Calling all wanderlust-stricken families! Gather ’round and grab your chai, because I’m Yaseen, and I’m here to take you on a rollercoaster ride through the emerald landscapes of Kerala, a land dripping with spices and surprises. Buckle up, because our monsoon escapade with six fearless souls was a tapestry woven with stunning vistas, unexpected adventures and enough chai to fuel an elephant stampede!
Grand Route, Grand Adventures:
We voyaged on this journey in the month of august, our itinerary unfurled like a vibrant silk sari, leading us from the bustling streets of Thiruvananthapuram to the tranquil shores of Kasaragod. Kochi’s bustling markets, Munnar’s mist-kissed hills, Thekkady’s wildlife whispers, Alappuzha’s backwater serenity, Kovalam’s private paradise, back to Kochi – each stop a unique bead on our Kerala mala.
Driver Drama & Veggie Quest:
Ah, the art of travel! Let’s just say our chariot, while technically functional, lacked the charm of a knowledgeable guide. Rigid timetables and solo evening escapades became the norm, reminding us that a good driver is more than just a steering wheel spinner.
Food, the universal language! Now, Kerala’s culinary landscape is a symphony of seafood and spices, not always music to a vegetarian’s ears. But fear not fellow herbivores! Sravana Bhawan in Munnar and Sardarji ka Dhaba in Kochi became our vegetarian oases, proving that patience and a bit of spice-sniffing can lead to delightful discoveries.
Munnar Magic & Jungle Thrills:
Munnar, oh Munnar! You stole our hearts with your rolling hills draped in emerald tea gardens. Deepwoods Resorts became our haven, a cozy cocoon cradled by mist and the aroma of freshly brewed chai. Tea factories whispered secrets of leaf to cup, culminating in a tasting session that left us singing praises to the humble tea leaf.
Thekkady, with its jungle symphony and Coffee Routes’ warm embrace, treated us to a wildlife safari worthy of National Geographic. Periyar whispered tales of tigers and elephants, leaving us wide-eyed and humbled by the wonders of nature.
Alappuzha & Kovalam: Unveiling the Unexpected:
Now, the backwaters of Alappuzha, while undeniably picturesque, didn’t quite live up to the hype. Budget travelers, take note! Alternative explorations might be your boat to paradise.
But Kovalam’s private beach at Soma Palmshore? Pure serenity! Sun-kissed sand, gentle waves, and a restaurant staff dedicated to crafting culinary magic that catered to even the pickiest veggie palate (minus the salty sting, alas, that left us sporting tans in record time).
Budgeting for Beauty:
For fellow adventurers, our Kerala odyssey landed somewhere between 40,000₹ and 45,000₹. Think transport, cozy stays, and enough chai to fill a lake. Remember, a little extra buffer for unexpected surprises goes a long way!
Kerala’s Tapestry: Beauty & Beyond:
Our Kerala adventure was a kaleidoscope of experiences, a tapestry woven with vibrant threads of beauty and the occasional knot of challenge. Munnar’s misty magic, Thekkady’s jungle whispers, and Kovalam’s private Eden outweighed the bumps along the road.
So, dear travelers, as you weave your own Kerala journey, let our experiences be your compass. Embrace the unexpected, pack your patience, and remember, Kerala’s beauty is worth every twist and turn. Happy travels!
P.S. Holi in Kerala is a vibrant explosion of color! If your trip falls in February/March, capture the chaos, and tag your travel squad with #KeralaHoli in your Insta stories. Let’s paint the land of spices with joy!
