Arrival in Kochi and the Journey to Munnar

As soon as I stepped off the plane at Cochin International Airport, I was greeted by the warm, tropical air of Kerala and the friendly smile of our guide, Shajeer. With three kids in tow, I was a bit apprehensive about how the journey would unfold, but Shajeer’s welcoming demeanor immediately put me at ease. We were whisked away in a comfortable private car, and the adventure began.

Our first stop was the Neriamangalam Bridge, where we paused to admire the Periyar River. The kids were thrilled to stretch their legs and take in the breathtaking views. As we continued our drive to Munnar, we made pit stops at the Valara and Cheeyappara Waterfalls. The cascading water was a sight to behold, and the kids couldn’t resist splashing around a bit. By the time we reached our resort in Munnar, we were all ready to relax and soak in the serene surroundings.

Exploring the Beauty of Munnar

The next day, after a hearty breakfast, we set out to explore Munnar. Known for its lush tea gardens and stunning landscapes, Munnar did not disappoint. Our first stop was the Kundala Dam Lake, where the kids enjoyed a boat ride while I marveled at the panoramic views. We then visited the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. The kids were fascinated by the wildlife, and it was a great opportunity for them to learn about conservation efforts.

We also visited the Mattupetty Dam and the Indo-Swiss Farm, where the kids got to see cows and learn about dairy farming. The highlight of the day was the Kannan Devan Tea Museum, where we learned about the history of tea production in the region. The kids were surprisingly interested in the process, and we all enjoyed sampling different varieties of tea.

Cruising the Kerala Backwaters

The highlight of our trip was undoubtedly the houseboat cruise in the Kerala backwaters. After checking out from our hotel in Munnar, we drove to Kumarakom and boarded our private houseboat. The kids were thrilled with the novelty of staying on a boat, and I was equally excited to experience the tranquility of the backwaters.

As we cruised along the serene waters, we passed by rustic homes, swaying coconut trees, and locals going about their daily lives. Our onboard chef, Ajit, prepared a sumptuous traditional lunch that was a feast for the senses. The kids loved trying new dishes, and I appreciated the opportunity to relax and take in the beautiful scenery.

Our journey concluded with a visit to Fort Kochi, where we explored the Chinese Fishing Nets, Princess Street, and the Cochin Spice Market. The kids were fascinated by the vibrant colors and bustling atmosphere. As we headed to the airport for our departure, I reflected on the incredible experiences we had shared as a family. This Kerala Adventure was truly a memorable adventure, and I can’t wait to return to explore more of this beautiful region.