When I first heard that our school was organizing an educational excursion to Kerala, my heart leaped with excitement. The idea of traveling all the way from Chandigarh to Kerala with my college mates and teachers sounded like an adventure straight out of a movie. It wasn’t just a vacation – it was a journey to understand the cultural diversity of India, and Kerala, often called God’s Own Country, seemed like the perfect place to witness it.
Pack Travels – our travel partners had promised us a journey that would be smooth, well-coordinated, and full of unforgettable experiences — and they delivered more than I could have imagined.
The Train Journey: Chandigarh to Kerala on the Kerala Sampark Kranti Express
The adventure began at Chandigarh railway station, where the team from Pack Travelsensured all our tickets, meals, and seat allocations were in order. For students like us, that made a huge difference — no last-minute confusion, no hassle.
We boarded the Kerala Sampark Kranti Express, which would be our home for almost two days as it sped through the heart of India. The compartments became little pockets of laughter, songs, and games. Teachers often joined in, and the travel coordinators traveling with us made sure our journey remained comfortable, arranging group meals and even small fun activities to keep the long train ride lively.
When we finally reached Ernakulam Junction, Pack Travels had arranged local buses to whisk us away to our hotel. The smooth handover from train to hotel transport felt seamless — the kind of thing you don’t notice until you realize how easy it all was.
Exploring Kerala – Top Sights We Visited
With every destination, Kerala showed its magic and helped us understand why people call Kerala “God’s Own Country”. Our hotels were comfortable and close to the sights, our buses arrived on time, and local guides shared stories that made history come alive. Here is a list of my favourite locations from the trip:
1. Fort Kochi – Where Cultures Meet
Our first stop was Fort Kochi, where we went for a heritage walk with a local storyteller. The Chinese fishing nets against the sunset, Jew Town, Paradesi Synagogue, St. Francis Church, and spice-scented streets came alive through tales of Jewish, Portuguese and Dutch traders. It felt like stepping into a living history book. The mesmerizing Kathakali performance, and the time they spent explaining how they got dressed for the dance was just out of this world.
2. Backwaters of Alleppey – Floating Through Paradise
In Alleppey, Pack Travels had organized a day-long houseboat cruise just for our group. The moment we stepped aboard, I felt like I was in a dream. The calm waters, swaying palms, and delicious Kerala meals made on board turned the day into a postcard memory.
3. Munnar – Hills Draped in Green
Our long bus ride to Munnar was comfortable but tiring, with scenic stops to stretch and click photos. At the Tea Museum and Top Station, guides explained how tea shaped Kerala’s history. Standing above the clouds.
4. Thekkady – Dance of the Elephants and Culture
In Thekkady, our college had arranged a spice plantation tour, a boat ride in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, and a mesmerizing Kathakali performance. Watching artists transform into mythological characters through makeup and movement was one of the trip’s highlights.
5. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary – Songs of the Skies
We reached the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary early in the morning, just when birdsong filled the air. Spotting herons, kingfishers, and even Siberian storks felt like walking into a nature documentary. I didn’t get much sleep, but the beauty of the place made everything worth it.
6. Athirappilly Waterfalls – The Niagara of India
My favourite waterfall of the many in Kerala was Athirappilly Falls, where nature roared in white sprays of water. Standing near the cascade, drenched by mist, I felt both tiny and exhilarated. I wanted to spend more time here, but sadly, our final destination awaited, so I had to tear myself away from here. The next time I visit Kerala, I am staying here for the night!
7. Wayanad – Caves and Legends
The journey to Wayanad was long, but our bus rides were comfortable, and Pack Travels kept everything smooth. At the Edakkal Caves, I stood in awe before ancient carvings. Later, gazing at valleys shrouded in mist, I realized why Kerala is called mystical.
8. Kovalam – The Whispering Waves
At Kovalam Beach, Pack Travels gave us time to simply enjoy. Some of us dipped into the waves, others played frisbee, and our teachers relaxed by the lighthouse. The sunset turned the sky into a masterpiece.
9. Thiruvananthapuram – A Temple City
In Kerala’s capital, we visited the Padmanabhaswamy Temple and Napier Museum. Pack Travels arranged guided tours that explained the stories behind the temple’s architecture and Kerala’s artistic heritage. It was educational and awe-inspiring at the same time. My favourite part of the trip was visiting Maha Chips! I LOVE banana chips, and Maha Chips makes the best banana chips ever! It was very close to the temple, and we spent over an hour stocking up on things I had to take home.
10. Samudra Beach – The Farewell Walk
On our last evening, Pack Travels organized a relaxed farewell stroll along Samudra Beach, complete with local snacks and time to shop for souvenirs. Watching the city lights sparkle on the water, we knew the trip was ending, but the memories were here to stay.
Local Travel – Our Little Journeys Within the Journey
Everywhere we went, Pack Travels handled the details — buses waiting for us on time, friendly drivers who doubled as local guides, and smooth coordination between hotels and activities. Whether it was boats in Alleppey, buses in Munnar, or auto-rickshaws for short hops, everything worked like clockwork. That gave us more time to simply enjoy.
Reflections – What Kerala and this Trip Taught Me
As our train pulled out of Kochuveli for the return journey, I leaned out of the window one last time to wave at the coconut palms swaying goodbye.
Kerala taught me that India’s diversity is not just in books – it’s living, breathing, and waiting to be experienced. And Pack Travels taught me how important it is to have the right guides and planners who turn a journey into an experience.
This educational excursion gave me more than sightseeing – it gave me a deeper connection to my country, my classmates, and myself. And behind it all was the quiet, steady hand of Pack Travels, making sure every step of the way was unforgettable.
Why Schools Trust Pack Travels for Educational Tours
Looking back, I realize that what made our Kerala excursion so smooth and enriching wasn’t just the beauty of the destination — it was the way Pack Travels handled every detail with care. From booking train tickets on the Kerala Sampark Kranti Express to arranging safe, clean hotels, guided tours, and reliable local transport, they made sure we were free to focus on learning and experiencing.
For schools, especially those women-only institutions, this matters. Educational trips aren’t just about sightseeing — they’re about ensuring students are safe, engaged, and inspired. With years of expertise in group tours, educational tours, and cultural excursions, Pack Travels understands the balance between fun and learning. Their team’s planning, coordination, and warm approach turned our trip into more than just a journey; it became a memory that we’ll carry with us forever.