Last month, I went on a road trip with my family from Munnar to Thekkady, and it was one of the most peaceful and refreshing journeys I’ve ever had. We had been in Munnar for two days, enjoying the tea gardens, waterfalls, and cool weather. After that, we packed our bags and started our journey to Thekkady, which is about 90 km away. The drive takes around 3 hours, but we stopped at many places on the way, so it took us a little longer.
Beginning
We began our road trip in the morning after breakfast. The route from Munnar to Thekkady is replete with curves and hills, but the scenery is just breathtaking. We drove through green hills, spice plantations, small waterfalls, and numerous trees along the road. The atmosphere was crisp and the climate was ideal—not too hot, not too chilly. We opened the windows and enjoyed the wind.
Spice Plantation
Our first place to visit along the way was at a spice plantation. We had a quick tour where a guide told us about various kinds of spices such as cardamom, pepper, cloves, and nutmeg. We even got to observe how they are grown. My parents purchased some fresh spices at the shop there. Everything smelled so wonderful!
As we went along, we passed by tiny villages where villagers were tilling the land or peddling fruits on the roadside. We made a stop at a tea stall in one of the villages to take chai and banana chips. The tea was that much better due to the surroundings!
Thekkady
When we reached Thekkady, we checked into a small hotel near the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. After resting for a while, we went for a boat ride on Periyar Lake. The boat ride was peaceful, and we were lucky to see some animals from a distance like elephants, wild boars, and many birds. The lake was calm, and the forest all around made it feel like we were deep inside nature.
Later in the evening, we watched a Kalaripayattu (traditional martial art) show. It was really exciting to see the performers jumping, flipping, and showing their strength. We also saw a Kathakali dance performance, where the artists wore colorful costumes and makeup. It was fun and something new for all of us.
At night, we had dinner at a small restaurant where they served Kerala meals on banana leaves. The food was tasty, and we enjoyed every bite.
Concluding Thoughts
This road trip from Munnar to Thekkady was not just about reaching a place—it was about enjoying the journey. The quiet roads, beautiful nature, and little experiences along the way made it truly special. If you love peaceful drives and being close to nature, this route is perfect for you.
