Journey into the Heart of God’s Own Country: Vinay’s Kerala Trip Review

“If paradise had a postcard, it would be painted in Kerala.” 

That’s how Vinay described his trip with his partner when they returned home. And, oh, what a tale they brought back! A five-day escapade through Kerala’s soul, packed with laughter, discovery, and moments that felt straight out of a movie. It was an adventure, a love story, and a comedy of errors rolled into one. 

Here's their story as they told it.

Tea, Chocolate, and Whispers in the Wind

The first thing Vinay noticed as they approached Munnar was the way the air changed—it felt cooler, fresher like nature itself had taken a deep breath. Their driver and guide, Shamon, had already become a friend, pointing out every waterfall and turn with genuine excitement.

“Wait till you see the tea gardens,” Shamon grinned, and boy, was he right. 

Ripple Tea Gardens wasn’t just a place; it was a sensory experience. Vinay and his partner walked through the maze of tea bushes, the aroma of fresh leaves wrapping around them like a warm hug. “I feel like we’re in a painting,” his partner whispered, snapping pictures that wouldn’t do justice to the real thing.

The chocolate factory visit added a delicious twist to their day. Tasting freshly made chocolates in a quaint little setting felt indulgent, almost sinful. 

But Munnar had more treasures to offer—the dam, the echo point, and an evening immersed in Kerala’s traditional martial arts. “How do people move like that?” Vinay wondered aloud as the performers leapt and twirled with lightning speed.

Back at their hotel, they were greeted with breathtaking views and the most flavorful local dishes. It was the perfect ending to a day that already felt like a dream.

Wild Hearts and Untamed Beauty

Thekkady was a change of pace but in the best way. 

The drive itself was peppered with Shamon’s tales about the region—its people, its wildlife, and its secrets.

Periyar National Park was the highlight of their time here. They boarded a boat that glided silently through the lake, the water so still it mirrored the surrounding forest. A hush fell over the passengers as an elephant family appeared at the water’s edge. 

“This is surreal,” he whispered, almost afraid to break the spell of the moment. His partner was equally enchanted, snapping photos and gasping at the sight of a herd of deer grazing nearby.

Wildlife aside, Thekkady offered its own brand of charm with bustling spice markets and the rich aroma of cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom. Vinay couldn’t resist picking up a few packets, imagining the flavours they would bring to their meals back home.

Love in the Backwaters

Alleppey was a unique experience in itself. 

Their houseboat awaited—a masterpiece of craftsmanship floating on Kerala’s serene backwaters. “I’ve never seen anything like this,” Vinay exclaimed as he stepped aboard. “This is luxury redefined.”

As the boat began its journey, the world around them seemed to slow down. They passed by traditional villages, coconut groves, and children paddling tiny canoes. It felt like they’d stepped into a time capsule where life was simpler, yet richer in ways that mattered.

The houseboat itself was a marvel. With a cosy cabin, a deck for lounging, and an onboard chef who whipped up the most delicious meals, it felt like their own little world. “I could live here forever,” Vinay’s partner said, leaning against the railing as the setting sun painted the sky in hues of orange and pink.

Dinner under the stars was the kind of magic that words can’t capture. The soft lapping of water against the boat, the distant sounds of the village, and the aroma of Kerala-style curry—it was a sensory overload in the best way possible. “This is a moment I’ll remember forever,” Vinay said softly, clinking glasses with his partner in a silent toast to the perfect day.

Farewell, But Not Goodbye

There’s travel, and then there’s Kerala—a place that takes you on a journey not just across stunning landscapes but into your very soul. For Vinay and his partner, this Thrillophilia-planned adventure was the escape they didn’t know they needed.

Their final day in Kochi was bittersweet. With a late-night flight to catch, Shamon ensured every moment was used well. From exploring Fort Kochi’s heritage streets to walking along Marine Drive as the sun dipped into the horizon, it was the perfect goodbye to a trip that had given them so much.

And if there’s one thing they couldn’t stop talking about, it was Shamon—whose warmth, knowledge, and impeccable timing turned a good trip into a great one. In Vinay’s words, “Our journey was greatly enhanced by our driver and guide, Shamon Manamkavil. Shamon's warmth, extensive knowledge, and assistance were invaluable throughout the trip. His adept driving skills and fluency in both Hindi and English added an extra layer of comfort and enjoyment to our experience.” 

Vinay and his partner had come to Kerala looking for a getaway, but they left with stories they’d tell for years to come.

Read More: Thrillophilia Kerala Reviews