From City Buzz to Coconut Breeze: Pradip’s Family Escape to Kerala with Thrillophilia
I had made a promise to my father years ago.
“Someday,” I had told him after a long day at work, “we will take a proper family trip. Somewhere far, calm, and beautiful.”
Years passed, and responsibilities grew, but that “someday” kept getting postponed until earlier this year.
In a casual conversation during breakfast, I looked at my wife and said, “Let’s go on a big family trip we have talked about forever.” She smiled, nodded, and just like that, the plan was set in motion.
The destination that we decided was Kerala, a land we have only admired in travel shows and brochures. This time, it would be a complete family getaway with my parents, my wife, and our two kids, exploring ‘God’s Own Country’.
Warm Hugs and Waterfalls from Kochi to Munnar
Our journey began in Kochi amidst the fresh breeze of the sea. Though we were tired from all the travelling, the excitement among the kids was enough to keep everyone’s spirits high.
On the next morning, we left Kochi behind and went on a road drive to Munnar. As the city noise faded, we could see the bridges stretching over shimmering rivers and waterfalls cascading down the thick forest walls. When we paused for some time at the Neriamangalam Bridge, we got our first “wow” moment. The Periyar River glittered in the sun, and even my father whispered, “This is peaceful.”
But the real thrill came at the Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls. The kids ran around chasing each other and getting slightly wet from the mist. My wife and I just stood there to enjoy the calm moment.
At Pottas Fun Farm, we indulged in ziplining and a fish spa (the kids could not stop giggling). Later that evening, we watched a Kathakali performance in Munnar, followed by a Martial Arts demonstration. The colourful expressions, dramatic movements, and rhythmic drumming surprised all six of us. My mom said, “This is soul-seeing.”
Breathing Tea and Tasting Chocolate in Munnar
Waking up in Munnar was completely different. The air was cool, the sky was blue, and life seemed to move at a slow and sweet pace.
Our first stop of the day was the Tata Tea Museum, where we learnt about the journey of tea from farm to market. My father, who is a lifelong tea lover, was quietly absorbing every detail. “Now I know where my morning peace comes from,” he said with a smile.
Next, we visited the Macofa Chocolate Factory, and the kids loved it. Their eyes lit up as we tasted handmade chocolates, with each one of them having a unique flavour. It was hard to tell who was happier - them or their grandparents, seeing them so joyful.
But it was the offbeat gems of Munnar that stole our hearts. Yellapatty Grasslands looked beautiful with gentle hills, endless green, and wide skies. At 2nd Mile Viewpoint, we stood quietly to soak it all in. My wife whispered, “This is what we were looking for.” I nodded.
Spices, Safaris, and Slow Evenings in Thekkady
Our next stop was Thekkady, and though we were sad to leave Munnar, the road ahead held new adventures.
As we reached the Periyar Lake, we enjoyed a peaceful boat ride. Birds flew across the sky, and elephants peeked from between the trees. For a moment, the boat fell silent, and even the kids just watched in surprise.
Later, we took a spice plantation tour. It felt like walking through a living kitchen filled with cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon. Each plant told a story, and the guide brought the spices alive with a cheerful smile. “Smell this,” he said, handing me a fresh clove. “This is Kerala in a bud.”
Dinner that night was part of a local food tour. We tried everything, including appams, puttu, and Kerala-style fish curry. My mother took notes while my son discovered a love for banana chips.
As we returned to the hotel that night, I sat on the balcony watching the moon rise over the trees. Sometimes, joy is slow, soft, and sits beside you like an old friend.
Alleppey’s Backwater Magic
We checked out of Thekkady and made our way to Alleppey. The landscape changed again, from hills to flat lands and from tea gardens to canals and coconut groves.
And then we saw our houseboat waiting to take us on a journey through Kerala’s veins. As we boarded, the kids rushed to the front deck, my parents settled into the armchairs, and my wife and I stood by the edge, hand in hand.
The backwaters were quiet. Villages moved past slowly, people waved from the banks, ducks swam in rows, and the coconut trees reflected perfectly in the still water.
We had no Wi-Fi, no rush, no noise. Just us, the water, and the sky.
That evening, the sunset painted the sky pink and orange. We had a simple dinner cooked by the boat chef, but it tasted like a feast because it came with peace.
As the stars came out, the whole family sat on the deck, shared stories, laughed, and felt a kind of togetherness that is often lost in everyday life. That night, I looked around and thought, This… this is why we travel.
Full Hearts and Farewells
On our final day, we said goodbye to the boat, the backwaters, and the slow rhythm we had come to love. The drive back to Kochi was quiet because we did not want it to end.
As we reached the airport, my younger daughter held my hand and said, “Can we come back here every year?” I smiled, kissed her forehead, and replied, “We will try.”
As our flight took off, I looked out of the window and saw the last of the coconut trees fade into the clouds. Kerala had been a memory in our family book written in green hills, brown spices, and blue waters.
Read More: Thrillophilia Kerala Reviews