Manideep Gurram’s Kerala Travel Story with Thrillophilia
The airport buzzed with the usual chaos - announcements ringing over the speakers, luggage trolleys squeaking across the tiled floor, and passengers hurrying toward their gates. But amidst it all, Manideep stood with his family, with his heart swelling with excitement.
Kerala had always held a certain charm for him. He had been here before, but this time, it was different. He was not just a traveller looking for a break. Instead, he was a father wanting to etch memorable experiences into his children’s childhood, and a husband hoping to steal quiet moments amidst nature’s embrace.
And so, as they stepped out into the warm air of Kochi, their adventure began.
It was a Symphony of Green All Around
The drive from Kochi to Munnar was a slow and mesmerising journey that revealed the beauty of Kerala. The car weaved through winding roads, past rolling hills that looked like they had been dipped in emerald-green tea. The sky was a vast, endless blue, dotted with fluffy white clouds.
Their driver, Saneer, was a man of stories. "Did you know Munnar was once the summer retreat of British officials?" he asked, his voice brimming with pride.
Manideep’s son, barely containing his excitement, leaned forward. "Really? So, do kings live here too?"
Saneer chuckled. "Well, nature is the true king here."
Moving forward, they stopped at the Valara and Cheeyappara waterfalls. Unbothered by the spray, the children ran ahead and their laughter echoed through the valley. Manideep watched them, his wife by his side, and felt an unusual warmth settle in his chest. This was what he had come for - these moving golden moments.
By the time they reached their hotel, the sun had begun its descent. That night, as they dined under the stars, the cool mountain air carried the scent of cardamom and freshly brewed tea. Sitting there, Manideep felt a rare sense of peace.
The next morning, they moved to explore Munnar's treasures. They walked through tea plantations, where workers skillfully plucked leaves. At Echo Point, the kids yelled their names into the valley with delight as their voices bounced back.
His daughter grabbed his hand, her eyes sparkling. "Dad, do you think our voices will stay here forever?"
Manideep smiled, squeezing her tiny fingers. "Maybe. Some places remember us long after we leave.”
Travelling in the Wild of Thekkady
From Munnar, they descended into Thekkady.
There, their first stop was Periyar Tiger Reserve, where they took a boat ride on the tranquil lake. The water shimmered under the afternoon sun, and the ripples created an illusion of golden waves. A herd of elephants grazed lazily along the banks, while a family of deer cautiously stepped out of the shadows.
“Will we see a tiger?” his son whispered, eyes wide.
Manideep placed a hand on his shoulder. "Maybe. But even if we don’t, the jungle has its own way of making us feel small and infinite at the same time."
The children, who were usually restless, sat still to absorb the quiet grandeur of the wilderness. It was a rare sight, one that Manideep knew he would hold close long after this trip was over.
They also visited a spice plantation, where the air was thick with the scent of cinnamon, vanilla, and cloves. The guide plucked a green cardamom pod and handed it to Manideep. "Smell this," he said.
As the aroma filled his senses, he realised that some experiences could not be captured in photographs or words. They can only be felt, in the moment, in the heart.
Reliving the Houseboat Dream in Alleppey
Alleppey was where the world slowed down. The houseboat they boarded was a floating paradise. It had wooden interiors, cosy rooms, and a deck that opened up to a view of endless backwaters.
As the boat glided through the narrow canals, life unfolded around them in the most beautiful way. Children waved from the banks, fishermen cast their nets in synchronized motions, and women washed clothes by the water’s edge, with their sarees adding bursts of colour to the scenery.
Lunch was a traditional Kerala sadya, served on banana leaves - steaming rice, tangy sambar, crispy banana chips, and the irresistible aroma of coconut-infused curries. Manideep watched his wife take a bite. "This tastes like home," she murmured.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, the family sat on the deck to soak it all in. The world was quiet, except for the occasional rustling of palm leaves and the distant call of a bird.
His wife leaned against him, her voice barely above a whisper. "We should do this more often. Just… pause."
Manideep exhaled a slow and contented breath. "Yes. We should."
That night, the gentle rocking of the boat lulled them into the most peaceful sleep they had had in a long time.
A Bittersweet Goodbye in Kochi
The final morning in Kerala was tinged with nostalgia. On their way back to Kochi, they made a few stops at Fort Kochi, Marine Drive, and finally, the bustling streets where they picked up souvenirs.
It is rightly said that some places call you once, and some call you back again and again. For Manideep and his family, Kerala was one of those places.
Read More: Thrillophilia Kerala Reviews