Kaustubh’s Exciting Kerala Chronicles with Thrillophilia
Some places aren’t just destinations; they’re feelings that linger, like the scent of spices on a breeze.
That’s exactly how Kerala welcomed us—a warm hug of verdant greens, misty hills, and serene backwaters. This was a trip that my partner and I had been dreaming of for months, a much-needed escape from city life.
With a pinch of spontaneity and the seamless support of Thrillophilia, we embarked on a 5-day adventure that promised not just sights but stories for a lifetime.
Of Roads That Lead to Green Dreams
Our journey began at Kochi, where the chatter of seagulls mingled with the salty air at the harbour. Our driver, Shammas—a man with a wide smile and an encyclopedic knowledge of Kerala—greeted us. As we started our ascent towards Munnar, the entire landscape started to transform.
The air turned crisper, the trees taller, and the winding roads were kissed by cascading waterfalls. Valara and Cheyyappara Falls stood like curtains of silver against emerald backdrops, begging us to stop, soak in the mist, and click a dozen pictures.
Munnar itself was a painting. Rows upon rows of tea plantations blanketed the hills, their symmetry interrupted only by tea pickers with baskets balanced delicately on their backs. We stayed at Amuse Vista, where the staff treated us like family. The restaurant downstairs offered a blend of Kerala’s earthy flavours and North Indian classics. While chole bhature made an appearance, it was the appam with stew that stole the show.
Evenings in Munnar came alive with cultural performances. Watching the Kathakali dancers paint stories with their expressive eyes and fluid movements was mesmerizing. On the same stage, Kalaripayattu warriors blurred the line between grace and grit, flipping and sparring with lightning precision.
These weren’t just performances; they were centuries-old traditions playing out before us.
Of Giants and Spices
From Munnar’s misty hills, we descended to Thekkady, the land of spices and elephants. The air here carried the aroma of cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. Our hotel, The Elephant Route, with its vintage wooden charm, felt like stepping back into a quieter, simpler time.
A highlight was our visit to the Kalpavanam Elephant Park. Standing next to these gentle giants, their wise eyes filled with patience was humbling. Feeding them was fun, but bathing one was pure joy. As water sprayed everywhere, we laughed like children, drenched but exhilarated. Shammas teased, “Elephants are like Kerala itself—mighty yet gentle.”
In Thekkady, we’d planned to visit Periyar National Park, but with all slots booked, we opted for a jeep safari instead. The ride through the dense jungle was bumpy but thrilling. Peacocks flitted across our path, and we spotted a family of wild boars scurrying into the underbrush. The real stars, however, were the spice plantations.
Our guide explained how every seed and bark had a story, a purpose, and sometimes, a secret medicinal property. By the end, we carried not just spice packets but the warmth of their tales.
Backwaters and Houseboat Hues
The highlight of our Kerala escape was the Alleppey houseboat experience. Floating on the backwaters, with palm trees swaying to the rhythm of the gentle waves, felt like entering a dream. Our houseboat, managed by the Blue Greens team, was cosy yet luxurious.
The onboard chef whipped up a feast of fresh Kerala curries, appams, and fish fry. We even purchased crabs en route, and watching them turn into a delicious dinner was as much an experience as savouring them.
As the sun set, the sky painted itself in hues of orange and pink. Sitting on the deck, sipping chai and munching on pakoras, we felt time slow down. There were no schedules, no deadlines—just the soothing lull of the water and the occasional call of a kingfisher.
That night, the dim-lit boat was a cocoon of sheer peace. But not without quirks—green mosquitoes buzzed around like uninvited guests. They didn’t bite but annoyed us into a fit of giggles as we swatted at them.
The Last Goodbye
On our final day, we made our way back to Kochi, our hearts heavy but full. A quick visit to the Kerala Folklore Museum gave us one last glimpse into the state’s artistic heritage. Intricately carved wooden masks and vibrant murals told stories of gods, demons, and mortals.
Before heading to the airport, we stopped for lunch at Dhe Puttu, owned by a famous Malayalam actor. The puttu—a cylindrical delight made of rice flour and coconut—was unlike anything we’d ever tasted. It was the perfect last bite of Kerala.
The Takeaways
Kerala isn’t just a state; it’s a feeling—a mosaic of culture, nature, and warmth. The people, despite the language barrier, welcomed us with open arms. From the misty tea gardens of Munnar to the spice-scented air of Thekkady and the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey, every moment was a story waiting to be told.
And as our plane took off, the memories remained, like the faint aroma of spices in our bags and the rhythm of the Kathakali drums in our hearts. Thank you, Thrillophilia, for making this journey seamless, and Kerala, for making it incredible.
Read more: Thrillophilia Kerala Reviews