Dreamscapes of Kerala: Tushar’s Thrillophilia Review of an Exciting Getaway
My partner and I were craving the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure, so we turned to Thrillophilia. They worked their magic, creating an itinerary filled with stunning spots like Munnar’s waterfalls and spice plantations, plus heart-pumping activities like surfing and parasailing.
The moment we got our itinerary, we packed our bags - with comfortable clothes and a whole lot of excitement!
Fresh Air, Roaring Falls, and Simple Pleasures
Kochi welcomed us with a wind that carried a fresh, and earthy scent. I was still trying to shake off my exhaustion from the flight, but my partner was already wide awake, soaking in every sight with an excited energy. When we set off in a car towards Munnar, I didn't realize that the road trip itself would end up being just as memorable as the destination.
“Wait till you see the waterfalls,” she said, her eyes lighting up with anticipation.
I wasn’t sure what to expect, but when we stopped at the Valara and Cheeyappara waterfalls, I was taken aback. The sound of the water crashing down was so powerful, it almost felt like the ground was shaking. I could feel the cool mist against my face, and for a moment, I just stood there, mesmerized. My partner was already snapping pictures, trying to capture the perfect shot, but I didn’t need a photo - as that moment was etched in my mind.
Later, when we arrived in Munnar, we decided to keep it low-key. We wandered around the town, enjoyed our dinner at a cosy little restaurant, and spent the evening talking about everything and nothing. It was those quiet moments - where there was nothing to do except enjoy each other's company.
The Fragrance of Munnar
The next day was all about exploring Munnar. We began with the spice plantations, and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I’d read about the famous spices of Kerala, but taking a walk in the plantations was an entirely different experience.
Our guide, a local man named George, gave us a tour, explaining how the spices are grown. I have to admit, I felt like a kid in a candy store.
“Can you smell the cardamom?” my partner asked, inhaling deeply. “It’s incredible!”
I nodded, taking it all in. It wasn’t just the spices, but the entire atmosphere - the heat of the sun, the rustling of leaves, and the occasional bird call. It felt like we had stepped into another world.
After the spice plantation, we visited the tea gardens, where the entire landscape was a patchwork of tea bushes stretching out for miles. We walked through the rows of plants, and at one point, I stopped, just to take it all in. There was something about the place - the rolling hills, the green fields - that made it feel almost surreal.
The best part of the day was Mattupetty Lake. Sitting by the water, feeling the cool breeze on our faces, was the perfect way to unwind after all the sightseeing. We also went boating on Kundala Lake, and the view was simply out of this world. The water was so still, and the surrounding hills were lush green - it was the kind of peaceful ambience I never wanted to leave.
Backwaters, Beaches, and Quiet Moments
As we made our way to Alleppey, I could feel the change in the weather - the landscape opened up, the humidity increased, and the feeling of relaxation started to set in. We boarded the houseboat in the backwaters, which was something I had been excited about since the trip began. It wasn’t just the boat itself, but the entire experience - the gentle rocking of the boat, the quiet lapping of water against the sides, and the way the landscape seemed to stretch out endlessly before us.
“This is unbelievable,” my partner whispered, her eyes wide with awe as we passed through small villages and coconut groves.
I couldn’t agree more. We spent hours just watching the world go by, taking it all in - tiny villages, people going about their day, and the vast green fields surrounding us. We even got to enjoy some of the best seafood I’ve ever had. Dinner on the houseboat was a delicious mix of local Kerala dishes, and I honestly didn’t want the evening to end.
The next day, we moved on to Kovalam. It was a complete contrast to the quiet backwaters, with the beach full of energy. We decided to try some water sports - my partner was keen to go all in, while I hesitated a bit. But once I was on the jet ski, racing through the waves, I was hooked. I’ll admit, I ate a little sand while trying to surf, but it was all worth it when I saw my partner laughing and cheering me on.
Later we made our way to the German Bakery by Lighthouse Beach, where we had milkshakes and pastries, watching the waves crash against the shore. It was the perfect end to our time in Kovalam.
By the time we made it to Trivandrum and visited the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, I felt a sense of gratitude for everything we had experienced. This wasn’t just a vacation - it was a collection of moments, big and small, that I’ll always cherish. Kerala had a way of surprising us, from the quiet beauty of the backwaters to the adventure at the beach.
But the best part? Experiencing it all together.
Read More: Thrillophilia Kerala Reviews