Whispers of the Western Ghats: Bhakti’s Family Journey Through Munnar
It all started one quiet evening in Mumbai when the routine of deadlines, traffic, and city life became too much. The family of four, caught up in the whirlwind of schedules and schoolwork, needed a break. The father, glancing at his phone, spotted a picture of lush green hills and said, “Let’s take a trip.” The children, always eager for an adventure, jumped at the idea, and the mother, who loved turning moments into stories, smiled. And just like that, the plan was set in motion.
They chose Kerala, “God’s Own Country,” through Thrillophilia, lured by the promise of tea-scented air, spice-laden evenings, and tranquil backwaters.
What began as an escape soon transformed into an extraordinary odyssey.
The Hidden Stories
The drive to Munnar was their first glimpse into Kerala’s poetic charm. Valleys undulated in shades of green, dotted with tea estates that seemed to stretch into infinity. Along the way, they stopped at Valara and Cheyyappara waterfalls, where nature performed its grandest symphony.
The Devonshire Greens welcomed them with open arms, offering comfort and a view that could only be described as magical. Each morning began with a steaming cup of chai on the balcony, the mist rolling over the hills like a soft, white blanket.
In the tea gardens, they met workers whose hands moved with practised precision, plucking leaves destined for countless cups of tea across the world. A guide explained the delicate balance required to produce the perfect brew, weaving in tales of Munnar’s colonial past and its present vibrancy.
A Symphony of Spices and Tradition
From Munnar’s cool embrace, they travelled to Thekkady. Their stay at Spice Grove was brief but memorable. The family didn’t mind minor inconveniences like lukewarm bathwater, for the charm of the place far outweighed the small imperfections.
The Periyar Lake boat ride was an adventure. Though the tiger remained hidden, they spotted elephants grazing by the water and kingfishers swooping low. The lake’s stillness, broken only by the hum of the boat and the occasional chirp of birds, cast a meditative spell.
In the evening, they were introduced to Kerala’s artistic heartbeat. A Kathakali performance left them mesmerised. The children tried mimicking the dramatic facial expressions and hand gestures, while the mother marvelled at the performers’ stamina and storytelling. The father, who rarely sat still, was transfixed by the ancient martial art of Kalaripayattu, where performers leapt and sparred with unmatched agility.
As Bhakti told us later, “Dinner that night was a feast for the senses. From the spicy tang of fish curry to the soft, coconut-infused appams, each bite told a story. Initially hesitant about the bold flavours, our taste buds later danced to Kerala’s rhythm.”
Drifting on Dreams in Alleppey
Alleppey was the crescendo of their journey—a world where time slowed, and life unfolded at a gentler pace. Their private houseboat was a floating haven, gliding through emerald-green waters fringed by swaying palms. It wasn’t just the scenery that captured their hearts but also the way life thrived along the backwaters.
Fishermen cast their nets with quiet determination, their silhouettes etched against the setting sun. Women in vibrant saris washed clothes at the riverbanks, their laughter carrying over the water. Children waved enthusiastically as the boat passed, their smiles as warm as the golden afternoon light.
The family found joy in simplicity—watching ripples spread across the water, listening to the gentle lapping of waves, and savouring the rich flavours of Kerala’s cuisine prepared by the boat’s staff.
The yellow-tinted water for bathing was a curious reminder of how closely the locals lived with nature, adapting without complaint. It made them appreciate their comforts back home while admiring the resilience of life here.
The Farewell That Stayed
Their return journey to Kochi was peppered with detours—a stop for banana chips and jaggery-laden halwa, and a visit to a small local market where they bought handcrafted souvenirs. Each item, whether a packet of spices or a woven basket, carried with it the essence of Kerala.
Back in the bustle of Mumbai, they found themselves recounting stories to anyone who would listen. The children flipped through photo albums, pointing out moments captured in time: a butterfly on a tea leaf, an elephant by the lake, and a sunset over the backwaters.
Bhakti was longing for the melodies of Kathakali as well as to the quiet of the hills. Kerala wasn’t just a destination; it was an experience etched into their hearts.
If there’s one thing they’d whisper to fellow travellers, it’s this: Go to Kerala not just to see its beauty but to feel its soul. Walk through tea gardens, savour the spices, drift along the backwaters, and let its stories seep into yours.
Because Kerala doesn’t just offer a journey; it offers a bond that lingers long after you leave.
Read more: Thrillophilia Munnar Reviews