pictures we had taken, and I...
I was simply grateful - for yet another unforgettable journey in a place that felt like a second home.

As we boarded our flight, I knew one thing for sure—this wouldn’t be our last trip to Kerala. Because some places? They never stop calling you back.

Read More: Thrillophilia Kerala Reviews