Discovering Kerala's Beauty with Loved Ones

Kerala Family Holidays: Backwaters, Beaches, and Beautiful Memories

I just went on a family holiday to Kerala for a peaceful holiday, exploring backwaters, beaches, and the surroundings. From boat rides in Alleppey to spice-laden hill walks in Munnar, every experience was refreshing.

A Long-Overdue Holiday

We had planned a family trip for some time now, and Kerala was always the subject matter of discussion. Everyone desired something peaceful, lush green, and full of nature. Finally, after all the decisions were taken, when all of us were agreed on the dates, we packed our bags and flew off to Kochi and were all ready to venture into God’s Own Country.

No sooner had we arrived on land than the air was different — fresh, moist, and redolent of rain and earth. Before we had even arrived at our hotel, the journey down coconut-lined roads had set the tone for the rest of the days.

Settling In Without Stress

I had informed our housing preferences on CheQin.ai before the trip — family accommodations, spacious rooms, and efficient connectivity to around locations. Most of the adjacent hotels responded with quotations, and we chose the one that had a homely feel and strong recommendations from travelers.

Check-in was easy, and the location turned out to be just what we wanted — quiet, clean, and comfortable. It was more of a home than a hotel, which made the whole experience relaxed, especially for my parents who prefer quiet stays.

Alleppey: A Slow Ride Through Calm Waters

We began at Alleppey, famous for its serene backwaters. We had booked a day on a heritage houseboat, and it was a highlight of the trip. Drifting along the canals, observing paddy fields as far as the eye can see and villagers waving from their doorsteps, time seemed to stand still.

We had a basic lunch on the boat — fresh seafood, rice, and local curries. It wasn’t so much the food; it was the ambiance. The peaceful water, the gentle breeze, and the chirping birds made everything seem like magic.

Munnar: Green Hills and Cool Air

And then we were off to Munnar, a hill town famous for tea estates and low temperature. The journey itself was picturesque, with curvaceous roads, waterfalls en route, and mist crawling over hills.

At Munnar, we visited a tea museum, took walks through spice plantations, and had quiet nights sipping cardamom tea. The kids in the family loved to run around in the open gardens, while the rest of the family enjoyed the relaxed lifestyle and the fresh air.

We woke up one day to a scene of the hills veiled with mist. We just sat there for a while, no phone, no agenda — just peace.

Local Food and Friendly People

Kerala’s food also merits a special mention. Banana leaf lunches, crunchy appams, and coconut-flavored curries were all fresh and excellent. We tried different local dishes at tiny restaurants that we received tips about from locals, and never were they a disappointment.

Wherever we travelled, the locals were polite and welcoming. Whether a driver explaining to us a local tradition or a shop assistant giving tips on spices, these tiny interactions made the trip richer.

A Few Things That Helped

Planning a family holiday can be complex — different needs, different energy levels. But having a calm place to come back to each evening made all the difference. Since our accommodation was booked in advance before we came to Kerala, we were able to leave more mental room to devote to exploration instead of figuring things out along the way.

CheQin.ai saved us from that familiar chaos of last-minute hotel searching, especially during the peak season. It all went more smoothly.

Final Thoughts

Kerala provided us with all we wanted — a blend of nature, culture, and calm bonding time. Yes, there was no rush, no urgency to tick off every tourist spot. We picked out some places, took our time gradually, and created memories that now feel like sunshine in a jar.

If you’re going to organize a vacation for your family and need something beautiful and spiritual, Kerala is a great choice. And once you’ve got your accommodation sorted, you’re free to just soak it all in, one leisurely, contemplative moment at a time.

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Written by

Bhavani Ghantasala
Bhavani Ghantasala