Hemant’s Memorable Family Trip to Kerala with Thrillophilia
“Papa, draw a coconut tree like this!”
My daughter Purvi handed me her crayon sketch. “This is Kerala, right?” she asked.
She had overheard me talking to my wife, Leena, about a possible trip. It started as a wish to take a real break, spend time with my parents, and give our kids memories beyond screens and cartoons.
So we made a promise. A family trip for the six of us: me, Leena, our little ones Purvi and Takshay, and my parents, who had not travelled together like this in years. In April 2025, we packed our bags and flew to Kerala, “God’s Own Country.”
This is the story of that journey of misty hills, peaceful lakes, bumpy jeep rides, and a house that floated on water.
Waterfalls and Winding Roads to Munnar
We landed in Kochi under a blazing blue sky. Kerala greeted us with humid warmth and the spicy scent of cardamom in the breeze. Our driver welcomed us with a kind smile and said, “Munnar awaits you, sir. Three hours, but with beauty on every turn.”
He was right.
As we drove through the green corridors of the Western Ghats, the city melted away and nature took over. We stopped at Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls, where the kids screamed in joy, threw pebbles, and danced in the mist. My father stood still for a long time and watched the water crash down the rocks.
By afternoon, we reached our hotel in Munnar. It was situated among rolling tea gardens, with clouds moving past our balcony. We explored the local market in the evening, where we bought some homemade chocolates and spicy banana chips.
Lakes, Echoes, and Grandma’s Laugh
Our second day in Munnar began with the chirping of birds and filter coffee.
We started our sightseeing with Mattupetty Lake and Dam, where the kids took turns shouting their names and laughing as the echoes came bouncing back. Purvi shrieked with excitement, “Nani! Your name is coming back!”
Mom laughed, and for the first time in years, I saw her truly carefree. Her saree flapped in the wind as she held Takshay’s hand, smiling as he tried to chase butterflies.
Blossom Park was filled with spring flowers and warmth. We clicked dozens of family photos under arching trees. Later, at Sevenmallay Tea Estate, the tea-scented air refreshed us. Dad, a chai-lover, insisted that we buy a few varieties to take home.
At Kundala Lake, we sat quietly and let the cool breeze wash over us. The still water reflected our tired but happy faces.
As we drove back, my wife looked at me and said, “This is the best kind of tired, isn’t it?"
I nodded. We had walked miles, carried kids, and clicked endless pictures that day.
Wild Hearts and Silent Forests in Thekkady
We left Munnar the next morning and made our way to Thekkady. The roads narrowed, the temperature rose, and the trees turned taller and denser.
Our hotel was surrounded by greenery. After a short rest, we headed to Periyar National Park. While the kids were too young for the full safari, we opted for an elephant ride, and that turned out to be magical. Watching Purvi and Takshay sit wide-eyed on the gentle giant as it walked through the jungle path was a moment I will never forget.
Dad chatted with the mahout. “These elephants have names?” he asked.
“Of course,” the man said. “This one is called Lakshmi. She is 40 and very gentle.”
It was humbling to see these magnificent creatures treated like family by the locals.
Later, while sipping spiced tea outside the hotel, Mom said, “I never thought I would ride an elephant at this age.”
“Let us tick that off your bucket list,” I said, and we all laughed.
A Floating Home in Alleppey
If I had to choose one memory to keep from the trip, it would be this day.
We left Thekkady early and headed toward Alleppey. The landscape began to change as there was more water, more coconut trees, and fewer honks. By noon, we reached the houseboat.
It was love at first sight.
The wooden floors, large windows, and gentle waves beneath our feet were unlike any home we had ever stayed in. As the boat gently moved through the backwaters, all six of us sat together watching the world go by. The fishermen were in tiny boats, ducks paddling by, children waving from banks, and long stretches of green paddy fields.
The boat anchored at sunset. We sat on the deck to sip tea and enjoy the sky views covered in hues of orange and pink. Leena rested her head on my shoulder. Purvi dozed off in Mom’s lap, and Dad was telling Takshay a story about river gods.
It was calming and healing.
Later that night, as we lay on the boat, I heard rain tap gently on the roof. I whispered to Leena, “This is a perfect addition to our adventure.”
She smiled.
A Goodbye Wrapped in Waves and Shopping Bags
Our last day began with a golden sunrise over the water. We had a quick breakfast, said goodbye to the boat crew with heartfelt thanks, and drove toward Kochi.
We explored Fort Kochi, saw Chinese fishing nets, and walked along Marine Drive. At Lulu Mall, we bought souvenirs, like spices, wooden toys, and a Kathakali mask that Purvi insisted we hang in her room.
As we drove to the airport, there was a quietness in the car. We laughed, walked, explored, and made memories in Kerala that no photo album could truly hold.
Just before boarding, Dad pulled me aside. “Hemant,” he said, “thank you. This trip was wonderful”
I hugged him.
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