The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) introduced an incredible initiative: conducting budget tour programs to various tourist destinations within the state. When we heard about this, we knew we had to try it. I quickly contacted them and booked a one-day family trip covering three beautiful spots in the high ranges of Kerala: Malankara Dam, Illikkal Kallu, and Ilaveezhapoonchira .
Pack your virtual bags, because I am about to take you on a 20-hour journey filled with winding roads, misty mountains, off-road jeep rides, and unforgettable family memories!
The Early Bird Catch and the Highway Party
Our day started long before the sun came up. We reached the Malappuram KSRTC bus stand at 4:30 AM in the morning. The air was cool and crisp, and the excitement was palpable. There were three KSRTC buses lined up, all dedicated to the exact same route.
Our travel squad, proudly known as the Ishabil Team , consists of myself, my wife Sabeera, our daughter Isha, our little three-year-old Ishwa, and my son Shabil. When we boarded our assigned bus, we noticed an interesting mix of fellow travelers. The majority of the passengers were men, but there was also a young married couple, three energetic cousin sisters, and a few others who joined our group from Kottakkal and nearby areas along the route.
Once the bus crossed Kottakkal, it merged onto the newly constructed six-lane National Highway. The driver shifted gears, the bus picked up speed, and our journey officially gained momentum. In the early hours of the morning, a KSRTC staff member took the microphone and started an introduction session. It was a wonderful icebreaker. We met people from different areas, different professions, and different walks of life, all united by a shared love for travel.
Around 6:00 AM, we took a short comfort break. After a long, smooth stretch past Thrissur, our stomachs started rumbling. The bus pulled over near Muringoor at a classic Indian Coffee House for breakfast. After a hearty meal of hot dosas and strong coffee, the vibe inside the bus completely transformed. The sleepy morning silence was replaced by high energy. People started singing songs, clapping hands, and even dancing in the narrow aisle of the bus! We passed through the busy towns of Angamaly, Perumbavoor, Muvattupuzha, and Thodupuzha, singing all the way.
The Mighty Malankara Dam
Our first major destination was the Malankara Dam . One of the great perks of the KSRTC tour is the VIP access; our bus was allowed to drive straight inside the compound, parking very close to the dam itself.
Here, a dedicated local guide boarded our bus to brief us. He shared fascinating details about the dam’s history and its engineering. We took a short walk to the upper side of the dam. For strict security reasons, camera usage is entirely prohibited in this area. While we couldn't click pictures, our eyes captured the magnificent sights. We saw the main dam structure, a small powerhouse facility, and the simply massive catchment area.
The guide explained an interesting fact: the water flowing into the Malankara Dam is actually the tail-water from the famous Idukki Dam after it has been used to produce electricity! The catchment area is breathtakingly huge, spreading across roughly 12 kilometers. (Keep this detail in mind, because it makes a spectacular return later in our story).
After viewing the secure areas, we walked over to a nearby children's amusement park. Thankfully, there were no camera restrictions here! We spent a joyful hour letting Isha, Shabil, and little Ishwa play on the rides while we took plenty of family photos surrounded by lush greenery and calm waters.
Zigzag Roads and a Humble Feast
Leaving the dam behind, our bus began its ascent into the hilly terrain. The roads became narrow and zigzagged through dense rubber estates and spice gardens. The heavy KSRTC bus climbed slowly and steadily, giving us plenty of time to admire the deep valleys out the window.
By lunchtime, we stopped near our next destination, Illikkal Kallu. Because this is a remote, high-altitude area, there are no big cities or fancy food courts. Our bus parked near a small, family-run restaurant by the side of the road. They operate on a pre-order basis with a very limited menu—mostly just traditional Kerala meals (choru).
Our bus guide gave us a very honest and helpful piece of advice: “They offer fish curry as an extra chargeable item, but I suggest you skip it. It is very difficult to get fresh fish up here in the high ranges, so it’s not really worth the extra money.” We appreciated his honesty and stuck to the standard, delicious vegetarian meals. Because the food was being prepared fresh by a small family, we had to wait almost an hour, but chatting with our new bus friends in the cool mountain breeze made the wait enjoyable.
Chasing the Mist at Illikkal Kallu
With full stomachs, we resumed our journey toward Illikkal Kallu . The road leading up to the main parking area is incredibly steep—so steep that regular heavy buses struggle. We reached the base parking lot and realized the real adventure was just beginning.
To reach the actual sightseeing point, visitors must hire a local jeep. We hopped into a 4x4 jeep, holding on tight as it roared up the dramatic incline. Once the jeep dropped us off, there was still a bit of a trek left to reach the topmost viewpoint. Climbing a rocky mountain path with a three-year-old is no easy task! Sabeera and I took turns carrying little Ishwa, encouraging Isha and Shabil to keep climbing.
When we finally reached the top, our hearts sank just a little. The famous Illikkal Kallu—a massive, peculiarly shaped rock peak—was completely swallowed by thick, white mist. We couldn't see a thing.
But patience pays off in the mountains. We waited. Slowly, the strong mountain winds began to push the clouds away. Like a curtain opening on a grand stage, the mist cleared, and the majestic rock peak appeared right in front of us. It was an absolutely magical moment! The panoramic view of the greenish valleys, the distant mountains, and the sheer drop below left us speechless. We spent a long time roaming the safe areas, soaking in the beauty, and taking beautiful group photos and videos before taking the thrilling jeep ride back down to our bus.
Off-Roading, Hidden Caves, and Endless Views
Our final major destination for the day was the famed Ilaveezhapoonchira . The name translates to "the valley where leaves don't fall," because the surrounding peaks have no trees to shed leaves.
The bus navigated more winding hill roads until we reached another base camp. Once again, regular vehicles couldn't handle the terrain. We split into different jeeps for what would turn out to be the most difficult and thrilling off-road experience of our lives! The dirt paths were carved into the side of the mountains, filled with deep ruts and boulders.
Our jeep safari had multiple stops:
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Malankara Dam Viewpoint: The jeep stopped at a high vantage point. Looking down, we could see a massive body of water snaking through the green landscape. It was the Malankara Dam catchment area! Seeing it from this high up made us realize just how unbelievably huge that 12-kilometer stretch of water truly is.
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The Muniyara Cave: Our next stop was a mysterious natural cave. The entrance was tiny, but the inside was vast, pitch-black, and had water flowing at the bottom. Before I could stop him, my son Shabil squeezed through the entrance and disappeared into the dark! When he didn't come out immediately, my fatherly panic kicked in. I squeezed myself through the narrow rock opening, using my phone flashlight, only to find him happily splashing around and exploring the cool, dark cavern. I breathed a sigh of relief and guided him back out to the jeep.
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The Peak and the Wireless Station: The jeep tackled an even tougher, rockier path to take us to the very top of Ilaveezhapoonchira. After getting down, we had to walk a little further upward. The scenery from this altitude was nothing short of spectacular. We reached the famous old police wireless station (which was beautifully featured in the hit Malayalam movie, Ilaveezhapoonchira ). We also saw the newly constructed wireless station nearby.
Sitting on top of those massive rocks, surrounded by endless greenery, with a cool evening breeze hitting our faces, we felt completely at peace. We eventually took the jeeps back down, making one final stop at the serene Ilaveezhapoonchira lake.
Returning Home with Full Hearts
By the time we reached the bus parking area, the sun was beginning to set, painting the sky in stunning shades of orange and purple. We grabbed some hot tea and local snacks from a small shop, letting the warmth fight off the dropping mountain temperatures.
As twilight set in, the KSRTC bus started its engine for the return journey. We stopped for a late dinner in Muvattupuzha. When we got back on the bus, the staff opened the floor for a "share your experience" session. Passenger after passenger took the microphone, praising the amazing coordination, the safe driving on dangerous roads, and the friendly, knowledgeable guidance of the KSRTC staff. The whole bus felt like one big, happy family returning from a picnic.
We finally rolled back into the Malappuram KSRTC stand at exactly midnight. The Ishabil Team, exhausted but with hearts full of wonderful memories, caught a local autorickshaw for the final short ride home.
This KSRTC budget tour proved to be one of the best family trips we have ever taken. It was affordable, safe, and packed with adventure. If you ever get the chance to take a KSRTC budget tour in Kerala, do not hesitate—just book the ticket and go!
About the Author
Ikbal Valiyathodi is the founder of Ishabil.com , a travel blog sharing budget-friendly travel stories, stopover hacks, and real experiences from around the world. He believes travel should be simple, honest, and possible for everyone.
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