Kerala Was Basically Therapy... But With Better Food, Beaches & Views

The journey

This Kerala trip was honestly so much more than just a vacation.

It wasn't just my family this time—my **mama, mami, and their two absolutely adorable little kids** joined us too. So instead of a regular family trip, it turned into one big chaotic, loud, super wholesome family holiday... and I wouldn't change a single thing.

From the moment we met at the airport, the energy was completely different. The adults were busy discussing the itinerary, while the kids were already running around with more excitement than all of us combined. Somewhere in between, the rest of us were just trying to make sure nobody forgot a bag.

Our first stop was **Munnar**, and honestly, it looked unreal. The tea plantations, mist-covered hills, and winding roads made every drive feel like a movie. Every few minutes someone would ask the driver to stop because "this view is prettier than the last one." The funniest part? The kids got excited every single time they saw monkeys on the roadside. It didn't matter if we'd already seen twenty of them.

Then we headed to **Thekkady**, where we explored the spice plantations and took a boat ride in Periyar. The kids spent the entire safari hoping they'd spot an elephant or a tiger. Every time they saw even the smallest bird, they'd loudly announce, "LOOK! LOOK!" and suddenly the whole boat would turn in that direction. Their excitement was honestly contagious.

But I think **Alleppey** stole everyone's heart.

Staying on a houseboat with such a big family was honestly the best decision. We spent hours sitting on the deck, sipping chai, playing cards, eating delicious Kerala food, and simply watching the backwaters go by. The kids somehow turned the entire houseboat into their playground, while the adults enjoyed finally slowing down for a bit.

One evening, we all sat together on the deck just watching the sunset. Nobody was on their phone, nobody was in a hurry, and for a while it felt like time had completely stopped. Those are honestly the moments I remember the most.

Our final stop was **Varkala**, and it was the perfect way to end the trip. We walked along the cliffs, explored little cafés, enjoyed the sea breeze, and spent hours at the beach. Meanwhile, the kids were completely busy building sandcastles and collecting shells like they had discovered hidden treasure.

The funniest moment happened while trying to click one proper family photo. We had finally managed to get everyone in one frame—which itself felt like an achievement—when one of the little ones suddenly decided he wanted to chase a pigeon instead. Within seconds, the "perfect family photo" turned into everyone laughing while trying to catch him. Honestly... that candid picture ended up becoming everyone's favourite.

Of course, shopping happened too. We entered spice shops saying we'd "just have a look" and somehow walked out carrying spices, banana chips, chocolates, homemade soaps, coffee, and enough snacks to last the journey home. Typical family behaviour.

Looking back, I realised Kerala wasn't just beautiful because of the places we visited.

It was beautiful because we experienced it together.

Watching my parents laugh with my mama and mami, seeing the kids get excited over the smallest things, sharing meals, teasing each other during long drives, and ending every night with stories and laughter made this trip so much more special than any itinerary ever could.

Honestly, if someone asked me what my favourite memory from Kerala was... I wouldn't pick a place.

I'd pick the people.