Hemant's Soulful Family Vacation in Kerala with Thrillophilia
It was Sunday morning, and since it was a holiday, everyone was at home. Hemant’s 4-year-old daughter, Purvi, was sketching a palm tree by a river and asked, “Papa, does this look like Kerala?”
She had seen the picture only in books and movies. That little drawing lit something in Hemant. He thought of taking his family on a real adventure that could become a memory that they would cherish forever.
And so, in April 2025, the Amode family set off on a 5-day trip through Kerala. The trip was booked through Thrillophilia, whose end-to-end planning turned out to be the perfect bridge between their hopes and the experiences that awaited them.
Through Misty Hills and Waterfall Whispers in Munnar
Their journey began with a drive from Kochi to Munnar. The moment they left the bustle of the city behind, the landscape began to change. Lush greenery, winding roads, and the soothing sight of Valara and Cheeyappara waterfalls welcomed them with open arms. As the car paused by the roaring cascades, Hemant’s father stood silently for a moment as the mist touched his face and memories of his youth surfaced quietly. “This smell of wet leaves,” he murmured, “is wonderful.”
By the time they reached Munnar and checked into their hillside hotel, the children had already claimed their favourite window spots. That evening, the family walked through the local market and bought chocolate, homemade pickles, and brightly coloured shawls for neighbours back home.
The smiles and conversations with his parents, his wife, and his two kids gave him the peace and moments that he wanted.
Echoes, Tea Leaves, and Timeless Moments
Day two began with a promise. A full day of sightseeing across Munnar lay ahead, and even the kids seemed to sense the excitement. Their first stop was Mattupetty Lake and Dam, where Purvi discovered the joy of echoing her own name across the water, each shout met with delighted laughter.
At Blossom Park, Hemant’s mother chased her grandson, Takshay, across flower beds, and her laugh was louder than the children's. His wife watched and was grateful to see her mother-in-law so playful.
They drove through winding tea gardens to Sevenmalley Tea Estate, where Hemant and his father tasted teas brewed by locals who had worked in the estate for generations. The experience was grounding as every sip carried culture and care.
The family ended the day at Kundala Lake, where the still water mirrored the mountains and the people staring into it.
Thekkady’s Quiet Adventure
On the third day, the family left Munnar behind and drove towards Thekkady, a place where nature was dense and deep. After checking into their hotel, the Amode family chose to visit Periyar National Park and opted for an elephant ride that would be etched in their memory forever.
While sitting on the back of a 40-year-old elephant, Lakshmi, Purvi screamed in surprise while Takshay clung to Hemant tightly.
His father kept pointing out trees and birds he remembered from books he read decades ago. He seemed to come alive in the forest.
That evening, after a meal of local cuisine and hot masala tea, the family sat under the stars on their hotel’s lawn. “This is exactly what I imagined,” his wife said while resting her head on Hemant’s shoulder.
He nodded. “And it is only getting better.”
Floating Through Alleppey
The fourth day was different. It was quieter and slower, but memorable.
Upon reaching Alleppey, the family boarded a traditional houseboat that would become their floating home for the night. As the boat slowly moved through the famous backwaters of Kerala, time seemed to slow down, too.
The palm trees lined the shores, birds flew low, and fishermen waved as they passed by. Inside the boat, the kids played hide and seek while Hemant’s mother helped the cook make chapatis in the kitchen. He and his wife sat on the deck hand-in-hand and watched the sun melt into the horizon.
It was not extravagant or loud. It did not have the thrill of theme parks or roller coasters. And yet, it was warm, real, and unfiltered.
That night, as rain tapped gently on the wooden roof of the boat, the family slept with hearts as full as the moonlit river.
Farewell to the Beautiful City
On the final day, the family disembarked from their houseboat and made their way back to Kochi. But instead of rushing to the airport, they made a few stops that brought the journey full circle.
They walked through Kochi Fort, took photographs by the old Chinese fishing nets, and let the children run along Marine Drive. At Lulu Mall, they bought last-minute souvenirs, like spices, Kathakali dolls, and tea leaves to bring Kerala home.
Hemant’s father stood by the railing overlooking the sea and told him, “I thought these kinds of holidays were behind me. Thank you for this beautiful journey!”
Hemant smiled.
Read More:
Thrillophilia Kerala Reviews