Where Nature and Heartbeats Converge: Amrita’s Review for a Family Trip to Kerala
'Every great adventure begins with a spark of inspiration and a simple plan.'
My plan was simple - Ask my colleagues about their native places and whichever I find the most attractive, I'd head there for a vacation with my family. All of my friends at work were very supportive and shared many interesting stories about their hometowns. During lunch, after an hour of brainstorming, I felt a bit exhausted as all of the places seemed equally amazing to me.
"I don't know which place to finalize. They all seem amazing to me" I told one of my colleagues from Kerala.
"Well, there's one thing that I can tell you...Kerala is not just a place, it’s an experience that lingers in your heart long after you’ve left." remarked my colleague.
Those words stayed with me, and I made up my mind to explore Kerala with my family. I thought about the peaceful backwaters, lush greenery, and vibrant culture awaiting us. The decision felt right - like the beginning of a beautiful chapter in our family’s travel story.
Queen of the Arabian Sea
Kochi was love at first sight, it had buildings that showcased colonial architecture, busy markets, and breathtaking waterfront views. The air smelled so unique, with an aroma of local spices and a hint of coastal sands.
We began the city tour by visiting historic Fort Kochi, our guide told us that it was built during the 14th century, in the pre-colonial era. My mind was blown, as I never thought Kerala was a place of such historical importance. We then visited the Mattancherry Palace, also known by the name of 'Dutch Palace'. As if I wasn't amazed enough by Kerala's history, I got to know that it was gifted to the Raja of Kochi by the Portuguese.
"Crazy how there were once times when people used to gift Palaces," I thought to myself.
Next, we headed to the streets of Mattancherry, which used to be a spice market in the 20th century. We explored the Jewish Synagogue, which is known to be among the oldest synagogues in the country. We were truly fascinated by its interiors which featured vibrant blue tiles and antique light fixtures.
"Back in the days people used to purchase mutton here...hence the name Mattan (Mutton) and Cherry (Street)" our guide explained.
At the end of the tour, we made a stop at Marine Drive. Watching the ships anchored around the harbor, and the calm backwaters was such a soothing experience.
Kashmir of South India
After exploring the historical attractions in Kochi, now it was time to visit Munnar.
During our journey from Kochi to Munnar, we made a stop on the Kochi-Madurai Highway to visit some of the stunning waterfalls in the region. Cheeyappara Waterfalls felt like it was from another world, as it was about 1,000 feet tall and had water flowing through 7 tiers. My boy loved especially watching Valara Waterfalls, another one that we witnessed on our way to Munnar.
I could hardly contain my excitement as we were finally heading to Echo Point, a destination I had eagerly added to our itinerary based on my colleague's recommendation. Also known as the 'Photo Point' of Kundala Lake, the Echo Point looked even better than the image of it that I had in my mind. Our guide told us that it was given such a name because when you yell at it, it sends back an echo.
"Hellooooo..." My girl yelled, trying to test the fact.
To our amazement, it echoed back! Having only seen such moments in movies, it felt so magical to witness it for real.
Next, we visited the Tata Tea Museum, where we enjoyed learning about the tea-making process. Our tour guide shared several series and facts about the entire process, from leaf plucking to the final packaging. We even watched a small documentary about the journey of Tata Tea and how it became a part of the regional heritage.
My husband's favorite part about the Tata tea tour was the sampling experience. He loved trying a wide range of teas that carried rich flavors that were unique to Munnar.
Wildlife and Spice Trails
"In the embrace of Kerala’s landscapes, you find peace, adventure, and the essence of India."
Our trip to Periyar National Park in Thekkady was a wonderful blend of natural beauty and wildlife exploration. We had the option of a thrilling Jeep Safari or an elephant ride. Opting for the Jeep Safari, we explored the dense forests of the region, where we encountered diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. The guide leading us shared amazing insights about the local ecosystem, and that made our experience even better.
There were many animals that we enjoyed spotting during our Jeep Safari, including Asian Elephants, Nilgiri Tahr, Barking Deer, and Wild Boars. My daughter especially loved the boat ride on Periyar Lake, where she got the chance to see the lush greenery of the forest and the Western Ghats.
Serenity by the Water
'In Alleppey, time dances to the rhythm of the water, offering a peaceful escape from the rush of everyday life.'
It was only upon our arrival in Alleppy, that I understood the essence of the quote. We boarded a charming houseboat, ready to immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of the backwaters. While gliding across the peaceful waterways, we could admire the coconut groves on the shores.
"So this is what true leisure feels like, it's so relaxing," remarked my husband.
After an overnight stay on the houseboat, we headed to Varkala, also known as 'the Golden Island'. Over there, we explored the majestic Varkala Cliff, took in the scenic views of the Arabian Sea, and spent some quality time at Varkala Beach.
As our Kerala trip came to an end, we reflected on our experiences. From the rich history of Kochi, and the breathtaking landscapes of Munnar, to the peaceful backwaters of Alleppey, each destination was a world in itself. Kerala truly left a mark on our hearts, inviting us to come back and explore its magic once again.
Read More: Thrillophilia Kerala Reviews