Hello, my adventure seekers, myself Akarsh.
Join me on my adventure of travelling south. We set off on an adventure to the scenic hills of Munnar, Alleppey, Kanyakumari, and Rameshwaram with my family, a party of four. Also, we know, it would become the most incredible journey of our lives.
Day 1 & 2 in Mystical Munnar :
Our trip began in March with a flight from Kanpur to Bangalore on IndiGo, costing around ₹17,000 per ticket. From Bangalore, we enjoyed a scenic drive through the Western Ghats, with misty mountains and lush greenery setting a beautiful mood. After lunch at Rapsy Restaurant in Munnar (₹900), we checked into a hill resort for ₹5,000 per night. We visited Chinnakanal, stopping at Lockhart Gap for breathtaking views, and admired the majestic Power House Waterfall.
On Day 2, we took a thrilling off-road jeep ride to Kolukkumalai Tea Garden on the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border. At Suryanelli Tea Factory, we learned about tea-making with a ₹100 entry fee. Back in Munnar, we explored the local market, indulged in spices, chocolates, and teas, and ended the day with local delicacies at Rapsy. We left Munnar with unforgettable memories.
Pro Tips: I suggest bringing along a pair of slippers, and don’t forget sunscreen for your trip. Also, it gets really hot there. One challenge we encountered was the language barrier, but overall, it was a good trip.
Day 3 & 4 Relaxing in Alleppey :
My family trip to Alleppey was fantastic! We stayed at Marari Kalyani Beach Homestay for Rs. 2000, but I was really tempted by the idea of staying on a houseboat. We visited peaceful temples like Mulakkal Rajarajeshwari and Mararikulam Mahadeva. After driving from Bangalore, we arrived at 9 p.m. and woke up early to catch the stunning sunrise over Vembanad Lake.
We enjoyed a fun day at Vijaya Beach Park near Alleppey Beach, where we tried boating and rode the toy train. The park’s entry fee was Rs. 5 for adults and Rs. 3 for kids. The next day, we explored the Alleppey Lighthouse Museum, which had fascinating displays about sailors and lighthouses (entry fee: Rs. 50).
We mostly ate at local stalls, enjoying delicious South Indian food like dosa and idli for around Rs. 150 per meal. The two-day trip was amazing and fit within a budget of Rs. 10,000.
Day 5 & 6 of Exploring Kanyakumari :
My family of four travelled by bus from Alleppey to Kanyakumari. We stayed at Ganesh Lodge, which cost us around Rs. 1200. In Kanyakumari, we visited the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, followed by Mayapuri Wonder Wax Museum at Baywatch Water Park, which showcased impressive wax statues. In the afternoon, we relaxed at Sunset View Point, enjoying a beautiful sunset. For dinner, we ate dosas and idlis at Hotel Annapoorna, spending Rs. 1500 for all of us.
The next day, we started early at Kanyakumari Beach to catch a stunning sunrise. We then visited the Valluvar Statue on a small island and Triveni Sangamam, a significant pilgrimage site. At the View Tower, we enjoyed views of the Vivekananda Rock, Thiruvalluvar Statue, and the sea. We wrapped up the trip with a meal at Ocean Restaurant, enjoying Chinese food with a sea view. Our two-day trip cost around Rs. 10,000.
Day 7 & 8 of Pilgrimage and Pleasure to Rameshwaram :
Next, we travelled by bus from Kanyakumari to Rameshwaram, costing Rs. 7,000 per person. Also, we arrived early so stayed at SDM Golden Tower in Bharathi Nagar for Rs. 2,000 per night.
After freshening up, we visited the famous Ramanathaswamy Temple, a major Hindu pilgrimage site and one of Shiva’s jyotirlingas. After darshan, we went to Agniteertham. We had lunch at our hotel, enjoying North Indian dishes like dal makhani and paneer, costing Rs. 1,100 for four people.
The next day, we visited Lakshmana Theertham, with its beautiful corridors and nearby pond, followed by the Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple. We also saw APJ Abdul Kalam’s house before returning to our hotel to rest before our flight to Kanpur.
It was a fantastic trip, and we plan to visit again. The budget for one person for two days was Rs. 5,000.
Pro tips: A tip I’d suggest is to visit during the winter for a more enjoyable experience.
Each destination weaves its own spell, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of travellers and beckoning them to return time and time.On the hunt for captivating travel narratives? Explore https://sowl.in/stories for incredible stories! I wish you safe and memorable travels!
