Stories from the road

Family vacations are always special — but when 18 of us, including 12 adults and six kids, set out on a journey across Kerala, it became an unforgettable saga of fun, adventure, bonding, and beautiful memories.

Day 1: Two Routes, One Destination

Our journey began with two groups taking different paths. Four adults and four kids started from Bangalore at 6 AM by car.

A hearty breakfast at Saravana Bhavan in Salem gave us the fuel we needed. By late morning, we reached the serene hill station of Yercaud. The cool weather, boating on the lake, and a few rounds of video games at the local entertainment center made the day joyful. After lunch, we drove back down to Salem and checked in at Hotel CJ Pallazzio for the night.

Meanwhile, the rest of the crew — eight adults and two kids — flew from Bareilly to Kochi, landing by late evening and settling into Noah Sky Suites for a relaxed overnight stay.

Day 2: Unexpected Delays and a Jungle Welcome

Post breakfast, our car group hit the road again, aiming for Thekkady. We stopped after Dindigul for lunch, but a minor hiccup — a dead car battery — gave us an unexpected pause. Thankfully, a friendly mechanic and a new battery from a nearby town had us back on track in no time. While the battery was being replaced, we relished some roadside snacks and chai.

The Kochi group also departed in an AC Force Traveller after breakfast and, coincidentally, both groups reached Thekkady around 4 PM.

We checked into the beautiful Mountain Courtyard Resort, nestled amidst lush greenery at the jungle’s edge. Post a refreshing welcome drink and a short rest, we headed out for the traditional Kalaripayattu (martial arts) and Kathakali shows. The fire act in the Kalari show left everyone amazed, though the Kathakali felt a bit slow — yet the kids enjoyed clicking pictures with the painted artists!

Dinner back at the resort was relaxed, with some drinks and laughter before everyone crashed for the night.

Day 3: Into the Wild – Bamboo Rafting in Periyar

A thrilling day awaited us. We woke early for the Bamboo Rafting experience in Periyar National Park, which included a 5 km jungle trek accompanied by a forest officer and a gunman. The government’s thoughtful setup included backpacks, water bottles, breakfast, and leech-proof socks!

The trek was magical — lush greenery, chirping birds, and a few wildlife sightings including bisons, the Indian giant squirrel, and other exotic birds. The trail led to a tranquil lake nestled between the hills, where we had breakfast and boarded bamboo rafts. Gliding through the calm waters, we even spotted a few snakes! My son Vivaan led us enthusiastically through the entire trek.

Post adventure, we had lunch in town, bought spices and banana chips, and returned to the resort for a quiet evening.

Day 4: Elephants, Jeeps, and Spice Gardens

We took it easy in the morning, enjoying a walk around the resort before heading to Elephant Junction. There, we rode elephants, played with them, and even bathed with them — a fun, unique experience! Watching them follow commands, lift logs, and pose for pictures was delightful.

Lunch was at Atithi pure veg restaurant, serving hot, tasty North Indian vegetarian food — chapatis, dal, sabzi, rice, and chilled shikanji.

Post lunch, we visited a local spice garden, where we learned about Kerala’s rich variety of spices and herbs. The guided tour was both educational and aromatic, and many of us picked up packets of fresh spices as souvenirs

But the day wasn’t over yet — next came the jeep off-roading safari through the rugged landscapes and tea plantation trails of Thekkady. Bouncing over rocky paths, climbing steep terrain, and taking in panoramic views made this an exhilarating experience. It added the perfect adventurous twist to our otherwise cultural day.

By evening, we returned to the resort, packed up some of our things, and relaxed. Tomorrow, we’d be heading to Alleppey for our much-anticipated luxury houseboat stay.

Day 5: Cruising the Backwaters in Style

After an early breakfast, we hit the road towards Alleppey, arriving at Spice Routes Luxury Houseboats by 1 PM. The houseboat was nothing short of a floating palace — five fully air-conditioned bedrooms, attached bathrooms, a cozy living room, and a beautiful open-air deck upstairs for panoramic views.

Cruising through the Kerala backwaters was surreal — calm waters, swaying coconut trees, and glimpses of daily life along the banks. As part of the experience, the crew took us to a local riverside fish market, where we handpicked fresh Tiger prawns of our choice. They were later grilled and cooked to perfection by the onboard chef — a delicious, personalized treat that made the meal even more special.

The overall food spread was incredible. The chef served a mouth-watering feast with veg and non-veg options — including chicken, fish, prawns, and sides like beetroot curry, sambar, and fried rice.

We played cards, celebrated a birthday on board, enjoyed some drinks, and danced as the boat gently glided over the waters. After about four hours of cruising, the boats were docked. We took a short evening stroll in a nearby village and returned just before dark to spend a peaceful night on the water.

Day 6: From Backwaters to the Tea Hills of Munnar

Waking up to a sunrise over the backwaters was magical. After breakfast and a final hour of cruising — during which we saw school children commuting by boat — we checked out and left for Munnar.

By afternoon, we reached Briar’s Tea Bungalow, a charming property perched amidst acres of tea plantations. It offered four spacious bedrooms, a library, a badminton court, and a bonfire area, all surrounded by nature’s silence.

Day 7: Treks, Tea, and Waterfalls

The day began with a trek through the tea estates, leading us to a quaint mountain village. After returning, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast on the terrace facing the hills.

We then visited Eravikulam National Park, where golf carts took us through the misty tea-covered hills. In the afternoon, the resort staff guided us to a private waterfall with ice-cold water. Despite the chill, we couldn’t resist jumping in!

Day 8: Speedboats and Souvenirs

We started our day with breakfast and then drove to the scenic Mattupetty Dam for an exciting speedboat ride. Post the adrenaline rush, we visited Ripple Tea Shop, bought some locally grown tea and spices, and headed back to the bungalow for our final night in Munnar.

Day 9: Farewell, Kerala

After one last breakfast with the mountains as our backdrop, the two groups bid farewell — one heading back to Bangalore, the other to Bareilly. Our hearts were full and our phones were overflowing with photos and memories.

Final Thoughts

This trip wasn’t just about Kerala’s beauty — it was about reconnecting as a family, experiencing nature and culture together, and making countless memories. From treks and waterfalls to elephants and houseboats, every day had something special.

Kerala — you were magical. Until next time!