Kaustubh’s Kerala Love Story with Thrillophilia
Before I dive into the mesmerising details of our Kerala adventure, let me tell you how this all began.
One evening, while my wife was busy scrolling through her phone, I walked in with a mischievous grin. “Pack your bags,” I said. She looked at me, puzzled. That’s when I revealed my grand surprise- a romantic getaway to Kerala, planned meticulously with the help of Thrillophilia.
I showed her the itinerary, the beautiful stays, the houseboat experience, and the serene locations we’d be visiting. The next morning, we were packing with the giddiness of kids before a field trip. Little did I know, this trip would be everything we dreamed of and more.
A Slice of Heaven
Our first stop was Munnar, a hill station that looks straight out of a dream. The journey began with a visit to the Valara and Cheyyappara waterfalls, where nature greeted us with open arms. The cascading waters, surrounded by lush greenery, were absolutely breathtaking and a great start to our journey. We spent hours clicking pictures and simply soaking in the beauty.
The next day was packed with exploration. We started with a stroll through the tea plantations, where the endless green slopes made for a surreal experience. Did you know Munnar is home to some of the world’s highest tea estates? The air was filled with the refreshing aroma of tea leaves, and we even got to sip freshly brewed tea while enjoying the surreal views.
Later, we visited the spice plantations, learning about cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon. It was fascinating to see how these everyday ingredients grow. Mattupetty Lake and Dam was our next stop where we took a leisurely boat ride, enjoying the serene waters and the cool breeze.
At Echo Point, we shouted out our names and laughed as the hills echoed them back. The Kundale Lake was a peaceful spot where we sat for hours, simply enjoying each other’s company. We wrapped up our day in Munnar by visiting the Blossom Garden which I personally like to call a ‘colourful paradise’ perfect for an evening stroll.
Adventure Meets Tranquility
From Munnar, we headed to Thekkady, where adventure awaited us. Our day began with a boat ride on Periyar Lake, cutting through the dense forests of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Though we didn’t spot any tigers, we saw herds of elephants and playful otters, which made the ride equally unforgettable.
Next, we indulged in an elephant ride, an experience that brought out our inner child. Feeling the gentle sway as the elephant moved through the forest was both thrilling and calming. Later, we hopped on a jeep safari, navigating through rugged terrains and spotting exotic birds and animals throughout the journey.
The day ended with a stroll through the local markets, where we picked up handmade souvenirs, spices, and a few traditional Kerala sarees.
The Magic of Backwaters
Alleppey, also known as the ‘Venice of the East’, was the highlight of our trip. Checking into a houseboat was a dream come true. As the boat cruised through the backwaters, we were surrounded by coconut palms, quaint villages, and endless paddy fields.
We made a few stops along the way, including one at a small village where we tasted authentic Kerala-style banana chips and another where we learned how coir products are made. Watching the locals go about their lives was humbling and beautiful.
The evening was even more magical. As the sun set, the houseboat anchored, and we enjoyed a delicious traditional Kerala meal. The night was serene, with the gentle sway of the boat lulling us to sleep.
Five Things We Loved About Kerala
- Nature’s Abundance: From Munnar’s tea gardens to Alleppey’s backwaters, Kerala’s natural beauty is unparalleled.
- Warm Hospitality: Everywhere we went, the locals welcomed us with open arms and smiles.
- Delicious Food: From appams to fish curry, every meal was a gastronomic delight.
- Diverse Experiences: The trip had everything— serenity, adventure, and culture.
- Seamless Planning: Thanks to Thrillophilia, everything was perfectly organized.
Five Challenges We Faced (and Overcame!)
- Weather Variations: Munnar was cool, while Thekkady and Alleppey were warm. Packing layers would help you stay comfortable on your trip..
- Long Travel Hours: The drives between destinations were long, however, it is best to simply listen to your favourite jam and focus on the scenic beauty.
- Language Barrier: Yes, most locals spoke English, however, I would still suggest learning a few Malayalam phrases for convenience.
- Crowds at Popular Spots: Always try to reach the popular attractions early in the morning to beat the rush.
- Spicy Food: While we loved the flavours, the spice level was high for us. Simply request for mild spice while placing order and it would work perfectly.
A Heartfelt Thank You
As our trip came to an end, my wife and I couldn’t stop reminiscing about the wonderful experiences we’d had. A big shoutout to Thrillophilia for making this trip so smooth and memorable. Special thanks to Rupali Sharma, who patiently answered all our queries and helped us plan the perfect itinerary. Also, a heartfelt thank you to Shammas, our local guide in Munnar, whose insights and tips made our trip even more enriching.
Kerala truly is God’s Own Country, and this trip will forever hold a special place in our hearts. If you’re dreaming of a romantic escape filled with nature, adventure, and culture, Kerala is the place to be!
Read More: Thrillophilia Kerala Reviews