Tushar Dutt’s Kerala Trip Review with Thrillophilia: A Family Journey Through Calm, Clouds, and Backwaters
After many conversations about taking a slow, meaningful holiday together, Kerala finally felt like the right answer for Tushar Dutt and his family. They were not looking for a rushed itinerary or a trip packed with constant activity. What they wanted was time. Time to be together, time to breathe, and time to experience a place that allows you to slow down naturally. Kerala, with its gentle pace and ever-changing landscapes, offered exactly that.
With all the planning handled by Thrillophilia, the family set out on a seven-day journey that moved seamlessly through hills, forests, backwaters, and beaches. From the very first day, there was a sense of ease. Transfers were smooth, the itinerary was balanced, and nothing ever felt overwhelming. It was the kind of holiday where each day unfolded quietly, without pressure.
Where the Hills First Spoke
The journey began in Kochi, from where the family drove towards the mist-covered hills of Munnar. The road itself felt like an introduction to Kerala’s rhythm. Crossing the Neriamangalam Bridge, they paused to watch the Periyar River flow steadily below, setting the tone for the days ahead. Stops at Cheeyappara Waterfalls and Valara Waterfalls added a refreshing pause, where the sound of cascading water and lush surroundings washed away any lingering travel fatigue.
By the time they reached Munnar, the air had grown cooler and noticeably fresher. Tea plantations stretched across rolling slopes, and clouds drifted lazily through the valleys. The evening was kept deliberately simple. There was no rush to explore. Instead, the family settled in, enjoyed the quiet surroundings, and allowed the hills to work their magic.
The following day was dedicated to discovering Munnar at an unhurried pace. They visited open grasslands, scenic viewpoints, and spots like Mattupetty Dam, where still waters reflected the surrounding hills. What stood out most was how Munnar did not demand attention through grand attractions. Its beauty revealed itself gently, in layers, through silence, greenery, and shifting light.
Into the Forests of Thekkady
Leaving the misty hills behind, the family travelled onward to Thekkady, where the landscape gradually transformed into dense forests and spice-scented air. The journey itself felt calming, with winding roads and greenery on both sides.
At Periyar Lake, they boarded a boat and drifted quietly through calm waters. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the experience was never about ticking off animals from a list. It was about being present. Watching the forest edges, listening to birds, and feeling the stillness of the water created a sense of grounding that stayed with them long after the ride ended.
That night in Thekkady felt peaceful and restorative. Surrounded by nature, the family found themselves unwinding completely, enjoying conversations that flowed easily in the absence of noise and distraction.
Drifting Through Alleppey’s Backwaters
If one experience truly captured the soul of Kerala for the family, it was their time in Alleppey. Boarding a traditional houseboat felt like stepping into another rhythm of life altogether. As the boat began to glide through the backwaters, the world seemed to slow down.
Coconut palms leaned over narrow canals, village life unfolded quietly along the banks, and paddy fields stretched endlessly into the distance. Meals served on board were simple yet comforting, enjoyed while watching the scenery move past at a gentle pace.
As the evening settled in, the houseboat rested on still waters. There was very little conversation, not because there was nothing to say, but because the moment itself felt complete. The sounds of water, distant village lights, and cool night air created an atmosphere that was deeply restful. That night, sleep came easily, accompanied by the soft movement of the boat.
From Mythology to the Sea in Kovalam
The journey then shifted towards the coast, with a meaningful stop at the Jatayu Earth’s Center. Standing before the massive sculpture, the family reflected on how Kerala blends mythology, art, and landscape so effortlessly. It was not just a sightseeing stop, but a moment that added cultural depth to the journey.
Reaching Kovalam, the scenery changed once again. Forests gave way to open skies and endless stretches of sea. The family spent time exploring the beaches, walking along the shore, and letting the rhythm of the waves slow their thoughts. There was no checklist, no urgency. Simply being by the sea felt enough.
A Cultural Pause in Trivandrum
An excursion to Trivandrum added a final cultural layer to the trip. The city felt calm and dignified, offering a different perspective compared to the natural landscapes they had experienced so far. After sightseeing, they returned to Kovalam for their final night, content and quietly reflective.
Leaving with More Than Memories
On the final day, as the family prepared to depart from Trivandrum, there was a shared understanding that this trip had offered something deeper than just beautiful views. It had given them uninterrupted time together, free from daily routines and distractions, wrapped in the serenity that Kerala naturally provides.
For Tushar Dutt, this journey stood out as one of the most peaceful and fulfilling holidays he had ever experienced. From punctual transfers and comfortable stays to a thoughtfully planned itinerary, everything flowed effortlessly. Thrillophilia’s arrangements allowed the family to focus entirely on the experience rather than logistics.
Kerala did not overwhelm them. It welcomed them gently, stayed with them quietly, and left them with memories rooted in calm, connection, and shared moments. Long after returning home, the feeling of that week continues to linger, like the soft echo of waves and the quiet mist of the hills.
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