Deshmukh Family in Munnar: A Scenic Escape with Thrillophilia
It was one of those days when we were all sitting together at home, flipping through the thousands of photos we clicked during our trip to Kerala. My younger brother was in the middle of a dramatic retelling of how he almost fell into a tea plantation while trying to take a "cool" selfie, and my mom was still laughing about the time she mistook a local flower for a rare medicinal plant.
It was moments like these that made me realise how perfect our Munnar trip had been. And let me tell you, it wasn’t just the scenic beauty of Kerala that left us in awe, but the whole experience— packed with laughter, adventure, and countless memories.
Exploring Munnar!
Munnar was everything I had imagined and more. The mist-covered mountains and endless tea plantations were like something out of a postcard.
The first stop was the Tea Museum, and my dad, being the tea enthusiast he is, was beyond excited. He went on and on about the history of tea, and I could practically see the sparkle in his eyes when he got to know how tea leaves were processed. My mom and I were busy trying all the different types of tea, while my brother was, of course, running around trying to find the perfect spot for a photo.
One of the funniest moments was when my dad tried to pose with a giant tea kettle at the museum. He looked so serious, but the kettle was almost as tall as him! We all burst into laughter, and I think the people around us thought we were a bunch of mad tourists. But that’s what I loved about this trip— the carefree moments that made everything so much fun.
The Wild Side of Kerala
Next, we made our way to Thekkady, a place that felt like it came straight out of a nature documentary. Our first adventure here was a boat ride on the Periyar Lake, and it was just magical.
*Imagine being surrounded by dense forests, and the only sound you hear is the gentle ripple of water.
We spotted some wild animals, including a few elephants on the shore. My brother, who’s always been obsessed with wildlife, was practically jumping up and down, trying to get the perfect shot.
But the real highlight of Thekkady was the spice plantation tour. We were taken through a plantation where we saw cardamom, pepper, and even vanilla growing right there. I had no idea that all these spices came from plants like that! The guide was so knowledgeable, and as he explained the uses of each spice, I could see my dad’s interest growing.
But we all had a good laugh, especially when my dad tried to buy a whole bunch of spices to bring back home. I had to remind him that we didn’t need a lifetime supply of cardamom!
Alleppey: Houseboat Heaven
The final part of our trip took us to Alleppey. We boarded a traditional Kerala houseboat, and the whole experience felt like a dream. The boat was a floating paradise, complete with cosy rooms, a lovely deck, and an amazing view of the backwaters. What added to the magic was how safe I felt on the boat— this was a major factor for me when traveling, especially with my family. We were surrounded by lush greenery, coconut trees, and serene waters. It was so peaceful that we all just sat there for a while, soaking it all in.
We spent the day cruising along the backwaters, stopping at little villages, and even trying our hands at fishing. The whole day was filled with laughter, peaceful moments, and some delicious seafood that we devoured on the boat.
The food on the houseboat was another highlight. I had heard so much about Kerala’s cuisine, and it definitely lived up to the hype. We were served traditional Kerala meals, with fresh fish, rice, and a variety of curries that left us all craving for more. I still dream about the coconut-based curry we had— it was just divine. We even got to try some local snacks like banana chips and jackfruit chips, which were surprisingly delicious.
Shopping and Souvenirs
On our way back from Alleppey, we stopped at a local market to buy souvenirs. My mom was on a mission to find some handwoven sarees, and my dad was busy bargaining for spices. Meanwhile, I was eyeing all the quirky trinkets and wooden carvings.
We ended up buying a couple of beautiful wooden elephants and some hand-painted coasters. But the funniest moment was when my mother tried to haggle with a vendor over the price of a keychain. She was so serious about it, and I couldn’t stop laughing.
In the end, she managed to get a good deal, but it was more because the vendor felt bad for her than anything else!
The Last Day: A Bittersweet Goodbye
As we wrapped up our trip and headed back to the airport, I couldn’t help but feel a little sad. Kerala, with its beauty, culture, and warmth, will always hold a special place in my heart. Special thanks to our driver, Thomas, who was extremely polite and knowledgeable about the place. And to Thrillophilia, for providing us excellent stays like Devonshire in Munnar and Spice Grove at Thekkady, enhancing the overall experience of our trip.
Before we left, we made one last stop at a small roadside café for some hot tea. We sat there, sipping our tea, reminiscing about the trip and laughing about all the funny moments.
My dad, of course, was already planning our next trip— he’s got an endless list of places he wants to visit.
I’ll always cherish the memories of this trip, and I’m so grateful to have had this experience with my family.
Thank you, Thrillophilia, for helping us plan such a wonderful trip. You made it all so easy, and we couldn’t have asked for a better family getaway.
Read More: Thrillophilia Munnar Reviews