From Waterfalls to Backwaters: Sangita and Her Family’s Kerala Escape With Thrillophilia!
Where Their Family Escape Truly Began
For Sangita, this Kerala trip had been in her thoughts for a long time. She wanted to take her parents on a holiday that felt peaceful, refreshing, and full of simple experiences they would cherish together. Life had been busy for all three of them, and finding time for a slow family getaway felt important. When they finally chose Kerala, they hoped the landscapes, calm atmosphere, and gentle rhythm of the place would give them the break they needed.
From the moment they landed in Kochi, the air felt soft and warm. Coconut trees lined the roads, and the peaceful sound of distant waves seemed to welcome them instantly. Their journey toward Munnar began with excitement, and even before they reached the hills, Kerala had already started showing its charm.
Kochi to Munnar: A Drive Through Waterfalls and Winding Roads
Their first day set the tone for the days ahead. On the scenic drive from Kochi to Munnar, the car moved through lush forests, small villages, and long stretches of green hills. The stop at Valara and Cheeyappara waterfalls became their first cherished moment. Water rushed down tiered rocks, and the misty spray in the air made them pause longer than expected. Their driver, warm and helpful, guided Sangita and her parents with patience, making sure they were comfortable at every stop.
As they continued, they had the option to explore Athirappilly Waterfalls, known for its grand scale and its famous appearance in the movie Baahubali. The road toward it was filled with thick forests and the sound of rushing water. Even from a distance, it felt powerful and majestic.
Reaching Munnar felt like entering a painting. Mist rolled softly over the hills, the temperature dipped gently, and the tea gardens spread endlessly on both sides of the road. Their hotel provided a cozy place to rest, and the night's calm silence was a pleasant change from the usual rush of everyday life.
Munnar: Where the Hills Whisper Quiet Stories
Their full sightseeing day in Munnar was a refreshing experience for the entire family. The tea estates were the heart of the landscape, draped beautifully across the mountains. Sangita’s parents enjoyed walking slowly along the pathways, admiring the shades of green they had never seen before. Their driver took them to spice plantations where the aroma of cardamom, pepper and nutmeg filled the air.
They visited Blossom Park, a colourful patch of nature that felt cheerful and lively. Later, they stood before Mattupetty Dam, watching the calm water surrounded by silent hills. It was a simple moment but filled with peace. At Photo Point, they captured family pictures with the scenic backdrops, memories they knew would stay close to their hearts.
Kundala Lake became one of the quietest and most serene stops of the day. Surrounded by forests, the lake looked still and reflective, almost like a mirror to the sky. Sangita and her parents spent time walking around slowly, breathing in the fresh mountain air. By the end of the day, they returned to their hotel with tired feet but light hearts.
Thekkady: Forest Trails and Gentle Adventures
The drive from Munnar to Thekkady brought a shift from tea gardens to dense forests. As soon as they arrived at their jungle-view hotel, they could feel the difference. The air was earthy, the surroundings rich with greenery, and the forest's quietness wrapped around them.
Their sightseeing tour of Thekkady introduced them to the heart of Periyar National Park. Periyar Lake was the first stop, its calm waters surrounded by tall trees. They chose to enjoy a peaceful boat ride, gliding across the lake while spotting birds and occasional wildlife along the edges. For Sangita’s parents, the gentle movement of the boat and the quiet forest atmosphere felt soothing.
They also had the option to enjoy an elephant ride or jeep safari, experiences that are often favorites among travelers visiting Periyar. Even the local market visit in the evening added its own charm as they explored spices, handicrafts, and traditional Kerala items.
Their jungle-view room made the experience even more special. Falling asleep to the soft sounds of the forest and waking up to birdsong created a sense of closeness with nature that they rarely experience back home.
Alleppey: Where the Backwaters Slow Down Time
The next morning, they drove to Alleppey, known as the Venice of the East. The moment they stepped onto their private premium one-bedroom houseboat, excitement filled the air. The wooden interiors felt warm and traditional, and the gentle movement of the boat brought a sense of slow comfort.
As the boat sailed through the backwaters, Sangita and her parents watched life on the banks unfold quietly. Coconut groves leaned over the water, children played near their homes, fishermen prepared their nets, and small houses reflected beautifully on the still surface of the water. It felt peaceful and grounding.
Lunch was served fresh and warm, filled with simple Kerala flavors. The family sat together on the deck, enjoying the scenery and talking about moments from the trip so far. In the evening, as the sky turned golden, the backwaters looked magical. Once the boat docked for the night, they stepped out onto the deck again to enjoy the cool breeze. The overnight stay felt like a highlight of their entire journey, a soft pause in the middle of life.
Kochi: A Beautiful Goodbye to God’s Own Country
On their final day, they checked out from Alleppey and began their journey back to Kochi. If time permitted, their driver took them to visit Fort Kochi, known for its coastal charm and old-world architecture. They also stopped to see the iconic Chinese fishing nets, a sight that always fascinates travelers with its history and structure.
A short walk on Marine Drive added a refreshing end to their journey. The coastline, the breeze, the gentle waves, and the lively atmosphere made the goodbye feel warm rather than heavy. Finally, the driver dropped them at Cochin International Airport, bringing their trip to a meaningful close.
What Kerala Left Them With
For Sangita and her parents, this trip became a treasure of quiet experiences, heartfelt conversations, and moments they rarely find time for in daily life. Kerala gave them peace, nature, togetherness, and warm memories. The smooth coordination, helpful driver, and well-planned stays made the experience comfortable and fulfilling.
They returned home with gratitude, lighter hearts and a beautiful reminder that travelling together as a family brings its own kind of healing.
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